Description:
Small Animal Care volunteers assist in providing care to shelter animals, ensuring their living environment remains safe, clean and as comfortable as possible. With significant changes in the population of cats and dogs in New England, we see far fewer animals in our adoption centers each year. This is due to targeted low-cost spay/neuter programs in our community and as well as our efforts to keep pets and owners together through our community outreach program.
Our small animal population is still robust. This role provides hands-on opportunities with rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and other small animals!
Responsibilities:
- Work with a variety of species including rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, gerbils and other exotics
- Clean, disinfect enclosures, and provide appropriate food, water, litter, toys and bedding along with interacting and socializing with the animals
- Dishes, laundry, and sorting donations
- Assisting with other shelter care needs as they arise
Necessary Skills:
- Some level of comfort with various species
- Some knowledge of animal body language
- Willingness to clean areas soiled with feces and urine
- Ability to work independently and with other volunteers
- Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment and quickly make good judgments, for the safety of the individual, staff, other volunteers, and animals.
- Ability to perform physical labor for the duration of shift, use stepladder, and lift and/or pull up to 40 pounds.
- As this role requires frequent verbal and written communication, applicants must be proficient in English
- Proficiency in using a computer without assistance, and learning new programs. All volunteers digitally log hours and use an online scheduling function.
Requirements:
- A commitment of at least six months
- A weekly 3 hour shift on a set day and time
- Attendance of a virtual orientation and on-the-job training shift
Available shifts:
- Monday or Thursday from 8am-11am
- We are unable to accommodate requests for alterations to the schedule. Please ensure you will be available for the full duration of a shift before applying. Thank you!
Apply Now!
