Description:
Are you an early bird who wants to make dogs happy? Dog Caregiver and Kennel Support volunteers assist staff in providing care and enrichment to shelter dogs. Volunteers ensure living environments remain safe, clean, and as comfortable as possible.Volunteers applying for this role should not expect to walk or play with dogs. However, applicants must be comfortable with dogs of various sizes and temperaments as you will be distributing food to them.
Usually this role requires a 6 month commitment, but if you are a college student or high school upperclassmen looking to get experience working in a career with animals this could be a great fit! We are looking for summer kennel volunteers for May – August.
Application deadline is May 31st, 2024.
Responsibilities:
- Clean and disinfect kennels and provide bedding and toys to each dog
- Provide appropriate food, in accordance with each dog’s dietary plan
- Various tasks as needed, may include but are not limited to cleaning dog room floors, washing and folding laundry, and washing dishes.
Qualities/Skills:
- Able to meet the physical demands of this role, which require variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and stooping.
- Willingness to clean areas soiled with feces and urine.
- Able to lift, push, pull or carry objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast paced environment
- Emotional ability to handle difficult situations involving animals
- Ability to remain flexible during shift and help where it is needed most.
- As this role requires frequent verbal and written communication, applicants must be highly 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.
Other Requirements:
- Applicants for this role are required to have a transportation plan for weekly shifts.
- Minimum age of 16. Those age 16-17 are required to obtain a Massachusetts Youth employment permit for this volunteer role, after acceptance but prior to their volunteer start date. This is not required for those who will be 18 and over by their start date. Details can be found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/youth-employment-permit-information
- This role requires a high level of maturity, responsibility, and independence. All steps of the application process must be completed by the prospective volunteer rather than a parent or other 3rd party
Time Commitment:
- A weekly shift on a set day and time from 7:30am-10:30am
- Not guaranteed but applicants may be able to come in for multiple shifts per week
- Minimum of 8 weeks required during the period of May – August, starting no later than June 30th.
- As this is a summer role, when filling out the application please use your summer 2024 availability as a guideline when listing days you are available.
- Attendance at an orientation and on-the-job training
Available shifts:
- 7:30am-10:30am: Monday – Friday
- 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!
