Dog Caregiver and Kennel Support

Description:                                                                        

Dog Caregiver and Kennel Support volunteers assist staff in providing daily 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.

Responsibilities:

• Spot clean and deep clean dog kennels, providing appropriate bedding and ensuring all dogs return to a clean and comfortable environment
• Clean and disinfect kennels to prepare them for new residents
• Make and distribute meals to dogs, in accordance with each dog’s dietary plan
• Prepare enrichment items for dogs
• Clean kennel floors
• Clean crates and carriers
• Other tasks as assigned

Qualities/Skills:

• Willingness to clean areas soiled, sometimes heavily, with urine and feces
• Capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Basic understanding of dog body language and behavior
• Adaptable and flexible to changing needs
• Emotional ability to handle difficult situations involving animals
• Respectful of rules surrounding interaction with dogs
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of this role, which include variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping among other actions
• Able to lift, push, pull or carry objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• This role requires frequent verbal and written communication and as such, applicants should 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.

Requirements:

• A minimum commitment of six months
• A weekly shift on a set day and time
• Attendance at orientation and on-the-job training

Available shifts:

•  7:30am-10:30am – Monday –Wednesday
• Volunteers commit to one shift weekly
• 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!

While we cannot guarantee that you will be able to walk dogs later on; we will be happy to discuss the potential to walk dogs with volunteers who demonstrate the ability to be a team player, use good judgement, follow instructions, and show up consistently for their initial commitment.