MSPCA Boston Enrichment Team

Description:

Enrichment Team volunteers help support a dog’s sensory needs in order to help reduce boredom, stress, and undesirable behaviors. Volunteers will focus on providing in-kennel support to our animals by creating and maintaining enrichment stock based on our weekly schedule. This includes Kongs, lick bowls, broth cubes, and other novel items. Volunteers will also be responsible for keeping the kitchen clean and tidy, cleaning and disinfecting used enrichment supplies, spot cleaning kennels as needed during mid-day walks, and communicating with staff.

This is a hands-off role with animals. After meeting their initial volunteer commitment, volunteers can express interest in training for a hands-on role with dogs.

*Please note that this position requires the use of peanut butter. It is not a fit for individuals with severe peanut allergies.

 Responsibilities:

• Create appropriate enrichment items for dogs based on weekly schedule
• Maintain a clean working space before and after preparing enrichment items.
• Assist with spot-cleaning of dog kennels during mid-day walk shifts.
• Assist with tidying and stocking supplies for afternoon kennel cleaning.
• Clean and disinfect empty dog kennels.
• Empty trash and recycling.
• In the future, this role may expand to creating enrichment items for other species

Qualities/Skills:

• Self-aware of body language when working around animals.
• Ability to work independently and with other volunteers
• Ability to follow directions and prioritize tasks
• Willingness to clean areas soiled with feces and urine.
• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment
• Ability to perform physical labor for the duration of shift, use stepladder, and lift and/or pull up to 50 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:

• Commitment to a recurring, weekly shift for a minimum of 4 months
• Attendance at a virtual orientation and on-the-job training

 Available Shifts:

• Monday through Friday 12pm-2pm

• 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.

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.

Apply Now!