MSPCA-Boston Small Animal Care Volunteer

Description:

 

Small Animal Caregiver Volunteers assist in providing daily care for our population of small animals, including but not limited to rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, hamsters, chinchillas, and others. Volunteers ensure small animal habitats remain clean and comfortable, while providing appropriate food, water, hay and enrichment for each species.

 

 Responsibilities:

• Daily cleaning of small animal enclosures, including providing clean bedding
• Provide appropriate food and water for each species
• Monitor and record health and behavior notes for each animal
• Clean and disinfect empty enclosures
• Appropriately socialize and provide toys/enrichment to the small animals
• Assist with general upkeep of shelter including chores like dishes, laundry, and sorting donations

Necessary Skills:

• Comfortable working with or learning to work with all species, including but not limited to birds, rats, and small rodents
• Willingness and ability to clean areas soiled with feces and urine
• Ability to work independently and with staff and other volunteers
• Ability to make good judgement calls for the safety of animals, staff, and volunteers
• Adaptability in the face of quickly changing and competing priorities
• Receptive to ongoing feedback
• Volunteers in this role will come into frequent contact with Timothy hay, so it is not a fit for applicants with uncontrolled hay allergies
• 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:

• 8am-11am – Monday – Thursday
• 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!