Dog Care

This position is great for dog lovers who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty.  This is ideal for anyone interested in dog training or animal shelter work.

DESCRIPTION

The role of the Dog Care volunteer is to help keep our dogs healthy and happy in a clean, safe environment until they are adopted.  The dogs in our adoption center can be highly stressed and this position has the opportunity to make their time in our care more comfortable. The HPAC volunteer dog program can be busy and fast paced with up to 20 dogs to care for, feed and clean up after.  This program teaches the dogs basic obedience commands with the goal of a more stimulating shelter stay and an easier transition into their new home. Volunteers must practice safe animal handling per HPAC protocols and be open to feedback from staff. This is a high animal contact position (dogs only). This job can be intense, physically demanding and requires repetitive scrubbing, bending, and lifting.

Duties include:

·         Socializing and comforting the dogs in the adoption center

·         Walking each dog for at least 30 minutes

·         Practicing the Homeward Pet's basic command program

·         Monitoring behavior and medical needs on a daily log

·         Cleaning and sanitizing each kennel in the adoption rooms

·         Scooping feces

·         Washing dishes

·         Washing, drying and folding laundry

·         Sweeping and mopping floors

·         Additional projects as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Dogs are walked in all weather conditions and on holidays. Shelter dogs can be strong and unruly. For this reason, all volunteers must be willing to handle all types (including bully breeds) and sizes of dogs.

TIME COMMITMENT

Volunteers are scheduled for the same 2-3 hour shift each week.  There is a 3 month minimum weekly commitment.  For the care of the dogs, dependability is essential.

SHIFTS

Volunteers help everyday of the year from 9am-9pm.

TRAINING REQUIRED

All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation and a hands-on training before starting their position. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at Homeward Pet in detail and explains the overall objectives of HPAC as an organization. HPAC trains all volunteers.  No previous experience is necessary.