WHAT DOES A DTV (DOG TRAINING VOLUNTEER) DO? DTV's provide daily training to our shelter dogs teaching them how to walk on a loose leash, sit and wait at the kennel door. Our Dog training volunteers help to make the adult dogs more likely to be adopted because we teach some manners and good behavior. The training that you receive from our animal behavior staff is invaluable because it easily translates to training your own pet. Those dogs that have manners learned at either the shelter or with previous owners, have a greater chance of adoption for obvious reasons. All training is a positive reinforcement style, with reward base. Because our volunteers are trained by our staff, it adds consisteny and predicitability to results of the training times offered each animal. Training classes are held on a regular basis and administered by Capital Are Humane Society. If you are interested in joining this exciting program - call today! Volunteer Qualifications - 18 years of age or older - Orientation for volunteers - Successful completion of the DTV training - Physically able to perform agreed-upon duties - Willing to learn and follow CAHS procedures - Advocate the CAHS mission statement Days and Times Needed - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Volunteer shifts should be scheduled in advance) If you have questions or would like to become a Dog Training Volunteer, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext 11. WHAT DOES AN ADOPTION COUNSELOR DO? A CAHS Adoption Counselor (AC) meets privately with a client who is interested in adopting a pet. The Counselor assesses the client's needs, lifestyle and environment and helps him or her select an appropriate pet. Then they discuss what is known of the animal's background and health, and the AC answers the client's questions and gives the client a brief overview of the care the pet will need. When the meeting is over, the AC approves the placement or, if there is a problem, defers to the supervisor or a staff member. The AC also assists the client with adoption forms. After the adoption the AC follows up with the adopter by phone to help with any concerns or questions. Adoption Counselors must be able to handle unpleasant clients, impatient people and uneducated pet owners. Remembering that most people want to provide proper care for their pets, it is the job of the AC to help educate even the most challenging people. While each Counselor's personal style of meeting with clients will vary, the information they relate must be the same. That is the reason all CAHS Adoption Counselors must complete AC Training, complete practical training, and be certified by an Adoption Counseling Coordinator. Adoption counseling is probably the most difficult and demanding job within the CAHS adoption program. It is also highly rewarding and essential to the lasting placement of pets with informed owners. Many clients express their gratitude for the professional advice and individual attention they received at CAHS. Adoption Counselors have the satisfaction of knowing that they have smoothed the transition for both pets and new owners and have helped ensure a successful second chance for a deserving animal. Volunteer Qualifications - 18 years of age or older - Knowledge of pets and their behavior - Experience in handling animals and working with the public - Dependable - Physically able to handle animals - Ability to assess the pet care knowledge of clients and adapt the discussion to fit their needs - Willing to learn and follow CAHS procedures - Advocate the CAHS mission statement Days and Times Needed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday is a priority (Volunteer shifts should be scheduled in advance) If you have questions or would like to become an Adoption Counselor, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext 11 . WHAT DOES A KENNEL HOST DO? Being a kennel host is one of the coveted positions at the shelter. Not only will you get to know all of the animals, but you also get to introduce them to potential adopters. Helping clients learn more about the animals is the thrust of this position. Specialized training is given to hone your people skills. Learning how to fit the pieces of the adoption puzzle together. Volunteer Qualifications - 18 years of age or older - Knowledge of pets and their behavior - Experience in handling animals and working with the public - Dependable - Physically able to handle animals - Ability to assess the pet care knowledge of clients and adapt the - discussion to fit their needs - Willing to learn and follow CAHS procedures - Advocate the CAHS mission statement Days and Times Needed - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Saturday is a priority (Volunteer shifts should be scheduled in advance) If you have questions or would like to become a Kennel Host, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext 11 . WHAT DOES AN EDUCATION VOLUNTEER DO? As an education volunteer, you will conduct shelter tours and hands-on presentations that educate children on pet safety, pet overpopulation, and responsible pet care. Personal knowledge of companion animals and a love for children are essential to this position. Previous experience in the education field is helpful but not necessary. Education volunteers transport animals to and from the shelter (when appropriate), and can choose to adopt a classroom or be on-call. Volunteer Qualifications 18 years of age or older - Completion of CAHS humane educator training, including humane issues and CAHS operations and policies - Personal knowledge of companion animals - Enjoy working with children and animals - Good communication skills; comfortable with presentations and public speaking - Willing to provide your own transportation - Willing to make at least one presentation per month - Advocates CAHS mission statement Days and Times Needed - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Volunteer shifts should be scheduled in advance) If you have questions or would like to become a Humane Education Volunteer, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext. 11. WHAT DOES AN OFFICE SUPPORT VOLUNTEER DO? An Office Support Volunteer does various tasks, including helping to screen the applicants and help those who are adopting with their paperwork. Clerical tasks include stuffing envelopes, writing thank you notes, greeting visitors, answering the phone, selling CAHS retail items, straightening the retail stock area, and other similar duties. Volunteer Qualifications - 18 years of age or older - Dependable - Willing to learn and follow CAHS procedures - Professional and courteous to the public - Advocate the CAHS mission statement Days and Times Needed - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Volunteer shifts should be scheduled in advance) If you have questions or would like to become an Office Support Volunteer, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext. 11. WHAT DOES A SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER DO? The goals of CAHS special events include raising money for the care of the animals, educating the public about pet responsibility and other animal welfare issues, and maintaining positive public relations with the community. Event volunteers represent CAHS and provides assistance at information and registration tables; help set up and tear down event materials; transport supplies to and from event locations; sell retail items; and much more. Some events are at the animal shelter, while others are held off-site. Volunteer Qualifications - Dependable - Willing to be trained - Has transportation appropriate for the duties selected - Advocates CAHS mission statement Days and Times Needed - Varies according to the event - Usually weekends If you have questions or would like to become a Special Events Volunteer, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext. 11. WHAT DOES A T.L.C. VOLUNTEER DO? As a T.L.C. Volunteer, you will be socializing all the animals. You will be able to give the adult dogs a chance to play outside in our fenced yard, socialize puppies and kittens, feed and water the animals, and help with laundry. You may also choose to groom selected animals in need of attention, or assist photographers with animals. All this helps increase the animals' chances for adoption. Volunteer Qualifications - Dependable - Willing to learn and follow CAHS procedures - Physically able to perform agreed-upon duties - Willing to treat animals in a humane manner as prescribed by CAHS Shelter Manager or - Kennel Coordinator - Advocate CAHS mission statement NOTE: If you have grooming experience, please see Gail or Holly. Days and Times Needed - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Volunteer shifts should be scheduled in advance) If you have questions or would like to become a TLC Volunteer, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext. 11. WHAT DOES A TRANSPORTATION VOLUNTEER DO? Transportation Volunteers are needed to transport shelter animals to and from veterinary clinics. CAHS is especially in need of transporters to and from the MSU Small Animal Clinic for spay or neuter surgery. Because shelter animals have a better chance of being adopted if they are already spayed or neutered, Transportation Volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing they have helped increase those chances. Volunteers are also needed to transport materials to and from special event locations. Volunteer Qualifications - Physically able to perform agreed-upon duties - Willing to use own, dependable vehicle (station wagon, van or other larger vehicle is most helpful) - Willing to learn and follow CAHS procedures - Advocate the CAHS mission statement If you have questions or would like to become a Transportation Volunteer, please call Judy Brown, Director of Volunteers, at 626-6821 ext 11. << back to "Be a Volunteer" main section
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