Volunteer Opportunities

Dog walkers ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of the shelter dogs through regular walks and enrichment, in a fast-paced environment. This role is a good match for people looking to make a difference in the lives of animals, interested in learning new skills, can follow directions, and work well both independently or as part of a team. Previous interactions with dogs preferred.

Responsibilities
 Take volunteer-approved dogs out for walks around MHS campus
 Provide enrichment and follow individual training protocols while in play yards
 Spot clean kennels in between walking dogs
 Read regular email communications regarding our animals.
 Other shelter tasks such as dishes, laundry, and sorting donations

Qualities/Skills
 Experience caring for and interacting with dogs
 Some knowledge of animal body language
 Ability to make sound judgements and work safely around shelter animals
 Ability to work both independently and with others
 Able to control, on leash, animals weighing up to 65 pounds
 Comfortable working with all sizes and breeds of dogs

Requirements
 Volunteers need to be 18 years or older
 Attendance to volunteer orientation (virtual) and on-the-job canine safe handling training
 Work within the training policies and behavior plans set forth by MHS trainer and canine
coordinator
 Preference will be given to volunteers that can commit to a weekly shift.

Available Shifts
 All days open:

Morning Shift: 9:30am-11am
Afternoon shift: 10am-2pm
Evening Shift: 3pm-5:15pm

Cat care attendants provide animal care and ensure the health, safety, and overall wellbeing of the shelter cats in a fast-paced environment. This role is a good match for people looking to make a difference in the lives of animals, interested in learning new skills, can follow directions, and work well both independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities
 Volunteers will clean and disinfect enclosures, remove soiled bedding, and provide appropriate food, water, litter, toys, and bedding.
 Observe and document individual animal details, and report any changes to appropriate staff.
 Volunteers will interact and socialize with volunteer-friendly cats.
 Read regular email communications regarding our animals.
 Other shelter tasks such as dishes, laundry, and sorting donations, as needed.

Qualities/Skills
 Experience caring for and interacting with cats
 Some knowledge of animal body language
 Ability to make sound judgements and work safely around shelter animals
 Ability to work both independently and with others
 Ability to perform physical labor for the duration of the shift—such as use of a stepladder and
lifting/pulling up to 40 pounds

Requirements
 Volunteers need to be 14 years or older
 Attendance to volunteer orientation (virtual) and on-the-job feline safe handling training
 Preference will be given to volunteers that can commit to a weekly shift

Available Shifts
 Mornings between 8-10:30am

Small animal care attendants provide animal care and ensure the health, safety, and overall wellbeing of a diverse group of small animals in a fast-paced environment. This role is a good match for people looking to make a difference in the lives of animals, interested in learning new skills, can follow directions, and work well both independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Volunteers will clean and disinfect enclosures, and provide appropriate food, water, litter, toys, and bedding.
• Work with a variety of species, and be able to identify their individual diet requirement.
• Volunteers will interact and socialize with volunteer-friendly small animals.
• Read regular email communications regarding our animals.
• Assist with shelter tasks such as dishes, laundry, and sorting donations, as needed.

Qualities/Skills

• Experience caring for and interacting with small animals
• Some knowledge of animal body language
• Ability to make sound judgements and work safely around shelter animals
• Ability to work both independently and with others
• Ability to perform physical labor for the duration of the shift—such as use of a stepladder and lifting/pulling up to 40 pounds

Requirements

• Volunteers need to be 14 years or older
• Attendance to volunteer orientation (virtual) and on-the-job small animal safe handling training
• Preference will be given to volunteers that can commit to a weekly shift.

Available Shifts

• Mornings between 8-10:30am

Laundry and dishes attendant ensure the dishes and animal care items are being cleaned and disinfected using our standard operating procedures to ensure items are clean and germ free. Attendants also help keep the washer and dryer going, fold, put the clean laundry away, and keep the area organized. This role is a good match for people looking to make a difference in the lives of animals, who want a flexible volunteer schedule, and who like to clean.

Responsibilities

• Run the washer and dryer
• Fold laundry and place in designated spot in the shelter
• Wash, disinfect, and rinse dishes, pet items, and litter boxes
• Organize items on shelves when needed

Qualities/Skills

• Attention to detail
• Able to follow directions
• Stand for the duration of volunteering
• Able to bend down and up
• Over the age of 14

Requirements

• Volunteers need to be 14 years or older
• Attendance to volunteer orientation (virtual) and on-the-job training

Tasks will vary and could include general cleaning, washing windows, painting etc.

Assisting staff with giving clients post surgical instructions.