Volunteers are an indispensable asset to our organization. We truly could not do many of the things we do without such dedicated individuals. By becoming an SPCA volunteer, you have the ability to make life brighter for the homeless animals we serve as well many of the people we help in the community. Whether you are in the Adoption Center cleaning kennels and cages, feeding, exercising and socializing the animals or away from our Campus of Kindness at a fundraiser or community outreach event, you can make a difference.

The decision to volunteer should be made with the understanding of the commitment and effort that will be required. We provide many opportunities for animal handling and customer service training and are looking for people from all walks of life who meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be 16 years old or older
• Able to give a 6 month commitment for an average of 2 hours per week
• Able to fully support the SPCA mission, principles and policies and be able to communicate those to the public
• Demonstrate good customer service skills and be able to work well in a team environment

Please note there is a $15 registration fee, due after acceptance into the program, which covers a volunteer t-shirt, name badge, the volunteer manual and liability insurance.

We recognize that many young people in the community are interested in helping the animals. We are developing a Junior Volunteer Program and anticipate launching this revised program for summer 2012.

The Junior Program will accept young people between the ages of 12 years to 15 years old. If a youth is accepted into the program, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian will be required to become an active volunteer, attend orientation and all training sessions with their 12-15 year old and must supervise their 12-15 year old during all volunteer shifts.

Please note: While we will accept youth applications, there are no volunteer openings for the Junior Program at this time. Watch for further announcements regarding this exciting program!

Once you attend the volunteer orientation, complete your assessment interview and attend the required customer service and basic dog handling class, all potential volunteers will begin in the campus Adoption Center as an:

Animal Care Assistant I – A time commitment of 20 hours is required within 3 months of attending volunteer orientation. Shifts are scheduled in 2-3 hour increments, 7 days a week. In this role you will:

• Assist with basic Adoption Center tasks such as kennel, cattery, puppy room and yard cleaning
• Assist with feeding, socializing and exercising of animals in the designated play areas
• Bathe and groom animals as needed
• Assist with general cleaning tasks, such as laundry and dishes

Animal Care Assistant II / Animal Ambassador I – To move to this level, volunteers must have successfully met all Animal Care Assistant I requirements and completed additional training, including Advanced Animal Handling and Customer Service skills as well as Clicker training. In this role you will add the following to your activities:

• Assist in and perform potential adopter animal visits in the Adoption Center
• Interact with visiting Adoption Center customers regarding SPCA programs and services
• Walk dogs and assist in dog/cat training

Community Outreach Animal Ambassador I – To move to this position, volunteers must have met all criteria for the Animal Care Assistant I/Ambassador I requirements, successfully completed advanced customer service training, be knowledgeable in all SPCA programs and services and be an active volunteer for a minimum of one year. In this role, you may participate in the following:

• Off-campus Community Outreach Events – focus on communicating our mission to the public, participate in fund-raising activities, adoption events and retail sales
• Humane Education – Attend various events as an SPCA representative; provide age appropriate education programs on animal care and welfare
• Compassion Connection – Visit facilities with SPCA animals, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities

Community Outreach Animal Ambassador II – To move to this position, volunteers must have successfully completed the Community Outreach Animal Ambassador I requirements and all additional training required, as well as be an active volunteer for a minimum of 18 months. In this position, the volunteer acts as a team leader at off-campus outreach and adoption events.

Volunteer Adoption Counselor – To move to this position, volunteers must have successfully completed the Community Outreach Animal Ambassador II requirements, all additional training required and worked as a Community Outreach lead for a minimum of 6 months. In this position, the volunteer will work at off-campus Adoption Events to process dog and cat adoptions.

Non-direct animal care opportunities – We also offer other volunteer opportunities outside of the Adoption Center environment which still benefit the animals. Volunteers must attend the volunteer orientation and complete any additional training required.

• Campus Events – Assist with Birthday Parties, Tours and Critter Camp
• Paws to Read – Go to schools or Libraries for children to read to SPCA dogs
• Special Events – Assist at our special events benefiting the SPCA
• Administration and Miscellaneous – Assist with basic clerical duties which may include data entry and filing, Ani-Meal packers and drivers, website photography, Adoption Center Greeters, and Foster caregivers (additional application/approval needed and must be at least 18 years old)

The first step is to complete a volunteer application. Your application will be automatically sent to Randa Richter, Volunteer Manager. She will contact you regarding upcoming volunteer Orientation Classes. After you have attended the Orientation Class, an assessment interview will be set up to discuss your interests and to determine if there is a match to our current needs. Thank you again for your interest in volunteering with the SPCA. We truly appreciate your desire to become part of the solution to the problem of homeless and neglected companion animals in our community.
 

Please note that court-ordered community service is NOT part of the volunteer program. If you need information on this service, please call the receptionist at 863/646-7722.