Animal Care Volunteers

There is never a time when caring for companion animals when all the work is done and the animals have been given enough attention. Hands-on work with animals while working cooperatively with other volunteers and volunteer coordinators in partnership to improve quality of life for resident animals is what this volunteer position is all about.

The Animal Care Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the animal housing areas and any attached areas, such as a kitchen, laundry, waste disposal areas as a whole, in a clean and sanitary condition. This includes thorough morning cleaning and disinfecting, and ongoing cleaning and maintenance throughout the day. Every run and cage is to be checked before the end of the volunteer's shift to be sure that the animals are clean and cared for before the next Animal Care Volunteers arrive.

You must ensure that fresh water is available and easily accessible to each animal at all times during your shift. Animal Care Volunteers must promptly report any and all signs or symptoms of stress, injuries, abnormalities, or signs of illness of a pet to management; report all concerns or issues with other volunteers immediately to the Volunteer Coordinator or management rather than addressing those concerns directly with that other volunteer. Animal Care Volunteers must keep accurate animal care and cage maintenance records at all times.

You will also be responsible for ensuring that the animals are safe, healthy, and comfortable and that each animal has access to clean and dry bedding throughout your shift. Most importantly the Animal Care Volunteers are responsible for cleaning and sanitization of cages, runs, food and water bowls by adhering to and carrying out the cleaning procedures as detailed in the Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for animal care, kennel maintenance, sanitation, parasite and disease control, and other animal care practices within the policies and guidelines of Pets Niagara.

Animal Care Volunteers will be performing their duties at times when members of the public may be in attendance and are therefore expected to be courteous to them and direct them to the appropriate person should they request more information about a particular pet in our care.

Additional Qualifications

Please note that allergic or other medical conditions which would be aggravated when working around animals or while performing volunteer duties may be a disqualification.

Additional qualifications for all of our volunteer positions include:

• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the work place.
  
  
• Must be at least 12* years of age
  
  
• Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication)
  
  
• Must provide your own health insurance
  
  
• Must be in good physical condition
  
  
• Must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, as well as walk on uneven terrain
  
  
• Must be able to consistently lift 30 pounds
  
  
• Must be comfortable on ladders
  
  
• Must provide their own mode of transportation to fundraising and adoption events where they have signed on to participate
  
  
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings and if signed-on to participate in fundraising and adoption events must also be able to work at least a one 2-hour shift per event

* Successful volunteer applicants who are under the age of 16 years will be assigned light duties only commensurate with their physical and mental ability and skills. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have an adult attend their volunteer sessions with them and remain throughout the whole course of the volunteer's shift. The parents and/or guardians of volunteers under the age of 18 years will be required to sign any medical liability waiver and release forms as well as the Confidentiality Agreement on behalf of the volunteer and themselves. The provisions for and requirements of volunteers under the age of 18 years may be amended from time-to-time without notice.

Requirements

1. All volunteers report to the Executive Director and, from time-to-time, to the Assistant Manager.
   
   
2. All volunteers are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement* prior to engaging in any volunteer activities.
   
   
3. All volunteers are required to sign a Medical and Liability Waiver* prior to engaging in any volunteer activities.
   
   
4. All volunteers are required to represents Pets Niagara in a professional manner at all times: in appearance, demeanor and following the behavior expectations set by Pets Niagara.
   
   
5. All volunteers must obtain and provide proof of tetanus vaccination prior to participating in any of our volunteer programs.
   
   
6. Teasing, neglect or any instances of animal cruelty will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from your volunteer position.

It is expected that every volunteer of Pets Niagara supports its mission and values. Pets Niagara reserves the right to modify, change or add to the duties of these volunteer descriptions at any time. You, the volunteer understands and acknowledges that this position is terminable at will at any time by Pets Niagara. All donors names and contact information remain the property of Pets Niagara and cannot be taken or used. All graphics and proprietary information remains the property of Pets Niagara and cannot be used for any other purposes.

To apply for this volunteer position please fill out the online application or download the PDF file, complete it and mail it to us either by email or via Canada Post.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FOR PETS NIAGARA! YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR ORGANIZATION IS VERY IMPORTANT.