| INFO | | VOLUNTEERS |
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| Dog Handler | ||||
| Fund Raising |
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley, we appreciate your interest in our Volunteer Program. The Shelter relies greatly on volunteer support to help maintain a quality of life for the animals during their stay at the shelter.
As a member of our Volunteer Organization, you become a representative of the shelter to the community. Therefore, it is essential that our volunteers understand the shelter's policies and procedures. We ask that you take the time to learn about the mission and history of our organization, as well as the many services it provides. Our animal handling guidelines must be followed for your safety as well as for the care and treatment of the animals.
As a volunteer, your input and suggestions are welcomed and taken into account, however, you will not be directly involved with any shelter decision making or policy changes. We value our volunteers and stress the importance of supporting a cause whose philosophies closely match your own. The board members and managers of The Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley are always available to answer questions or provide clarification regarding shelter policies and practices.
Each and every volunteer position directly affects the lives of all our shelter animals. Once you have volunteered, your heart will never be the same!
Support Staff: Office Manager/Facilities Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Duties: Provide exercise and socialization (fun!) for shelter dogs; Practice basic ‘good manners’ training techniques which provides stimulation and improves adoptability; Assess temperament and personality traits – record observations in dog files; Report any noted health concerns to a shelter staff member;
Required Training: Attend volunteer orientation; Read required materials regarding shelter policies and procedures; Complete an on-site facility & handling orientation – Topics of discussion include: Removal & return of animals to yards/dog runs; Gentle Leader training collar use or alternate lead system; Command words used to ensure consistency among volunteers/staff; Differences between positive reinforcement training techniques versus force-based techniques;
Call shelter to register for scheduled orientations or to arrange for an individual appointment.
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of dogs that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Experience handling various sized, spirited animals – OR – Willingness to develop the skills to effectively handle dogs of all sizes and energy levels; Physically capable of semi-strenuous exercise; Ability to work independently but within shelter guidelines;
Time Commitment: There is no minimum time commitment required, however, the best results are achieved with more consistent and frequent visits. We recommend at least 2 hours per week during normal shelter hours (access to the shelter is also available during days and times that are closed to the public).
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: A shelter environment is often a very stressful and complex experience for dogs, especially those animals that were once in home environments. It lacks the consistency, affection, and regular stimulation that canines require to lead satisfying lives. The role of the volunteer dog handler provides a vital outlet helping the dogs to better cope with the temporary restrictions of their lifestyle. In addition, consistent interaction, temperament observations, and the tenderness that they receive from you has proven to increase the rate of successful adoptions.
If dog handling is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Pet Pal Program
The Pet Pal Canine program is designed to increase adoption rates, specifically for those dogs that have been overlooked time and time again. Volunteer dog handlers are matched with an individual canine with the goal of improving manners, basic obedience, confidence levels and socialization as well as providing more exposure for adoption. The Pet Pal duo will work together until the dog is adopted into a new forever home. The program also serves to improve the canine participant's quality of life while at the shelter.
For additional information or to join the Pet Pal program, please contact The Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley 788.4351 or email the shelter at info@animalshelterwrv.org.
Support Staff: Cattery Caretaker/Facilities Manager
Duties: Interact & provide socialization (fun!) for shelter cats & kittens; Promote touching and human bonding which improves adoptability; Assess temperament and personality traits – record observations in cat files; Alert cat caretaker of any noted health concerns;
Required Training: Attend volunteer orientation; On site orientation and training with cat caretaker; Call the office to schedule on-site orientation;
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of cats that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Experience in handling cats and a knowledge of their boundaries and body language; Ability to work independently but within shelter guidelines;
Time Commitment: There is no minimum time commitment required, however, the best results are achieved with more consistent and frequent visits. We recommend at least 2 hours per week during normal shelter hours (access to the shelter is also available during days and times that are closed to the public).
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: A shelter environment is often a very stressful and complex experience for cats, especially those animals that were once in home environments. It lacks the affection, freedom and regular stimulation that felines require to lead satisfying lives. The role of the volunteer cat socializer provides a vital outlet helping the cats to better cope with the temporary restrictions of their lifestyle. In addition, consistent interaction, temperament observations, and the tenderness that they receive from you has proven to increase the rate of successful adoptions.
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Pet Pal Program
The Pet Pal Feline program is designed to improve the adoptability of the shelter cats, improve their quality of life while at the shelter, and improve their ability to become better feline citizens. The primary focus of the volunteer is to interact with the cats including petting, grooming, holding and playing with the cats. The volunteers document their hours spent interacting with the cats as well as any medical or social issues of any of the cats.
For additional information or to join the Pet Pal program, please contact The Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley 788.4351 or email the shelter at info@animalshelterwrv.org.
If cat socializing is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Staff: Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator/Facilities Manager
Duties: Greet and assist the public interested in adopting a pet; In a conversational manner, screen potential adopters to ensure that they meet our criteria as a responsible pet owner; Gain knowledge to effectively recommend animals that suit their lifestyle and to shy away from animals whose temperament would not be well matched with their lifestyle and expectations; Introduce available shelter animals to interested parties and discuss the potential challenges and rewards of adopting a shelter pet; Discuss adoption fees and contractual obligations; Complete all appropriate documentation as required;
Required Training: Attend volunteer orientation; Attend adoption counselor training class (written hand-outs & guidelines will be provided); Read & understand adoption policies, procedures, & contractual documents; Familiarization of animal population and animal profile folders; Complete four hours of mentoring with staff and/or senior adoptions counselor;
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of animals that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Good communication skills; Must possess the ability to interact with a diverse community in an enthusiastic and polite manner; Thorough knowledge of adoption policies, fees and guidelines; Ability to complete paperwork accurately and neatly; Ability to decline a potential adopter when appropriate –OR- be willing to consult with staff or senior adoptions counselor regarding ANY apprehensions regarding an adoption;
Time Commitment: Although there is no minimum requirement for this position, it is most effective to perform these duties a minimum of four hours per month. It is preferable to commit to the same day of the week and same times each month during adoption hours.
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: Adoption counseling directly affects our animals more than any other volunteer position. We are the voice of the animals. In many ways, it is our judgment that determines the future of each animal that passes through our doors, and it is a considerable responsibility. The rewards will be obvious every time you read a letter from an adopter with a happy ending and every time you see one of ‘your adoptions’ at a local cafe or on a hiking trail!
If adoption counseling is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Staff: Office Manager/Facilities Manager
Attendant Duties: Monitor & handle dog arrivals and departures for the city & trailhead walks; Greet the public and provide handling instructions to volunteer walkers; Ensure proper collars and leads are used; Dress the dogs in their “Adopt Me” vests or other ‘shelter dog’ indicators; Be available to the public to discuss the shelter, adoption guidelines, etc.; Ensure water is available to all dogs; Hand out informational pamphlets to the public completing their walk or hike (no litter on the trail!); Sell t-shirts if practical;
Walkers Duties: Provide exercise, stimulation and fun for the shelter dogs; Follow guidelines provided by the attendants
Driver Duties: Assist in loading and unloading dogs into the shelter van; Ensure collars, leashes, vests/scarves, treats, informational pamphlets, etc. are all present; Drive the animals to and from the city/trailhead; Assist attendants;
Required Training: Attend volunteer orientation; Meeting with staff to discuss specific requirements and guidelines;
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of dogs that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Animal handling experience; Good communication skills; Knowledge of training collar & gentle leader collar operation; Patience!
Time Commitment: Wednesdays, weather permitting (Ketchum City walks 11:00am – 1:00pm; Adams Gulch 11:00am – 3:00pm. Drivers and Attendants must commit to regularly performing these tasks; If unavailable, the shelter should be notified a minimum of 48 hours in advance in order to arrange for alternate staffing; Walkers commitment is flexible;
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: The Ketchum City Walks and Adams Gulch Hikin’ Buddies program is one of the most progressive shelter activities in the country. It provides more joy for a shelter dog than is imaginable!
If Hikin’ Buddies and Ketchum Walks are not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE
Support Staff: Office Manager
Duties: General office assistance including filing, computer data entry, mailings, answering phones, and general administrative support
Required Training: Training session with designated staff member
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of animals that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Computer skills preferred, but not required; Basic typing & filing skills; Good organizational skills; Pleasant phone manner; Ability to take direction yet work independently;
Time Commitment: Two hour shifts to be pre-arranged and scheduled with the office manager.
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: Our regular office staff is tasked with numerous responsibilities. The workload sometimes exceeds the available staff to do it! Volunteer office supporters not only help the shelter to run smoothly on a day-to-day basis, but can become invaluable when preparing for special events and extracurricular activities.
If administrative assistance is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Staff: Office Manager / Committee Board Member
Duties: Operate information booths at community events, fairs, festivals and shelter functions; Provide information about the shelter, spay and neuter programs, adoption criteria, volunteer program, donor information; Barkin Basement, etc; Use of own transportation to set up and break down booth (Not structural - Informational pamphlets, donation box, photo album, etc.)
Required Training: Familiarize yourself with all shelter policies, procedures, adoption guidelines, upcoming events, shelter goals & needs; Meeting with staff member to review pertinent shelter information & available hand-outs and information;
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of animals that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Good communication skills; Must possess the ability to interact with a diverse community in an enthusiastic and polite manner; Thorough knowledge of shelter policies, adoption fees / guidelines, and shelter mission / philosophy;
Time Commitment: Several times per year, depending upon specific events
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: Public presence is vital to any non-profit organization. Attending community events provides the shelter with greater exposure and promotes more support for all of our endeavors. The role of a volunteer promotions person can have a variety of positive results - Whether someone adopts a dog or a cat, becomes a new volunteer, makes a monetary contribution, includes us in their estate planning, or merely talks about the shelter to friends – It’s all good!
If public promotion is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Staff: Facilities Manager
Duties: General kennel maintenance including cleaning and disinfecting cat rooms and dog runs; Facility maintenance & upkeep including landscape projects, miscellaneous repairs, painting, and special projects
Required Training: On the job training sessions, task specific, with designated staff member
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of animals that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Ability to follow work plans, both independently and as part of a group; Handyman experience helpful, but not required;
Time Commitment: Two hour shifts to be pre-arranged and scheduled with the kennel manager.
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: A major goal of the shelter is to maintain clean, safe, and comfortable living accommodations for all animals while they are in our care. Providing housing for this many animals requires constant upkeep and improvements. Upgrades to the facility, directly effects the quality of life for all of the animals.
If facility maintenance is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Staff: Medical Care Supervisor/Office Manager/Facilities Manager
Duties: Provide food and shelter for animals in your own home environment (food & supplies provided by the ASWRV); Dispense medications and / or therapeutic treatments as required; Follow special exercise or behavior modification instructions precisely; Commitment to foster until the animal is completely ready for adoption;
Required Training: Attend volunteer orientation; Read required materials regarding shelter policies and procedures; Special meeting with designated staff member to thoroughly explain foster requirements, responsibilities, animal handling techniques, etc.
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of animals that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Adequate indoor home facilities where the shelter animal can be isolated from any other pets; Willingness and available time to provide the required care necessary to rehabilitate an animal back to ‘adoptable’ status; Experienced animal handling required; Knowledge of medical treatment for animals helpful; Knowledge of training & behavior topics helpful;
Additional Requirements: Have the support of all individuals living in your home; Have consent of your landlord, if applicable; Have your own pets current on all their vaccinations; Understand that the ASWRV is not responsible for any damage or injury done by a foster animal in your care; Understand that all animals remain the property of the ASWRV and their names and care specifications may not be altered;
Time Commitment: Foster terms may range from one week to several months. It is essential that a foster home is capable of providing the required care for the full duration of the rehabilitation period.
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: A shelter environment is often detrimental to the healing process of an animal recovering from illness, abuse or neglect. It is also not an optimum setting for those animals with correctable behavior issues. Foster parenting offers a crucial support system to a no-kill shelter operation. It allows us to save and rehabilitate more animals that would otherwise be sacrificed due to lack of required resources and facilities. The greatest challenge facing a foster parent is the ability to help each animal without increasing the number of permanent pets in your household!
If foster parenting is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Staff: Barkin’ Basement Store Manager
Duties: Sort, categorize, prepare, price and put new merchandise out for sale; Customer assistance; Process sales/operate cash register;
Required Training: On the job training provided at Barkin’ Basement
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of animals that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Good communication skills; Must possess the ability to interact with a diverse community in an helpful and polite manner; Good organizational skills; Ability to take direction, but work independently
Time Commitment: Recommend a minimum of 8 hours per month; As with any business, consistent staffing provides greater efficiency and productivity; Scheduling should be arranged directly with the thrift store manager;
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: The Barkin’ Basement is one of the largest and most consistent sources of income for the animals. Without funding from this shelter subsidiary, many programs and benefits for the animals would not be possible. You can feel very good about time given to the Barkin’ Basement and be the first to see all of the new treasures!
If the Barkin’ Basement is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Staff: Office Manager / Committee Board Member
Duties: Assist in the development, implementation & coordination of fund raising events; Provide services relating to: Event management - task delegation, equipment rentals, catering, facility reservation, etc.; Public relations - coordinate press releases, radio, posters, etc.; Solicit sponsors & raffle prize donations; On-site event assistance;
Required Training: Meetings with specific event committee members
Qualifications: Genuine concern for the welfare of animals that is compatible with the philosophy of the ASWRV; Good organizational skills; Ability to follow through on commitments made; Fund raising experience helpful, but not required;
Time Commitment: Several times per year, depending upon specific events
Significance of job to the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley: Our fund raising events provide a large percentage of the shelter’s financial support. Without the proceeds from these events, the shelter’s very future could be jeopardized. Some of our events are not money making ventures, but are also intended as a show of gratitude to our animal-loving community for their on-going support.
If fund raising is not for you, please check out our other VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES