| SHELTER VOLUNTEER - FOR PERSONS 18 AND OLDER: The shelter houses approximately 30-35 dogs and is open from 9:00a.m.to noon seven days a week regardless of weather conditions. Each day, required medications are given, appropriate dogs are let out for free-time, and then the other dogs are let out to play. A minimum of three volunteers is necessary before all dogs are allowed out of their runs. One person usually works in the kitchen to wash dog food bowls, prepare noon meals and answer the phone. The remaining volunteers police the grounds inside the shelter and the dogs' runs for waste. Next, they sweep the concrete floors and put fresh buckets of water inside each run. As time allows, dogs are walked outside, brushed and loved on. Dogs are returned to their runs around 11:30 a.m. and food bowls are provided. For the first couple of days, new volunteers will be paired with an experienced volunteer to learn the shelter routine and the dogs' personalities. SHOW AND TELL: On a regular basis, several local businesses (i.e., PetSmart, Wal-Mart, PetCo), allow us to show our dogs, tell who we are, what we do, and educate the public about the welfare and care of canines. We participate in various Peninsular events and also plan and conduct our own events. For each business, a table is used to display handouts, literature, posters, donation jars and when appropriate, we sell printed AAS T-shirts/sweatshirts and other dog related items. Volunteer participation is sheduled by shifts and a minimum of two volunteers is required for each shift. Activities that permit a dog to be present must include a volunteer familiar with the dogs. An experienced volunteer will always accompany a new volunteer. FUNDRAISING: Throughout the year, various fundraising projects are initiated. Most of these projects (i.e., making dog bandanas, dog gift baskets, etc.), can be done in the home using supplies that are donated or purchased. Donation jars are placed in many shops, businesses and vet's offices and require a volunteer to make a monthly pickup of the monies. A silent auction is held in the fall, and volunteers are needed to price donated items and help out on the day of the auction. We take part in other special events (i.e., taking Christmas photos), for which funds are received for our participation. Raising funds is necessary to keep our shelter operational and your time and ideas are most welcome! DOG WALKING PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/or licensed driver for the duration of the visit to the shelter. If you are not yet 14 years of age you can walk with your parent/guardian/licensed driver using the "double leash" method. The youngest will have a short leash while the adult has a longer leash, this will help maintain control over the canine. Dog walking times are 10:00a.m. to 11:45 a.m. To get a dog to walk you must come to the shelter gate and ask one of the volunteers to get you your "special" dog or have one selected for you. You will be asked to sign the dog walking form. The volunteer will bring the dog to you outside the gate. FOR YOUR SAFETY, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO COME INTO THE COMPOUND TO GET YOUR DOG TO WALK. The volunteer will advise you the best place to walk your dog. After you walk you may sit with your friend on one of the benches for a visit. You can bring a special treat if you want to. When you are finished with your visit please bring your canine friend back to the gate where a volunteer will take them back into the shelter compound. Again, this is done for your safety, as well as the dogs and volunteers. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION WITH THIS RULE! SHELTER MAINTENANCE: This is the time set aside to accomplish mowing and trimming grass, weeding flower beds and graves, as well as doing other general clean up and repairs, both inside and out. This work must be done in order to maintain a healthy home for our dogs and attract visitors and prospective adopters. Lots of "hands" in a few hours can accomplish a lot! We usually do maintenance on Thursday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. weather permitting. Note: Some volunteer activities will require a safety orientation before you begin. You will be notified if this is required. Everyone has special talents, hobbies and ideas, and the Animal Aid Society would be pleased to have you share them with us. A Volunteer Coordinator will call and discuss your availability for the areas you have selected. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out form on page 2. |
