JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Dog Walker/Socializer Volunteer
Reports to: Kennel Lead
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Responsible for walking/playing with dogs to help relieve boredom and stress of living in a shelter environment. Provides exercise and enrichment by walking and playing with shelter animals.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Follow shelter procedures.
- Handle animals as required and restrain hard to control animals.
- Spend at least 20 minutes per dog walking, jogging, playing or just sitting quietly with a dog in its kennel or a designated play area.
- Use bags to dispose of waste on the trail or in play yard.
- Recognize and report any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of any shelter animal to Kennel Lead.
- Close kennel door securely while you have dog out. Upon returning make sure the kennel door is secured by the latch.
- Record your time spent with animals each day you are at the shelter.
- Check with kennel staff to see which dogs need to be walked and which dogs should not be taken out.
- Learn to recognize abnormal animal behaviors and illness.
- Report any concerns with the dog such as coughing, bloody stool, cuts, etc to Kennel Lead.
- Report any difficulties or behavioral issues/changes to Kennel Lead or Enrichment Coordinator.
- Do not allow two dogs to approach each other while you are walking them.
- Patrol shelter grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material.
- Maintain equipment used to complete job assignments and keep tools and equipment in good working order. Do minor repairs on equipment if able and notify shelter management as to major repairs needed or new equipment necessary to complete assignments. Keep equipment and tools put away in proper storage areas.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to handle and maintain animals up to and in excess of 100 lbs.
- Ability to use strength and agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Previous experience in an Animal Shelter or related field preferred.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Physical demands include, but are not limited to:
- Potential lifting and moving animals.
- Frequent movement, including but not limited to, standing, walking, stooping, carrying heavy loads, movement of cages, restraining active animals.
- Working Conditions include:
- Possible exposure to dangerous, diseased, frightened, and injured animals.
- Possible exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and drugs.
- Working with strong cleaning agents on wet surfaces.
- Indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Possible exposure to bites, scratches, and animal waste.
- Possible exposure to contagious disease.
- Exposure to unpleasant odors and loud noises.
- Emotional Demands include:
- Euthanasia.
- Animal Abuse.
- Animal neglect.
Required Commitment
2 to 4 hours per week with a 6-month minimum commitment.
Contact Rosscohumanesociety@gmail.com to apply.
