What are the responsibilities and job description for the VOLUNTEER - Animal Services position at Calaveras, County of (CA)?
CALAVERAS COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES is extremely fortunate to have hundreds of dedicated volunteers that can be called upon to assist our shelter on a daily basis. Each year, our volunteers contribute thousands of hours to the shelter. Volunteers assist by cleaning cat and dog kennels, socializing animals with exercise and play, landscaping, hosting donation drives, grooming available animals, educating the public about responsible pet ownership, attending community events and participating in special shelter events.
Our volunteers play an integral role in the day-to-day shelter operation, including placing animals and promoting shelter adoption. We couldn't do everything that we do without their support! We truly appreciate their choice to join our team in helping more animals find their forever homes!
On-site volunteer opportunities are available for individuals over the age of 18.
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CAT SOCIALIZERS work with cats that are currently available for adoption, providing them with mental stimulation and practice being handled in various manners. By doing so, volunteers help to improve the cats' quality of life and prepare them for adoption into loving homes.
COMMUNITY EVENTS/SPECIAL SHELTER EVENTS: Volunteers act as shelter ambassadors and help to spread the mission of Calaveras County Animal Services throughout the community. Volunteers participating in special events, both on-site and off-site, help to promote the adoption of shelter animals. Through education and a positive attitude, these volunteers help build lasting relationships with the community we serve.
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YOUTH OR GROUP VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES: Although Calaveras County Animal Services is unable to accommodate on-site youth or group volunteer activities, there are still many ways in which you can help the animals at the shelter! Individuals or organizations (Scout troops, school groups, religious organizations, company volunteer groups, etc.) that are unable to volunteer at the shelter may choose to complete one of our suggested community service projects. These projects enrich the lives of the animals at the shelter in a very unique way.
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Kitchen Towel Braids: Take your old kitchen towels and put them to good use. Cut two slits along the length of a towel, equidistant from each other, and stop cutting about an inch from the top. Then braid the towel as you would hair. Knot the loose ends and you have a tough dog rope toy! Tough Braids: For tougher or bigger dogs, braid three complete towels together and tie the ends or sew them up. Note: Old Jeans make an even hardier braid.
Doggie Bags: Decorate a paper lunch bag and fill with dog biscuits/treats to be given to the families who adopt a shelter dog.
Catnip Toy: Stuff the toe of an infant sock with catnip. Then stuff with cotton balls and either sew the top closed or tie a knot in it.
Sweater Beds: Have an old sweater lying around. Follow these instructions for a cheap EASY pet bed.
Forever Take-Home Bags: For either cats or dogs. Suggested items to include: water bowl, food bowl, leash, toys and treats.
Cat Tree or Cat Scratching Post: Scratching is an innate and necessary part of being a cat. Scratching cleans and sharpens claws and is something a cat will do regardless of the sanctity of the surfaces in a home or shelter. Cat tree plans are readily available online.
Each volunteer is expected to:
- Support the mission and operation of County of Calaveras & Department.
- Treat clients, staff, volunteers and animals with respect and professionalism.
- Avoid activities that disrupt department operations or working relationships.
- Not intercept animals, clients, or goods meant for County department.
- Adhere to County department dress code.
- Adhere to staff decisions.
- Not enter into confidential areas of County department without consent.
- Not remove any animal, client or goods off County property without approval.
- Follow all department signage instructions.
- Immediately report any suspected cases of abuse.
- Immediately report any suspicious persons.
- Abide by all County and department policies, guidelines and directives.
Each volunteer may not engage in:
- Theft or unauthorized personal use of County or department equipment or supplies.
- Harassing, abusive, threatening, tortious, or unlawful behavior towards people or animals.
- Accept gifts from the public for personal use.
- Use of intoxicants or being under the influence/impaired while volunteering.
- Breaching or assisting any person attempting to breach County/Department security.
- Acts of cruelty, neglect or mistreatment of people or animals.
- Acts of carelessness or negligence while performing volunteer duties.
- Altering or falsifying any County or Department document.
- Acting discourteous or rude toward volunteers, clients, or staff.
- Negligent or intentional damage to County or Department property.
- Dishonesty.
- Insubordination.
- Activities without proper authorization or training.
In addition to the above, Animal Services volunteers will IMMEDIATELY report:
- Any potentially vicious or dangerous animals under the County's care.
- Any bite or scratch by any animal under the County's care.
- Any volunteer injury to the supervisor.
- Any volunteer violating County and department policies, guidelines and directives.
- Any volunteer or employee housing personal animals in County kennels or buildings, or boarding animals for others.
Physical Demands: Volunteers must be prepared for continuous standing, walking, bending, and lifting (weight depends on animal, please mark what size animal you are comfortable with on the applications questionnaire).
The work involves exposure to animal waste, odors, and industrial cleaning chemicals.
Sensory Conditions: Shelters can be loud, fast-paced, and highly stimulating environments with barking, crying, and frequent interruptions.
Emotional Elements: While highly rewarding, shelter work exposes volunteers to animals that are frightened, neglected, or experiencing behavioral challenges.
Health & Safety Risks: There is inherent risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases (transmittable from animals to humans), allergic reactions to pet dander, and potential scratches or bites.