Volunteer Job Descriptions

Dog Volunteer

As a dog volunteer you will be enhancing the lives of dogs in our facility. You will be working hands-on with the dogs outside their kennels. This helps reduce their stress level, teaches them manners, and helps the staff evaluate the dog’s temperament. Dog volunteers are separated into levels of service (green or yellow) depending on ability and fulfillment of requirements. All volunteers will start at the green level unless approved for advancement by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Minimum requirements for dog volunteers (in this order):

  • Animal Center Orientation (1/2 hour at Animal Center)
  • Green Dog class (3 hours at Animal Center)
  • Optional:
  • Paws to Train class (3 hours at Animal Center)

Cat Volunteer

As a cat volunteer you will be enhancing the lives of cats in our facility. You will be working hands-on with the cats in our main cat adoption areas. More advanced level volunteers may work with special needs cats, unweaned or sick cats, injured cats, and cats currently unavailable for adoption. Your work with the cats helps reduce stress and encourages animals to socialize and therefore makes adoption of these animals more likely. Cat volunteers are separated into levels of service (green or yellow) depending on ability and fulfillment of requirements. All volunteers will start at the green level unless otherwise approved by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Minimum requirements for cat volunteers (in this order):

  • Animal Center Orientation (1/2 hour at Animal Center)
  • Green Cat class (1 1/2 hours at Animal Center)

Mobile Adoption Assistant

As a mobile adoption volunteer, you will transport animals and or equipment to off site locations for adoption promotion. You will assist the public and answer questions about the animals and the Center. You are responsible for maintaining the health of the animals with you. Mobile adoption volunteers must meet the requirements of the green level volunteer and must have Animal Center staff recommendation for this position.

Front Office Assistant

As a front office assistant, you will greet the public and answer general questions relating to Center policy and procedures. You will advise them on the process of observing and adopting animals. You will assist with clerical aspects of the office including; filing, phone work, computer input, and adoption and spay/neuter follow up. Training for front office volunteers takes place on the job during open hours.

Kennel Assistant

Kennel Assistants are among the most necessary and important volunteers we have. These volunteers work directly with Animal Care Technicians or independently in the cleaning and maintaining of all animal areas throughout the facility. Most kennel assistant work takes place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday- Friday (starting at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays). Additional help is necessary in the afternoon between 3p.m. and 5 p.m. Kennel volunteers must meet the requirements of green level dog or cat training.

Community Events

FACF and the Animal Center are involved with many different types of community events. Volunteers are always needed to assist with all aspects of planning and operating these events. Event volunteers are required to complete the ½ hour Animal Center Orientation.

Dog Trainers

Dog trainers will take specific dogs in need of training to Spot & Company Dog Obedience School for 6 week sessions. Sessions take place once a week, usually on Sundays. We use only positive reinforcement to train the dogs at the Center to build their confidence and trust in humans. This training helps prepare dogs to go into new homes and cuts down on the euthanasia of animals due to behavioral problems. Dog trainers must reach a level of yellow dog volunteer, work at least 4 hours a month for 1 year, and have Animal Center staff recommendation for this position.

Facility Grounds/Building

These volunteers help beautify the area inside and outside the facility. They may be involved in gardening projects, painting, cleaning, or trash pick-up. Volunteers should be available as projects arise. Facility volunteers are required to complete the ½ hour Animal Center Orientation.