Volunteers
The heart and soul of Adopt-A-Pet, most volunteers work directly with the animals by walking dogs, grooming animals and general socialization. They transport animals to events, vet offices, school functions, groomers, etc. Other volunteers assist with fund-raising activities, picking up food donations, working special events, office work and cleaning.
Volunteer Jobs
Cleaning
This job is often the least favorite but very necessary. There is always something that needs to be cleaned. (If you’re choosing to work with the cats and kittens, please see the Top 10 list of things to know for that area. There are more detailed procedures located in the large three-ring binder in the Cat Room drawer for your more efficient and time-saving use.)
General Areas:click for information
- Sweep and mop floors
- Dust all surfaces
- Wipe moldings and baseboard trim
- Wash smudges and marks off walls and trim
- Disinfect and clean bathroom which also serves as our laundry room
- Laundry! There is always some to be done. Please don’t overload the washer. Follow the directions posted by the washers and dryers on the first and lower floors.
- Washing pet dishes (wipe bowl free of any leftover food and discard. Use bathroom laundry tub for washing dish with detergent, then bleach/water (32:1 ratio).*
- Scrubbing and sterilizing litter pans (use basement facilities)*
* Due to OSHA policies we are NEVER to have litter pans in the same cleaning locations at food dishes
Cages: click for information
Used cages must be disinfected with Virucide or bleach/water (32:1 ratio) including the sides, floor and doors of the cages. After cleaning and drying, line cages with at least two layers of newspaper which should be located on top of the cages.
Sort Newspapers: click for information
Sort by size, removing and discarding the unusable, glossy sections as they can be toxic to the animals. Lay flat on top of the cages in each room.
Copies: click for information
We need copies of all forms on hand at all times. They may be found on the computer next to the copy matching in a folder marked Master Forms and then sent to the copy/print machine for printing. We should have at least ten packets complied and ready for use during the week, more on Sundays.
Ideas For Our Newsletters:click for information
Newsletters go out twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. If you have an idea for the newsletter, email it to Jody at jodydogger@comcast.net or write it down and put it in Jody’s door slot with your name on it so we can thank you if space allows us to use it. The newsletter should include stories about what we have been doing so as to inform people in the community and gain interest in our organization.
Dog and Cat Food:click for information
Food must be organized with the newest food in the back and oldest in the front. Please keep puppy and kitten food separate from adult dog and cat food. According to State Regulations, we cannot have any bags of food on the floor and all open bags must be taped shut
VGs Receipts: click for information
We receive money for community points for VGs receipts. There is a box on the wall in the side hallway for them to be placed. The bottom part of the receipt (there is a line of asterisks) is the only part we need to keep. Cut the bottom part of the receipt, put it in the envelope and discard the top portion of the receipt.
Transport:click for information
Occasional transportation of pets is needed for events or special vet care.
Thank You Cards: click for information
Thank you cards should be sent out as soon as we receive a donation. A personalized not is a great touch and make people want to continue to give to the animals.
Food Deliveries:click for information
Food is donated by various stores. Once dropped off it needs to be put away in the proper locations.
Surgery Room and Related Duties: click for information
Unless you are trained in this area it is off limits due to the expensive nature of equipment and the need for the room to stay sterile. It is very important that specific procedures are followed to ensure the health and safety of our animals. If you’re interested in working in the surgery room, either cleaning or assisting during procedures, either email jodydogger@comcast.net or drop a note in Jody Maddock’s door slot so she can arrange to meet with you.
- Mop floor with Virucide or bleach/water (32:1 ratio)
- Clean surgery table with Virucide or bleach/water
- Disinfect cages thoroughly with Virucide or bleach/water
- Put new bedding in cages once cages are dry
- Refill alcohol container
- Refill Betadine container
- Refill alcohol bottles
- Clean the bathroom which adjoins the surgery room
Outdoor Fun:click for information
- Scoop feces using metal or plastic dog scoop. Feces should be discarded into the outdoor trash cans. Rake leaves around the house
- Pull weeds
- Sweep porches and walks
- Wash windows
- Wash fingerprints and smudges off of exterior doors and windows
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Last but far from least, spend time with the animals. Groom cats; groom and walk dogs. The volunteers make all the difference in keeping the animals socialized until they find their forever homes. Occasionally there will be animals that need extra attention. Please ask the Cat Coordinator or the Dog Coordinator who these animals might be
As you can see from this list, volunteering for an animal shelter is not all fun. It’s also hard, tedious, messy and sometimes smelly work - but without those things done well, the animals would not be as happy or healthy. Happy, healthy animals is what we’re all about! Seeing those healthy animals is the rewarding part of volunteering. Ask any of the existing volunteers and they will tell you how much they love it.
Please read our Volunteer Policies and Procedures before volunteering. We appreciate your time and effort.
Download a PDF of our Volunteer Packet for the above and more information about volunteering.
