City of Surrey - Surrey Animal Resource Centre


Small Animal Enrichment

Small Animal Enrichment Volunteer

 

Volunteers for the Small Enrichment Program are an essential part of caring for the small animals during their stay at SARC. In order to meet their welfare needs and improve their adoptability, Small Animal Enrichment Volunteers provide essential care for our small animals by keeping their environment clean and comfortable, providing outlets to de-stress, and allowing them to engage in behaviours that promote well-being (three of the essential 5 Freedoms). 

 


 

 

Small Animal Enrichment Volunteer - Level 1

As a Level 1 volunteer, you will be responsible for providing basic small animal needs for the adoptable small animals in our shelter. Key responsibilities include: 

 

  • Familiarity with a variety of small animal species and their specie-specific needs
  • Understand the feeding and cleaning schedule provided by staff
  • Observe, monitor, and document behaviours 
  • Engage the animals through assigned activities 
  • Keep a clean environment by spot cleaning cages and freshening litter boxes 
  • Clean and replenish the communal areas (sweeping, mopping, replacing litter, adding toys)
  • Actively engage with the public: advocate for the animals, assist with questions, and direct to staff as needed 

 




Small Animal Enrichment Volunteer - Level 2

As a Level 2 volunteer, you will be responsible for providing increased enrichment for the adoptable small animals in our care. In addition to all the responsibilities of a Level 1 volunteer, key responsibilities include:

  • Assess the emotional state of each animal you work with 
  • Recognize emotional distress in small animlas
  • Provide low-stress care and cleaning 
  • Provide appropriate exercise, play, mental stimulation, and affection 

 




Small Animal Enrichment Volunteer - Mentor

A Small Animal Enrichment Volunteer - Mentor will assist with training new volunteers, including workshops and buddy training, and be able to work with the majority of the small animals in our care. They will work closely with staff to ensure the success of the Small Animal Enrichment Program.

 

Mission Statement

Mission: To be an innovative team of animal care professionals serving the community with integrity, providing education and resources to make measurable improvements in responsible pet guardianship and compassion for animals.

 

The Surrey Animal Resource Centre’s values guide how we engage with our community, work with each other and care for animals.

 

Integrity

We are honest, transparent, and accountable for our decisions.

 

Community

We treat each other, and the people and animals we serve with respect, dignity, and compassion.

 

 

Service

We seek to understand our community’s needs and actively work to achieve responsive, ethical solutions.

 

Innovation

We actively seek evidence-based initiatives to guide our commitment for continuous growth.

 

 
   
 

 

 

 

 


Teamwork

We form strategic alliances with organizations that share our values and professional standards.