City of Surrey - Surrey Animal Resource Centre

Dog Enrichment Volunteer

Volunteers for the Dog Enrichment Program are an essential part of caring for dogs during their stay at SARC. In order to meet their welfare needs and improve their adoptability, Dog Enrichment Volunteers provide outlets for dogs to de-stress and engage in behaviours that promote well-being (2 of the essential 5 Freedoms). The enrichment that you will provide varies from walking and playing, to grooming and training.

Dog Enrichment Volunteer - Level 1

As a Level 1 volunteer, you will be responsible for providing enrichment for the adoptable dogs that have been evaluated and labeled as Green. Key responsibilities include:

• Correctly identify Green coded dogs
• Enter and exit the kennels with minimal stress to the dog
• Apply walking gear and leashes
• Identify the emotional state of dog by observing its body language
• Create positive experiences in and out of the shelter 
• Provide bathroom relief 
• Provide social time and exploration through walk and/or play 
• Ask for five specific behaviours: sit, drop it, come, let’s go, loose leash
• Use positive and force-free methods 
• Actively engage with the public: advocate for the animals, assist with questions, and direct to staff as needed

Dog Enrichment Volunteer - Level 2

As a Level 2 volunteer, you will be responsible for providing enrichment for the adoptable dogs that have been evaluated and labelled as Green and Yellow. Key responsibilities include:

• Correctly identify Green and Yellow coded dogs
• Enter and exit the kennels with minimal stress to the dog
• Apply walking gear and leashes
• Identify the emotional state of dog by observing its body language
• Create positive experiences in and out of the shelter 
• Provide bathroom relief 
• Provide social time and exploration through walk and/or play 
• Ask for five specific behaviours: sit, drop it, come, let’s go, loose leash
• Use positive and force-free methods 
• Work with fearful and excitable (mouthy/jumpy) dogs

Dog Enrichment Volunteer - Level 3

As a Level 3 volunteer, you will have all the responsibilities of a Level 2 volunteer, in addition to the following:

• Have a clear understanding of canine body language 
• Provide extra enrichment through desensitization and conditioning activities
• Read and follow specific behaviour plans 

Dog Enrichment Volunteer - Mentor

A Dog Enrichment Volunteer – Mentor will assist with training new volunteers, including workshops and buddy training, and be able to work with the majority of dogs in our care. They will work closely with staff to ensure the ongoing success of the Dog Enrichment Program.