BC SPCA

Dog Care & Wellness.  Our goal is to prepare every dog for a loving home. Volunteers provide enrichment, training,  care, and support to build confidence and positive behaviours. By keeping environments clean  and following staff plans, we help ensure each dog is healthy, happy, and ready for adoption.  Responsibilities  • Provide dogs enrichment through walking, mental stimulation, play and affection.  • Encourage positive behaviours and basic leash skills through approved BC SPCA training techniques.  • Follow any/all recommended behavioural plans set by the staff.  • Record details of each interaction and report concerns/improvements to staff in a timely manner.  • Follow all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and biosecurity protocols.  • Clean kennels, dishes, laundry & toys as needed.  • Adhere to all BC SPCA policies.  Requirements & Training  • Philosophical harmony with our mission, vision, values and strategic directions.  • Completion of BC SPCA provided online training must be completed prior to starting to volunteer.  Additional in person and online training may be required to volunteer with dogs on behavioural plans or  needing PPE.  • Knowledge of dog behaviour and comfortable working with dogs of all breeds and sizes (required).  • Completion of the Fear Free program on low-stress animal handling for shelter animals is highly  recommended. Approximately 6 hours to complete online.  Youth Volunteers  • Youth volunteers under 19 years of age are not permitted to work directly with dogs at this location.  However, there are many other meaningful ways for youth to get involved and make a difference!  Volunteering Conditions  • Indoor and Outdoor Settings: Volunteers may work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the tasks.  Indoor settings include animal care areas, offices, and medical facilities, while outdoor work might involve  walking dogs in the surrounding area or maintaining the premises.  • Weather Conditions: Outdoor tasks may require working in various weather conditions, including rain,  snow, ice, or heat. Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for seasonal  changes.  • Lifting and Moving: Volunteers may need to lift or move supplies, equipment, or animals, which can  require physical strength and stamina.  • Standing and Walking: Many roles involve long periods of standing or walking, particularly when  interacting with animals or the public. *Contact us about accommodations and modifications.  • Animal Handling: Working directly with animals may involve low-stress handling, or caring for them,  which requires patience and attention to detail.  • Safety Protocols: Volunteers must adhere to safety protocols to protect themselves and the animals. This  includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.  • Potential Hazards: Be aware of potential hazards such as bites, scratches, or exposure to zoonotic  diseases. Training will cover how to minimize these risks.  Time Commitment  • Approximately 1 hour of online training is required for entry into the volunteer program.  • Attendance to an in-centre orientation and/or tour may be required before starting to volunteer.  • Due to the level of training provided for volunteers to work with dogs, we request a minimum  commitment of 3 months with one shift per week.  Benefits of Volunteering  • Sense of pride and accomplishment in helping animals prepare for finding their forever home.  • Involvement with a new community of animal lovers and supporters.  • Opportunities to attend BC SPCA events, training and more.  • Excellent training in low-stress animal handling which can be added to your resume.  Questions? Email volunteers@spca.bc.ca  MISSION  PROTECTING VULNERABLE ANIMALS AND MOBILIZING COMMUNITIES SO  ANIMALS AND PEOPLE THRIVE TOGETHER.