Castlegar - Dog Care & Wellness
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. • Adhere to all BC SPCA policies. Requirements & Training • Philosophical harmony with our mission, vision, values and strategic directions. • Completion of BC SPCA's online training prior to starting to volunteer. Additional in-person and online training may be required to volunteer with dogs on behavioural plans or needing PPE. • Able to follow and interpret verbal and/or written directions, signage, and procedures. • 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 under 12 years of age are not able to volunteer. • Youth between the ages of 12-15: can volunteer only when accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian (19+ years old). • Youth between the ages of 16-18: can volunteer with the consent of their guardians. • Volunteering for school requirements: depending upon the program requirements and amount of students submitting applications not all centres will be able to accommodate these requests. For more information before submitting an application, contact volunteers@spca.bc.ca to inquire. Include the location you would volunteer at and the details of your school program. Note: Youth volunteering directly with animals is at the discretion of the Centre staff and may vary depending on the current animals at the Centre and other applicable factors. Not all centres are able to accommodate youth to volunteer directly with dogs. Support Workers • If you are a support worker, or wish to volunteer with your support worker, please see the following important information: o Support Workers must submit their own application and complete all required steps, including online training. o Support Workers are expected to provide the level of supervision and support needed by the volunteer while volunteering. Volunteering Conditions 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. • 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 AD PEOPLE THRIVE TOGETHER. SPCAN
