Canine Enrichment
Provide mental stimulation and reduce stress for animals who
spend the majority of their day in a kennel.
This is the position for you if YOU:
- Are at least 12 years of age and have an adult partner to accompany you if younger than 16.
- Are willing to follow enrichment guidelines closely to ensure the safety of the animals.
- Are willing to learn our animal data base system, Chameleon.
- Are willing to perform physical labor and clean kennels.
- Have a sense of humor and are willing to have fun while working.
- Don’t mind a noisy (barking dogs), sometimes stinky, work environment or scooping poop.
What can you expect from your role as a Volunteer CANINE ENRICHMENT VOLUNTEER?
Duties include:
- Provide Kongs, ice cube treats and other forms of in-kennel enrichment for animals at the shelter. Provide clicker training for good behavior in the kennels in order to reduce noise and, therefore, stress in the animals. Spot clean kennels and change out soiled bedding to ensure animals are comfortable. Follow proper safety protocol when around/interacting with sick animals. Be able to follow schedule of enrichment duties and keep aware of constant changes in kennels. Be able to read/interpret kennel cards regarding special diet/handling of animal.
Your benefits:
- Provide comfort for many animals at once. Meet lots of people who share your interest in animals. Chance to gain a thorough understanding of the Humane Society. Satisfaction of helping animals.
Your value to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region:
- The dogs spend many, many hours in their kennels with minimal time out of it. Canine Enrichment Assistants provide the dogs with mental stimulation to help make their time in the kennels less stressful while they are waiting for their adoptive homes. The less stress the animals experience, the better it is for them.
I’m in! What’s next?
Training:
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation.
- Attend a one two-hour training session with a volunteer trainer.
Commitment: At least two hours per week, same day and time each week.
Supervision: Indirect supervision from the Volunteer Services and Animal Care Staff.
Available volunteer shifts include: Any two-hour period between 11am - 1pm or 3pm - 5:30pm, Monday - Sunday
