Ruff Start Rescue

Summary: Help provide comfort and companionship to dogs recovering from heartworm treatment! Heartworm-positive dogs spend the day at Ruff Start Rescue receiving care and need to remain calm, quiet, and rested during their recovery. Volunteers in this role will spend time quietly sitting with the dogs, helping them feel comfortable and cared for while they recover and taking them for a slow stroll to stretch their legs outside. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys dogs and is comfortable simply being present and providing calm companionship. You don't need to entertain the dogs, their recovery is the priority!

Time Commitment: 11-1 pm on designated heartworm treatment days

Location: Princeton, MN

Reports to: Practice Manager

Responsibilities:

• Spend 2 hours quietly sitting with dogs recovering from heartworm treatment.

• Provide calm companionship and gentle attention as appropriate.

• Take them outside on a leash for bathroom purposes only

• Sit nearby, talk softly to the dogs, and offer gentle pets if they are comfortable with them.

• Help create a peaceful, relaxing environment for the dogs.

• Observe the dogs and notify Ruff Start Rescue staff if you notice anything unusual or concerning.

• Follow all staff instructions regarding handling, interaction, and the dogs’ individual recovery needs.

This role may not be a good fit for volunteers who:

• Prefer energetic play or exercise with dogs.

• Have difficulty remaining quiet and still for extended periods.

• Are uncomfortable following restrictions on touching, handling, or interacting with a dog.

• Would have difficulty calmly responding if a dog becomes restless or uncomfortable.

Qualifications: 

• Must be 18 years or older.

• Comfortable being around dogs of varying sizes, personalities, and energy levels.

• Able to remain calm, quiet, and attentive for the duration of the shift.

• Comfortable spending 2 hours sitting or quietly interacting with dogs.

• Able to recognize and respect a dog's individual boundaries and comfort level.

• Willing and able to follow specific instructions from Ruff Start Rescue staff regarding each dog's recovery and handling.

• Must understand that keeping the dogs calm and limiting activity is the primary responsibility of this role.

• Able to recognize and promptly report changes in a dog's behavior or condition to staff.

• Reliable and able to arrive on time for scheduled shifts.

• Comfortable working independently while staff are available nearby for questions or concerns.

• Previous experience with dogs is preferred but not required.

• Previous animal shelter, veterinary, foster, or animal-care experience is a plus but not required.