Small Animal Care - "Smallies" (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, ferrets, etc...)

 

Hamster, Animal, Rodent, Cute

While we are best known for caring for many cats and dogs here at the ARL, they are not the only animals that come through our doors. Our “smallies” room is dedicated to a wide variety of critters that may come through our doors, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, ferrets, to the occasional birds, turtles, lizards, snakes, and even fish! Due to the variety of housed in our smallies room, tasks can look different from day to day. If you have a soft spot for the animals that reside in our smallies room, consider volunteering to help with Smallies Care! 

Essential Functions: 

  • Working around/shifting animals into carriers 

  • Changing soiled linens 

  • Wiping down the walls/shelves in cages 

  • Water changes for aquariums* 

  • Changing litter boxes 

  • Handing out fresh food, water, and enrichment 

  • Washing dishes 

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Environment: 

  • Exposure to animal waste, odors, hay, and cleaning chemicals 

  • Possible exposure to animals who may be overstimulated and may scratch or bite  

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Requirements: 

  • Minimum age of 18 years 

  • Ability to follow instructions given by a staff member  

  • Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time without sitting down 

  • Ability to do repetitive movements such as bending, lifting, and scrubbing 

  • Must be able to work in spaces with exposure to different types of hay 

  • Willingness to learn about all the different smallies we take care of and how to properly/humanely interact with them 

  • Concern for the welfare of small animals and support ARL’s policies and mission 

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Training & Support: 

  • Complete Volunteer Orientation 

  • Shadow with an ARL Staff member and/or qualified volunteer 

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Dress Code: 

  • Volunteer T-shirt (optional) 

  • Volunteer Nametag (not optional) 

  • Long Pants 

  • Closed Toe Shoes