Dog Walker (13-15-year-olds with an adult, 16+ years solo)
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Dog Walker
How you’ll impact our mission
Dog walkers provide dogs with additional time out of the kennel, which helps reduce their stress and improve their wellbeing. The role is essential in supporting our team of staff to keep our dogs healthy. If you’re looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and people while working alongside a supportive team, apply today!
Role responsibilities:
- Provide dogs with time out of kennel, including a potty break, shelter decompression, and opportunity to explore their environment through sniffing.
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- Sniffing is a natural way for dogs to de-stress and provides valuable mental exercise. It engages their brain, helping to prevent boredom and reduce anxiety.
- Walk dogs outdoors in various weather conditions
- Navigate dogs through public spaces
- Direct clients seeking more information about dogs to staff or client service volunteers
- Follow safety protocols
- Report any medical or behavioral changes that are not already noted on the animal’s kennel
Requirements:
- Must be 13-15 years old to volunteer with an adult, or 16 years or older to volunteer on your own.
- Six-month commitment
- Willing and able to safely handle, walk, and interact with dogs according to WHS protocol
- Able to complete tasks independently
- Able to successfully meet the physical requirements, which include stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking for extended periods of time, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Must have physical strength and coordination to handle larger dogs and/or dogs that pull on leash.
- Demonstrates flexibility and openness to feedback
- Committed to align with our mission, people-centered philosophy, and organizational values of compassion, respect, and kindness; innovation; professionalism; equity; and positive approach
- Ability to navigate emotional aspects of animal welfare work
Training:
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Meet & Greet with Volunteer Coordinator
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Volunteer Handbook & Waivers – Online Training
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People Centered Philosophy – Online Training
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Dog Handling Videos & Quiz – Online Training
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In Person Dog Handling
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One on One Training with Trainer
Open Shift Times:
- Mondays: 8-10am, 10-12pm, 12-2pm, 2-4pm
- Tuesdays: 8-10am, 12-2pm,12-2pm, 2-4pm
- Wednesdays: 8-10am, 10-12pm, 2-4pm
- Thursdays: 8-10am, 10-12pm, 12-2pm, 2-4pm
- Fridays: 8-10am, 12-2pm, 2-4pm
- Saturday: 10-12pm, 12-2pm, 3-5pm
- Sundays: 12-2pm, 3-5pm
