How to Become a Teddy's Volunteer
Download or pick up a volunteer application.
Attend a volunteer orientation session
Orientation sessions are every other Tuesday at 6 PM at the shelter
Call to reserve you spot.
Volunteers MUST be at least 18 years old.
Volunteers have the opportunity to help with:
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Attending Meet & Greets
- Feeding and watering
- Walking the dogs
- Bathing the dogs
- Cleaning kennels
- Spending quality time with dogs in the inside/outside play area
- Fundraising
Volunteers need to possess the following in order to safely and effectively serve at the rescue:
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Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously (example: open cage door while handling animal)
- High level of manual dexterity to leash/harness animals and handle small tools Ability to walk unaided on unpaved, uneven, rugged and sometimes muddy and slippery terrain
- Ability to bend and squat in order to leash/harness and pick up an animal Ability to stand for significant periods of time
- Average vision (with or without correction) to move safely around the building, to be able to observe animal body language without difficulty, and to be able to read notes on animals’ paperwork
- Ability to hear if animal is growling or making sounds indicating fear or pain Ability to hear calls of alarm such as audible warnings from others
- Ability to maneuver well in tight spaces
- Must not have strong allergies to animals or to solutions used for cleaning Ability to deal with strong and unpleasant odors
- Ability to cope with a loud environment
- Ability to reach cabinets and cages at least six feet in height, using a step stool as needed
- Ability to load and unload washer and dryer; fold clean laundry and put away, reaching shelves from ground level up to six feet, using a step stool as needed
- Ability to wash and dry dishes
- Average strength to assist with lifting (up to 25 pounds)
- Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures Ability to read, write and communicate in English
- Possess problem-solving capability
- Ability to be aware of potentially dangerous situations when working with the animals; ability to remain calm with animals who are upset, behave sensitively and confidently, and show good judgment and act appropriately in these situations
- Ability to receive, incorporate and sustain instruction and feedback Ability to cope with unexpected animal behavior without assistance
- Ability to understand Teddy’s Rescue policies and positions regarding animals and an ability and willingness to appropriately and accurately represent those policies when interacting with the public