Donating your time goes a long way towards providing the dogs and cats with a long-term, loving family. Adopting a pet into a new home is the happily ever after that every shelter animal is looking for.

To work safely and effectively volunteers should possess the following:

• Volunteers MUST be at least 18 years old
• 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 cope with a loud environment
• 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

Volunteer Programs

Shelter life can be very stressful for animals. Our Pet Companion Program enlists the help of volunteers to provide much needed enrichment to dogs and cats in our facility.

Dog Companions

A Dog Companion will walk with dogs while providing socialization to help the dogs put their best “paw” forward while waiting for their new home.  We also have an indoor play area and an outdoor yard for some good quality playtime with our dogs. This role will require a regular weekly schedule.

Cat Companions

A Cat Companion provides companionship cats through socializing, interactive play, and cuddling. These important interactions allow our cats to gain socialization and behavioral skills and comfort while awaiting their new homes.  This role will require a regular weekly schedule.

Special Event Associate

Want to help support a fund-raising event that generates community awareness and money to help care for our animals?  Event volunteers can participate in special events starting from the initial planning to the final clean-up. This role will require a commitment of time for planning and executing the event.  This is a great opportunity for those who want to be involved but cannot commit to helping on a regular weekly basis.

Other Opportunities

Other opportunities and programs will become available throughout the year. If interested, we will contact you as these arise.  We are always open to any ideas you may have to help support our mission. Please feel free to share them with us.

Applying to be a Volunteer

If you may be interested in one of the volunteer programs offered, your first step is to fill out a volunteer application.  Once we receive your application, we will review the information to determine the best fit for you at Teddy’s.  When an orientation session is scheduled you will receive an email invitation.  The orientation will last about an hour and provide an overview on Teddy’s mission, policies and procedures along with a tour of the facility.

If you are applying to become a Dog Companion or Cat Companion, there will be an additional training class.  This session will review facility procedure, handling basics and body language information you will need for these programs.

Volunteers_Application_Form.pdf

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Teddy’s Rescue.