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Join Our Team of Volunteers…
As a mostly volunteer organization, every action we take is critical to accomplishing the mission and goals of the RHSPAC. As a volunteer, you will be making a difference for the animal residents as well as your community. As a member of our devoted team of volunteers, you will become part of the solution. You will help make the world safer and more humane for all living creatures. And, you will make the jobs of everyone working for animals a little easier by lending a hand and spreading the message of responsible pet ownership.
Six steps to becoming a volunteer:
- 1. Be at least 16 years old
- 2. Complete a volunteer application. Complete the application >>
- 3. Attend a one-hour volunteer orientation
- 4. Attend training classes based on your areas of interest
- 5. Donate a minimum of 4 hours of your time per month
- 6. Have fun making a difference in the lives of the Adoption Center’s animals!
By volunteering, you will make new friends…and not just the four-legged kind. You will work side-by-side with people from all walks of life who share similar interests and concerns regarding companion animals. Further, you will have the opportunity to discover skills you never knew you had, and learn new ones.
Foster Care Program
Foster care offers animals a temporary home environment where they will experience love and care. Volunteers hand-raise, which may mean bottle feeding, kittens and puppies that are too young to be cared for at the Adoption Center. This requires a great deal of personal time and commitment but is well worth the effort. On occasion, there are adult dogs or cats recovering from an injury or surgery and in need of some extra nurturing and loving care. You will receive training and all supplies needed to care for the animals.
Dog Socializing and Exercise
The Riverside Humane Society uses a Head Start program for Adoption Center dogs which teaches basic manners, as well as provides exercise, socialization and human interaction to increase their adoptability. No prior dog-training experience is needed. Certain physical requirements are necessary.
Cat Socializing and Exercise
This involves socializing, brushing, and playing with the cats and kittens to relieve the stress and boredom that comes with being in the cattery, as well as to make them comfortable being around humans. Certain physical requirements are necessary.
Dog Agility Training
Some dogs need more than basic obedience training. Agility classes help to calm overly energetic dogs in a constructive environment. Conversely, agility helps to build confidence in shy or fearful dogs. Further, the training teaches dogs to follow the commands of their human companions. This program is limited to selected volunteers only.
Pet-Assisted Therapy
Volunteers take Adoption Center dogs for monthly visits to area hospital, convalescent, rehabilitation and assisted-living facilities. This program brings joy to patients and residents who look forward to seeing, petting and holding furry friends. The program also provides valuable socialization for the dogs. It helps them become comfortable with riding in cars, going into new environments, and being petted and hugged by loving strangers.
Humane Education
Volunteers help promote the Adoption Center’s educational programs and responsible pet ownership awareness by making presentations to and working with school children, scout troops, and community and service organizations, as well as representing the Adoption Center at a variety of community events.
Office Support
Volunteers assist with many tasks including reception as a public liaison to answer phones, greet visitors, and provide resource information. Volunteers need to be pleasant, understanding, and able to help visitors have a positive experience at the Adoption Center. Assistance also is needed in the back office with bookkeeping-related work, filing and preparation of mailings.
Pet Behavior Help Line
Volunteers are trained to counsel pet owners via telephone, e-mail and printed materials about solutions to their pet's behavior problems. For more information on this program see www.petbehaviorhelpline.org.
Grooming
The dogs need to be clean and healthy; they also need to look their very best so they will make a good first impression on visitors and find their forever homes. No prior experience is needed. You will be trained to bathe and possibly clip the canine residents.
Special Events and Fundraising
Annual special events include Walk with the Animals, Comedy Night, Holiday Pet Portraits, and Adopt-a-thon, as well as ongoing special mailings. RHS volunteers help organize and staff events and assist with mailings.
Marketing/Public Relations
Volunteers work with community groups, schools, the media and more to advance public awareness of the Riverside Humane Society’s mission and all that the organization has to offer the public.
For more information on volunteering, contact us. |
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