Volunteers are vital to the day-to-day workings of our shelter. All volunteers must be at least 16 years old and complete a volunteer training. Please click here for a handout detailing the volunteer process. You must attend a general orientation session to receive more information about specific volunteer programs. Orientations are every two months on the first Saturday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Big Flats Community Center. The next general orientation session is on June 5. To attend a volunteer session, you must RSVP to Liz Sowell at 607.732.1827, ext. 210.
Just Some of Our Volunteer Programs
Shelter Helper A Shelter Helper assists with various areas of cleaning the shelter and caring for the animals. Some of these tasks include:
Cat Cuddlers Cat Cuddlers are just that! Before you volunteer for this you must be shown the basics on how to handle cats and the proper way to sanitize between petting cats. This is a great way to end your day at the shelter - help out as a Shelter Helper for a few hours and then follow up with cat cuddling!
Dog Walkers Each shelter dog is walked at least three times a day for exercise, fresh air, socialization, and human contact. During this time they can also be taught basic obedience skills. In order to qualify to walk dogs you must complete a dog-walking training class through our shelter. Sign up for these classes with the Volunteer Coordinator or Shelter Services Manager.
Doggie Outings/Special Events Volunteers can take shelter dogs for walks at various, planned locations to show them off to the public. This increases the socialization opportunities for the dogs and gives the shelter positive exposure. The prerequisite for this is the dog-walking course, and volunteers interested in helping with special events must be eighteen years or older.
Grooming Cats and Dogs Volunteers will talk to, pet, and groom various dogs and cats that need special grooming attention. This will hep the cats and dogs in our care to be more physically attractive and emotionally happy as a means of increasing their chances at adoption. This may also include giving cats and dogs baths when necessary. Bathing animals can prove to be difficult at times, so some training and handling skills are necessary.
Digital Photography/Animal Descriptions The CCHS/SPCA website and the national shelter database, www.petfinder.com, serve as our virtual shelter and are great vehicles for matching shelter animals with prospective adopters. We need volunteers to photograph and write descriptions of the pets that come into the shelter weekly for our website and local newspapers. Additionally, we can use snapshots of shelter animals to connect with people and increase adoptions.
Foster Care for Cats and Dogs The foster program was established to give very young, injured, sick, abused, homeless, or under-socialized cats and dogs, who may otherwise have to be euthanized, a chance to heal and recover in volunteer foster homes. If you are interested in becoming a foster family,click here for an application.
Offsite Adoptions The CCHS/SPCA hosts several off-site adoption events throughout the year at local merchants and community events. These events promote animal adoptions and raise money for the shelter. Volunteers help on the day of the event to set up/break down, walk/show off animals, and share information about the animals with potential adopters. Volunteers may also wash and groom dogs and cats before the event. Prerequisite: Dog-Walking Class
Spay/Neuter Clinic Volunteer Assist veterinarians and vet assistants with various tasks during spay/neuter clinics. Please see "Employment" section of website for more information.
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