High School Cat Volunteer Program - November 2012

Our shelter generally requires one to be 18 years of age or older to qualify to volunteer. However, we are able to extend the opportunity and privilege of joining our shelter cat or dog volunteer teams to mature, responsible, enthusiastic, and highly committed young adults.

This important responsibility includes spending valuable time with shelter cats or dogs, assisting with their direct care and being available to answer the public’s questions.

The high school volunteer program provides youth with great opportunities to learn more about cats or dogs, help the animals at our shelter, meet other teens interested in companion animals, and explore animal related careers. The program fosters skills in personal accountability, animal handling, and inter-personal communication.

Qualifications and Training
We are looking for mature and enthusiastic 9th – 12th grade students who demonstrate:

• Respectful and thoughtful communication with fellow volunteers, staff, clients, and animals
• Safety and responsibility with strong listening skills – the ability and commitment to follow multiple directions and work independently in an adult environment
• Commitment, following-through on the required time obligation of at least 12-hours each month during regular shelter hours for at least 6-months
• Generosity, embracing the array of responsibilities associated with animal care and with being a contributing member of a team
• Kindness and compassion, treating all animals and other volunteers with patience and understanding

The volunteer training courses are designed to screen and prepare students for continued and independent volunteer work in our shelter. Students who successfully graduate the course, which is based on demonstration of the above qualifications as well as attendance of all required training classes, will sign up for a weekly volunteer shift, permitting them to volunteer throughout high school.

Cat Volunteer Program

• Tuition for this program is $90
• Class meets for three weeks
• Attendance at all three training classes is required (sorry, no “make-ups”)

Wednesdays, November 7, 14, & 21, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.