PetSmart Cat Adoption Assistant (Latham and Glenmont store locations)
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Keeping adoption center clean and organized
Providing basic care
Socializing the cats
Showing cats to potential adopters (for evening and weekend shifts)
Answering questions about adoption procedures and cat care
Completing adoptions
Transporting cats between the store and shelter when necessary
Qualifications:
14-15 years old - must volunteer with parent or legal guardian
16 years old - must be accompanied by parent to Intro to Cat Care class
17 years old and up - accepted without parental supervision
Basic cat handling skills (or ability to learn)
Basic communication skills
Customer service skills (if part of your responsibilities include adoptions)
Ability to work without direct supervision
Training Requirements:
Attend volunteer information session
Complete volunteer application and sign waiver
Attend Intro to Cat Care training session
Meet with the Volunteer Manager to become an official volunteer
Train at PetSmart with a seasoned volunteer before starting
Commitment:
Set weekly or bi-weekly shifts
Minimum of 8 hours per month
Cat Care Assistant
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Assisting staff with cleaning and care
Washing dishes
Doing laundry
Socializing shy cats
Showing cats to potential adopters
Answering questions about adoption procedures and cat care
Qualifications:
14-15 years old - must volunteer with parent or legal guardian
16 years old - must be accompanied by parent to Intro to Cat Care training session
17 years old and up - accepted without parental supervision
Ability to work with limited supervision
Basic communication skills
Light lifting
Must be able to physically be around animals
Possess basic cat handling skills (or ability to learn)
Ability to work within a team
Customer service skills
Training Requirements:
Attend volunteer information session
Complete volunteer application and sign waiver
Attend Intro to Cat Care training session
Meet with the Volunteer Manager to become an official volunteer
Train with a seasoned volunteer (if necessary)
Commitment:
A set shift is preferred
Minimum of 8 hours per month
Foster Care
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Provide at least one hour a day for socialization and play
Provide a loving caring environment
Qualifications:
At least 18 years old
Have a safe, secluded area away from other pets and children
Possess basic cat or dog handling skills
Training Requirements:
Attend volunteer information session (optional)
Training with foster program supervisor or seasoned foster volunteer
Complete Intro to Foster Care training session
Commitment:
Kittens need foster homes to care for them until they are 8 weeks old and ready for adoption. Some kittens only need a few days of help, some a few weeks. Length of time for fostering adult or sick cats depends on the individual cat.
Mailings/Clerical
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Assist with mass mailing projects
Data entry
Supporting Development Department as needed
Qualifications:
At least 18 years old
Organizational skills
Attention to detail, neatness
Dependability
Confidentiality
Basic computer skills
Training Requirements:
Attend volunteer information session
Meet with the Volunteer Manager to become an official volunteer
Individual training as needed
Commitment:
As-needed basis
Humane Education
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Volunteering at the shelter or off-site
Providing tours of the shelter to small groups
Providing humane education lessons at the shelter to small groups
Visiting schools or other venues to give humane education lessons
Qualifications:
At least 21 years old
Have a valid driver's license
Experience in the field of education preferred
Excellent communication skills
Enjoy interacting with children
Training Requirements:
Attend volunteer information session
Completion of Intro to Dog Care and/or Intro to Cat Care training session
Meet with the Volunteer Manager
Additional training as needed
Commitment:
At least three tours or visits per year
Community Outreach/Fundraising Events
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Run information tables at community events - providing information to the public about the shelter and its services
Monitor donation boxes at local businesses
Help at off-site adoption clinics
Assist with various special events throughout the year
Qualifications:
At least 17 years old
Excellent communication skills
Customer service skills
Ability to work with others
Training Requirements:
Attend volunteer information session
Meet with the Volunteer Manager
Additional training determined on an individual basis
Commitment:
At least 4 events per year
Bottle & Can Sorting
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Sorting returnable bottles and cans into appropriate categories
Keeping sorting area clean and free of clutter
Qualifications:
At least 14 years old
Ability to work with limited supervision
Capable of working outside
Can stand for an extended period of time
Organizational skills
Training Requirements:
Meet with the Volunteer Manager to become an official volunteer
Training with staff or seasoned volunteer
Commitment:
As needed
Dog Care Assistant
Responsibilities (can include, but are not limited to):
Walking dogs
Training dogs
Assist with cleaning kennels, washing dishes and laundry
Handle dogs at off-site events
Qualifications:
At least 18 years old
Possess basic dog handling skills (or ability to learn)
Must be comfortable handling dogs of various weights and personalities
Basic communication skills
Ability to work with limited supervision
Must be able to physically be around animals
Training Requirements:
Attend volunteer information session
Complete volunteer application and sign waiver
Attend Intro to Dog Care training session
Meet with the Volunteer Manager to become an official volunteer
Commitment:
A set shift is preferred
Minimum of 8 hours per month
If you have a particular talent, skill or experience to offer as a volunteer other than what is listed, please contact our to discuss how you can help.
