DOG VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are always needed to help assist the kennel staff with various duties such as; cleaning cages, washing and folding laundry, washing dishes, putting away donations etc.. Volunteers are also needed to help walk dogs so they can get their much needed exercise and a break from the kennel cage. This can be a physically demanding job, so be prepared to handle large dogs, some with no manners and little training. There are several volunteer opportunities at the shelter for anyone willing to help out. All volunteer positions require training to maintain a safe kennel for staff, volunteers, potential adopters, and the dogs in our care.

A dog walking volunteer will be responsible for solely walking the dogs. They are not required to do any training or behavioral work with them, although they are more than welcome to as long as they follow our methods of training and our training guidelines. Their job will be to give the dogs their much needed walk during the day.

Dog Walking Volunteers must follow the guidelines for color level advancement – or pass an evaluation of handling skills by either Melissa or Karyn. (All volunteers must be RBARI volunteer for at least 1 month before starting training to advance to further color levels. We appreciate any previous experience you may have had with your own dogs or at other shelters but we want everyone to get used to our shelter and it’s policies before advancing anyone to the next color level.) Requirements will include; being physically strong enough to handle dogs that are persistent pullers, enough basic knowledge not to encourage bad behavior, and enough basic knowledge to be able to safely handle many different kinds of dogs.

BEHAVIOR AND SOCIALIZATION VOLUNTEERS

Behavior & Socialization Volunteers will have to go through training as to how to handle dogs in the cages, and what methods to use depending on the needs of each dog. This will include a series of lectures and hands on work. Once completed with the training they will be able to go into the cages of MOST dogs to work on behavioral enrichment. Each person must be a RBARI volunteer for at least 2 months before starting training.Behavior & Socialization Volunteers will be responsible for helping with kennel enrichment. This will include sitting with shy/scared dogs, teaching dogs basic kennel manners, desensitization to kennel triggers. They will also be taught how to provide proper toys, bones, and treats to dogs that are in their cages. These volunteers will be allowed to take dogs into viewing room for play time and to work on basic commands and manners. Behavior volunteers will NOT be allowed to walk dogs out of the kennel area or take dogs to the runs, unless they have completed the requirements listed under the Dog Walking Volunteer Program.

OPERATION HOMEWARD BOUND - Training Volunteers

Training volunteers will be responsible for obedience training the dogs in the kennel. They will be responsible for practicing leash walking skills and basic commands with the dog every time that they take that dog out. Training volunteers must commit to come at least once a week to work with and train their dog, or they cannot be part of the program. Training volunteers must only walk dogs that they have been assigned to for training or dogs of their current Dog Walking color level or below. They will be assigned specific dogs, of any color level and will receive instruction, either privately or in a group, on how to walk that particular dog.

Interested in volunteering?
Download a Volunteer Application.
Just fill it in and send it to:

RBARI
Attention: Volunteer Coordinator
2 Shelter Lane
Oakland, New Jersey 07436

click here for Printable 2-page Volunteer Application

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