Volunteer Opportunities

Dog Kennel Volunteers Needed (Click to Apply After Reading)

Job Description:

RBARI Dog Kennel Volunteers help our staff provide exercise and enrichment to our resident dogs, and give them the quiet and patient interaction they need until they go to their new homes. In addition to working with our animals, we rely and ask our volunteers to assist by putting away donations, laundry, and general cleaning of the front lobby areas. 

Reports to: Dog Kennel Managers and Volunteer Manager

Application Process: After submitting your application, our team will review all applications and reach out to those applicants that meet our shift availability and who we are moving ahead with an in-person interview. Approved volunteers will be contacted to fill one of our weekly recurring shifts.

Requirements:

• Must be comfortable and able to handle dogs of multiple sizes and strengths
• Must be able to commit to a recurring shift each week, and if not able to attend, communicate with the Dog Kennel or Volunteer Manager prior that you will not be available during your shift
• Must be comfortable working around and with dogs of different temperaments 
• Must use positive reinforcement and kind handling methods at all times

Tasks:

• Check Kennel board, kennel cards, and staff for information and special instructions about the dogs before interacting/taking them out for a walk. 
• Update dog kennel board with the time you took each dog out.
• Enter the dog kennel safely and quickly following instructions at all times
• Wash and sanitize hands in between each animal. 
• Check the washer and dryer, and switch loads when they are complete. 
• Other general cleaning and maintenance tasks. 

Basic skills:

• Must be able to read, write, listen and communicate effectively.
• Must be able to follow established instructions and safety/cleaning protocols at all times
• Must be able to work effectively with staff and other volunteers. 
• Experience/comfortability working with dogs of all sizes and breeds (all necessary training will be provided).

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and walk quickly.
• Must be able to bend at the waist and knee and carry 30 lbs.
• Must be able to safely handle and manage dogs.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, disinfectants, high levels of noise, potential for animal bites and scratches, diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people.

Time Commitment: A recurring, weekly, 2-hour shift for a minimum of six months

Dress Code: Rubber sole, closed-toed/heel shoes and long pants. (Volunteer t-shirt to be given after the first three weeks of attendance)

Shift Openings: 

• Select shifts available throughout the week. Please include your availability on your application.
• We ask that all of our volunteers are able to fill at least one recurring shift a week for a minimum of six months once accepted as a dog kennel volunteer. Please know that there are limited spots available as a dog kennel volunteer to fill the needs of the shelter, and we will reach out only to those who meet the requirements and availability of the position.

If this is a match for you, click here for the Dog Kennel Volunteer Application!

Transport Volunteers Needed (Click to Apply After Reading)

RBARI is seeking Transport Volunteers to add to our emergency and sudden transport call list! Our lifesaving Transport Program is an essential part of the work that we do, and our emergency transport volunteers are at the forefront in getting our urgent cases and animals needing medical appointments to the care that they need. 

If you have a flexible schedule, or are able to assist when needed throughout the week and weekend to bring our cats and dogs to our participating vets, please complete the application below! When a medical emergency arrives, we text and call down the list of our transporters to see if they are available at that time to bring one of our animals to their needed location, and if they are able, they jump into action. If a volunteer is busy at the moment, that is okay! We check in with the next person down the line. We know that our amazing volunteers lead busy lives, so we are needing as many people to add to the call list as possible.

If this is a match for you, click here for the Transport Volunteer Application!