The Volunteer Job Description:

CANINE COMPANION

If you are at least 16 years of age and you love dogs, then this could be the perfect volunteer position for you. At the shelter the dogs are kept in kennels and by the time the shelter staff have finished their daily chores of caring for so many animals, there isn't much time left to give individual attention to the dogs.

That's why volunteer Canine Companions are so precious! These volunteers bring a touch of joy to the shelter dogs by getting them out of the kennels and giving them some fresh air and exercise...walking, playing and socializing with them.

When the dogs are walked and socialized, they are happier dogs and better behaved. So as volunteers, Canine Companions aren't just walking dogs....they are making a huge difference in the lives of these dogs. They are helping to keep the dogs from falling into depression, and by keeping the dogs happy and socialized, they are enhancing their chances of adoptability.

For all Canine Companion volunteers, a 1 hour training session is performed by our Dog Walking Coordinator. She will ensure that all volunteers are introduced to the dogs and fully informed of all procedures. The volunteers are then responsible for following all protocol and procedures established for dog training and safety. Volunteers become familiar with the shelter dogs, and therefore are in a position to provide feedback on behavior and progress.

Canine Companions only work with shelter dogs that are up for adoption. This means that all the dogs have been tested for temperment and passed. They are up to date on their shots and they have been defleaed and dewormed (routine procedures done in the shelter).

Some shelter dogs have high energy and are physically very strong. Many of them are not trained in the mannerism of leash walking and basic obedience, and they will pull quite hard on the leash. You will need to be able to match them with zeal, motivation and physical endurance. Goal setting and achievement is of wonderful assistance to training. You will need to be assertive, but sensitive with a great deal of patience. Experience with dogs is highly recommended, as you must be comfortable handling many different breeds and sizes. We recommend you be able to lift approx 50 pounds to give you an idea of what kind of physical endurance is required. Furthermore, you must be excellent at following protocol and procedures, and be able to both read and write.

Our dogs love our dog walkers, and so do we!