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VolunteeringThank you so much for your interest in our volunteer program! Every animal shelter, humane society, and SPCA is different, so we have tailored our volunteer program to best suit the needs of the animals here awaiting adoption. We've researched how best to decrease stress, increase comfort, and help animals learn good manners while awaiting their forever homes.
The Volunteer Orientation covers health and safety protocols as well as the R-H SPCA's policies and procedures. Orientation attendees only need to bring a clipboard or something to lean on while they fill out their volunteer profile. Typically, orientation lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a tour of the adoptable pet areas. Pre-registration is required, as seating is limited. You can sign up online with SignUp.com or simply email the Volunteer Coordinator to see if there are seats available. |
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We are looking for volunteers that can make socializing animals part of their weekly or monthly routine. Kind hearts and positive attitudes are a must. The animals don't care if you're an extrovert or an introvert, they only care that you are gentle and offer them the love and comfort they need. Being cooperative with staff and complying with rules helps everyone as well. Availability during the week and during weekdays is helpful, but not necessary as there are volunteer opportunities at Adoption Showcases over the weekends as well.
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Adult (16+) Volunteers |
Volunteers 16 years of age and older work with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, rats, rabbits, and whoever else might be available for adoption on any given day. Cat cuddlers enrich our felines' stay with playtime, some time in the sunshine if the weather allows, and lots of love and cuddling. Our small mammals need love too! Volunteers can help our little guys get used to being handled by new people from day to day.
Volunteers also help our canine friends utilizing a classical conditioning and reward-based training program. The program is designed to promote good behavior and to improve manners and temperament. Utilizing the behavior modification model will involve a multiple-level training process, and volunteers will be implementing the new techniques to provide overall enrichment, stress reduction, and increased adoptability of our canine furry friends. *This program does NOT fulfill court-ordered community service requirements. Call the RHSPCA at (540) 434-5270 and provide information such as your age, charges, and the number of hours required. |
Youth Programs |
Junior Volunteer Program: Teens 13-15 may apply for this program with the permission of their parents or guardians. Junior volunteers will come with a parent/guardian who is over 18 to an orientation covering safety and reward-based training, along with what our expectations of them are and what they can expect from us. Since we do not require parents to accompany this age group when they come volunteer, their interactions with pets is more limited than the adult program. Our junior volunteers' main responsibilities are to teach our dogs good manners and help kitties come out of their shells. They will not be permitted to walk dogs, so this program may not be for everyone. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information, or register yourself and your prospective junior volunteer for orientation below.
Kids' Club: Kids 6-12 may apply for this program with their parents or guardians over 18. Kids will meet at the shelter once a month during the school year for a brief educational program before working with pets along with their parents. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this program, there may be a waiting list. Orientation for kids and parents is required. Once a family has come through the year of Kids' Club, graduates may come with their parents to work with pets at any time! However, at no time is it permissible to drop kids off at the shelter. We do not have the staff to monitor them to keep them safe. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more info.
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