A Day in the Kennels

Cleaning the kennels can be hard work.  Staff and volunteers work together to ensure that every dog in our care has a warm, dry kennel.  Clean blankets and soft beds are given daily, so you can imagine how quickly the laundry piles up!

 

Food and water dishes are disinfected every day.  The dogs receive clean toys to chew on and play with as well.  Dogs are exercised at least three times a day, and often walked around our beautiful court yard.  Or they might spend a little time relaxing in our Barker’s Club Lounge.     

 

Volunteers help with cleaning the yards and kennels throughout the day.  But they spend time training and playing with the dogs as well.  Socialization is one of the most important activities a volunteer can do.  Although our shelter can provide for all of the dogs’ physical needs, they can never get enough of the one-on-one human contact they enjoy.  Grooming is also a constant need.  Bathing and brushing can help a dog look his best, greatly increasing his appeal to potential adopters.  Come spend some time with our four-legged friends.  You won’t regret it!

A Day in the Cattery

Come spend your mornings or afternoons, in our clean, comfortable cattery.  Each day begins with a special breakfast treat for all of our wonderful cats.  Cleaning is light, but thorough, most days, with deep cleaning every Monday.  Volunteers clean litter boxes, food and water dishes, and make sure every cat has a soft blanket to lie on.  Laundry and dishes are done throughout the day.  Afternoon volunteers keep the cattery fresh and clean, greet visitors and other tasks.  There’s always something to do.

Don’t forget to play and cuddle with your favorite cat.  Teaser toys, ping pong balls and laser lights keep our cats active and alert. Or just spend some time with that special cat curled up on your lap.     

 

 

Volunteer Jobs

Volunteers fill a variety of important roles in our shelter.  Here is a brief overview of some opportunities to help:

General Cattery:
Assist in daily maintenance of cat rooms including: mopping, sweeping, scooping litter boxes, laundry, and disinfecting.  Socialization and play are important, too.

General Kennel:
Assist in daily maintenance of dog runs including: hosing, mopping, poop scooping, laundry, and disinfecting.  Exercise and socialization of dogs are a must!

Front office:
Greet and sign in volunteers.  Answer phones.  Greet our guests as they arrive at the Shelter, answer initial questions, and direct them to the animal viewing.  Assist guests in finding the appropriate person to answer their questions.

 
Foster Parent (Specialist Level):
Help us to save more lives by offering temporary housing to adoptable shelter residents.  For information on how to become a foster parent, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Resale Shop:
We always need volunteers to help with shifts at the Resale store.  Please contact Jane at 623 -974-8580 to see how you can help.
      

Commitments and Responsibilities

Each volunteer must commit to a schedule of no less than 2 shifts per month for a minimum of six months.  SVAS offers morning shifts from 8 AM to noon, of afternoon shifts from noon to 4 PM.  Mandatory classes cover the basics of shelter operations and safety.

  Volunteer must be 18 years or older.

 

How do I get started?

Volunteer orientations are held the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 AM. 

 

If you are 18 years of age or older, please fill out our Volunteer Application to get started. You can also call 623-872-7941 to sign up.