Austin Pets Alive Volunteer Orientation
Today’s #ATXgood recommendation goes out to all animal lovers! Austin is chock-full of fantastic groups and organizations who advocate on behalf of our animal community, and is regularly on lists of America’s most pet-friendly cities. There are a dozen off-leash dog areas on city parkland — the most of any city in Texas. Various websites count more than 60 local dog-friendly hotels and 200-plus restaurants; almost 40 dog day cares, dozens of dog walkers, sitters and trainers. Plus untold numbers of Austin businesses, including groomers and bakeries, that cater to dogs and their owners.
That being said, you’d think Austin would have NO PROBLEM finding tons of eager volunteers ready to do anything to help out our furry friends. And while there are thousands of Austinites dedicating their time to the animal community, a need for more volunteers still exists. Austin Pets Alive! is holding a volunteer orientation this weekend, and there’s no better way to get started. Besides being required before signing up for any volunteer work, it’s a perfect chance to tour the facility, meet the APA! staff, and learn more about what’s needed and what you can do – and you’d be surprised at how many different skill sets are utilized! Check out the list at the bottom of this post for a better idea of the variety of programs and departments within Austin Pets Alive! that could use a helping hand. Details for the orientation are below:
WHAT: Austin Pets Alive! Volunteer Orientation
WHEN: July 28th at 10:00AM (lasts roughly 2.5 hours)
WHERE:
Town Lake Animal Center
1156 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Adoptline
Work from home to return phone calls and e-mails form the public about animals that APA! has up for adoption.
Adoption Sites
Assist adoption staff at APA! facilities and offsite locations by answering questions from the public and facilitating introductions between potential adopters and our dogs and cats. Follow up with clients after adoption to check in and answer any questions or concerns.
Animal Marketing
Help get animals adopted by marketing them! This team photographs the animals for the website, gathers information about the dogs and cats, writes bios, and posts ads to websites like Petfinder and Craigslist.
Behavior (dog)
Work with our highest need dogs on manners, socialization, and basic obedience to make them more adoptable. Dog Behavior volunteers are eligible to take dogs on field trips and participate in training opportunities like TTouch, Doga, and Playgroups.
Big Brother/Big Sister for Dogs
Volunteers act as “bigs” to dogs who are waiting to be adopted. Pamper, love, and spoil the “littles” by doing things like field trips, sleepovers, and trips to the groomer.
Data Entry/Office Work
Enter data or perform other office tasks to keep our processes running smoothly.
Development
Our organization is completely dependent on donations. This committee assists in finding individual and business sponsors, researching and writing grants, and overseeing donor recognition.
Dog Walking
Ensure APA! dogs get the walks, exercise and TLC they need (and deserve) every day. Walkers are most needed during early morning and evening shifts to get the dogs out for their first and last breaks of the day, but trained walkers are welcome all day long.
Events
Promote APA!’s mission and recruit volunteers, fosters, adopters, and donors at special events around town. Work at info tables and booths, and hang out with adoptable animals while representing Austin Pets Alive!.
Facilities
Help with various handy projects and maintenance around the APA! facility like carpentry, painting, lawn care, plumbing, electrical work, etc.
Foster
Provide temporary care for cats or dogs in your home until they can be adopted. You must be the owner/renter of home and fill out a Foster Care Volunteer Application. Over the summer, fostering will count as school community service hours for high school students too! See our Foster page for more information.
Medical
Assist in clinic areas like reception and recovery; ensure pets are up to date on all medical requirements prior to attending adoption events; ensure medical information is in database; help fosters with medical questions; coordinate medical needs with veterinarians.
Neonatal Ward
Feed and care for bottle baby kittens (and occasionally puppies) in the on-site neonatal ward. Ensure sanitation of ward, all equipment, and supplies. Shifts available around the clock; volunteers must be able to commit to regular shifts during kitten season.
PASS Helpline
As part of our Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender program, answer calls from public one day a week to help them rehome their pet instead of surrendering it to the city shelter.
Parvo Ward
Parvo is a contagious disease among puppies that can be cured with treatment. Help care for puppies that have parvovirus in our isolated ward.
Photography
Take and post digital photos of adoptable animals for marketing materials. Experience and DSLR camera strongly preferred.
Marketing/PR/Graphic Design
Help educate the public about APA! and our mission via media relations, social media, and marketing campaigns. Create a variety of promotional materials including brochures, ads, posters and flyers.
Ringworm Ward
Help care for cats with ringworm (a fungus similar to athlete’s foot) in our ringworm ward until they are no longer contagious and can be moved into a foster home or the Cat Adoption Center.
Transport
Transport dogs from Austin Animal Center and other locations to APA! facilities via your own vehicle.
WingDawgs
Be an advocate for an entire wing of kennels at the APA! facility by specially marketing your wing, keeping up the appearance, and spoiling the dogs.
http://www.statesman.com/news/lifestyles/pets/welcome-to-dogtown-aka-austin-texas/nWPZb/
