Level 2 - Companion Animal Volunteer Positions

After completing the first five weeks at Level I and receiving the appropriate Level II training, volunteers can then become a Dog Walker, Dog Bather, or a Cat or Rabbit Socializer. This is the point where the hands-on animal care begins.

Level II volunteers will be expected to attend animal handling training, a seminar and be shadowed by a trainer, learning the proper handling of cats, dogs, rabbits and small animals. They will also be expected to demonstrate animal handling abilities to a more experienced volunteer prior to graduating to this level. It is imperative to the wellness of the animals that all staff and volunteers treat and handle animals in a consistent manner. Once a volunteer moves into an area that requires Level II training, they will be required to demonstrate their abilities to staff on a regular basis. Each of the Level II positions requires a minimum commitment of two hours per week for at least six months.

If you are interested in hands-on animal care, consider the following positions:

Cat or Rabbit Socialization
Spend quality time cuddling with cats or rabbits on Adoption Avenue! Volunteers allow the cats or rabbits, one by one, a bit of time for play, exercise, grooming and enrichment. Volunteers also fill out a brief evaluation about each animal to assist Adoption Counselors in making the perfect match. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old or at least 11 years old with a parent. Participants must have the physical ability to transfer animals from kennels and use proper animal handling and disease prevention techniques. Training and assistance are provided during the first play session with an experienced volunteer or staff member. The cat and rabbit socialization programs are not combined and have separate training and schedules.

Dog Shine
Restore a glorious shine to adoption dogs by bathing them prior to their spay/neuter surgery! There is nothing more appealing than a sweet-smelling dog to take home! Once spayed/neutered, the dogs cannot be bathed for at least 10 days due to the incision. For this reason, it is important for them to be squeaky clean prior to the operation. This position offers a flexible schedule with bathing times some days and most evenings. The minimum age requirement for this position is 18 years old.

Dog Walking
Exercise! Our Dog Walkers provide each dog in adoption the opportunity to get out and stretch their legs for a short walk, some much needed play time and a bit of training. Volunteers must be able to handle dogs of all sizes, read profiles, physically transfer dogs in and out of kennels and suites and walk short distances. Experience in animal handling is helpful. Eagerness to implement the consistent handling techniques outlined in the training classes provided by WHS is a must to ensure that dogs go to their new homes with good manners. Training is provided for volunteers who are at least 18 years old or 12 years old with a parent and willing to come in, regardless of Wisconsin weather.

Animal Care Volunteers
Our Animal Care Volunteers play a vital role providing support to our operations department by assisting with facility cleaning and some animal handling duties. These volunteers help with the daily care of our shelter guests, which includes cleaning, handling animals and assisting staff. This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to learn about animal care in a shelter environment. Training for this position will include animal handling and cleaning protocol. Volunteers must be 18 years and older for this position.

RELAX Dog Socializers
The RELAX program allows volunteers to work one-on-one with shelter dogs who would benefit from developing their levels of confidence. Volunteer socializers read aloud to the dogs to help them become familiar with different voices and learn to settle nicely, or RELAX, when they encounter new visitors. This program helps the dogs feel more comfortable in new environments and enriches their minds while they are waiting to find their new loving homes. What a great way to give wonderful dogs needed attention and brush off those dusty novels around the house! Volunteers must be 18 years and older for this position.

Remember, if you are not a current volunteer, you must first begin at Level I before progressing to the Level II positions described above.