Gateway Pet Guardians has loads of opportunities to volunteer, and we always appreciate the help! One rewarding opportunity is becoming a volunteer at our Emergency Shelter at Manchester and Macklind, situated near the Dogtown and Hill neighborhoods.
Why Volunteer?
As much as we love our shelter volunteers (we couldn’t do what we do without them!), they love us back just as much, and here’s why:
- Flexibility: Whether you work full time, have a busy family life or maybe even a light workload at your day job, we’re more than happy to accommodate your schedule. There are core duties to be accomplished during a shift at the shelter, but volunteers do them at their own pace and order, and you sign up for a shift that works with your schedule.
- The Dogs: You’ll walk our wonderful dogs and love on them – you’ll get all kinds of warm fuzzies each shift knowing that you’re enriching their lives (and they yours!) One shelter volunteer says “(I love) the satisfaction of a quiet room when (the dogs) are all worn out, clean and happy.”
- Structure: Our volunteers appreciate that Gateway Pet Guardians conducts a required orientation before signing up for a shift – the processes and procedures are clear and consistent.
- Meet New Friends – Our volunteers are great people – they’re always willing to welcome new volunteers and help them out. Volunteering at the shelter is a great way to meet new people who have the same interests and passion for pets that you do, and they might even become your lifelong friends.
- Your efforts will help the dogs get ready and increase its chances for a new home: Pets that are enriched, happy and healthy have a higher chance of being adopted, and we need your help to achieve this!
- Staying active: Being a shelter volunteer keeps your mind and body active and healthy.
What Will You Be Doing?
Here’s a look at the day-to-day tasks you might be asked to help with. This may seem like a daunting list, but let us assure you that there are plenty of volunteers to go around each shift, and you’ll have fun while doing it! (And probably also be smothered with canine kisses!). We only house about a dozen dogs at a time, so shifts are manageable and efficient!
- Walking shelter dogs
- Cleaning kennels
- Giving baths (scrub a dub dub!)
- Performing general maintenance – cleaning, laundry, and the occasional handy-man project
- Doing clerical tasks like filing and organizing
Ready to sign up?
Click on the banner below to find out more.
