Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Baypath Humane Society. We appreciate all of our volunteers! Baypath’s volunteers are the heart of the organization. Baypath provides shelter for dogs and cats 365 days a year. Our staff and volunteers work together, forming a vital team that is essential to carrying out a critical part of our mission: “…to establish and maintain an animal shelter and associated procedures which promote the health, care and adoption of these animals.”
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, the required minimum age is 18.
What time commitment is required?
In order to provide consistency for the handling of our dogs and cats, we require a 3-month commitment of 2 hours per week. Volunteer shifts are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in 2-hour increments. Volunteers work everyday of the year, in all weather conditions. Please understand this is an expectation of your commitment.
How do I apply?
Please complete and submit the on-line Volunteer Application and Waiver to apply for a volunteer position. Orientation sessions are conducted every week or so, and you will get more information once your application is submitted.
Do I need prior experience? How strenuous is the job?
Prior dog or cat experience is not required to volunteer, but it is beneficial. Some of the volunteer opportunities require moderate physical exercise, so please be sure you understand and are comfortable with the physical aspects of the role you select.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Our volunteer positions accommodate a broad diversity of interests, skills and schedules. Below is a list of current opportunities and the shifts available. Please be sure to indicate the day, time and task you are interested in on your application.
Dog Walking:
Most Days, Most Shifts – This is the shelter’s primary need. Baypath dogs are in outdoor pens from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and we strive to walk each dog three times a day. Each walk is a minimum of 30 minutes, but can be longer if desired. Before, during, and after the walk, the volunteer works to socialize the dog, teach the dog good behaviors (like how to walk properly on a leash), and give the dog affection. Rafferty Road where the shelter is located is a nice walk and connects to woodland areas where volunteers can walk surrounded by nature. In addition to dog handling, volunteers scoop poop in the outdoor pens and make sure the water buckets are full. We ask that all dog walkers pitch in on the laundry.
Cleaning Dog Kennels:
All Days, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – This position involves cleaning and sanitizing the indoor dog kennels, and setting each kennel up for the coming night with beds, blankets, towels, water, toys, etc.
Cleaning Cat Cages:
Varies – This position involves feeding the cats, providing fresh water, cleaning litter boxes, and sanitizing the cat rooms
Cat Socializing:
All days, All shifts – Cats lovers can engage a kitten in some frisky play, exercise with our basket of toys, let an older cat enjoy your lap, or groom a cat of any age. While enjoying the company of our cats we ask that you help to keep the room clean throughout the day by picking up spilled food and water on the floor and in the cages. We ask that all cat socializers pitch in on the laundry.
General Cleaning & Laundry:
Varies – This position involves doing dishes, laundry, cleaning the bathroom, sweeping, mopping, dusting, and taking out the garbage.
Transporter:
All days, early morning and late afternoon shifts – This position involves transporting animal to the vet for scheduled spay/neuter or emergency visits on an as-needed basis.
Foster Care:
Our Foster Care volunteers are so important to the dogs and cats. We need volunteers who can open their home to Baypath animals who may require special care (health reasons), are too young (kittens and puppies) or who may become too stressed to be in a shelter environment.
Other Opportunities:
We also have occasional opportunities for volunteers with specialized skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, computer maintenance and more.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please fill out the Volunteer or Foster application. If you have questions, please email volunteer@baypathhumane.org.
Thanks in advance for your interest!