C.A.R.E. Volunteer Opportunities
Event Helper
We hold fundraisers and outreach events all throughout the year and we always need help! You can transport animals, post fliers, and assist in-person with the setup, execution, and breakdown of the events. These are super fun opportunities that offer a ton of variety, we have something for everyone! Help be the face of our organization within the community and get others engaged in supporting our shelter pets.
Cat TLC
Our goal is to make sure that each cat in the shelter is not only receiving social interaction (petting), but also the mental stimulation and specific socialization that they require based on their current needs. Enrichment sessions can help shy cats gain confidence and give high energy cats the outlet to “calm”, ultimately improving their adopt-ability and shortening their length of stay at the shelter.
Dog Walking
We do our best to ensure that every dog receives at least one personalized and engaging enrichment session each day. We have a beautiful memorial garden trail at C.A.R.E. that serves as the perfect loop on which to walk any dog. This opportunity is ideal for the dog lover who can’t adopt any more animals, or the potential adopter who wants to get to know the dogs before taking one home forever! We also encourage sitting and spending quality time with the dogs if you’d prefer to stay inside during your visit!
Cleaning, Dishes & Kongs
The kennel cleaning position involves ensuring that the dogs have a clean and comfortable living space while they are in the shelter. We scoop up and scrub away any accidents that have occurred overnight. After cleaning, we wash the breakfast dishes and prepare frozen kongs for the dogs. Kongs are rubber cones that we fill with kibble, seal with wet food, and then stuff treats into before freezing. The dogs love them, and take their time chowing down on this delicious puzzle each night!
Cat Cleaning
We clean out each cat’s litter box every morning and wipe down their cubbies to remove any grime from the night before. Cleaning also involves sweeping and mopping the high traffic areas of the shelter and sanitizing used cat equipment such as litter box scoops, toys, and cubby doors. We also like to set up areas for new arrivals with clean versions of these same materials. Of course, there is always time to play and snuggle the cats after cleaning is done!
Paddywacks Pick-Up
RJ Paddywacks is a pet store that has been a long-time supporter of C.A.R.E.! Paddywacks has a large donation bin outside of their front door which contains a large canister for food donations, as well as a separate canister for toys and other pet accessories. These donations need a ride up to C.A.R.E. on a weekly basis! Shifts constitute a claimed week in the month, so this opportunity is very flexible in terms of time commitment!
Pet Food Pantry
The Pet Food Pantry at C.A.R.E. helps families in Garfield County keep their pets fed and cared for in their homes, and is intended to assist as a supplemental program for those facing challenges to supply nutritious meals to their dogs and cats. Help us support local families and food distribution partners in a variety of ways through this opportunity.
Canine Coaching
Canine coaches are a vital part of the dog team’s success at C.A.R.E.! These individuals work with the canine manager to learn the basics of clicker training and assist with providing structure for dogs with behavioral needs. This role is cumulative, and a great way to expand your understanding of dog training. Already a professional dog trainer? Utilize the skills you already possess! Canine coaches must be responsible and able to follow specific directions.
*Please let our staff know if you’re interested – we are still developing this opportunity!*
Cat Training
Cats are much more capable of undergoing training than they’d like you to believe. Work directly with our C.A.R.E. cat team to understand the best ways to encourage cats to adjust negative behaviors and perform for rewards! This role requires responsibility, patience, and ability to follow specific instructions. Help our shelter cats develop the skills they need to find their forever homes!
*Please let our staff know if you’re interested – we are still developing this opportunity!*
Photography
Photos of shelter pets are often the first thing that connect an adopter to an animal. Taking the photos, however, isn’t always as easy as it looks. If you are a professional photographer, or an amateur with a keen eye, we’d love your help! Team up with the shelter staff to capture the personalities of each cat, dog, and exotic creature at C.A.R.E.!
*Please let our staff know if you’re interested – we are still developing this opportunity!*
Transfers
We are always looking for volunteers to help transport animals from partner shelters as part of our shelter transfer program! Depending on the nature of the transport, you can use one of our shelter vans, or your own vehicle (if you use your own vehicle we can reimburse you for gas). Bring new cats, dogs, and exotics into our community to find their new homes, or help us transport animals that may need to start a new life elsewhere. This is a great way to help the shelter with hands-on impact and being a part of a pet’s journey when they need it most.
*Please let our staff know if you’re interested – we are still developing this opportunity!*
