Dog Volunteer Inquiry – Baypath Humane Humane

Tell us a little about you!

Your Name*

First Last

Birth Date*

Your Email*

Phone*

Would you be able to commit to one 2-hour weekly shift?

We are in shelter 7 days a week - 7 to 7 on weekdays and 8 to 6 on weekends.

Yes
Not at this time

Do you currently own a dog/dogs?

Yes
Not at this time

Tell us more!*

Have you ever owned or lived with a dog?

Yes, I was the primary caregivier
Yes, I grew up with dogs but was not the primary caregiver (i.e., parents)
No

Tell us more!*

Do you have previous experience with dog training or behavior modification?*

A bunch!
A bit!
No, but willing to learn!

What type of training have you done with your dog?*

Please choose all that apply

Have you used any of the following equipment with your dog?*

Please choose all that apply

Please feel free to share anything additional about your training experience?

Do you feel comfortable with dogs of all breeds and sizes?*

Yes
Mostly
No, I have discomfort with certain breeds or sizes

Would you share a little more about your comfort level?*

Have you ever worked with dogs in a job or volunteer capacity?

For example, as a petsitter, at another shelter, at a doggie daycare, at a vet clinic, etc.

Yes
No

Would you share a little more about your experience?*

What type of work or volunteering did you do?

Though we try as hard as we can to make the environment as enriching as possible, a shelter is still an inherently stressful place for the dogs. We often have dogs with unknown histories, sometimes bite histories, dogs who are very strong, extremely fearful dogs, etc. We communicate what we know, but we things are constantly in flux so we also count on volunteers to follow protocols, communicate effectively, read body language, etc. Please share your thoughts here:*

Dogs are constantly communicating with us. Their bodies can tell us al lot, whether looking at their tail, head, body position, or sounds. Uncomfortable or stressed dogs are also something to be aware of. Have you ever seen a dog shaking off when they aren’t wet? Or yawning when they aren’t tired? We ask that all volunteers are constantly assessing the dogs, and what they are telling us. Please share your thoughts here:*

Because the dogs in our care are experiencing a level of stress that a dog in a home wouldn't, we ask that when meeting any dog that you not lean over the dog, reach your hand out, touch them initially, etc. We provide training to this effect, but want to set that expectation that we ask that trust be built first and that you allow the dog to dictate their level of comfort, how close they want to come, how much affection they want to solicit, etc. As you get to know a particular dog, they may very well become much more comfortable with more interaction, but we always want to err on the side of caution initially. Please share your thoughts here:*

Even though we are all dog lovers - staff and volunteers alike - we have to understand that these are not our pets and they don't know us well, especially initially. Therefore, things like making direct eye contact, reaching out to pet a dog, leaning over a dog, etc. is too much pressure for these dogs when first meeting - and sometimes for a while. Even offering your hand out for them to smell is too much pressure for so many. We know that used to be the way to introduce, but we have moved away from that to lessen initial pressure. Please share your thoughts here:*

We may have dogs that are not yet ready to walk due to fear/inexperience on leash and we may ask that you simply sit with them. We may also have other dogs that are not yet ready to walk due to high arousal (jumpy/mouthy) behaviors and we may ask that you throw a ball for them. Please share your thoughts here:*

We may also have dogs that are comfortable around people, but due to stress or past trauma, aren't ready to be touched initially. We may ask that you sit with a dog and only toss treats to help build positive associations - but also ask that you not pet, make eye contact, etc. Please share your thoughts here:*

We have a leveling system (with continued training opportunities) in our Volunteer Program to best match a volunteer's skillset/comfort level with the appropriate dogs. This is a safety measure for dogs and people alike. Depending on the level/skillset, there may only be a few appropriate dogs in a given volunteer shift and we may ask you to help with Kongs, laundry, organizing, etc. If you prefer working with the dogs only, we may ask you to spend an extended amount of time with a given dog(s) at the appropriate level. Please share your thoughts here:*

Please tell us anything additional about your experience with dogs?*

Acknowledgement

I agree

By agreeing above, I understand that Baypath's Dog Volunteer Program is designed to constantly assess the safety and well-being of both the animals in our care and that of the people working with them. If, at any time, we feel that the Dog Volunteer Program may not be a match, we may not be able to offer a role.

Email

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