Volunteer

JOIN OUR TEAM

TEAM MEMBERS
Our dog and cat buildings are in need of caring people to join our team! Work with animals every day! Get outside to walk our dogs daily, facilitate animal adoptions, interact with visitors to the shelter, help with cleaning & sanitizing and care for all of our little critters too. Candidates must have the ability to work holidays and weekends (as we are open 365 days a year).
If you want the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of people to improve the lives of animals, apply today!

VOLUNTEERS
If you love the thought of working with our animals, but aren’t ready to make it a career than becoming a volunteer at the Hillside SPCA may be the perfect opportunity for you. CLICK HERE for details!

TAKE OUR VOLUNTEER QUIZ!

Are you at least 14 years of age or older? (Or if younger, can you be accompanied by an adult guardian?)
Do you love cats, kittens, puppies and dogs?
Do you feel a tug at your heart when you think of all the poor animals that are unwanted, abused or abandoned?
Do you have some spare time during the afternoon or evening hours weekdays or weekends?
Do you love animals, but aren’t comfortable working directly at the shelter, or have allergies and wish you could help?
Do you have reliable transportation to get to the shelter or fundraising events?

If you answered YES! to two or more of the above, you are an EXCELLENT candidate for becoming a volunteer for the Hillside SPCA animal shelter! NOTE: For security purposes, all volunteers over the age of 16 must show and allow us to hold a valid driver’s license while working with our animals in residence. License will be returned at the end of the volunteer period. Stop by the shelter to apply in person as a volunteer, let us know your interests and skills, and we will find just the right matchup for you!

AT THE SHELTER

Dog and Puppy Needs – Walking, brushing, bathing, petting, holding, loving, a good eye for mites, fleas, etc.
Cat and Kitten Needs – Brushing, bathing, petting, holding, loving, a good eye for mites, fleas, etc.

BEHIND THE SCENES

We need help in preparing for, setting up and “manning” the tables at mall fund-raisers, craft shows, Community Days and more!
We need help in collecting donated items from bins in supermarkets.
We could really use someone to get involved in a variety of shelter maintenance projects. Some are big, but most are small.
Plan, manage, and host an event that will benefit the Hillside SPCA.

Remember, if you passed our volunteer quiz (including age requirements), we have a place for you!

Download Volunteer Form

What to Expect

To be treated fairly with consideration and respect by employees of the Hillside SPCA and to be given appreciation and encouragement of their volunteer work.
To have the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts and suggestions openly and honestly with the Shelter Manager for thorough assessment.
To participate in orientations and on-the-job training to gain knowledge of Hillside SPCA programs, services and the care and welfare of animals.

Volunteer Ethics & Rules of Conduct

Show a genuine interest in the mission and vision of the Hillside SPCA.
Be present and on time for commitments. The animals and other volunteers rely on you to honor your scheduled commitments.
Respect the confidentiality of information.
Accept supervision and training and ask questions about that which you do not understand.
Take pride in your work. Maintain a neat and clean appearance. Your appearance and conduct reflect directly on the Hillside SPCA.
Working with animals is not always easy. Dealing with people and animals can cause strong emotional reactions. Regardless of what happens during the day, it is important that you do not express negative feelings and emotions to the public. What you do and say affects the public’s view of the SPCA, so be courteous and empathetic at all times.
If an unresolved problem develops, bring it to the attention of the Shelter Manager and/or the manager on duty. • Demonstrate loyalty to the Hillside SPCA programs, services and staff. Do not discuss or challenge Hillside SPCA policies when customers are present.
Don’t go into restricted areas unless you have been asked to do so by a staff member. Restricted areas are: the main dog building, small dog building, the intake areas, sick room, administrative offices.
Do not advocate unavailable animals for adoption. Stray animals may not be shown to the public for adoption. Only authorized volunteers may work with animals in the intake area. Animals under protective custody or quarantine must not be handled by volunteers.

Dress Code

Volunteers are just as much a representative of Hillside SPCA as our staff. Inappropriate clothing would include clothing that is revealing, cropped tops, midriff shirts, clothing that contains inappropriate or suggestive language, etc. Safety is also a concern; therefore, closed-toe shoes with good traction are required when working with the animals. Please note that ear pods, headphones, hats and hoodies are not permitted while interacting with animals or in their habitats.

Shelter Operations Assistant Position

Information Overview: Assist in the upkeep of the constant flow of daily operational tasks. This position is essential to the animal care center to keep the behind-the-scenes aspects of shelter life operational.
Job Duties:

Sort food, toys and bedding into proper places
Ability to safely wash dishes and toys
Sort washed items and put away properly
Clean assigned areas on a daily basis
Spot Cleaning
Assist in preparation of various supplies for the shelter
Ability to help with ground upkeep

Dog Walker Position

Information Overview: Dog Walkers provide essential playtime, care, socialization and cleaning for our shelter dogs.
Job Duties:

Able to handle dogs safely—with patience and gentleness
Must be observant and able to communicate effectively
Clean assigned areas on a daily basis
Must demonstrate physical ability to maintain control of dogs; some in excess of 40 pounds

Requirements:

Follow the mission of Hillside SPCA
Must demonstrate the Core Values of Hillside SPCA
Proper cleaning and disinfection of assigned areas
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changes in programs and procedures
Regular exposure to animal odors, diseases, possible contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste and moderate noise levels
Knowledge of Hillside SPCA’s policies and protocols

Other Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of the different dog breeds and behavior is a plus

Cat Volunteer Position
Information Overview: Cat Volunteers provide essential playtime, care, socialization and cleaning for our shelter cats.
Job Duties:

Provide socialization to cats in condos and single cat rooms
Provide enrichment to cats by playing with toys
Clean assigned areas in cat rooms
Managing multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to handle animals safely and with patience and gentleness
Report any noticed medical issues to supervisors
Monitor and care for animals within the organization

Requirements:

Follow the mission of Hillside SPCA
Must demonstrate the Core Values of Hillside SPCA
Proper cleaning and disinfection of assigned areas
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changes in programs and procedures
Regular exposure to animal odors, diseases, possible contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste and moderate noise levels
Knowledge of Hillside SPCA’s policies and protocols

Other Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of the different cat breeds and behavior is a plus

Injuries
If you are injured while volunteering for the Hillside SPCA, report the injury immediately to the Manager on duty who will ask you to complete an Injury Report. First Aid Kits for the treatment of minor cuts or scratches will be located in the room in which you are working. Volunteers are encouraged to consult a physician, at their own expense, to decide if further medical treatment is needed and whether or not to be vaccinated against tetanus. It is especially important to report all animal-related injuries immediately. In addition to an injury report, a bite report may have to be filed, and appropriate quarantine procedures followed. This also applies to cats and wildlife bites or scratches that break the skin. In accordance with State Law and for your safety, the animal responsible for the injury will be quarantined and monitored for any signs of rabies. Failure to report an animal-related injury is grounds for termination.

Termination
Occasionally, a situation or circumstance may arise that requires the dismissal or termination of a volunteer from his/her position. Reasons for dismissal may include, but are not limited to:

Inhumane treatment of animals
Failing to adhere to Hillside SPCA policies and procedures
Insubordination
Any defacing of Hillside SPCA property
Disclosing confidential information
Theft of Hillside SPCA property or animals
Failure to maintain harmonious relations with staff/volunteers
Providing false information about the Hillside SPCA or any employee to a member of the public or to the media
Seeking or accepting personal gifts, gratuities, bribes or rewards
Negligence or willful misconduct causing personal injury, harm to an animal, or property damage in summary.
It is our hope that your volunteer efforts will be enjoyable and rewarding for you, the animals, and the volunteers and staff you work with. Please discuss any concerns you may have with the Shelter Manager. It is important that we resolve problems that arise so that we can work together effectively as a team.

Walking a Dog: Dos and Don’ts
Do: Hold the leash properly

Make sure you are always holding the leash the correct way. Your hand should be through the loop and holding the leash itself. This gives you more control and reduces the chance of dropping the leash if the dog pulls.

Do: let your dog be a dog on walks.

This doesn’t mean they should have full control of their walk, but they should be given the chance to sniff, stretch, and roll in the grass if they’d like

Do: check your dog over before and after their walk.

Before heading out, be sure that your dog is looking and acting normally. After walking, check them over again for pain or injury. Don’t forget to inform the staff if you see an issue.

Do: pay attention to your surroundings.

Always be on the lookout for potential hazards to you and/or your dog. This includes other dogs and people who may approach you.

Don’t: approach strange dogs and people.

Not all dogs are mannerly or friendly with unfamiliar dogs and people. Skirmishes can be easily avoided by allowing pets to have their space when they need it.

Don’t: let your dog off his/her leash.

While outside, dogs should be leashed at all times to avoid potential problems or injuries to themselves, other dogs or humans.

Meeting a Dog For the First Time: Dos and Don’ts

Do: Let the dog approach you

When meeting a dog, it’s important to be calm and go slow. Your first instinct may be to run towards the dog with open arms, but not so fast! Approaching a dog in this way may startle them, and it can come off as intimidating. Instead, hold a natural stance, and allow the dog to come to you. You want to avoid coming across as fearful, however, as this can lead the dog to be defensive. Be careful, yet confident, when meeting a dog for the first time.

Do: Let the dog sniff you

Introducing yourself to a new dog is all about understanding the dog’s instincts. Dogs have an extremely keen sense of smell. They use scent to understand, and make decisions about, their environment. In just a few sniffs, a dog can get a feel for the gender, health, and even the history of another dog. When a dog sniffs a person, they can determine whether that person has a dog of their own, where in the neighborhood the person might live, and more. They can also pick up on a person’s unique scent to jog their memory as to whether and when they’ve met before! To let a dog sniff you, don’t extend your hand to their face. Instead, let the dog approach you and sniff your hand on their own terms.

Don’t: Pet him on the head

When first meeting a dog, always take care to respect their boundaries. Petting on the head can be threatening for a dog, especially when the person petting them is a complete stranger. Rather than reach for his head right away, start by petting them gently on their back or shoulders. Then, you can work your way towards their face if they are comfortable with it.

Do: Pay attention to body language

Just like humans, dogs communicate through body language. When it comes to decoding dog body language, we have a few tips. In general, things like a curved body, wagging tail, and excitedly circling around you is a good sign; it means they want to get to know you. Bowing down with front legs extended is a gesture that says “Play with me!”. Watch out for anything that could indicate an aggressive or threatening mood, like showing teeth or a stiff, erect tail. It’s also important to note that all dogs react differently to stress. Some may express discomfort or anxiety by licking their lips or yawning. This is considered normal behavior for a dog who is put in a stressful or unfamiliar situation.

Do: Use a calm, low voice when meeting a dog

It’s common for people to use “baby talk” when first meeting a dog but the correct way to approach a dog is to speak in your normal voice. Keep it calm and low. Using a higher pitched voice can signal weakness as well as stress out the dog. Establish your relationship right from the start by emanating confidence and respect for any new dog you meet.

Reading a cat’s body language