become
a volunteer
The
Animal Refuge League relies on
volunteers to help fulfill our
mission of providing care to stray,
abandoned and surrendered animals. Volunteers
are involved with many aspects
of our shelter's operations and
contribute greatly towards improving
an experience of our guests and
easing their transition into a
new home.
requirements
Volunteers
must be 16 years of age or older, or
13 years of age if accompanied by a parent
or guardian. For ways that children
under 13 can get involved, please e-mail
us @ cmackinnon@arlgp.org.
All volunteers must be covered by their
own health insurance.
We
ask that interested individuals be willing
to commit to a minimum of two hours per
week for a six-month time period.
most
needed
- General Shelter Care
Assist with general laundry, cleaning, dishes, mopping
floors, windows, organizing our storage areas, restocking
supplies, etc.
- Cat Caregiver
Assist with the general care of the cats, such
as cleaning cages, checking food and water supply, grooming, and socializing
the animals
through
affection
and play. WE NEED HELP CLEANING IN THE CAT ADOPTION ROOMS BEFORE WE OPEN!
- Critter Care
Assist with cleaning cages for
our rabbits and small animals. Spend
time socializing, and getting them accustomed
to being handled. Maintain cleanliness
of the room and monitor food and water
supplies. WE NEED HELP CLEANING IN THE
CRITTER ROOM BEFORE WE OPEN!
other
opportunities
- Administrative Assistant
Help
with photocopying, mailings, filing,
data entry, and donation acknowledgments.
- Building and Grounds Maintenance
Working
on various projects such as painting,
changing light bulbs, and minor carpentry
jobs.
- Cat Adoption Counselor (must
be 18 yrs)
Assist potential adopters
with their selection of an appropriate
cat, and
explain adoption procedures. Supervise
the kennel areas and be
available to answer the public's general questions.
- Dog Walker (must be
16 yrs)
Help to socialize/exercise the dogs in our care by walking them
on our mile-long groomed trail system, and help to improve basic
manners.
Assist kennel staff with monitoring the public kennels for cleanliness.
- Doggie R&R (must
be 16)
Help to lower the stress and
arousal level of the dogs by spending
some quiet time, reading to them in their kennels. Time is also
spent on improving general manners.
- Greeter
Welcome the public. Answer basic
questions and direct them to the
adoption kennels. Receive in-kind
donations and write out
receipts.
- Humane Education
Assist with presentations to local schools and community organizations.
- Foster Home Provider
Foster homes are essential to our success as a shelter. We need
committed individuals to care for mothers and their kittens
or orphaned kittens
in their homes until they are old enough for adoption (8 weeks
of age). We also need foster homes for underage puppies or
dogs who
are in need of respite from the stress of the kennels, or in
need of recuperation from a medical ailment. *There is a separate
orientation
for this program, please call for dates.*Please note
that our Foster Home Program is separate from our in-house
volunteer program.
Click on the link to the right for more information about fostering.
- Special Events
Assist with information booths and adoption promotion events at various stores
and help with fundraising events. Shifts are primarily on the weekends
and usually involve a 3-5 hour shift. This position requires excellent
customer service skills. Lifting is required. You must have your own
vehicle, a valid
driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Veterinary Drivers
Take animals to and from surgery appointments
in the Greater Portland area. Our
need is Monday – Friday from 7:30
a.m. and late afternoon pick-ups. Must
be able to use own vehicle. Animals
are crated for transport.
Ready to become
a volunteer? Volunteer orientations
are held monthly for individuals whose interests
and availability match our needs.
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community
service
Mandated community service is a great way to get people involved in giving
back to the community. The Animal Refuge League welcomes individuals
seeking to do community service for school requirements or for certain
individuals
over 18 in need of court mandated community service (call for details).
Placement for less than 35 hours of service is limited to a general shelter
care position (no direct animal care is available). If interested, please
submit a
community
service application. If
you have questions please call 854-9771 ext 325,
or e-mail us at cmackinnon@arlgp.org.
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Stephanie Umbro
Stephanie has
been volunteering at ARL for several years
now and has been invaluable to us in many
ways. Although critter care is her specialty,
she will do whatever needs to be done from
laundry to helping with our first annual
PIGNIC. She'll always fill in in a pinch
and go the extra mile to make sure the
critters get what they need. For her unyielding
dedication and support, we name Stepanie
Umbro our
Volunteer of the Month!
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volunteer
applications available at orientations.
Are you ready for orientation? Download
this flyer
Next Orientation:
Wednesday, March 3, 5:30-6:45pm
Walker Memorial Library
800 Main St., Westbrook
No reservation required
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