VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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The Connecticut Humane Society offers an array of opportunities for volunteers to become involved.  Specific information about our different volunteer opportunities and their requirements is available below.    * General Volunteer Requirements * Animal Care / Socialization * Foster Care * Pet Facilitated Therapy * Administrative Office Aide * Veterinary Student Internships * Fox Memorial Clinic Opportunities * Volunteer Opportunities for Kids * Volunteer Promotion Opportunities

GENERAL VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

All prospective volunteers must submit a Volunteer Application for consideration.  The Connecticut Humane Society receives a large volume of volunteer applications. Unfortunately, we are not able to take on every volunteer that applies. Selected applicants will need to participate in a thorough interview and training process, provide proof of active health insurance, and sign a release agreement.


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

	ANIMAL CARE/SOCIALIZATION Volunteers assist with walking dogs, cuddling cats, grooming, and cleaning. Volunteers in this position must be at least 18 years old, be in good physical condition, have active health insurance, and be comfortable handling all types of animals. Volunteers must attend a hands-on training, and must comply with our animal-handling policies. Volunteers must be able to commit to the program for a minimum of six-months, for at least two hours per week, on a set-schedule.
	FOSTER CARE Volunteers temporarily care for animals in their own homes until they are ready for adoption. Foster Care volunteers provide individualized care and socialization for some of our most needy shelter animals, including infant puppies and kittens, pregnant animals, animals recovering from surgery or illness, and animals that require minor behavior modification and/or socialization. The Connecticut Humane Society will provide basic supplies and veterinary care for the foster animal(s) during their foster period. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to apply for this position, but children may participate with their families. Foster Care volunteers must attend a training/orientation, must be able to comply with our Foster Care policies, must be able to keep foster animals separate from owned pets, must have reliable transportation, and must provide proof of active health insurance, a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and homeowner's or renter's insurance. Renters must also provide a letter from their landlord stating that they are allowed to have pets.
	PET FACILITATED THERAPY (Available at our Newington shelter only.) Volunteers bring a pet to visit people in a variety of therapeutic settings including nursing homes, group homes, mental health programs, and youth programs. Volunteers participating in Pet Therapy may use their own pet for visits if the pet passes a temperament test and training sessions. Volunteers also have the option of visiting with therapy rabbits provided by CT Humane. Volunteers must be 18 years old to apply for this program. Mature children over the age of 9 may accompany their parents on these visits. Volunteers must also provide proof of a valid driver's license and auto insurance, and will need to provide their own transportation to and from visits. Visits occur Monday-Friday between the hours of 10AM and 4PM. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of two visits per month. Volunteers must attend a general orientation as well as two training visits before conducting solo visits. All volunteers that participate must be comfortable serving people with various health and behavioral concerns.
	ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AIDE (Available at our Newington shelter only.) Volunteers assist in our administrative offices with record keeping, mailings, filing, data entry, and other office duties as assigned. This position does not involve animal contact, and is suitable for persons over the age of 16. Volunteers must be available to help during our regular administrative hours (Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM), and must be able to commit to a minimum of two hours per week on a set schedule for at least six months. Volunteers must attend a general volunteer orientation.
	VETERINARY STUDENT INTERNSHIPS This program is only available to students who require hands-on experience to complete a program in the field of Veterinary Medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Technichian). Interns will work alongside our veterinary staff and will perform functions appropriate to their degree  program, in addition to basic animal care. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, must be in good physical condition, and must be comfortable handling all types of animals. Scheduling and internship length will be dependent on course requirements.
	FOX MEMORIAL CLINIC OPPORTUNITIES (Available at our Newington shelter only.) Volunteers work alongside the staff of our Fox Memorial Clinic to provide low-cost veterinary services for people in financial need. Volunteers assist with vaccination clinics, reception duties, and basic animal care and cleaning. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and be comfortable working with all types of people and animals. Volunteers must attend a general Volunteer orientation. On-the-job training will also be provided. Scheduling will be dependent on the volunteer position.
	VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS Both our Foster Care and Pet Facilitated Therapy programs are suitable for persons under the age of 18, with parental supervision. Additionally, teens that are 16 and older can volunteer independently from their parents as an Administrative/Office Aide at our Newington Headquarters. Each summer, we also take on one volunteer, age 16 or older, to assist with our Kindness Club Summer program during the months of July and August. Additionally, children are always encouraged to support CT Humane by arranging a supply collection or a fundraiser to benefit the animals. For a complete list of supplies that we accept, please view our Wish List.

VOLUNTEER PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES

The Connecticut Humane Society offers additional opportunities, or "promotions" for our existing volunteers. Volunteers may be asked to complete an application to be considered for the position. Additional training may be required. Current advancement opportunities are as follows:

	Special Events Throughout the year, the Society participates in special events to promote adoptions, and to educate the public about our mission and our services. Volunteers assist at these events by highlighting our adoptable animals, and speaking to the public about our organization. All existing volunteers are invited to participate in our special events on an as-needed basis.
	Shelter-Dog Training Volunteers attend a training course conducted by our behaviorist. Upon completion, volunteers commit to working with our most difficult dogs to halt unwanted behaviors and to instill good manners. This training helps to make the dogs more "adoptable." Positive reinforcement methods are used.
	Volunteer Adoption Counselor Volunteers assist our staff with greeting customers, conducting adoption interviews, matching customers with appropriate pets, and finalizing adoptions.
	Maternity Ward Caregiver Volunteers receive additional training to work in our Maternity Ward to provide care for our pregnant cats and infant kittens.
	Medical Department Volunteers Volunteers work alongside our medical staff to provide basic care for our animals undergoing medical treatment and recovery.
	Customer Service Volunteers Volunteers receive additional training to assist our staff with greeting customers, answering basic questions about the adoption process, and other administrative duties as needed.
	Board of Directors Membership Volunteers can apply to serve on the Connecticut Humane Society or Fox Memorial Clinic Board of Directors. Openings for these positions are advertised on an as-needed basis.
	Apply for a Volunteer Position at the Branch nearest you: Newington We are currently accepting applications for Foster Care. If you are interested in any other volunteer opportunities please check back with us at a future date. updated 10/16/09 Newington Application Waterford We are currently accepting applications for Foster Care. If you are interested in any other volunteer opportunities please check back with us at a future date. updated 10/16/09 Waterford Application Westport We are currently accepting applications for Animal Care/Socialization on weekdays, and Foster Care - Adult Cats and Dogs, Nursing Moms. If you are interested in any other volunteer opportunities please check back with us at a future date. updated 10/16/09 Westport Application