Volunteer Positions

Walking Dogs or Socializing Cats

This is a great way for the sheltered friends to get some fresh air, exercise, and hands on attention. When staff and volunteers walk the dogs, we try to work in a bit of obedience training. We've found that if everyone is consistant in handling the dogs, and if the dogs are encouraged to walk nicely each time they go out, they have a better chance of getting adopted. Walkers are needed Monday through Saturday, and can be scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Visiting with the cats gives them a chance to stretch, play, be introduced to grooming, and just plain old snuggling.

Requirements: No physical disabilities, need to be patient and have compassion toward animals, and an understanding of animal behavior and how to work with them is helpful. Following the dress code is a must. Orientation is needed prior to working with sheltered pets. New volunteers also receive on-the-job training with a shelter staff person.

Kennel or Catroom Cleaning

This involves the heavy-duty cleaning / disinfecting of the sheltered animals' cages/kennels each morning. Clean cages are important for the health of the animals, and a tidy cage and fresh bed lessens the stress factor for each animal by making their area a bit more comfortable. Volunteer help is needed Monday through Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. If you like to clean, this may be just the job for you!

Requirements: No physical disabilities, need to be patient with animals and have a high tolerance for noise and odor, following the dress code is a must, plus providing your own waterproof footwear is necessary to clean the kennel. Proper use of safety equipment is required. Orientation is needed prior to working with sheltered pets. New volunteers also receive on-the-job training with a shelter staff person.

Office Worker

If you'd like to help, but would prefer not to work directly with the animals, we always have some type of office jobs available. Copying literature for school presentations, putting together adoption packets, filing, addressing and stuffing envelopes, etc., etc...

Requirements: Neatness and accuracy is important, confidentiality is a must. Orientation is needed prior to working in the office. New volunteers also receive on-the-job training with a shelter staff person.

Fund Raisers

Throughout the year we have many fund raisers and can always use help. Tasks can vary greatly from: helping with the newsletter, making signs/posters, working on floats for parades, baking or providing goods for sale, selling raffle tickets, manning booths, cooking or serving at the Santa Breakfast, and the list goes on and on. Participating in a fund raiser can be done either behind the scenes or working directly with the public.

Requirements: Pleasant personality, dependability, ability to follow directions. Must attend an orientation session or fund-raiser meetings. On-the-job training with shelter staff or board members.

Other

If you have any type of professional skill such as: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, dog and cat grooming, grant writing, sales, artistry, public speaking, etc., etc., etc. We need you! Volunteers play a vital role in everything we do. If you have any questions, would like more information, or have a great new idea, contact UPAWS at 475-6661 or drop a line to: P.O. Box 968, Marquette MI 49855.