Lewisville Leader > News
Animal shelter to begin volunteer program
By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@starlocalnews.com
Nearly a year after opening its new state-of-the-art facility, the Lewisville Animal Shelter will begin its inaugural volunteer program.
"We've had quite a few applications turned in so far," said Laura Wise, animal services supervisor. "There's no limit to how many volunteers we'll take - we could use all the help we can get."
Wise said the intent of the program is to allow the community an opportunity to be part of the shelter's daily operations, raise awareness of animals needing homes, positively impact the rate of adoptions and improve relationships with residents. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and minors will need signed parental consent.
Residents interested in volunteering should go to the shelter at 995 E. Valley Ridge Blvd., across from Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park, during regular business hours to pick up an application packet. Once the city of Lewisville completes the background check, they will be invited to a volunteer orientation at the shelter.
Wise said the first orientation will take place at 11 a.m. March 30. After orientation, residents will be able to select their job from a pre-made list. The positions include:
Dog work:
* Adoption counselor
* Exerciser/socializer
* Cage attendant (cleaning, treats, blankets, etc.)
* Photographer
* Groomer
Cat work:
* Adoption counselor
* Socializer/groomer
* Cage attendant (cleaning, treats, blankets, etc.)
* Photographer
Shelter work:
* Reclaim lobby counter clerk/customer service
* Adoption lobby counter clerk/customer service
* Cleaning (laundry, workroom, bowls, litter boxes, windows, detail, courtyard maintenance)
Special events:
* Offsite adoption
"This is a very generic list we've put together. As the program grows, the list of jobs will change," Wise said. "Residents are welcome to sign up for the job they want."
Wise said each volunteer will receive specialized training from an animal shelter officer or staff member. She said all the jobs are simple tasks around the shelter and training shouldn't take more than a day.
Volunteers are asked to work at least five hours per month,
"We'll take what we can get with volunteers," Wise said. "We're excited to get some help around here. It's been a long time coming."
The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1-5 p.m. Saturday.
For information call 972-219-3478 or visit www.petfinder.com.
"We've had quite a few applications turned in so far," said Laura Wise, animal services supervisor. "There's no limit to how many volunteers we'll take - we could use all the help we can get."
Wise said the intent of the program is to allow the community an opportunity to be part of the shelter's daily operations, raise awareness of animals needing homes, positively impact the rate of adoptions and improve relationships with residents. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and minors will need signed parental consent.
Residents interested in volunteering should go to the shelter at 995 E. Valley Ridge Blvd., across from Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park, during regular business hours to pick up an application packet. Once the city of Lewisville completes the background check, they will be invited to a volunteer orientation at the shelter.
Wise said the first orientation will take place at 11 a.m. March 30. After orientation, residents will be able to select their job from a pre-made list. The positions include:
Dog work:
* Adoption counselor
* Exerciser/socializer
* Cage attendant (cleaning, treats, blankets, etc.)
* Photographer
* Groomer
Cat work:
* Adoption counselor
* Socializer/groomer
* Cage attendant (cleaning, treats, blankets, etc.)
* Photographer
Shelter work:
* Reclaim lobby counter clerk/customer service
* Adoption lobby counter clerk/customer service
* Cleaning (laundry, workroom, bowls, litter boxes, windows, detail, courtyard maintenance)
Special events:
* Offsite adoption
"This is a very generic list we've put together. As the program grows, the list of jobs will change," Wise said. "Residents are welcome to sign up for the job they want."
Wise said each volunteer will receive specialized training from an animal shelter officer or staff member. She said all the jobs are simple tasks around the shelter and training shouldn't take more than a day.
Volunteers are asked to work at least five hours per month,
"We'll take what we can get with volunteers," Wise said. "We're excited to get some help around here. It's been a long time coming."
The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1-5 p.m. Saturday.
For information call 972-219-3478 or visit www.petfinder.com.
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