Volunteer Opportunities
NOTE: These positions may not all be open at all times.
To apply for any volunteer position, you may ask for an application at
the shelter (3205 W. Hwy. 30, Kearney) or watch this website for orientation
and training times. A volunteer application is also available in Adobe
Acrobat format by clicking here. Due to liability issues, children
under 15 are not allowed to volunteer at the shelter.
Volunteers are asked to dress comfortably, wearing jeans and tennis shoes. Please no alcohol t-shirts or clothes with inappropriate slogans.
Kennel Assistant
Volunteer Job Description
- Clean kennels, following protocols set forth by Shelter Manager. Maintain sanitation and health of animals.
- Exercise, socialize and feed animals in kennel areas.
- Assist kennel staff with duties such as cleaning windows, floors, washing dishes, food prep, etc.
- Greet all visitors and direct them to appropriate kennel areas or staff members.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the Shelter Manager and requires the ability and desire to handle and work with animals, good communication and listening skills. The ability to follow written and oral directions is critical, as is the ability to work independently.
Retail Shop Volunteer
Volunteer Job Description
- Meet and greet customers.
- Offer advice and assist customers with purchases.
- Use cash register to account for purchase.
- Keep shop clean and neat.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the Administrative Assistant and requires additional training beyond the basic volunteer class. This position requires the ability to handle money – some previous experience is highly desirable. A working knowledge of animals and their basic needs will also be helpful, as will good communication and listening skills.
Adoption Counselor
Volunteer Job Description
- Counsel potential adopters regarding choice of animals.
- Supervise the handling of animals by the public.
- Accurate matching of animal tags and records.
- Assist with Kennel Assistant duties.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the Administrative Assistant and requires additional training beyond the basic volunteer class. This position requires the ability and desire to handle and work with animals, good communication and listening skills. The ability to be consistent in the public interview process and excellent handwriting skills are critical.
Canine Specialist
Volunteer Job Description
- Socialize, train, walk and play with adoptable
dogs.
- Teach volunteer classes about canine behavior
and training methods.
- Evaluate dogs and puppies for Meet Your
Match Program.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the Shelter Manager and requires additional training beyond the basic volunteer class. This position requires expert knowledge in canine behavior, training methods and a complete understanding of the Meet Your Match evaluation tests. Your comments will be solicited for cage card comments for public viewing.
Feline Specialist
Volunteer Job Description
- Socialize, train and play with adoptable
cats.
- Teach volunteer classes about feline behavior and
training methods.
- Evaluate cats and kittens for Meet Your
Match Program.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the Shelter Manager and requires additional training beyond the basic volunteer class. This position requires expert knowledge in feline behavior, training methods and a complete understanding of the Meet Your Match evaluation tests. Your comments will be solicited for cage card comments for public viewing.
Special Event Volunteer
Volunteer Job Description
- Provide support for set-up of special
events.
- Assist with activities during special
events.
- Manage tear-down and pack-up after
special events.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the chair of the particular special event. Duties may include meeting and greeting public as they arrive as well as assisting with everything from food service to animal adoptions. Certain phases of this position may require additional training beyond the basic volunteer class.
Humane Educator
Volunteer Job Description
- Provide educational programs to groups
and individuals, both in-house and as out-reach.
- Offer brief, informational programs at out-reach programs
and in-house during busy times.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the Administrative Assistant and is the perfect job for a trained educator. Shelter tours and classroom presentations are samples of this position. Additional groups that might request programs would be church groups or scouting groups. This position may require additional training beyond the basic volunteer class. Materials will be provided as necessary.
Education Specialist
Volunteer Job Description
- Plan educational programs for any
age group for presentation by other volunteers or staff.
- Develop educational materials for use
in classrooms.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position reports directly to the Administrative Assistant and is the perfect job for a trained teacher. Educational programs are needed for all age groups on a variety of topics, including Avoiding Dog Bites, Grooming Your Dog, etc. This position may require additional training beyond the basic volunteer class. Materials will be provided as necessary.