Volunteers are essential to the success of ODAS. They provide additional manpower to help us get the daily chores accomplished as well as enrich the lives of the animals in our care. They are ambassadors for the organization. Attire for all positions is long pants, sensible closed-toed shoes and a T-shirt. Wear warm clothes as needed and rubber boots if assisting with any cleaning process or walking dogs on a rainy day. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum.

 

Volunteer Positions:

 

Dog Walker

Walking is most needed in the morning hours and mid-afternoon so the dogs can relieve themselves outside of their kennels, experience human interaction and get exercise. Each dog may take 10-15 minutes depending on the dog, and it's encouraged to spend at least that amount of time with each dog (and longer if possible). 

 

You will receive instruction from staff regarding rules and practices.  Dogs should be on leash from the moment they exit the kennel until they are returned to the kennel.  There are exercise pens that can be utilized with proper instruction from staff wherein the dogs can be off-leash (one dog per pen) inside the pens only.  Dogs should never be brought nose-to-nose and should be walked according to the path and direction outlined by the Animal Care Technician to ensure dogs do not come together unexpectedly. Use Exit and Enter doors as instructed. All attention should be placed on the dog. Cell phones should never be used while interacting with a dog.  Always be prepared, and pick up after each dog (bags provided). 

 

Cat Lover

Spend quality time in the cat room playing, petting, and holding cats. Engage them in interactive play with balls, “fishing lines” and other toys. Talk to them, play music or sing. Staff will provide instruction on policies for safety and cleanliness when visiting the cat room.  

 

Shelter Helper

This involves basic cleaning tasks in the public building only and can be in the morning or afternoon hours.  Tasks could include washing dishes, sweeping, mopping, basic cleaning, project cleaning, etc.  You will be instructed by a staff member on how to complete any assigned tasks.

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Event Assistant

Volunteers may be asked to help with events onsite or offsite in Johnson County.  Tasks could include set-up, break-down, animal handling support and interaction with the public.  These volunteers will be instructed by staff as to their duties for each event.

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Note: Volunteers should never speak officially on behalf of ODAS in any public venue, including social media.  Negative representation of ODAS or Johnson County will be cause for immediate dismissal.  A current Volunteer Application and Waiver must be completed and on file, and a photo ID is required.