Volunteer Development
Maintaining an effective and engaged volunteer workforce is a priority for The Anti-Cruelty Society.
Not only do we want to involve volunteers in day to day operations - we also want to give them the tools necessary for development and promotion.
Volunteer development is a process that begins at orientation and continues through the end of a volunteer's service. Volunteer development benefits everyone by:
Promoting Retention:
Meeting the personal goals of each volunteer increases satisfaction and leads to greater retention.
Improving Effectiveness:
Well-trained volunteers provide high quality, high impact service and increase the value of the volunteer programs to the organization.
Improving Organizational Quality:
Highly competent volunteers significantly improve the quality of services provided to visitors and clients.
Increasing Volunteer Knowledge:
Volunteers learn more about the animals and community they're serving when they partake in development opportunities.
If you're looking to develop your skills for personal or professional reasons, consider the following opportunities:
Educational Videos
The Anti-Cruelty Society provides supplemental video trainings that will not only improve a volunteer's skills within their program - they will also develop knowledge beyond shelter use. Click on the following topics to be re-routed to trainings posted on our YouTube channel.
- Body Language & Behavior - Cats (Required)
- Body Language & Behavior - Dogs (Required)
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Ectoparasites
- Dog Enrichment
- How-To: Harnessing a Dog
- History of The Anti-Cruelty Society
- Volunteer Guides Adoption Follow-Up Training
Additional Resources from the Web
Cross-Training
If you are looking to hone in your handling skills, learn about animal medicine, or delve into behavior, consider cross-training! Volunteers can cross-train into as many programs as they like. The only requirement is that they log 25 hours in each program before moving onto the next. To see a list of programs currently available click here. To schedule your cross-training section contact the Volunteer Department.
Become a Mentor
Have you been volunteering in your program for a year and would love to take new volunteers under your wing? Consider becoming a volunteer mentor! Mentors receive special badges that designate their status so that new shelter helpers know who to turn to with questions. Mentors are required to schedule their volunteer shifts in advance and are also included on a special operations e-mail list to help with department development. If you're interested in advancing to this level, contact the Volunteer Department.
Join the Training Team
We are always looking for additional volunteer Trainers! If you know your program inside and out and can commit to at least two training sessions a month - contact the Volunteer Department to move into this prestigious volunteer role.
