Volunteer Orientation
Time:
7:00 pm***
*** Out of respect to those in attendance, anyone arriving more than 10 minutes late should plan to attend the next orientation.
Click here to view our upcoming events for future volunteer orientation dates
Location:
Animals In Distress
5075 Limeport Pike
Coopersburg, PA 18036
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN VOLUNTEERING AT ANIMALS IN DISTRESS?
After your orientation, dog walking and cat socialization takes place on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. This is a fun way to help – great exercise for you and our resident dogs and cats.
In addition to dog walking and cat socialization, other volunteering opportunities are available – fund raising, landscaping, manning event booths, etc. For more information about help we might need, visit the volunteer page of our web site.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
Everyone! All interested volunteers who are able and willing to make a consistent commitment are welcome.
Children 8 years and older may volunteer, and children under the age of 16 must volunteer with an adult (parent or guardian). Adults supervising child volunteers must supervise a maximum of two children per adult and be in proximity to the children at all times. Children are encouraged to volunteer in such areas as fundraising, baking, cat kennel socializing, and yard work. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to volunteer in the dog kennel, which includes walking dogs. All volunteers wishing to work in either cat or dog kennels must have a current (with the current year of starting to volunteer) photo identification if they are 16 years or older.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE ORIENTATION?
At the orientation, we introduce you to our sanctuary and explain some of the many volunteer opportunities available. Orientation generally lasts one hour. Please be prepared to sign paperwork. You can get a headstart by downloading the Volunteer Form and bringing it along to the orientation. Also, please bring your calendar so that you are prepared to sign up for specific training to volunteer in the dog kennel or cat kennel. We like to go over a few safety procedures and get to know you during your first few visits. To volunteer in either kennel, you should be able to attend multiple Monday night training/socializing sessions at the shelter. Anyone under age 18 will need a parent to attend orientation with them to sign paperwork.
Visit our calendar to check for upcoming orientation dates.
Community service, school projects, scout projects, etc.?
These types of activities must be done through fundraising, special projects, etc., and are not part of volunteer activities as defined within the volunteer program. Those interested in these categories should submit a written description of their project ideas, schedule for completion of tasks, and all other paperwork, and then their request will be discussed by the volunteer coordinator and appropriate personnel and a decision will be made about the project.
RSVP?
Please RSVP by the Monday prior to the orientation date. We like to be prepared by knowing the approximate number of people attending the orientation. Call the kennel at 610-966-9383, select mailbox #8 (it is not announced, just hit “8” when the message begins). Leave your name, number and the names of any children and adults that you are bringing with you. Or you can email us at [email protected].
We hope to see you there!