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Volunteer Opportunities
OC Animal Care
Our volunteer program continues to grow and is a necessary part
of everyday life at OC Animal Care. Serving as a volunteer
is extremely rewarding, educational and fun. Animal Care
Services volunteers are committed, caring individuals who
positively impact the lives of our animals. The valuable support
and service they provide is truly appreciated by the animals,
staff and visitors.
If
you are searching for a rewarding experience and love working
with and for animals, we invite you to join OC Animal Care
volunteer team. Volunteer opportunities are available seven days
a week. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (see below for
opportunities available to minors).
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
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Dog Walker -
Volunteers walk and exercise shelter dogs that are available for
adoption. Through exercise, dog walkers provide adoptable dogs’
human contact, mental stimulation and basic command training.
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Cat Socializer -
Volunteers socialize available shelter cats. Through
socializing, volunteers improve the quality of their lives and
better prepare them for adoption into loving homes.
-
Greeter -
Volunteers greet and offer assistance to the public at Animal
Care Services front gate. Greeters are a visitor’s first contact
with OC Animal Care and through their warm greeting and
courtesy may influence a person’s decision to adopt from Animal
Care Services.
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Mobile Adoption/Special Events -
Volunteers assist staff in educating citizens about the services
provided by OC Animal Care at local fairs, festivals and
mobile adoption events.
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Clerical Support -
Volunteers assist customer services staff by preparing adoption
packets that offer insightful information to ease the transition
of an adopted pet into a new environment.
-
Bather/Groomer -
Volunteers bathe and groom shelter dogs to create quality
bonding time between themselves and the dogs and increase a
dog’s adoptability.
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Foster Caretaker -
Volunteers provide temporary care to young, injured, abused or
under-socialized animals. Volunteers return their foster animals
when they are deemed suitable for adoption by Animal Care
Services Clinic staff. The volunteer is responsible for all
expenses incurred while fostering. Prospective foster caretakers
must submit a Foster Application.
For more information about becoming a Foster Caretaker for
underage animals, please attend one of the following
informational seminars. These seminars will be held at Animal
Care Services, 561 The City Drive South, Orange. Seminars will
last 30 minutes.
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Saturday, April 19 at 10:30 am
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Saturday, May 17 at 10:30 am
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Saturday, June 21 at 10:30 am
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Saturday, July 19 at 10:30 am
VOLUNTEER SELECTION
OC Animal Care requires that
all potential volunteers go through an extensive selection
process. This process ensures that OC Animal Care is
selecting volunteers that best fit the needs of the program and
understand the unique environment in which they will work. The
selection process may take up to two months. Please note that
applicants will be selected based on the current needs of Animal
Care Services.
Time Commitment
OC Animal Care requests that you commit to a minimum of
eight hours per month for three months. This commitment ensures
that the program will operate smoothly and that the maximum
benefit is derived for the animals. Please advise us in writing if
you are unable to make the time commitment for a given month.
Training
OC Animal Care will provide training to all volunteers.
Volunteers are required to complete the training for each position
in which they are selected to serve.
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS
Volunteer orientations are held the
first Saturday and Wednesday of each quarter. Orientation
usually takes about 1½ to 2 hours. ALL POTENTIAL VOLUNTEERS MUST
ATTEND. Orientation is held at OC Animal Care, 561 The
City Drive South, Orange
2008 Volunteer Orientation Dates
Saturday, January 5 at 10:00
am
Wednesday, January 9 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, April 5 at 10:00 am
Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, July 2 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 5 at 10:00 am
Wednesday, October 1 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 am
For more information on our
Volunteer Program, contact our Volunteer Coordinator: (714)
935-6194.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINORS
Animal Control Explorer Post 538
Are you between the ages of 14 and 21 and interested in a career
that involves the handling of animals? If you are considering a
career in animal care, animal training, animal control, veterinary
medicine, or law enforcement as a K9 police officer, then our
Explorer Post might be just the thing to get you started. Please
view our Explorer Flyer [pdf
file] for more information.
For more information on the OCAC
Explorer Post Program, contact the OCAC Explorer Post Coordinator
at (714) 935-6901
Special Projects
OC Animal Care is always looking for individuals or
organizations (Scout Troops, School Groups, Religious
Organizations, etc.) that are unable to volunteer at the shelter
to complete special projects. These projects may include
decorating the animals’ cages and collecting much needed items
such as blankets.
If you would like to make a
donation or obtain additional information about our special
projects, please contact our Public Education Officer at:
(714) 935-6301.
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