Volunteering

Canine Adoption and Rescue League is run almost entirely by volunteers, which means that volunteers are an important and integral part of our program.

We welcome those who wish to participate with the League's programs.

There are many different tasks that volunteers can help with, some of our volunteer positions include:

• Adoption Counselors are responsible for reviewing all adoption applications, and conducting adoption application interviews with the applicants.

• Kennel Assistants are to ensure that all dogs have adequate water and that the dog's cages and exercise pens are clean and dry at all times. They are also responsible for showing and walking dogs during the adoption day. Responsibilities also include helping perspective adopters and answering any questions they might have.

• Dog Walkers/Socializers are needed at our kennel/boarding facility in Santa Paula. Those wishing to volunteer at the kennel should inform the Volunteer Coordinator at the Volunteer Orientation.

Becoming a Volunteer

Those desiring to volunteer must be at least 12 years old and must attend a volunteer orientation first. Volunteer orientations are given every 3rd Saturday of the month. The next orientation will be Saturday, September 18, at 2:00 PM at our adoption center. Please be on time. Late arrivals will have to attend the next orientation date. Orientations last between an hour and an hour and a half. You do not have to pre-register to attend the volunteer orientation.

• The orientation will explain Canine Adoption and Rescue League's mission, describe its activities and the volunteer opportunities available.

• Also covered at this orientation, are the "dos" and "don'ts" of interacting with the public and adoptable dogs.

• Either before or during the orientation each prospective volunteer must complete a detailed Volunteer Questionnaire, which seeks information on the volunteer's history with animals, his or her particular areas of current interest in working with rescued animals, and where the volunteer could be most useful to the Canine Adoption and Rescue League.

• During the volunteer's initial shift at Adoption Day, one will be paired with an experienced volunteer, who will conduct "on-the-job" training in dog handling, kennel maintenance, and fulfilling all of the responsibilities required of the position to which the volunteer is assigned.

We hope that you will decide to join Canine Adoption and Rescue League's volunteer staff. Your support and time given to C.A.R.L. will help save and enrich a dog's life!