Volunteer Information

Become a Volunteer at SMAS

Are you interested in helping homeless animals? Do you like to walk dogs, cuddle cats, or bathe puppies? If you are looking for a truly rewarding volunteer experience that will make you AND some very deserving pets feel good, then we have just the opportunity you've been looking for- become a volunteer at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter!

To become a SMAS volunteer, you will need to attend a volunteer orientation session. Orientation sessions will be held the third Saturday of every month at the Oskaloosa Public Library from 10 -11:00 AM. Orientation dates for 2005 are: January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19., and December 17.

At orientation, you will learn about our Shelter and the various volunteer opportunities available. You will also be given an opportunity to fill out a volunteer application at that time. Volunteers ages 13 years and under must attend an orientation with an adult parent or guardian and have the direct supervision of that adult parent or guardian at all times when volunteering. Volunteers ages 14-18 years may attend orientation on their own and volunteer on their own but need parental/guardian authorization to do so.

Volunteer Positions Available:

· Dog Walker/Socializer: Walk adoptable shelter dogs on the community bike path or just play in the yard. Provide much needed individual attention to the dogs.

· Dog Kennel Assistant: Assist shelter staff in cleaning the dog kennels and feeding and watering the adoptable shelter dogs and puppies. Must be available Tues.-Sat. from 9 AM - 11 AM or 4PM - 5PM ( 2PM - 3PM Sat.)

· Cat Room Assistant: Assist shelter staff in cleaning the cat condos and feeding and watering the adoptable shelter cats and kittens. Must be available Tues.- Sat. from 9 AM - 11 AM or 4PM - 5PM ( 2PM - 3PM Sat.)

· Cat Cuddler: Spend one on one time with the cats and kittens available for adoption. Brushing, cuddling and playing with the felines is required.

· Dog Walker/Socializer: Walk adoptable shelter dogs on the community bike path or just play in the yard. Provide much needed individual attention to the dogs.

· Dog Bathing/Medical Assistant: Spend some time bathing and brushing adoptable shelter dogs and puppies. You will also assist shelter staff as needed while they perform routine medical testing or vaccinations on shelter dogs and/or cats.

· Pet Picture Takers: Take photos of adoptable cats, kittens, puppies, and dogs using the shelter's digital camera. The photos are used on the Petfinder website and the Channel 12 cable ads. A team of two volunteers is ideal.

· Clerical: Assist shelter staff in compiling and updating adoption folders for each adoptable shelter pet. Writing thank you cards and computer input are also included in this much needed position!

· Pet Visits to Care Centers: Take shelter pets to visit local care centers. This is a day brightener for the residents, pets, and volunteers!

· Pet Poster Delivery: Every two weeks, pick up pet posters with pictures of available adoptable shelter dogs and cats and deliver them to local merchants for display.

· Donation Canister Monitor: Place the shelter's four donation canisters in local area businesses, rotating them every week or two. The canisters help raise both funds and awareness of the Shelter.

· Humane Educators: Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter will be developing humane education programs to present to schools and community groups. We are looking for people who enjoy speaking and are interested in sharing information on topics including the importance of spaying and neutering, responsible pet care, and dog bite prevention.

· Special Events Help: Volunteers are needed to help with regular events including: Gourmet Double Chocolate Caramel Apple production and sales in February, the Summer Paw-ty in June, MADWAG (Mahaska Annual Dog Walk and Games) in September, and the Lighted Christmas Parade living window in December.

If you have any questions about volunteering, please send an email to Kristina C. Schobey, the Volunteer Coordinator, at K_Schobey@goowy.com. We look forward to meeting you!