Volunteer

The Facility Coordinator’s primary role is to ensure ARF’s Pad for Paws warehouse and public spaces are kept clean and orderly, the warehouse is organized according to other coordinators’ needs.

The Facility Coordinator’s responsibilities are the warehouse, training space, and public areas.

ARF follows the principle that our foster homes and those caring for ARF’s animals are trusted and should have open and easy access to goods in the warehouse to meet their needs, with the opportunity to take supplies as needed. ARF’s Warehouse coordinator will help facilitate this access to a large group of volunteers.

This role requires a highly flexible and dynamic individual in order to carry out a variety of duties including:

• Coordination and receiving of donations into the warehouse. Prior to accepting donations, confirmation with other coordinators to determine if these items are needed.
• Ensuring donations are organized (dog/cat supplies, blankets, towels)
• Maintaining food donation inventory, working with other coordinators to determine what meets their needs
• Keeping inventory of clean items available for headquarters and foster home use (linens, dog beds, bowls, collars, etc.)
• Identification of items overstocked or expiring; communicating this to the appropriate coordinators to determine next steps
• Liaising with Executive Director and Animal Program Director to provide details on items available in the warehouse
• Supporting overflow donation movement to other communities or rescues, as identified by the animal program coordinators
• Communication with other coordinators regarding facility needs and supply levels
• Cleaning and stocking supplies for ARF warehouse and office
• Keeping inventory of needed cleaning supplies (paper towel, bleach, cleaners, Prevail and other disinfectants for the warehouse and public areas, excluding quarantine space
• Coordinating or performing cleaning duties which include emptying garbage, vacuuming, mopping and cleaning up spilled pet food
• Carrying out or facilitating cleaning and sanitization of crates and areas for general use outside of the quarantine areas
• Recruiting and training volunteer assistance when needed
• Liaison with corporate and community groups volunteering at Pad for Paws and facilitate onsite volunteer activities

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please send a letter of interest to volunteering@arf.ca and why you are interested in this position. 

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below.

The Fundraising Team Leads are responsible for assisting the Fundraising Coordinator with enhancing revenue potential for ARF. The Fundraising Team Leads will assist in research and implement fundraising ideas and opportunities, as well as research and prospect relationships with sponsors. This role will directly contribute to increasing ARF’s capacity to help dogs & cats in need by supporting and shaping a key revenue stream.   

Responsibilities:

• Plan various fund development activities, including but not limited to: auctions, 50/50 draws, fundraisers with local businesses, etc.
• Explore new fund development opportunities
• Maintain the fundraising schedule
• Manage the fundraiser budget by tracking all funds raised and expenses incurred through fundraisers
• Work closely with the Volunteering Coordinator and Event Coordinator to organize volunteers for fundraisers, as needed
• Create/modify fundraising procedures and various administrative tasks
• Keep up-to-date on current fundraising programs and practices used in the non-profit sector 
• All volunteers must understand and follow ARF’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided

Requirements:

• Excellent leadership, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with fund development for non-profit organizations is an asset
• Access to internet and email as regular communication with volunteers and other Coordinators is required
• Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to travel to fundraisers and ARF’s Pad for Paws (NE, commercial district near the airport)
• Must be aware of and adhere to Imagine Canada’s Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code, ARF’s Code of Ethical Principles & Standards of Professional Practice, and AGLC’s Charitable Gaming Policies 
• Experience with Google Workplace (Gmail, Sheets, Drive, etc.), Square Point of Sale, and Better Impact is an asset

Benefits & Recognition:

Utilize your research and project management skills to provide a positive impact on the lives of rescued dogs and cats. This is a unique opportunity to support and directly shape a key revenue stream. This role is beneficial to individuals with an interest in gaining experience in the non-profit sector. Volunteers are highly valued members of the ARF team & make a significant contribution in ARF’s ability to protect animals in need.  

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a reference letter for their volunteer hours.

Time Commitment:

This position requires a minimum 6-month commitment. Hours per week/month will vary depending on the number of events and timing of the events each Event Lead is responsible for, which makes this a very flexible role. 

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please send a letter of interest to volunteering@arf.ca which outlines your experience and why you are interested in this position. 

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below.

Are you just getting started in the dog training industry and need hours for experience and certification? ARF is looking for volunteers for our Training & Enrichment Team. This position is ideal for anyone who has extensive dog handling experience and wants to work with shelter dogs or is in a reputable Dog Training Apprenticeship program and seeking hours for certification.

Requirements

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from a reputable Dog Training Apprenticeship program
• Alternately, you have extensive handling experience as a pet dog owner
• Ability and comfort working with dogs of all sizes and personalities
• Ability to take direction, follow instruction and enrichment calendar provided and stay current on training activities and plans
• Access to internet and the ability to send email updates after each shift completed
• Utilize only reward-based training practices
• Ability to commit to volunteering a minimum of one shift per week
• Ability to follow cleaning and sanitation protocols

Description

ARF’s Training & Enrichment program is designed to give the dogs staying at our facility extra time out, structured training and enrichment time during the day and reducing work-load on the morning and evening husbandry shifts. Once required on-boarding is complete, you will be required to shadow an experienced volunteer for one shift prior to signing up for your own shifts. You will be responsible for the training and enrichment of the dogs that are eligible for the program by following an outlined training calendar and individual training plans for each dog. Once your shift is complete, you will be responsible for sending an email outline to the team after your shift highlighting the activities each dog worked on.

The training and enrichment shifts run Monday to Saturday from Noon to 4pm. We ask that you can commit to at least one shift per week to keep things consistent for the dogs.

Please apply below.

ARF is currently looking to grow our event volunteer base. The General Event Volunteers attend various events around the city including Street Festivals, Markets, and Adoption Events. 

Duties may include: 

• dog and cat handling – including general care-taking of animals at events, 
• event set-up and take-down, clean-up, 
• showcasing ARF’s many adoptable dogs and cats, 
• providing information about ARF to the general public and 
• sales of ARF logo items. 

Weekend and spring/summertime availability, access to email and frequent communication with various committees and teams is required. 

Our Dog Care Volunteers are responsible for cleaning and general care-giving for the animals housed at Pad for Paws. The Dog Care Team is looking for more volunteers who will be able to fill weekly morning, evening and weekend shifts. Cuddles included!

You will be responsible for:

• Following all quarantine cleaning & sanitization procedures
• Cleaning & sanitization of dog kennels, quarantine room & quarantine play area
• Laundry
• Taking out garbage
• Minor dog handling for dogs of all ages, sizes and health
• Feed & water dogs
• Follow veterinarian orders for medical recovery & supply medication if needed
• Provide basic training and enrichment
• Follow ARF’s philosophy on dog training
• Attending all prerequisite training required

Requirements for this position include:

• Ability to follow written protocols
• Ability to work with cleaning equipment and cleaners (bleach & detergents)
• Willingness to clean up animal waste
• Ability to lift and move up to 50lbs
• Work in a team environment
• Confidence working with and handling dogs of all sizes
• Access to email & internet for scheduling purposes
• Access to the internet to fulfill training requirements
• Access to transportation to and from the facility in NE Calgary for your shifts and in-person training

Shifts average about 3 to 4 hours. All training will be provided for interested volunteers. Must complete the General ARF Orientation, watch 2 webinars on canine communication and take a corresponding test, plus attend 2 hours of in-person training on dog handling. You will also be paired with a senior animal care volunteer for your first few shifts as you learn our processes.

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!

Do you want to get more involved? Would you like to be a Cat & Kitten Care Volunteer at Pad for Paws? Our Cat Care Volunteers are responsible for cleaning and general care-giving for the animals housed at Pad for Paws.

You will be responsible for:

• Following all quarantine cleaning & sanitization procedures
• Cleaning & sanitization of cat suites and the quarantine room
• Laundry
• Taking out garbage
• Some cats & kitten handling for cats of all ages, sizes and health
• Feed & water cats
• Follow veterinarian orders for medical recovery & supply medication if needed
• Provide basic socialization and enrichment
• Attending all prerequisite training required

Requirements for this position include:

• Ability to follow written protocols
• Ability to work with cleaning equipment and cleaners (bleach & detergents)
• Willingness to clean up animal waste
• Ability to lift and move up to 50lbs
• Work in a team environment
• Confidence working with and handling cats
• Access to email & internet for scheduling purposes
• Access to the internet to fulfill training requirements
• Access to transportation to and from the facility for your shifts and in-person training

All training will be provided for interested volunteers. Minimum training requirements will be to attend the general cat & kitten program information and training session approximately 2 hours in length, as well as a minimum of 2 hours of shadowing shifts prior to being scheduled.

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email  volunteering@arf.ca.

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!

Do you want to get more involved? Do you love cats and kittens? Join our PetSmart – Cat Volunteers! We are looking for volunteers to visit the adoptable cats and kittens that reside at PetSmart in Airdrie on a daily basis to help with socialization and enrichment!

Requirements for this position include:

• Able to commit to a minimum of two or more scheduled shift per week.
  • Days and times are flexible and you set your own schedules, but must be during store hours
• Willing to stay at the store for 30 minutes or longer to interact with the kittens and cats on site
• Able to meet with potential adopters at PetSmart, communicated by Animal Program Manager
• Have access to email and text in order to communicate with fellow volunteers, Pet Smart Coordinators & Animal Program Manager
• Are passionate about cats and people in their community
• Cat care knowledge is not required as training and job-shadowing will be provided; however, it is an asset

As the location is in Airdrie, applicants should live nearby or have access to transportation / willing to travel to this PetSmart.

Volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer at PetSmart.

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!

PetSmart Volunteers are required to:

Volunteers at PetSmart showings, which take place on a select Saturday each month, between 1 and 3pm at the PetSmart Airdrie location (opening April 2024). This is our primary opportunity to allow the public to interact with and meet our adoptable dogs and puppies.

• Be able to communicate with PetSmart Coordinator regularly (by email or phone)
• All training will be provided for interested volunteers. Must attend an online General ARF Orientation, and take a corresponding test
• Attend In Person Training Session on Puppy Handling (as scheduled)

This is to give you an idea how to practice & promote reward based training techniques for dogs. It will also allow you to view what dog interaction should look like and learn how to intervene correctly in dog-to-dog interactions at PetSmart.

Potential volunteers should be friendly and outgoing, willing to meet new people and talk freely about our rescue programs.  Volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer at PetSmart.

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!

PetSmart Volunteers are required to:

Volunteers at PetSmart showings, which take place on a select Saturday each month, between 1 and 3pm at the PetSmart Beacon Hill NW location. This is our primary opportunity to allow the public to interact with and meet our adoptable dogs and puppies.

• Be able to communicate with PetSmart Coordinator regularly (by email or phone)
• All training will be provided for interested volunteers. Must attend an online General ARF Orientation and take a corresponding test
• Attend In Person Training Session on Puppy Handling (as scheduled)

This is to give you an idea how to practice & promote reward based training techniques for dogs. It will also allow you to view what dog interaction should look like and learn how to intervene correctly in dog-to-dog interactions at PetSmart.

Potential volunteers should be friendly and outgoing, willing to meet new people and talk freely about our rescue programs. Volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer at PetSmart.

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca.

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!

We are looking for volunteers to come in and clean the front-of-house (front entrance, office, volunteer lounge & training area). Schedule can be flexible but will have to be planned around other facility activities. The level difficulty will typically be fairly low, but you will be working with bleach and similar cleaning supplies. All training will be provided.

Duties will include:

• Sweep or vacuum all floor surfaces
• Mop floor surfaces with EZ clean plus mop floor surfaces with bleach or prevail solution
• Clean counters and sinks (volunteer lounge)
• Clean bathrooms (toilets, sinks, mirrors, empty garbage, replace garbage bags)
• Vacuum or sweep storage room
• Wipe down all doors, door handles, light switches, phones with Lysol wipes
• Remove garbage to outdoor garbage bin
• Restock supplies as necessary (paper towels, toilet paper)
• Notify Facility Coordinator when supply stocks are low

If you are currently an ARF volunteer and are interested in this position, please email volunteering@arf.ca

If you are not currently an ARF volunteer, please apply below!