Opportunities From: One Albuquerque Volunteers

Daily walks and exercise help more rescue and shelter dogs find forever homes by giving them physical and mental stimulation and teaching them valuable skills such as socialization and leash etiquette. They also enjoy your attention and the opportunity to get some fresh air. 

Every pooch needs physical exercise, and shelter dogs are no exception. In fact, structured walking programs at shelters and rescues help make dogs more adoptable by giving them exercise and stimulation, teaching them about leash etiquette, providing them with opportunities to bond with humans and to work on basic skills such as loose leash walking and sit. 

This Dog walking opportunity involves walking the dogs who have a blue or green dot located on their kennel card. Each dog taken out should get at least a half hour of your time, if possible. 

To be able to respond to this opportunity you have to had gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class, at least one Dog Shadowing session and have had uploaded the correct certificates for each of these qualifications. 

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Filling gallon bags with cat and dog food in preparation for the pet food pantry. May involve lifting and moving large bags of dog and cat food, sometimes over 40lbs. 

Please email awdvolunteer@cabq.gov before going to the West shelter facility for more instructions on where to find the gallon bags and food that needs to be bagged.

The Animal Welfare Pet Food Pantry will be launching on Sunday, May 25th. It will be held every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday from 10AM to 2 PM. Volunteer assistance is needed to facilitate pet food distribution. This may include asking for pet owner information so that we can track the impact of our pet food pantry in our community. You may also be asked to divide out bags of pets food into smaller bags for distribution. The distribution station will be at the East shelter facility (8920 Lomas Blvd NE 87112) in the parking lot in front of the main building. Please dress appropriately for the day's weather. There is the possibility of moving indoors if necessary.

The Volunteer Development Committee is a group of Animal Welfare volunteers who are committed to the recruitment, development, and retention of Animal Welfare volunteers. This opportunity is for those who are interested in this mission and the activities that are associated with the group.

This is the second part of your dog handling journey. Please attend the virtual Dog Behavior class and Shelter Orientation first.

Come join us to learn about dog behavior, body language, evaluations, kennel cards, assessment and different situations you may encounter yourself in while walking dogs at the Animal Welfare Department shelters. This training is required for all new AWD dog volunteers. Training will include hands on demonstrations of how to take a dog out kennel, walk through the buildings, and how to walk with your dog appropriately on and off campus. Please dress appropriately to be outside and handling dogs.

This training will be guided by a member of the behavior team as a part of the Group Walk sessions. You will meet them at the Volunteer Room at the EAST facility (8920 Lomas Blvd NE 87112). 

After completing your class please remember to request your Hands-on Dog Handling Certificate and upload it to your qualifications.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Position Summary: This volunteer role is designed for experienced Animal Welfare volunteers who are willing to lead a Shadow Session as part of the onboarding process for new volunteers. The Shadow Session lasts 1–2 hours and takes place on a predetermined date and time. During this session, you will guide a new volunteer through a typical shift in one of the designated areas: general population cats, general population dogs, exotics, surgery recovery, or clinic. Your role is to provide insight, answer questions, and help new volunteers feel confident and prepared in their responsibilities.

Major Job Duties: New volunteers will be assigned to you to complete their Shadow Session in the area that you also volunteer (ex: Senior dog walking volunteer will complete Shadow Session with new dog walking volunteer). During your session, you will cover check-in, where to get supplies, where the pets are located, how to use information white boards, how to read kennel cards for pertinent information (ex: available date), where pets can/can’t be taken, and any other topics you think are pertinent all the way up to check-out. Once the Shadow Session has been completed with you, refer new volunteer to CE team for badge and completion sticker(s). If there was an email chain to set up the Shadow Session, send reply via that email chain to indicate that new volunteer has completed Shadow Session.

With this position, you can choose to have new volunteers complete their Shadow Session with you and continue with you as their mentor. You can also choose not to continue as the new volunteer’s mentor or and they will be assigned to one. * If you wish to participate as a volunteer mentor and shadow volunteer, please sign up for both opportunities. See job description for Shadow Volunteer. *

Please include in the notes of your response if you are available for the East or West facility and when you are available. 

Position Summary: This volunteer role is designed for experienced Animal Welfare volunteers who are willing to lead a Shadow Session as part of the onboarding process for new volunteers. The Shadow Session lasts 1–2 hours and takes place on a predetermined date and time. During this session, you will guide a new volunteer through a typical shift in one of the designated areas: general population cats, general population dogs, exotics, surgery recovery, or clinic. Your role is to provide insight, answer questions, and help new volunteers feel confident and prepared in their responsibilities.

Major Job Duties: New volunteers will be assigned to you to complete their Shadow Session in the area that you also volunteer (ex: Senior dog walking volunteer will complete Shadow Session with new dog walking volunteer). During your session, you will cover check-in, where to get supplies, where the pets are located, how to use information white boards, how to read kennel cards for pertinent information (ex: available date), where pets can/can’t be taken, and any other topics you think are pertinent all the way up to check-out. Once the Shadow Session has been completed with you, refer new volunteer to CE team for badge and completion sticker(s). If there was an email chain to set up the Shadow Session, send reply via that email chain to indicate that new volunteer has completed Shadow Session.

With this position, you can choose to have new volunteers complete their Shadow Session with you and continue with you as their mentor. You can also choose not to continue as the new volunteer’s mentor, and they will be assigned to one. * If you wish to participate as a volunteer mentor and shadow volunteer, please sign up for both opportunities. See job description for Shadow Volunteer. *

Please include in the notes of your response if you are available for the East or West facility and when you are available. 

Position Summary: This position is for volunteers who would like to assist with offsite adoption events. You will be joining a member of the AWD staff and assisting with all of the components of an offsite adoption event. This position includes care of the dogs while offsite, giving counseling to potential adopters, and completing offsite adoption paperwork. Offsite adoption events are typically on weekends and last for several hours. Adoption counseling training and training to complete adoption paperwork will be provided.

Major Job Duties: Select dogs to travel to offsite events. Care for dogs while offsite (walking, giving water/food, cleaning up after, etc.). Counsel potential adopters for best adoption fit. Answer questions pertaining to adoptions and the animal welfare facility.  Complete offsite adoption paperwork and return to main facility. Accept donations to animal welfare and relay those donations to the proper storage (i.e. Monetary donations vs supply donations).

Minor Duties: Clean offsite adoption van and restock care supplies. Restock offsite adoption paperwork. Report any problems with offsite van or equipment.

Physical Requirements: Able to lift at least 20lbs. Stand and walk for long periods. Bending and stretching. Walking dogs can cause arms to be twisted and pulled suddenly.

Position Summary: This volunteer role is designed for experienced Animal Welfare volunteers who are willing to help new volunteers by being a source of guidance through the beginning stage of their volunteering journey. As a mentor, you will decide, with your mentee, the best way to keep in communication, whether that be email, text, or phone calls.

Major Job Duties: New volunteers (mentees) will be assigned to you as their mentor. You will be providing your either your personal phone or email to your mentee so they can contact you should they need guidance in any manner associated with volunteering with Animal Welfare. Contact via phone may happen even when you are not physically at the shelter and after hours within reason (not before 7am, not after 8pm). You will provide your regular volunteering schedule to your mentee should they choose to volunteer during those same times and receive more guidance after the Shadow Session.

With this position, you can choose to have new volunteers complete their Shadow Session with you and continue with you as their mentor. You can also choose not to complete the Shadow Session with new volunteers but be available as their mentor after another volunteer completes the Shadow Session. * If you wish to participate as a volunteer mentor and shadow volunteer, please sign up for both opportunities. See job description for Shadow Volunteer. *

Position Summary: This volunteer role is designed for experienced Animal Welfare volunteers who are willing to help new volunteers by being a source of guidance through the beginning stage of their volunteering journey. As a mentor, you will decide, with your mentee, the best way to keep in communication, whether that be email, text, or phone calls.

Major Job Duties: New volunteers (mentees) will be assigned to you as their mentor. You will be providing your either your personal phone or email to your mentee so they can contact you should they need guidance in any manner associated with volunteering with Animal Welfare. Contact via phone may happen even when you are not physically at the shelter and after hours within reason (not before 7am, not after 8pm). You will provide your regular volunteering schedule to your mentee should they choose to volunteer during those same times and receive more guidance after the Shadow Session.

With this position, you can choose to have new volunteers complete their Shadow Session with you and continue with you as their mentor. You can also choose not to complete the Shadow Session with new volunteers but be available as their mentor after another volunteer completes the Shadow Session. * If you wish to participate as a volunteer mentor and shadow volunteer, please sign up for both opportunities. See job description for Shadow Volunteer. *

Position Summary: This volunteer role is designed for experienced Animal Welfare volunteers who are willing to help new volunteers by being a source of guidance through the beginning stage of their volunteering journey. As a mentor, you will decide, with your mentee, the best way to keep in communication, whether that be email, text, or phone calls.

Major Job Duties: New volunteers (mentees) will be assigned to you as their mentor. You will be providing your either your personal phone or email to your mentee so they can contact you should they need guidance in any manner associated with volunteering with Animal Welfare. Contact via phone may happen even when you are not physically at the shelter and after hours within reason (not before 7am, not after 8pm). You will provide your regular volunteering schedule to your mentee should they choose to volunteer during those same times and receive more guidance after the Shadow Session.

With this position, you can choose to have new volunteers complete their Shadow Session with you and continue with you as their mentor. You can also choose not to complete the Shadow Session with new volunteers but be available as their mentor after another volunteer completes the Shadow Session. * If you wish to participate as a volunteer mentor and shadow volunteer, please sign up for both opportunities. See job description for Shadow Volunteer. *

Position Summary: This volunteer role is designed for experienced Animal Welfare volunteers who are willing to help new volunteers by being a source of guidance through the beginning stage of their volunteering journey. As a mentor, you will decide, with your mentee, the best way to keep in communication, whether that be email, text, or phone calls.

Major Job Duties: New volunteers (mentees) will be assigned to you as their mentor. You will be providing your either your personal phone or email to your mentee so they can contact you should they need guidance in any manner associated with volunteering with Animal Welfare. Contact via phone may happen even when you are not physically at the shelter and after hours within reason (not before 7am, not after 8pm). You will provide your regular volunteering schedule to your mentee should they choose to volunteer during those same times and receive more guidance after the Shadow Session.

With this position, you can choose to have new volunteers complete their Shadow Session with you and continue with you as their mentor. You can also choose not to complete the Shadow Session with new volunteers but be available as their mentor after another volunteer completes the Shadow Session. * If you wish to participate as a volunteer mentor and shadow volunteer, please sign up for both opportunities. See job description for Shadow Volunteer. *

Help us assemble sweet treats and enrichment items to help keep our pets mentally active, curious and stimulated. Come to the Eastside Shelter and you will have all the materials needed or ask about good options to make the items at home or outside our facilities by emailing awdvolunteer@cabq.gov.

Minors may need to be accompanied by an adult. 

If you're interested, for a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

Exotics volunteering allows you to interact with, socialize and enrich the lives of our tiniest residents! You will work directly with rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and a variety of other small mammals, reptiles and birds!

If you're ever interested in expanding your animal care knowledge, find a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Now that you have gone through the Cat Volunteer Orientation training, also known as Cat Behavior training in the qualifications, it's time to put into practice what you learned.

In this session with a Senior Volunteer you will be shown and guided through the different enclosures at the shelter for cats, learn the details about each area, learn how to provide feedback on the areas that require it, and get to handle and interact with cats in their kennels to provide care and enrichment. Please reserve 1-2 hours for this session.

When you respond to this opportunity the Community Engagement team will get an email notification with your request and coordinate with a Senior Volunteer to schedule a time for your session that works with your availability. Stay alert to your emails so communication doesn't get lost and you can continue on your journey to complete the qualifications needed to finally schedule some time to volunteer with the cats at the shelter and respond to Cat Cuddling opportunity shifts. 

If you haven't, please determine on your profile your availability. You can do so by clicking on the circle menu with your initials at the top right of this page and then choose the "Edit profile" option. When the page loads you will find the availability section on the right side when you scroll down, right under the "Change Password" section. Just check the boxes on days and times you are available to volunteer. This setting will give our Volunteer Coordinator a better idea when they start looking for your session. These checkboxes can be changed at any time. You can also leave notes on your availability when you RESPOND to this opportunity in the "Additional notes" field.

After completing your shadowing session remember to request your Cat Shadowing Certificate and/or the "Cat Handling" sticker that goes on your badge. You can also request your Volunteer Badge if you still don't have it.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of cats? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Now that you have gone through the Cat Volunteer Orientation training, also known as Cat Behavior training in the qualifications, it's time to put into practice what you learned.

In this session with a Senior Volunteer you will be shown and guided through the different enclosures at the shelter for cats, learn the details about each area, learn how to provide feedback on the areas that require it, and get to handle and interact with cats in their kennels to provide care and enrichment. Please reserve 1-2 hours for this session.

When you respond to this opportunity the Community Engagement team will get an email notification with your request and coordinate with a Senior Volunteer to schedule a time for your session that works with your availability. Stay alert to your emails so communication doesn't get lost and you can continue on your journey to complete the qualifications needed to finally schedule some time to volunteer with the cats at the shelter and respond to Cat Cuddling opportunity shifts. 

If you haven't, please determine on your profile your availability. You can do so by clicking on the circle menu with your initials at the top right of this page and then choose the "Edit profile" option. When the page loads you will find the availability section on the right side when you scroll down, right under the "Change Password" section. Just check the boxes on days and times you are available to volunteer. This setting will give our Volunteer Coordinator a better idea when they start looking for your session. These checkboxes can be changed at any time. You can also leave notes on your availability when you RESPOND to this opportunity in the "Additional notes" field.

After completing your shadowing session remember to request your Cat Shadowing Certificate and/or the "Cat Handling" sticker that goes on your badge. You can also request your Volunteer Badge if you still don't have it.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of cats? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Now that you have gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class and you have uploaded the correct certificates for your qualifications, it's time to put into practice what you learned.

In this session with a Senior Volunteer you will be shown and guided through the different kennel areas at the shelter for dogs, learn the details about each area, learn how to provide feedback on the areas that require it, and get to handle and interact with dogs and walk them to provide care, relief and enrichment. Please reserve 1-2 hours for this session.

Don't forget to really put into practice what you know about behavior, body language, stress levels, and anything and everything you wish to have clear and totally mastered to have full confidence on being able to walk with different dogs at different chances in the future.

When you respond to this opportunity the Community Engagement team will get an email notification with your request and coordinate with a Senior Volunteer to schedule a time for your session that works with your availability. Stay alert to your emails so communication doesn't get lost and you can continue on your journey to complete the qualifications needed to finally schedule some time to volunteer with the dogs at the shelter and respond to Dog Walking opportunity shifts. 

If you haven't, please determine on your profile your availability. You can do so by clicking on the circle menu with your initials at the top right of this page and then choose the "Edit profile" option. When the page loads you will find the availability section on the right side when you scroll down, right under the "Change Password" section. Just check the boxes on days and times you are available to volunteer. This setting will give our Volunteer Coordinator a better idea when they start looking for your session. These checkboxes can be changed at any time. You can also leave notes on your availability when you RESPOND to this opportunity in the "Additional notes" field.

After completing your shadowing session remember to request your Dog Shadowing Certificate and/or the "Dog Handling" sticker that goes on your badge. You can also request your Volunteer Badge if you still don't have it.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Now that you have gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class and you have uploaded the correct certificates for your qualifications, it's time to put into practice what you learned.

In this session with a Senior Volunteer you will be shown and guided through the different kennel areas at the shelter for dogs, learn the details about each area, learn how to provide feedback on the areas that require it, and get to handle and interact with dogs and walk them to provide care, relief and enrichment. Please reserve 1-2 hours for this session.

Don't forget to really put into practice what you know about behavior, body language, stress levels, and anything and everything you wish to have clear and totally mastered to have full confidence on being able to walk with different dogs at different chances in the future.

When you respond to this opportunity the Community Engagement team will get an email notification with your request and coordinate with a Senior Volunteer to schedule a time for your session that works with your availability. Stay alert to your emails so communication doesn't get lost and you can continue on your journey to complete the qualifications needed to finally schedule some time to volunteer with the cats at the shelter and respond to Dog Walking opportunity shifts. 

If you haven't, please determine on your profile your availability. You can do so by clicking on the circle menu with your initials at the top right of this page and then choose the "Edit profile" option. When the page loads you will find the availability section on the right side when you scroll down, right under the "Change Password" section. Just check the boxes on days and times you are available to volunteer. This setting will give our Volunteer Coordinator a better idea when they start looking for your session. These checkboxes can be changed at any time. You can also leave notes on your availability when you RESPOND to this opportunity in the "Additional notes" field.

After completing your shadowing session remember to request your Dog Shadowing Certificate and/or the "Dog Handling" sticker that goes on your badge. You can also request your Volunteer Badge if you still don't have it.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

We frequently admit cats in need of behavioral assistance, including non-social (feral) and under-socialized cats. Many of these animals come to us after weeks of being left to improve on their own or under threat of release into an area unfamiliar to them.

Extremely fearful, under-socialized cats in our area often end up with us when they have no other options, so we enroll them in the Fraidy Cat program to prepare the cat for social interaction and cooperation with a human caregiver and can ultimately become adopted. In short, it is a socialization program which goal is to transition cats from a severely fearful, defensive state to one of pro-social interest to humans, able to tolerate day-to-day handling and interactions. The process is not identical for every cat and is adapted to best serve each individual.

To be able to respond to this opportunity you should have taken the Cat Behavior Training online, have had a Cat Shadowing session with a Senior Volunteer, and also have completed the Fraidy Cat Training offered online and remember you have to upload your certificates obtained by the end of trainings as qualifications.

Now that you have these, you can choose a shift/time slot on the day of the week you'd prefer to volunteer. If you think none of these adjust to your availability, just choose the closest time to schedule ahead or while you're checking in at the Shelter kiosk. You can always input a specific time to check in and out when you go through the Shelter kiosk too.

If you haven't, remember you can continue your cat handling journey. For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

The Potty Brigade takes dogs out of kennel twice daily to allow house trained dogs to relieve themselves. We set up shifts in the morning and afternoon so they can go early before we open the shelter, and in the evening before closing. These schedules help the dogs keep a schedule and their kennels to stay clean for each shift.

For this opportunity you need to go through  the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class and at least one Dog Shadowing session, and of course have already uploaded the correct certificates for your qualifications.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

The Potty Brigade takes dogs out of kennel twice daily to allow house trained dogs to relieve themselves. We set up shifts in the morning and afternoon so they can go early before we open the shelter, and in the evening before closing. These schedules help the dogs keep a schedule and their kennels to stay clean for each shift.

For this opportunity you need to go through  the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class and at least one Dog Shadowing session, and of course have already uploaded the correct certificates for your qualifications.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

This is the second part of your dog handling journey. Please attend the virtual Dog Behavior class and Shelter Orientation first.

Come join us to learn about dog behavior, body language, evaluations, kennel cards, assessment and different situations you may encounter yourself in while walking dogs at the Animal Welfare Department shelters. This training is required for all new AWD dog volunteers. Training will include hands on demonstrations of how to take a dog out kennel, walk through the buildings, and how to walk with your dog appropriately on and off campus. Please dress appropriately to be outside and handling dogs.

This training will be guided by a member of the behavior team as a part of the Group Walk sessions. You will meet them at the Behavior Room at the WEST facility (11800 Sunset Gardens SW 87121). 

After completing your class please remember to request your Hands-on Dog Handling Certificate and upload it to your qualifications.

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

*Held at the West Facility ONLY*

This class is for all dog volunteers who have completed their initial training and would like to improve their skills, or just need a refresher. This is a hands-on class, where volunteers will receive one-on-one coaching to improve their skills walking dogs with a variety of behavior challenges. Volunteers are encouraged to take this class more than once, as each session will be different depending on which dogs we work with.

Please email swharton@cabq.gov if you have any questions about this class.

To be able to respond to this opportunity you have to had gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class, at least one Dog Shadowing session and have had uploaded the correct certificates for each of these qualifications. 

For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Now that you have gone through the Feline right at home  online training, and you have uploaded the correct certificate for your qualifications, it's time to put into practice what you learned. Remember that for the system to approve the certificate required for this session you should also have 20+ hours submitted and approved of Cat Cuddling inside a shelter.

In this session with a Senior Volunteer and/or Cat behaviorist, you will be shown and guided through the different areas at the shelter for the Fraidy Cat program, learn the details about each area, learn how to provide feedback on the areas that require it, and get to handle and interact with cats and provide care, relief and enrichment for them. Please reserve 1-2 hours for this session.

Don't forget to really put into practice what you know about behavior, body language, stress levels, and anything and everything you wish to have clear and totally mastered to have full confidence on being able to work with different cats at different chances in the future.

When you respond to this opportunity the Community Engagement team will get an email notification with your request and coordinate with a Senior Volunteer to schedule a time for your session that works with your availability. Stay alert to your emails so communication doesn't get lost and you can continue on your journey to complete the qualifications needed to finally schedule some time to volunteer with the cats at the shelter and respond to Fraidy Cat  opportunity shifts. 

If you haven't, please determine on your profile your availability. You can do so by clicking on the circle menu with your initials at the top right of this page and then choose the "Edit profile" option. When the page loads you will find the availability section on the right side when you scroll down, right under the "Change Password" section. Just check the boxes on days and times you are available to volunteer. This setting will give our Volunteer Coordinator a better idea when they start looking for your session. These checkboxes can be changed at any time. You can also leave notes on your availability when you RESPOND to this opportunity in the "Additional notes" field.

After completing your shadowing session remember to request your Fraidy Cat Shadowing and/or the "Fraidy Cat" sticker that goes on your badge. You can also request your Volunteer Badge if you still don't have it.

Do you want to learn more about cat moods and further education? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Sometimes, city shelters end up with exotic animals that need a place to stay. These animals might come in for all sorts of reasons, and since they need special care, the shelters have to be ready to handle them. That’s where volunteers come in—they’re crucial for helping out with these unique pets.

Volunteers play a big role in providing the extra attention and care these animals need. Whether it’s feeding them, cleaning their habitats, or just spending time with them, every bit of help makes a huge difference. If you’re interested in getting involved, this Exotics Handling Orientation is a great way to support the shelter and learn more about these fascinating animals.

In this session, we’ll dive into the care of exotic animals at our two different shelters. Over on the Eastside, you'll get to know all about a variety of exotic pets and where they’re kept. We’ll cover things like access codes, what materials you’ll need, and other important details. On the Westside, it’s all about farm animals. We’ll go through how these animals are housed and what you need to know to take care of them. You’ll also get the scoop on security codes and supplies. This session is all about making sure you’re up to speed with everything you need to know for both types of animals.

When you respond to this opportunity the Community Engagement team will get an email notification with your request and coordinate with a Senior Volunteer or the appropriate staff member to schedule a time for your session that works with your availability. Stay alert to your emails so communication doesn't get lost and you can continue on your journey to complete the qualifications needed to finally schedule some time to volunteer with the cats at the shelter and respond to Exotics care opportunity shifts. 

If you haven't, please determine on your profile your availability. You can do so by clicking on the circle menu with your initials at the top right of this page and then choose the "Edit profile" option. When the page loads you will find the availability section on the right side when you scroll down, right under the "Change Password" section. Just check the boxes on days and times you are available to volunteer. This setting will give our Volunteer Coordinator a better idea when they start looking for your session. These checkboxes can be changed at any time. You can also leave notes on your availability when you RESPOND to this opportunity in the "Additional notes" field.

After completing your shadowing session remember to request your Exotics Sticker that goes on your badge. You can also request your Volunteer Badge if you still don't have it.

Do you want to learn more about other trainings? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

This class is for all dog volunteers who have completed their initial and advanced training and would like to work with higher arousal level dogs, other known as Orange dot or unassessed dogs who are usually in the care of staff only. This is a hands-on class, where volunteers will receive one-on-one coaching to improve their skills walking dogs with a variety of behavior challenges. Volunteers are encouraged to take this class more than once, as each session will be different depending on which dogs we work with.

When you respond to this opportunity the Pet Behavioral Team will get an email notification with your request and coordinate with you to schedule a time for your session that works with your availability. Stay alert to your emails so communication doesn't get lost and you can continue on your journey to complete the qualifications needed to finally schedule some time to handle these dogs.

If you haven't, please determine on your profile your availability. You can do so by clicking on the circle menu with your initials at the top right of this page and then choose the "Edit profile" option. When the page loads you will find the availability section on the right side when you scroll down, right under the "Change Password" section. Just check the boxes on days and times you are available to volunteer. This setting will give our Volunteer Coordinator a better idea when they start looking for your session. These checkboxes can be changed at any time. You can also leave notes on your availability when you RESPOND to this opportunity in the "Additional notes" field.

After completing your shadowing session remember to request your Orange dot/Unassessed Dog Handling Certificate and/or the "Advanced Dog " sticker with a red background that goes on your badge. You can also request your Volunteer Badge if you still don't have it.

Please email swharton@cabq.gov if you have any questions about this class.

To be able to respond to this opportunity you have to had gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class, at least one Dog Shadowing session as well as an Advanced Dog Handling Class, and have had uploaded the correct certificates for each of these qualifications. 

For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Help us assemble sweet treats and enrichment items to help keep our pets mentally active, curious and stimulated. Come to the Westside Shelter and you will have all the materials needed or ask about good options to make the items at home or outside our facilities by emailing awdvolunteer@cabq.gov.

Minors may need to be accompanied by an adult.

If you're interested, a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

Advanced Dog Walking is designated for those volunteers who have completed the Advanced Dog Handling class. You are free to walks dogs with an assessment color designation of Green, Blue, and Yellow. To walk dogs with an assessment color designation of Orange, you must complete a one on one with a member of the Behavior Team. 

Advanced Dog Walkers can also participate in the Shy Dog Program and Potty Brigade. 

Dogs may be assigned a yellow or orange dot for many reasons, including their behavior in the kennel, behavior on leash, behavior during SAFER exam, or history. Sometimes you will see why right away: the dog will be very shy, or it will jumpy or mouthy, or will behave aggressively towards other dogs. In other cases, the dog may have been assigned a yellow or orange dot for a reason that isn’t immediately obvious in the dog’s behavior.

Behavior is always an interaction between the dog, the handler, and the environment. This means that different people may have different experiences of the same dog, and this does not mean that one of the people is “wrong.” In order to make the most accurate predictions about a dog’s likely future behavior, we collect as much information as we can about how the dog has behaved in different places, with different people, and at different times, and we look for patterns of repeated or similar behavior. The color codes represent our best guess about how a dog is likely to behave in the future, both in the shelter and once adopted into a home, and with a variety of handlers.

To be able to respond to this opportunity you have to had gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class, at least one Dog Shadowing session, the Advanced Dog Handling Class and have had uploaded the correct certificates for each of these qualifications. 

For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Advanced Dog Walking is designated for those volunteers who have completed the Advanced Dog Handling class. You are free to walks dogs with an assessment color designation of Green, Blue, and Yellow. To walk dogs with an assessment color designation of Orange, you must complete a one on one with a member of the Behavior Team. 

Advanced Dog Walkers can also participate in the Shy Dog Program and Potty Brigade. 

Dogs may be assigned a yellow or orange dot for many reasons, including their behavior in the kennel, behavior on leash, behavior during SAFER exam, or history. Sometimes you will see why right away: the dog will be very shy, or it will jumpy or mouthy, or will behave aggressively towards other dogs. In other cases, the dog may have been assigned a yellow or orange dot for a reason that isn’t immediately obvious in the dog’s behavior.

Behavior is always an interaction between the dog, the handler, and the environment. This means that different people may have different experiences of the same dog, and this does not mean that one of the people is “wrong.” In order to make the most accurate predictions about a dog’s likely future behavior, we collect as much information as we can about how the dog has behaved in different places, with different people, and at different times, and we look for patterns of repeated or similar behavior. The color codes represent our best guess about how a dog is likely to behave in the future, both in the shelter and once adopted into a home, and with a variety of handlers.

To be able to respond to this opportunity you have to had gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class, at least one Dog Shadowing session, the Advanced Dog Handling Class and have had uploaded the correct certificates for each of these qualifications. 

For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

We frequently admit cats in need of behavioral assistance, including non-social (feral) and under-socialized cats. Many of these animals come to us after weeks of being left to improve on their own or under threat of release into an area unfamiliar to them.

Extremely fearful, under-socialized cats in our area often end up with us when they have no other options, so we enroll them in the Fraidy Cat program to prepare the cat for social interaction and cooperation with a human caregiver and can ultimately become adopted. In short, it is a socialization program which goal is to transition cats from a severely fearful, defensive state to one of pro-social interest to humans, able to tolerate day-to-day handling and interactions. The process is not identical for every cat and is adapted to best serve each individual.

To be able to respond to this opportunity you should have taken the Cat Behavior Training online, have had a Cat Shadowing session with a Senior Volunteer, and also have completed the Fraidy Cat Training offered online and remember you have to upload your certificates obtained by the end of trainings as qualifications.

Now that you have these, you can choose a shift/time slot on the day of the week you'd prefer to volunteer. If you think none of these adjust to your availability, just choose the closest time to schedule ahead or while you're checking in at the Shelter kiosk. You can always input a specific time to check in and out when you go through the Shelter kiosk too.

If you haven't, remember you can continue your cat handling journey. For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Congratulations on deciding to socialize kittens! Spending time with these fuzzy little guys, though a lot of work, will also be a lot of fun. We have tons of tips our training on how to help your mini kitties feel at ease around people, and how to help them grow up to be loving companion animals. Now it's time to get down to business!

Keep in mind that socializing is time-consuming. It involves interacting with the kittens one-on-one for at least a couple of hours every day. It is important to do an honest assessment of the kitten’s progress during this time and follow all of the instructions from your training and our Senior Volunteers. We have all set up already for your success and obviously for the kittens to get better, happy and super adoptable. 

To be able to respond to this opportunity you should have taken the Cat Behavior Training online, have had a Cat Shadowing session with a Senior Volunteer, and also have completed the Kitten Social Club Training offered online and remember you have to upload your certificates you obtained by the end of trainings as qualifications.

Now that you have these, you can choose a shift/time slot on the day of the week you'd prefer to volunteer. If you think none of these adjust to your availability, just choose the closest time to schedule ahead or while you're checking in at the Shelter kiosk. You can always input a specific time to check in and out when you go through the Shelter kiosk too.

If you haven't, remember you can continue your cat handling journey. For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

If you’re addicted to cat cuddling and love helping out kittens in need, there’s good news. Aside from the joy you’ll get from playing and cuddling with kittens and cats, there are many things you can do while volunteering with cats to help them be healthier, reduce overpopulation, and place all cats with loving families all across the city and beyond.

During this time, you can access all of the general cat population kennels including the cattery, the sweet 16 display and the group rooms to provide company, enrichment, socialization and maybe help a bit with upkeeping their kennels/areas. Working, shy and fraidy cats are out of bounds for you, but you can always continue taking more cat trainings, all provided online, and keep learning from Senior Volunteers.

So, get ready to get in and interact with the cats at the shelter! To be able to respond to this opportunity you should have taken the Cat Behavior Training online and have had a Cat Shadowing session with a Senior Volunteer. 

Now that you have these, you can choose a shift/time slot on the day of the week you'd prefer to volunteer. If you think none of these adjust to your availability, just choose the closest time to schedule ahead or while you're checking in at the Shelter kiosk. You can always input a specific time to check in and out when you go through the Shelter kiosk too.

If you haven't, remember you can continue your cat handling journey. For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

If you’re addicted to cat cuddling and love helping out kittens in need, there’s good news. Aside from the joy you’ll get from playing and cuddling with kittens and cats, there are many things you can do while volunteering with cats to help them be healthier, reduce overpopulation, and place all cats with loving families all across the city and beyond.

During this time, you can access all of the general cat population kennels including the cattery, the sweet 16 display and the group rooms to provide company, enrichment, socialization and maybe help a bit with upkeeping their kennels/areas. Working, shy and fraidy cats are out of bounds for you, but you can always continue taking more cat trainings, all provided online, and keep learning from Senior Volunteers.

So, get ready to get in and interact with the cats at the shelter! To be able to respond to this opportunity you should have taken the Cat Behavior Training online and have had a Cat Shadowing session with a Senior Volunteer. 

Now that you have these, you can choose a shift/time slot on the day of the week you'd prefer to volunteer. If you think none of these adjust to your availability, just choose the closest time to schedule ahead or while you're checking in at the Shelter kiosk. You can always input a specific time to check in and out when you go through the Shelter kiosk too.

If you haven't, remember you can continue your cat handling journey. For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

Daily walks and exercise help more rescue and shelter dogs find forever homes by giving them physical and mental stimulation and teaching them valuable skills such as socialization and leash etiquette. They also enjoy your attention and the opportunity to get some fresh air. 

Every pooch needs physical exercise, and shelter dogs are no exception. In fact, structured walking programs at shelters and rescues help make dogs more adoptable by giving them exercise and stimulation, teaching them about leash etiquette, providing them with opportunities to bond with humans and to work on basic skills such as loose leash walking and sit. 

This Dog walking opportunity involves walking the dogs who have a blue or green dot located on their kennel card. Each dog taken out should get at least a half hour of your time, if possible. 

To be able to respond to this opportunity you have to had gone through the Dog Handling online training, the Hands-on Dog Behavior in person class, at least one Dog Shadowing session and have had uploaded the correct certificates for each of these qualifications. 

Do you want to learn more and handle the next level of dogs? For a more comprehensive list of our opportunities divided by pet, listings of the trainings needed to volunteer and all of the details about how to continue your volunteering process with us, please visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd

If you have any questions about qualifications or have any issues with this website, please email oneabqvolunteers@cabq.gov and visit www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd for FAQs

This position is for helping the Community Engagement Team make connections with and acquire resources from area businesses to be used for shelter pets as well as community pets.

This position helps with any administrative needs at the east or west facility such as filing, organizing, cleaning, or any other duties needed.