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
