Volunteer FAQs
Why do you need volunteers?
Volunteers are on our greatest assets. The donation of your time, talents and services to our organization has a tremendous impact on the quality and care that our animals receive. The hours logged by our selfless volunteers are just as valuable as any monetary donation, and we could never adequately express our appreciation for the help that we receive!
What days and times can I come?
To see current volunteer positions please visit our available opportunities calendar.
How do I volunteer for you?
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to choose a volunteer opportunity from our calendar that is a good fit for you, and then fill out a volunteer application online.
Why do I have to come to an orientation?
It's important to understand the basics of what we do here, and the opportunities already in place in our volunteer program. Learning the lay of the land, meeting the staff and seeing the basics of our day to day operations is helpful in determining where you might best fit in. During the orientation you will be given all appropriate waivers to sign, and will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Why do dog walkers have to be certified?
Our goal is to give each Little Guild dog the BEST possible chance at successful placement in their forever home. All dogs are fitted by our trainer with equipment that is appropriate for the dogs size, strength, personality, breed, and any behavioral issues. Our staff is then trained in how to properly use the equipment prescribed for each dog, and how to handle any special training applicable to that dog. In order for our training to be successful the dogs must be walked with consistency by both staff and volunteers. Walkers who are properly trained in handling also offer a much more enjoyable and safe experience for both the walker and our dogs. An extra bonus is that the tools that are learned in our training can be used with your dogs at home as well!
Do I have to commit to a certain amount of time?
Each job on the available opportunities calendar has a description of the commitment required for the specific assignment. If you choose to be a "drop-in" volunteer there may or may not be opportunities for you at the time you drop in. Preference is given to regularly scheduled volunteers if there are limited spaces available at any given time.
What if I commit and then can't come?
We understand that "life happens", and there will be times that you may not be able to come. It is appreciated if you cannot make a scheduled visit to please notify us. That notice allows us to back fill your spot if needed, and also lets us know that you are alright. If there is an ongoing issue with keeping a scheduled commitment the position may need to be reassigned if the needs of the shelter require it.
What if I need community service hours for school or for court?
We do our best to work with anyone who needs community service hours, but due to space and time limitations we are not always able to accommodate the totality of hours needed. Once you share with us the number of hours needed, the type of work you'd like to do, and the time frame in which you need to complete those hours we will let you know what part of your service we can help you with, if any. If we have an agreement for community service hours we are happy to provide documentation of those hours as long as they are met. The Little Guild reserves the right to withdraw from a community service arrangement at their discretion if a volunteer is not a good match for the position selected, or is unreliable. If the Little Guild should terminate the relationship for any reason, documentation of hours served to that point will be documented.
Do you accept school or other groups?
We have a special program in place for school (or other youth) groups who would like to visit and/or perform community service at The Little Guild. Please visit our GROUPS page for more details of that program and contact information. Group leaders should NOT fill out the standard volunteer application used for individuals, but should use the contact form located on the groups page.
How can I help at events?
Volunteers are ALWAYS an asset at events - our events would not be possible without the support of our volunteer base. When we know we have any upcoming events we make announcements in our volunteer group and we will also do a mass e-mail requesting volunteers for specific positions.
What if I have other questions?
If you have any other questions about volunteering at The Little Guild please do not hesitate to call us, or e-mail us at volunteer@littleguild.org
Our most sincere thanks and appreciation for your support and your consideration. We could not do the work we do without you!