PAWS: Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities at PAWS

Behavior Helpline Team

Position Description: The PAWS Behavior Helpline is available both online and by phone and is intended to provide counseling and support to members of the public experiencing unwanted negative behaviors in their dogs and cats at home. Volunteers who work on the Helpline check a voice mail box and email account on their assigned day, respond to inquiries from the public and provide over-the-phone counseling to help provide a resolution to the issues and help keep animals in their homes. Volunteers must have excellent phone and customer service skills, be able to communicated clearly about behavior modification, and be comfortable having sometimes-difficult conversations. Volunteers must also have an interest in learning and communicating about dog or cat behavior.

Dates Available: year round

Shifts: The Behavior Helpline is checked daily by a volunteer on their assigned day. Volunteers are assigned to either the dog line or the cat line. There is a minimum 6-month commitment. This position has limited availability. Because of the extensive training required for this position, we require 6 months minimum commitment. This position also involves quarterly team meetings with staff.

Time Commitment: Weekly 1-2 hour shift.

Location: Duties can be carried out at home, or at the PAWS shelter in Lynnwood

Training Required: All volunteers must attend a four hour volunteer orientation before starting their position. The orientation covers each of the volunteer positions at the PAWS Companion Animal Shelter in detail, and explains the overall objectives of PAWS as an organization. This orientation is held two times a month at the shelter in Lynnwood. Behavior Helpline volunteers must also attend an in-depth training about dog or cat behavior, and how to operate the Behavior Helpline. Following training, all volunteers are partnered with a mentor until they feel comfortable handling the calls alone. PAWS trains all volunteers, no previous experience is necessary. Training sessions are 1-2 hours, set up at time of orientation. Additional training is offered, but not mandatory.

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