(Silcox Campus) Dog Caretaker  

Dog Caretaker 

Give shelter dogs the comfort, care, and consistency they deserve.

Start the day off right for our dogs by ensuring their kennels are clean, comfortable, and ready for a fresh new day. As a Dog Caretaker, you’ll help provide the basic care that keeps our dogs healthy and happy while they wait for homes. This hands-on, fast-paced role makes a huge difference in kennel stress levels and overall adoptability.

Who We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for volunteers who:

• Are comfortable handling dogs of all sizes

• Want to be physically active and work as part of a team

• Can follow protocols for safety, sanitation, and dog handling

• Are reliable and committed to improving shelter life for animals

• Enjoy routine and structured tasks that make an immediate impact

Responsibilities – AM Shift (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

• Assist kennel techs with morning feeding and water refresh

• Rotate dogs to and from play yards or holding areas while kennels are cleaned

• Clean, disinfect, and reset kennels (bedding, bowls, toys)

• Make sure dogs are dry, comfortable, and stress-free before returning to kennels

• Report any health or behavior concerns to staff

General Expectations

• Check in with the Volunteer Coordinator or Supervisor before each shift

• Follow posted yard assignments and kennel pod responsibilities

• Handle only one dog at a time; leash properly and latch gates securely

• Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes and follow all dog-handling safety practices

The Impact
Dog Caretakers are essential to daily shelter operations. By ensuring kennels are fresh and dogs start their day stress-free, you help promote good health, reduce anxiety, and set the tone for positive interactions with potential adopters later in the day. You’ll also provide valuable observations that help staff and volunteers better understand each dog’s needs and personality.

What you need to get started:

• Animal Health Training - Animal Health 

• Animal Handling - Animal Handling

• Animal Behavior Training - Animal Behavior

• Dog Caretaker Training - Dog Caretaker

Volunteer duties, access and privileges are only valid for the duration of the assigned shift in which they have chosen on the on-line volunteer scheduling system. There is a 15-minute grace period before and after each shift so that the volunteer may prepare and/or end their volunteer assignments