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Volunteer Openings

Cat Program

Cat Socializer
  • Socializing cats to provide them with human companionship in order to keep them happy, provide them with exercise and help them find their forever home;
  • Brush cats to improve coat;
  • Make notes about the animals’ behavior for use by staff and potential adopters;
  • Alert medical team to any issues of concern.
  • Attend a Volunteer Orientation;
  • Use safe animal handling practices (instruction provided) when interacting with the animals;
  • Follow directions from a Team Lead;
  • Adhere to guidelines in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
  • On the job training is provided by DAWS Personnel and experienced volunteers;
  • Additional training warranted by position.
Bethel Shelter

One 2 hour shift (6-8 Monday – Friday , 2-4 Saturday and/or Sunday)

Volunteer Now

Dog Program

Dog Socializer
  • Walk dogs or spend time in exercise yards;
  • Read and follow the kennel signage when working with a specific dog;
  • Use safe animal handling and designated training protocols;
  • Read Evaluation Book on needs of ALL dogs for safe handling and to aid in adoption inquiries;
  • Clean kennels when necessary for the comfort and safety of the dogs;
  • Scoop feces and dispose of properly in the yards as well as on walks;
  • Socialize and/or leash train dogs increasing their adoptability;
  • Write notes about observations of behavior or health issues (limping, loose stool, barking with other dogs approach, etc);
  • Other related assistance as asked by Team Lead or Staff;
  • Assist with kennel laundry.
  • Attend a Volunteer Orientation;
  • Attend a Basic Dog Handling course provided by the DAWS trainers;
  • Physically able to handle dogs of all sizes, shapes, and strength
  • Appropriate dress and shoes required;
  • Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
  • Basic Dog Handling course provided by the DAWS trainers;
  • Advanced dog handling & training techniques provided by DAWS Training Team as needed.
Bethel Shelter

One 2 hour shift (6-8 Monday – Friday , 2-4 Saturday and/or Sunday)

Volunteer Now
Dog Bather
  • Groom and bathe dogs
  • Knowledge of dogs; 
  • Work with limited supervision and follow directions;
  • Attendance at DAWS Orientation session;
  • Attendance at Basic Dog Handling course provided by DAWS trainers;
  • Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
  • Training will be provided by Shelter Manager.
Bethel shelter

Flexible hours (day and evening)

Volunteer Now

Various

Volunteer Foster Parent
  • Love, Feed, socialize, groom, introduce basic training, and care for the animals as if they were your own;
  • Bring foster animal(s) to scheduled veterinarian appointments and adoption open houses;
  • Observe and report any problems with the animal to the Foster Care Coordinator;
  • Return the animal to the Shelter upon request or according to any special arrangements made by the Foster Coordinator or DAWS Staff;
  • Comply with Danbury Animal Welfare’s policies and foster volunteers should consider themselves ambassadors of the Foster Care Program.
  • Attend a Foster Program Orientation;
  • Home visit by a DAWS Foster program representative;
  • Understand the requirements of being a DAWS Foster as outlined in the; Foster Manual which will be provided at the Orientation Meeting.
  • Training will be customized based on the animal to be fostered
At your home

Depends on your needs and needs of animals

Volunteer Now
Videographer/Photographer
  • Take video or photos at DAWS related events such as the Walk for Animals and the DAWS Making a Difference Ball;
  • Currently looking for a photographer to take pictures for Holiday Card fundraising event;
  • Take video of our adoptable animals to place on YouTube and our DAWS.org website.
  • Knowledgeable about photography, and /or video production;
  • Working knowledge of social media outlets a plus.
  • Not Required, but Volunteer Orientation is recommended
At your home

Depends on your needs and needs of animals

Volunteer Now
Graphic Designer
  • DAWS needs a graphic designer to create DAWS branded flyers, brochures and other materials.
  • Professional experience required, this is not for beginners
  • Must have own computer
  • Understanding of DAWS logo & color palatte
  • Will take direction from Marketing & Development, Dog & Cat Program, and Community Outreach Coorinator
  • Must attend volunteer orientation
  • Review current/past flyers, brochures, etc.
Bethel Shelter
  • As needed, work is done at home
Volunteer Now

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Happy Tails

happy Puppy Miracle
AMELIA (formerly PUPPY MIRACLE)
Miracle is doing great, we did rename her Amelia, she's eating fine and sleeps right through the night.
Read More

Adoption Statistics

April 2013: Full Year 2013:
Adoptions
  • 26 Dogs/Puppies
  • 15 Cats/Kittens
 Adoptions
  • 157 Dogs/Puppies
  •   89 Cats/Kittens
Arrivals
  • 23 Dogs/Puppies!
  • 41 Cats/Kittens
 Arrivals
  • 169 Dogs/Puppies
  •   80 Cats/Kittens
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