Some of the things you can do as a volunteer at the San Antonio Humane Society.
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As a volunteer participating in the dog training program. You have the opportunity to support the training department in a variety of ways. Starting as a lead volunteer and advancing to a trainer level 1, level 2 and a level 3 for ones who would like to learn more about the field of dog training as well as gain experience.
You must attend the volunteer orientation, the initial tour and agree to the volunteer training agreement in order to attend any training seminars. You can turn in the completed form to our Dog Trainer, Volunteer Program Supervisor or email it to training@SAhumane.org. To prevent high volume call to our front desk. Please register for the seminars in person in our adoptions lobby at the front desk.
SAHS Volunteer Training Classes:
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Introduction to Dog Training (1 day – 1 time seminar)
This seminar discusses training methods that take a positive reinforcement approach with regards to obedience training. The seminar highlights how to mark behavior, how and when to reinforce and how to effectively use a clicker.
Obedience Training Seminar (1 day – 1 time seminar)
The obedience seminar gives our volunteers the opportunity to put into practice the training techniques learned in the “Introduction to Dog Training” seminar. We have the opportunity to go out into the kennels and begin training the dogs in their basic obedience commands.
Leash Training Seminar (1 day – 1 time seminar)
This is a one-time seminar and can be repeated as many times as needed. In it we discuss practical leash techniques in order to reduce pulling and train a dog to heel. Through this information our volunteers can help can us provide regular leash training for our dogs as well as use the same leash training for the improvement and training of their own pet!
Fearful Dog Training Seminar (1 day – 1 time seminar)
This seminar discusses how to safely approach fearful dogs. And how to provide them desensitization and adequate socialization in order to help them build confidence and overcome their fears.
4 Week Dog Training Course (1 day a week; 1hr long)
This 4-week long training course provides volunteers further guidance in training techniques as well as discusses ways to provide various forms of enrichment for the animals here at the SAHS. In addition to discussing various types of training sessions we can have with the animals. We will learn different approaches to take when handling the animals. Additionally, we will also consider various ways to manage reactive dogs (dogs who bark excessively at other dogs or who are hard to manage on leash).
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Info booths, adoption events, block walks, my oh my! We are looking for independent and outgoing volunteers to help distribute promotional materials, take photos, help with event setup & breakdown, and represent the SAHS in a fun and professional manner at a wide variety of events throughout the city. Help our animals find loving homes by caring for and socializing those at adoption events and join us at info booths and block walks to educate the community about pet responsibility, spay/neuter services, vaccinations, etc.
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Our adult dogs are awesome! With all different ages, sizes, and personalities of our adoptable dogs, volunteers experience firsthand what it’s like to care for, socialize, and help to introduce the dogs to their new family. Volunteers can take them out to our great exercise yards to play a fun game of fetch or for a nice walk around the shelter.
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Who doesn’t love cats and kittens? Volunteers are encouraged to socialize with our cats and experience the spunky energy that our kittens possess. At times they may need some help adjusting to their temporary home here at the SAHS but with lots of love and affection from our volunteers, they too will find their new loving family in no time. Never mind that old saying that cats are independent; our cats love the attention our volunteers provide!
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A wide variety of adorable and intelligent puppies and small adult dogs flourish our Puppy Palace and what better place to spend an afternoon! Our volunteers assist with maintaining a clean, disease-free environment, taking our adult dogs out for long walks in our field, and socializing our puppies in our ever so convenient visitation rooms.
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As a clinic volunteer, you will be one of the first to bond with animals that are brought to us and reassure them that they have a bright and promising future to look forward to! Volunteers help our clinic staff with the receiving of animals, cleaning the clinic area, and bathing our adoptable dogs and puppies.
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Get a glimpse of the world of Veterinary Medicine! Volunteers may help with filing, making phone calls, cleaning the surgery suite area and/or equipment, and other duties as needed.
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Individuals, 18 years of age or older, who have the desire to attend or are currently attending the Palo Alto College Veterinary Technology Program or a similar program can obtain their hours at the San Antonio Humane Society. These programs often require students to volunteer in a veterinary setting supervised by a licensed Veterinarian.
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If your specialty is greeting and talking to people, then our very busy front desk and office staff need you! Front desk volunteers help staff manage the vast amounts of paperwork processed each day and administrative supporters work in various departments and help with data entry, phone calls and mailings.
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Photographer/Handler: Would you like to use your photography talents and equipment to help animals get adopted? Then we would love for you to be on our photography team! Our volunteer photographers take photos of our adoptable animals in our shelter for our website and possible media outlets, and the handlers assist in capturing these photos.
Description Writer: Are you creative, fun, and love to write? Well, if so, we’d love to have you help our adoptable pets with their descriptive write-ups! This is a great way to volunteer your time and truly help get the word out about our fantastic shelter pets. These write-ups are posted on our website and are sent out to various media (internet, print, and TV). May be paired up with a photographer if desired.
{slider Videography Team}
This cool opportunity involves filming and interacting with our adoptable animals to showcase their personalities and temperaments. These videos may be available on our website and possible media outlets (including social media).
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