Dog Deputy

Dog Deputies play a crucial role in providing humane care and socialization to the dogs in our shelter. They also introduce dogs to potential adopters.

The Dog Deputy role works with the Kennel Tech staff to provide frequent walks to the dogs in our shelter. This can be a physically demanding job since the shelter environment is stressful, and the dogs are excited to go outside. We provide several levels of training for new volunteers to determine which dogs you’re comfortable working with, and to show you our policies and procedures, designed to keep both you and the dogs safe and stress-free.

Volunteering Environment

• Volunteers may be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, loud barking, and the risk of animal bites.
• Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed-toe shoes, and shirts with sleeves at all times. A volunteer t-shirt will be provided to you after 10 hours of service.

Commitment

• Please commit to a minimum of 4 shifts per month for 6 months. Frequent visits help you maintain your skills and become better acquainted with the shelter after your training.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Walk and socialize with dogs on the Maryland SPCA’s property, in the kennel, at “fun runs,” and in our “Get Acquainted Room.”
• Introduce dogs to prospective adopters.

Requirements

• Ability to work with dogs of varying strengths.
• Walking for periods of time with frequent bending, kneeling and pulling.
• Willingness to learn and take direction from staff about how to work with the dogs. No matter your level of experience, walking dogs in our shelter requires training!
• No peanut butter allergies! We use a lot of it around the shelter.

Training

• Attend an orientation, complete the online training module, and then schedule two training “shadow sessions” with our staff.