Spay/neuter volunteers play a crucial role in assisting with high-volume spay/neuter surgery for thousands of pets every year.
With the support of the spay/neuter team, volunteers assist with prepping cats and dogs for surgery and ensuring that the department runs efficiently.
Volunteer Environment
- Active surgical clinic, exposure to strong smells, animal waste and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites.
- Exposure to active surgery, including blood and tissue, and needles (volunteers do not administer vaccinations or help directly with surgery).
Commitment
- Minimum of four shifts per month for one year. Returning frequently helps volunteers maintain their knowledge of the spay/neuter clinic.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Clean and sterilize surgical instruments.
- Wrap surgical packs for cat and dog surgeries and sterilize in the autoclave.
- Cut and fold surgical drapes.
- Prepare vaccinations for administration by veterinarians and vet technicians.
- Assist with daily clinic needs such as cleaning cages, stocking supplies and doing laundry.
- Assist with closing duties such as sweeping and mopping.
Requirements
- Standing with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping and reaching.
- Clothing requirements: long pants, closed-toe shoes, shirts with sleeves; volunteer T-shirt provided after 10 hours of service.
- Willingness to work near active surgeries.
Training
- Once you have volunteered in the shelter for at least 10 hours as a CC1 or above, complete the online training module, and then contact the Volunteer Team to schedule an in-person training.
Get Started
The first step to getting started as a volunteer at the MD SPCA is to attend a volunteer orientation. Held twice a month at the MD SPCA, the orientation will provide you with more information about volunteering and allow you to ask about our volunteer policies.
