PM Dog Care Team Members report to the Dog Care Coordinator and help to maintain the general health and welfare of the dogs in our care at the Animal Centre. In part this is achieved by participating in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to these dogs. To support the wide range of dog behaviours and needs we encounter at the GTHS, PM Dog Care Team Members complete a Dog Care Program*; quickly progressing from Green dogs (ie. puppies and seniors who are easy to walk and handle) to Yellow dogs (ie. young, rambunctious, pullers who can be slightly difficult to walk and handle), then work through the Orange and Purple levels at their own pace, with the ultimate goal of working with Red dogs (ie. strong, reactive dogs that are difficult to walk and handle, and that may have other behavioural issues). *Training is required upon joining the Dog Care Team and will be required intermittently to progress through the Dog Care Program.  
Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ health and welfare
  • Prepare and provide medication, supper and clean water as required or instructed
  • Maintain clean and organized kennels (inside and outside)
  • Sweep and mop dog kennels’ and Animal Equipment Room’s floors
  • Deep clean kennels inside and outside for dogs that leave the Animal Centre (adopted, foster care, etc.)
  • Clean up after dogs (stoop and scoop) in the kennel area and outdoors, as appropriate
  • Oversee any cleaning and tidying resulting from own interactions with dogs
  • Dispose of garbage and recyclables

•  Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ physical and mental well-being
  • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Bathe / groom dogs
  • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • Disinfect any dog toys used for Enrichment
  • Create treats / food puzzles
  • Wash up dirty dog dishes and assist with laundry (washing, drying and folding linens), based on Enrichment activities undertaken
  • Ensure dogs are safe and secure

• Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
• Use online Contact List & Schedule to reflect any absences and to coordinate shift coverage

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Overview & Impact: The Humane Education Program is an excellent way to connect with youth in our community and teach them about empathy, compassion and responsible pet ownership by focusing on the human-animal bond. In 2023, 4000 youth participated in the Humane Education Program - building skills in social and emotional development.

Based on the Humane Education Volunteer’s skill set and chosen course / club, they may support this important GTHS program at our Collingwood Animal Centre and / or in the community. The majority of our programming takes place onsite at our Animal Centre.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Humane Education Specialist, Humane Education Volunteers assist and engage youth aged between 7-17 enrolled in a range of GTHS after-school programs. The youth age group supported will depend on the course / club the HE Volunteer selects.

Time Commitment based on area(s) of interest: 8 consecutive weeks’ commitment from February 2025 is required (dates will be provided at time of application or enquiry). Volunteers will be expected to arrive 15 minutes before and stay approximately 15 minutes after the club / course session time.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include:

• Assisting with running the program at the direction of the Humane Education Coordinator
• Helping to create a fun, encouraging learning environment
• Live videoing and explanation of Animal Centre activities (tour, Q&A)
• Making animal related crafts
• Engaging, supervising and working with children to direct their activities
• Ensuring animals are being handled compassionately
• Answering questions that arise