Volunteering at BENCHS
Volunteering is critical to the health and wellbeing of the cats and dogs living at the shelter. All your time and effort is greatly appreciated.
Volunteers, please sign in every time you volunteer. Use the Volunteer Login button at the top of this page. The number of volunteers and the hours that they work helps us to secure grants to keep our program strong.
Volunteers, please sign in every time you volunteer. Use the Volunteer Login button at the top of this page. The number of volunteers and the hours that they work helps us to secure grants to keep our program strong.
Dog Walkers
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE 18 OR OLDER.
A minor or vulnerable adult may be supervised and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The parent or adult guardian is mandated to be within arm's length or closer at all times. Any failure of volunteers to conduct themselves in this manner will result in being asked to leave. A young person who wishes to walk dogs in the company of a parent or guardian will be given one dog and additional leashes. The parent or guardian must hold the leash.
ORIENTATION SESSION
On your first day as a dog walker, you will need to request Dog Walker Orientation. The orientation only takes about 15 minutes, so you must arrive early for dog walking that day.
Orientations are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. and Sundays at 10:45 a.m. All dog walkers are required to attend a session. If you plan to be a morning or weekend walker and the orientation on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon does not fit with your schedule, email dogwalker@benchs.org. A coordinator will work with your schedule to do a one-on-one orientation and training.
CHECK IN AND OUT
Please check in at the front desk. You are expected to clean up after the dog -- bags are provided. When you are finished, check out at the front desk.
DOG WALKING HOURS
Spring/Summer Hours
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Introducing Sunday hours 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
For first time walkers, arrive 15 minutes before each session for orientation.
COMMITTED DOG WALKERS
If you find you really love dog walking and can make a weekly commitment, please let the person training you know. Additional dog walking hours are available to trained and approved volunteers. Dogs may not be walked from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday to allow them to be available during adoption hours.
The greatest need is for committed walkers, whether it is for one hour a week or more, whatever works with your life schedule. Walkers are expected to commit to walking once a week for a period of at least 3 months.
A minor or vulnerable adult may be supervised and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The parent or adult guardian is mandated to be within arm's length or closer at all times. Any failure of volunteers to conduct themselves in this manner will result in being asked to leave. A young person who wishes to walk dogs in the company of a parent or guardian will be given one dog and additional leashes. The parent or guardian must hold the leash.
ORIENTATION SESSION
On your first day as a dog walker, you will need to request Dog Walker Orientation. The orientation only takes about 15 minutes, so you must arrive early for dog walking that day.
Orientations are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. and Sundays at 10:45 a.m. All dog walkers are required to attend a session. If you plan to be a morning or weekend walker and the orientation on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon does not fit with your schedule, email dogwalker@benchs.org. A coordinator will work with your schedule to do a one-on-one orientation and training.
CHECK IN AND OUT
Please check in at the front desk. You are expected to clean up after the dog -- bags are provided. When you are finished, check out at the front desk.
DOG WALKING HOURS
Spring/Summer Hours
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Introducing Sunday hours 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
For first time walkers, arrive 15 minutes before each session for orientation.
COMMITTED DOG WALKERS
If you find you really love dog walking and can make a weekly commitment, please let the person training you know. Additional dog walking hours are available to trained and approved volunteers. Dogs may not be walked from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday to allow them to be available during adoption hours.
The greatest need is for committed walkers, whether it is for one hour a week or more, whatever works with your life schedule. Walkers are expected to commit to walking once a week for a period of at least 3 months.
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Adopt-a-Condo
Volunteer at BENCHS to help out our feline visitors our new Adopt-A-Condo.
COMMITMENT Weekly Visits RESPONSIBILITIES Give love, clean the condo and help to reduce anxiety of the kitties. Whatever reason you have for wanting to volunteer at BENCHS, the Adopt-a-Condo program is a great one to consider for cat lovers. |
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Cleaners
A great portion of every day at RRPS is dedicated to cleaning.
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ReceptionistStafff the front desk during adoption hours.
Staff the front desk during dog walking hours MNSNAP: The spay/neuter mobile arrives once a month (7:30 - 9:30 a.m.) and volunteers are needed to assist with check-in. |
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Intake AssistantHelp with the intake process for new animals
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Writer
We are looking for someone to take over as editor for our monthly e-newsletter. Position requires regular communication with the Board of Directors and Shelter Manager on content, ensuring articles are submitted in a timely manner, proofing for spelling and grammatical accuracy. The editor may also be responsible for creating content.
We are also in need of writers for short e-newsletter articles. Writers may be asked to conduct interviews and do research. Ability to meet a deadline, accurate spelling and grammar is required. If you would like more information, please email Board Member Sharon. |
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Outdoors
Yard work, snow removal, flower garden upkeep
SNOW REMOVAL. Searching for a committed volunteer(s) to help with the removal of snow on our sidewalks, walking paths for the dogs and near our garage doors. Our snowblower has just been tuned up and ready for use.
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Tech SavvyOur many events need posters, handouts and publicity materials.
Enter data into our programs or other computer-related projects |
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Crafters
There is a continuous need for blankets, beds and toys.
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Fostering...dogs and cats
We receive kittens and puppies at the shelter that are too young to be placed up for immediate adoption. We also receive cats and dogs with minor illnesses or injuries that require temporary in-home care.
Fostering an animal can be a lot of work, but it provides much needed socialization and a greater chance of survival for the animal. If you are up to the challenge, it can be most rewarding. Before you agree to provide foster care, ask yourself these important questions: Are you able to monitor the health of the animal? Are you able to separate the foster animal from your own? Are you emotionally prepared to give up the animal at the appropriate time? Schedule an appointment with the shelter director to volunteer for foster care. |
