Pasadena Humane

1. Is this Program Currently Accepting Volunteers? Yes! Canine Cuisine Prep is accepting volunteers for weekly shifts to help the shelter's dog residents. After completing Boredom Busters in-person training, you will be assigned to this opportunity! 2. Program Description & Goals Are you passionate about animals? Do you find joy in seeing wagging tails and doggy smiles? If so, this is the position for you! As a volunteer in this program, you will have the unique and rewarding task of working alongside staff members preparing dog enrichment items that not only keep our furry friends mentally stimulated and physically active, but also help them become more adoptable. 3. How Does this Program Help the Shelter? Throughout the year, on average, the shelter will have around 70 dogs in its care. Our dog for each of the dogs is to provide mental stimulating and engaging enrichment activities to help limit the amount of stress, anxiety, fear, and frustration. Shelters can be overwhelming environments, and without proper enrichment, dogs may develop behaviors that make adoption more challenging. By providing consistent enrichment—such as interactive toys, scent work, positive reinforcement training, playgroups, and structured walks—we help dogs stay mentally and emotionally balanced. Reducing these stressors not only promotes better overall health and well-being but also increases their likelihood of adoption by helping them present their best selves to potential adopters. A happy, well-adjusted dog is more likely to make a strong connection with a new family and transition smoothly into a home environment. 4. Position Outline After securing your shift within VolunteerMatters, please arrive at the Volunteer Services office to sign in. If this is your first-time volunteering within this program, a staff member will meet you in the Volunteer Services and take you to the area within the dog kennels where the enrichment items are put together. You will meet with and be lead by a staff member of what enrichment item will be made that day, how to make it, and how to properly and safely distribute the items to the dogs. Shifts typically run 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on the dog population size and type of enrichment items being used. 5. Skills & Requirements ✅ Comfort Around Dogs of All Sizes & Temperaments – Volunteers should be comfortable interacting with a variety of dogs, including those who may be shy, energetic, or in training. ✅ Understanding of Canine Body Language – Recognizing signs of stress, fear, and excitement is essential for safe and effective enrichment activities. ✅ Patience & Compassion – Some dogs may take time to warm up, and others may have behavioral challenges. Volunteers must be calm, patient, and willing to work at the dog’s pace. ✅ Physical Ability – Some roles may require standing, bending, walking, and stretching. ✅ Commitment to Enrichment Practices – Volunteers should be willing to engage in structured activities such as puzzle toys, scent games, and positive reinforcement training as directed by staff members. ✅ Ability to Follow Shelter Protocols – Ensuring the safety of both the dogs and the volunteers by following shelter rules, and enrichment plans. ✅ Teamwork & Communication Skills – Volunteers will work alongside staff and other volunteers to share observations about each dog’s behavior, progress, and enrichment needs. ✅ Minimum Age Requirement – Volunteers must be at least 18 years old for this role. ✅ Training & Orientation Required – Volunteers must complete an orientation and any necessary training to ensure safe and effective interactions with the dogs: 1. Infectious Disease Management a. Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h1tjfZngT0 b. Quiz: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cSDNmHAIlEqurBCbgZki0RAdOiBuufRCh_A6Y7eq_4pUOVE1MDFYNzlMMDFTUUxSRzZaSUtVSjZYMi4u 2. Fear Free Shelter Certification a. Instructions: https://pasadenahumanesociety-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/volunteer_pasadenahumane_org/EYyzkYRZ1mdKtIrTtZeVJ5oBK-jvbeZeUoW8_OYHhh-zlA?e=ZmAjzr b. Form to download: https://pasadenahumanesociety-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/volunteer_pasadenahumane_org/EaesrR3PTINFseosx-4h2noBd0KsxtLH5Wo_u5MKlUcgFw?e=ZIvUbw 6. How to Get Involved? After completing the in-person Meet & Greet session as well as the online training modules, check the program's calendar view to see the days in which shifts are given and available. When a particular day's shift is vacant, there will be a button labeled, "Volunteer." Press it to confirm the shift. 7. Benefits to Volunteers 🐾 Make a Meaningful Impact – Help improve the well-being of shelter dogs by reducing stress, anxiety, and fear, increasing their chances of finding forever homes. 🐶 Experience with Dogs – Gain experience interacting with dogs of various breeds, sizes, and personalities in a structured setting. 🎓 Develop Animal Behavior Knowledge – Learn about canine body language, enrichment techniques, and positive reinforcement training to better understand dog behavior in a shelter setting. 💪 Stay Active & Engaged – Enjoy a physically active volunteer role that involves walking, playing, and working indirectly with dogs. 🤝 Be Part of a Passionate Team – Join a community of animal lovers who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of shelter pets. 🏅 Recognition & Appreciation – Volunteers are essential to our shelter! We offer appreciation events, milestone rewards, and recommendation letters for dedicated service. 🧠 Gain Transferable Skills – Enhance skills in teamwork, problem-solving, observation, and communication, which can be valuable for careers in animal welfare, veterinary work, or customer service. 💖 Emotional Fulfillment – Experience the joy of seeing a dog’s progress, from nervous and unsure to happy and adoptable, thanks to your care and dedication.