PROGRAM ANIMAL HANDLER

Not currently recruiting.

woman and dog outdoors

The OHS runs several programs that promote the human-animal bond and encourage participants to interact with animals. In this position, volunteers bring their own, behaviour-assessed companion animals to participate in various OHS programs and events. Volunteers provide OHS program participants with hands-on animal interaction, demonstrate their animal’s unique talents or skills, and deliver short presentations related to their animal or an animal welfare topic.

Volunteers are required to make a minimum bi-weekly commitment, over a period of at least one year.

PROGRAM ANIMAL HANDLER VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

  • Volunteers must have a companion animal suitable for visits;
  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older;
  • Volunteers must have a valid driver’s licence;
  • All companion animals must pass an OHS behaviour assessment;
  • Have access to a vehicle to transport their animal;
  • Be friendly and enjoy working with the public, including children, youth, adults and seniors;
  • Be compassionate and sensitive to vulnerable populations, such as at-risk youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, diverse groups, newcomers to Canada and seniors;
  • Be comfortable delivering short presentations to various age groups and populations;
  • Be comfortable discussing issues related to animal care and welfare (after being provided with training);
  • Have availability for regular weekday daytime, evening or weekend shifts;
  • Following an interview, all volunteers will be asked to complete a criminal record check and be scheduled for orientation.

PROGRAM ANIMAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least two years old and sterilized;
  • Be up-to-date on vaccinations: DA2PP or DHPP/DA2PPV (for dogs) and FVRCP (for cats) and rabies;
  • Not have consumed a raw food diet within the last 90 days;
  • Not be on antibiotics or any immunosuppressive medication;
  • Successfully pass all required Program Animal Behaviour Assessment before participating in programs or events;
  • Day time availability.

 

STEPS TO BECOMING A PROGRAM ANIMAL HANDLER VOLUNTEER:

  • Complete the volunteer application.
  • Please ensure you specify on your application the program you are interested in volunteering for.
  • Volunteers whose skills and availability match the Program Animal Handler volunteer requirements will be contacted with additional questions about their companion animal.
  • Following a successful onboarding, volunteers will be asked to submit a Criminal Record Check and attend scheduled orientations.

For more information, please contact the coordinator: volunteers via email at volunteering@ottawahumane.ca or via telephone at 613-725-3166 ext. 264.

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