Animal Control

Online Services

Volunteer & Internship Opportunities

Volunteer Orientations 2011 - 2012

Please indicate below which orientation you would like to attend and return this sheet along with your volunteer application.

All orientations are held 4pm‐6pm in the training room of the Kent County Animal Shelter.
The shelter is located at 740 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Cat Volunteer Orientation

Thursday, December 8th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, February 9th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, April 12th
4pm-6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, June 7th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, August 16th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, October 11th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Clerical Volunteer Orientation
Thursday October 6th
4pm-6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Dog Volunteer Orientation

Thursday November 10th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, January 12th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, March 8th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, May 17th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, July 11th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

Thursday, September 13th
4pm‐6pm
Animal Shelter Training Room

A full position description and an orientation confirmation will be mailed to you upon our receipt of your application and orientation form.

Please contact Carly Luttmann, at (616) 632-7300, with any questions.

Volunteer Positions Overview

Dog Attendant

Assists the Animal Specialists with daily care of dogs in the KCAS adoption program. Provides physical and mental stimulation to maintain overall wellbeing while in the shelter environment. Provides foundation training for basic manners in order to promote animal adoptability. Shifts are limited and staggered to allow the animals to adhere to a basic routine for stimulation and rest times.

Shift Duties:

  • Scoop, fill water bowls
  • Provide kennel enrichment (Kongs, rawhides, clean bedding)
  • Provide clicker training reinforcement for appropriate kennel behavior
  • Alert staff to behavioral and medical concerns
  • Walk shelter dogs on Gentle Leader
  • Provide clicker shaping sessions to dogs as requested by staff

Minimum Weekly Commitment: 3 hours
Reports To: Shelter Veterinarian
Shifts Available:
   Monday - Friday 8am-11am and 1pm-4pm
   Saturday/Sunday 8am-11am

AM Cattery Attendant

Assists the Animal Specialists with daily care of cats at the KCAS. Provides basic daily needs such as feeding, cleaning and socialization to maintain overall wellbeing while in the shelter environment. Shifts are limited and staggered to allow the animals to adhere to a basic routine for stimulation and rest times.

Shift Duties:

  • Provide essential cleaning and care
  • Alert staff to medical and behavioral concerns
  • Monitor signage for accuracy
  • Clean up of dishes, floor, etc.
  • Assist with AM medication rounds
  • Monitor court workers as necessary

Minimum Weekly Commitment: 3 hours
Reports To: Program Supervisor
Shifts Available:
   Monday - Friday 8am-11am
   Saturday/Sunday 8am-11am

PM Cattery Attendant

Assists the Animal Specialists with daily care of cats at the KCAS. Provides basic daily needs such as feeding, cleaning and socialization to maintain overall wellbeing while in the shelter environment. Shifts are limited and staggered to allow the animals to adhere to a basic routine for stimulation and rest times.

Shift Duties:

  • Scoop, fill water, finish any remaining cleaning of vacated kennels
  • Alert staff to medical and behavioral concerns
  • Monitor signage for accuracy
  • Assist with PM medication rounds
  • Provide grooming and playtime in visitation rooms
  • Monitor court workers as necessary

Minimum Weekly Commitment: 3 hours
Reports To: Program Supervisor
Shifts Available:
   Monday - Friday 1pm-4pm
   Saturday/Sunday N/A

Clerical Assistant

Assists the Clerical staff with customer service to clients of the KCAS. Serves as point of first contact to shelter visitors, answers general questions and directs clients to appropriate staff member or services as needed.

Shift Duties:

  • Greet clients, direct traffic, escort clients as needed
  • Answer FAQ, phone and in person
  • Check phone messages, call backs as requested
  • Assists with filing and organization of paperwork

Minimum Weekly Commitment: 3 hours
Reports To: Client Services Supervisor
Shifts Available:
   Monday - Friday 9am-12pm and 3pm-6pm
   Saturday 9am-12pm

Special Events Assistant:

Existing cat, dog or clerical volunteers have the opportunity to assist KCAS staff with special events such as West Michigan Pet Expo, parades and other community events, and pet services clinics for microchipping, licensing or spay/neuter services. Serves as point of first contact to clients and answers general questions about shelter programs and services.

Shift Duties:

  • Greet clients, direct traffic, escort clients as needed
  • Answer FAQ in person
  • Assists with set up and materials for event organization

Schedule depends upon the specific event scheduled