Get Involved Spotlight: Austin Animal Center
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About Austin Animal Center Volunteer Program:
Austin Animal Center is the largest municipal shelter in Central Texas, providing services to around 23,000 animals annually. Last year alone our volunteers donated almost 49,000 hours to help meet the needs of those animals. Our volunteers are an integral part of providing core services to our shelter pets, assistance to the customers that visit us and engaging & educating the community through outreach efforts. Volunteers add that special human connection to the everyday lives of our animals through walking & exercising dogs, socializing cats, assisting the Veterinary Services team and much more. AAC volunteers receive animal behavior training specially designed for the shelter environment, and have the opportunity to apply their own individual skills and experience toward mentoring and leadership roles as well.
Donation requests:
- Treats for dogs & cats, rawhide chews for dogs
- Towels, animal bedding, fleece material for making animal beds
- Dog & cat toys of all types, “Kong” toys for dogs
- Grooming supplies, brushes
Some Austin Animal Center Volunteer Opportunities:
Dog Wellness
Dog Wellness volunteers train the dogs to have good manners, take them for walks and reinforce house-training skills. We provide Dog Behavior Training classes for the volunteers to help equip them with the knowledge and resources necessary to safely perform their jobs. Socialization and exercise are key to creating positive emotional and physical health for the dogs while they are in our care.
Cat Behavior
Our Cat Behavior volunteers socialize cats and kittens to help them feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Many cats are very sensitive to change, and the shelter environment can add stress or anxiety to their lives. Volunteers reassure them, providing stability during this transition. They also help staff maintain clean kennels throughout the day and replenish resources like food, water & bedding.
Customer Greeter
We encourage all volunteers to engage customers during their volunteer shift, helping to match potential adopters to a pet that fits their household & lifestyle. The Customer Service Greeter position is more stationary, assisting customers as they enter the facility. We rely on these volunteers to inform customers of the adoption process, advise on searching for lost pets and answer general enquiries.
Surgical Pack Preparation & Surgery Technician Assistant
These are two exciting opportunities for volunteers interested in gaining experience working in the fast-paced environment of shelter medicine. Surgical Pack Preparation involves the careful organization and sterilization of surgical packs needed for the next day’s spay/neuter surgeries. The Surgery Technician Assistant has the critical task of assisting surgery technicians with preoperative exams, preparing surgery suites, and recovering and monitoring patients post-surgery. Training is provided by surgical Veterinary Technicians.
Austin Animal Center has volunteer opportunities to match a variety of interests and skill-sets. We provide the necessary training to help ensure that volunteers feel comfortable and safe performing their jobs. Youth are also welcome to apply to volunteer! All youth 13 & 14 years old must have an adult guardian also volunteer with them. 15 & 16 year olds can volunteer on their own, but an adult parent or guardian must attend orientation with them. Visit AustinAnimalCenter.org for more information on how to get involved, or contact us at animalservicesvolunteers@austintexas.gov or 978-0533. We look forward to having you join our team!
Video and audio produced by Mike Lee
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