Volunteering with CCAS
If you have the time, we have the place! There are always things going on here at CCAS, and we're always seeking volunteers to help. Please read through the volunteer needs below and fill out the Volunteer Application today!
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. The only exception is for children who are interested in the foster program with parental consent.
Mobile Adoption Van
Through a generous grant from Petsmart, we recently purchased a Mobile Adoption Van. We need volunteers in order to put the Van into action!
In order to make use of our new van, we need a help committment of 4-5 hours on a Saturday or Sunday.
Our last mobile adoption at PETsMART gave 22 dogs new homes! If you can help, please fill out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION below, or contact Karly Cantrell at kcantrell@canyoncounty.org or 455-5930.
Foster Care Program
The CCAS Foster Care Program allows us to maintain underage puppies and kittens until they are big enough to spay/neuter and place for adoption. Our foster families help care for our animals, and help to find them the best possible adoptive homes.
We are looking for 20 volunteer foster homes. Although fostering takes a great deal of time and commitment, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Foster Family Responsibilities
- Give your foster animal lots of attention and affection. The animal may have lived a difficult life before coming to your home, and your love and attention will help heal its psychological wounds.
- Learn as much as you can about pet care. Read about feeding, grooming, and training. Study warning signs that may indicate the animal needs veterinary attention.
- Make a financial commitment. CCAS does not provide food or equipment for foster pets. Such costs are paid by the volunteer. Exception: If the animal falls ill while in the care of the Foster Care Volunteer, it will be returned to the shelter for free veterinary care.
- Make your home pet-friendly. You must have a fenced yard! Also, take steps to prevent the animal from escaping.
- Keep all of your own animals up-to-date on their vaccinations.
- Foster animals must be isolated from other animals for at least 10 days. This is a precaution to keep any harbored contagious disease away from the other members of the household.
- Return the animal to CCAS on time. If you cannot bring the animal to the shelter on the scheduled return date, you must contact the Foster Care Coordinator. The date of return works in conjunction with the other foster animals and the surgery schedule.
- All animals remain the property of CCAS. They must be returned at the request of the shelter or based on the signed contract. If you decide that you, or a neighbor or friend, would like to adopt the animal, you must go through normal CCAS adoption procedures.
- Despite your best efforts, the animal you foster may develop a severe illness that cannot be treated. Do the best you can to help the animal, but accept the fact that you cannot save them all.
- Dogs must be socialized and housebroken, not tied outside. You must give them basic obedience training, whether formally in traiing sessions, or simply "house manners" such as "sit", "down", and "no" commands.
- Cats must be indoor-only. Make sure your home is "cat-ready." Remove poisonous plants and protect furnishings.
- If the animal escapes, notify CCAS immediately.
- Have the support of all individuals living in your home.
- CCAS is not responsible for any damage or injury caused by a foster animal while it is in the care of a Foster Care Volunteer.
- Learn about the foster animal's behavior and help socialize the animal. Report to CCAS on whether the animal is housetrained, socialized with other animals, and if a home with children is a possibility. This helps CCAS place the animal in an adoptive home that will be a good match.
If you can fulfill these responsibilities and would like to help save the lives of puppies and kittens, please fill out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION below, or contact Karly Cantrell at kcantrell@canyoncounty.org or 455-5930.
You will also be asked to complete a Foster Care Program Application and provide two personal references, plus your veterinarian's name and phone number. If you are renting, we must have written consent from your landlord or a copy of your lease showing that animals are allowed in the rental unit.
Other Volunteer Needs
Exercising and socializing animals
Get some exercise and help a dog at the same time! Our dogs need a break from their cages to stay happy and healthy and to get some fresh air.
Cleaning and grooming
Helping in our veterinary clinic
Assisting and counseling prospective adopters
Clerical tasks
We need help with clerical tasks such as recordkeeping and data entry.
Educational outreach
Artwork and posters
If you have a creative flair, we need you for publicity projects! For example, we have "Pet Boards" at local stores such as Walmart, featuring adoptable CCAS animals.
Volunteer Application
For more information on volunteering, contact Karly Cantrell, Public Relations Specialist, at kcantrell@canyoncounty.org or call 455-5930.