Stages of the Program:

Stage 1: Assisting the Health Care Technicians in Receiving (15 hours)

1. Assist in the processing of animals including administering de-worming medication, flea treatment, and vaccinations
2. Photograph animals as they enter and load images onto the Center website
3. Assist in delivering medication

Stage 2: Animal Husbandry (10 hours)

1. Feeding and watering cats/dogs/pocket pets
2. Cleaning and sterilizing feeding bowls and toys
3. Cleaning kennels or cages for cats/dogs/pocket pets
4. Laundry
5. Preparation for the next day such as stocking litter boxes or food

In order to proceed to the next section of the program, students must demonstrate the ability to identify signals of aggression in dogs and cats.

Stage 3: Assisting the Veterinary Staff (15 hours)

1. Work with the veterinary team during daily rounds to check animal health status.
2. Identify animals in need of medical attention and assist with diagnostic sample collections such as fecal flotations and ear cytologies.
3. Shadow shelter veterinarians completing physical examinations and surgery.
4. Assist veterinary team with recovery of surgery animals, walking medical patients, and preparing medications.
5. Create and provide enrichment activities for animals on the adoption floor.

Stage 4: Animal Enrichment (10 hours)

1. Assist in dog walking and other physical enrichment
2. Assist in animal socialization (dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens) via cuddling and other social enrichment
3. Learn dog and cat body language and communication styles
4. Assist in teaching basic dog manners.

Physical Requirements:
Several sections of the program can be physically demanding such as husbandry, dog walking, restraint in receiving, etc. Any student with any chronic injuries should consult their doctor prior to beginning the program. Any student that has any allergies to dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. should consult their doctor prior to beginning the program.