Shelter Dog Wellbeing Internship

The Shelter Dog Wellbeing Internship is a new approach to volunteering for dogs at the Bucks County SPCA and will replace our former dog volunteer program.

Thanks to successful strategies put in place decades ago, we have made incredible progress combatting dog overpopulation. In recent years, dogs only make up around 20% of our total shelter population, with kittens, cats, and small animals eclipsing their numbers. While we are seeing fewer dogs, they are with us longer due to complex medical and behavioral needs, requiring a specialized approach from both staff and volunteers.

We have also seen incredible progress in the field of animal behavior and training. The trial and error of the past has been replaced by formal scientific study into what works and what doesn’t. Our program is informed by leaders in the field and follows recommendations from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, and the Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines by the American Animal Hospital Association, to name a few. We use tested and proven methods for training, such as positive reinforcement, and avoid any methods using pain or punishment.

Our approach is different than traditional dog volunteer opportunities. Previously, it was believed that getting dogs out of their kennels for long walks or hikes was a priority. We now know that doing targeted, environmentally cued training; associating people with calmness and relaxation; and keeping a mentally enriched environment will go further to help dogs in the shelter and in their new homes.

This program does not have an emphasis on hands-on interactions with animals. Instead, participants can expect the following:

• Classroom work including lectures, readings and videos covering topics such as proven methods to interact with and train shelter dogs, exploring and interpreting subtle animal body language, and scientific research on animal behavior.
• Discussions led by BCSPCA Director of Animal Behavior, Eleasha Gall, CPDT-KA.
• Exercises that help shelter dogs maintain wellbeing in their environment such as preparing enrichment items and training.

5 weekly sessions:
Mondays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
July 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5

Lahaska Shelter
1665 Street Rd.
New Hope, PA 18938

• Participants must be at least 18 years of age
• Email account that can be used to read and respond to regular communications
• Regular access to the internet to utilize our online volunteer portal
• Ability to read, comprehend, remember, and follow detailed policy and protocol information
• Close and distance vision and depth perception
• Ability to hear and communicate with others verbally and in writing
• Support and adhere to the Mission and Core Values of the BCSPCA
• Follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the Volunteer Manual, the Shelter Dog Wellbeing Internship program, and other policies of the BCSPCA
• Punctuality and attendance at all 5 sessions is expected
• Adherence to dress code: long pants, close-toed shoes, shirt with sleeves
• Ability to stand, sit, and kneel, as well as kneel on the ground and stand up unassisted
• Ability to manipulate small objects less than ¼ inch long with precision
• Ability to walk while carrying 40 pounds or more
• Ability to take direction calmly in stressful circumstances
• Ability to tolerate and function in loud environments
• Selected candidates will be asked to complete several online learning modules, including BCSPCA volunteer orientation, prior to the start of the first session. The time commitment to complete these modules is approximately 7 hours.

If you have read the expectations above and can meet the requirements, click here to submit your application by Sunday, May 19 at 11:59 pm.