Opportunities
If you are interested in Volunteering, for an Adult (18 or older) volunteer application, you can submit an Adult Volunteer application (18 and older). We are not taking Junior Volunteer applications (ages 15-17) at this time.
In-shelter morning shifts are any 2 hours between 8:00 am – noon and afternoon shifts are any 2 hours between 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Current opportunities: Walkers able to handle strong dogs. Front Desk volunteers to greet and assist the public, use the computer, some clerical, answer the phones, Cleaning Crew – able to vacuum, sweep, wash floors from 12-2 pm Fridays and Mondays.
Cat Health & Welfare
Foster Homes are needed. Please contact us at catadoptions@parmashelter.org.
If you have been thinking about opening your home or a spare bedroom, the Parma Animal Shelter is looking for foster homes for kitten season!
The shelter provides all medical care as well as food and litter. All you do is bring the kittens to the shelter for their regular checkups (we work with veterinarians and their vet techs) and to replenish food and litter.
Our foster moms and dads find it rewarding to foster kittens. Of course, it is sometimes difficult to let them go. But know that you raised your kittens to be the best they can be so they can grow up to be outstanding cats.
Please contact us at catadoptions@parmashelter.org for more information about the Parma Animal Shelter’s Kitten Foster Program and how you can become a Foster Mom or Dad.
Cat Care Specialist
Details
We are looking for cat lovers for a weekly commitment. Duties include feeding and care of cats and kittens, cleaning cages, litter box maintenance, assist with laundry, general clean-up of Main Cat Room. Once primary care is done, petting, playing, brushing of the cats and kittens is encouraged.
Skills
Patient with cats and kittens, able to follow policies and procedures, work as a team.
Cat Transport to APL – on Friday morning pick up from the Parma Animal Shelter and drive to the APL and/or in the afternoon bring back to the Parma Animal Shelter after their spay/neuter from the APL.
Dog Care Specialist
Details
We are looking for dog lovers for a weekly commitment. Dog obedience using the techniques taught by a professional dog trainer. Dog walking, kennel maintenance, and general shelter duties. Once primary care is done, dogs can be brushed and/or can enjoy playing in the dog runs or using the agility course.
Skills
Must be able to handle large, strong dogs, able to follow specific guidelines on dealing with shelter dogs, handle all kinds of dogs, with infinite patience, kindness and affection.
Fundraising
Details
Parma Animal Shelter hosts many events each year to raise operational funds. These include bake sales, bowling events, dinners, garage sales and an annual dog swim. Many hands are needed to make them a success. Planning events, soliciting donations for raffle baskets, manning a booth for the shelter, helping promote events are some of the ways volunteers can help support the shelter.
Skills
Ability to work as a team setting up events, schedule staffing for events such as March Muttness, Summer Fair, Bake Sales, etc.
Receptionist
Details
Greet the public, answer the phone, filing, filling out forms for new animals, lost and found reports, tours. Reconciling lost and found reports, other clerical duties as needed and doing laundry. Ability to use a computer and enter data into animal management software program Petpoint.
Skills
Pleasant manner, cheerful, good public relations skills, organizational skills, ability to work as a team and follow policies and procedures. Basic computer skills.
Laundry Specialist
Details
Work weekly helping to launder animal blankets and cleaning towels, folding and putting laundry away in proper areas.
Newsletter Committee
Details
Write articles promoting the adoption of our dogs and cats and fundraising events.
Skills
Able to work with others to solicit informational topics for newsletter.
Humane Education
Details
Volunteers are shelter representatives for off-site education events. Duties include transporting and/or setting up table displays and/or cages to promote adoption of our animals. Handlers must be a regular dog walker or cat specialist.
Junior Volunteer- Age 15 to 17
Details
Junior volunteers assist cat care specialists and can handle non-aggressive cats with waiver permission. They can serve cat treats, wash dishes, wash scoops, provide food and water, clean litter boxes, clean cages and sweep floors. Please download the Jr Volunteer application/waiver form here: Junior application/waiver
NOTE: A parent or guardian must come in and sign the waiver in front of the volunteer before a junior can be allowed to work in the shelter. Parent must provide their phone number on the form.
Skills
Pleasant manner, ability to work as a team and follow policies and procedures. Must be reliable and dependable.
Publicity Committee
Coordinator Publicity TV/Radio/Newspaper, External Websites
Details
Promote shelter events by contacting media and website calendars of events to post details on a timetable prior to the date of event.
Skills
Able to compose a press release and use a spreadsheet to keep track of postings
Deliver Flyers
Details
For a person who wants to help animals but doesn’t want to WORK WITH animals. The volunteer would deliver flyers advertising our events and ask business owners to post them in their windows. Our flyers can go to the schools in the Parma area, pet stores, vet offices, businesses in Parma, libraries, etc.
Skills
Must be able to transport flyers.
Design Flyers
Details
Help make signs and flyers for special events and shelter promotions
Skills
Ability to design professional flyers.
Can Recycling Crew
Details
Move bags of aluminum cans from the public drop-off recycling area against wire fence to inside wooden fenced area securing bags by double knotting as needed. Money is used to help our homeless animals.