It’s Shari Hebert’s love of dogs that led her to helping out dogs at the City of Winnipeg’s Animal Services Agency.
“I wanted to help out the dogs in the community and I take the dogs for walks and play with them. I’ll also refill water and clean up after them,” said Hebert, who has been volunteering with the agency for two years.
“The schedule is amazingly flexible so you don’t have to be set to a specific day and time so it makes it easy,” she said.
Hebert is one of several people who volunteer at Animal Services every year.
“Volunteers are an integral part of our operation here,” said Leland Gordon, Chief Operating Officer of the Animal Services Agency. “We are grateful for our volunteers and are hoping more people will step forward to become volunteers.”
They help with everything from caring for dogs to cleaning. Their main task is helping to socialize adoptable dogs.
“When we have volunteers that take the time to socialize the dogs and make dogs that are little scared a little more friendly, that helps strengthen the community.”
Volunteer opportunities are available for people 16-years-old and up. Children aged 14 and 15-years-old are also able to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
To ensure a good fit, interested volunteers should fill out an application form and will be required to attend a screening interview as well as have a criminal record check done through the Winnipeg Police Service. Successful applicants will receive training.
Contact the Animal Services Agency or 311 if you have any questions about volunteer opportunities.