Library Ambassador – Dog Care Team

Members of the GTHS Dog Care Team work with puppies and dogs of all sizes, shapes and backgrounds (stray, surrendered, neglected, abused, healthy, recovering from surgery, may be easy to handle or may require training for behavioural issues…).

In 2023, our Cat and Dog Care Teams cared for more than 1500 animals onsite at our Animal Centre.

Description
Reporting to the Dog Care Coordinator, the Library Ambassador participates in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to the dogs in our care by visiting our local library. The Library Ambassador is capable of handling yellow status dogs and interacts with members of the public to promote our adoptable dogs, volunteering, and GTHS events, programs and services.
Time Commitment
Friday mornings for 1.5-2 hours (including dog pick-up and drop-off). To be at the Collingwood Public Library from 9.30am until 10-10.30am. An overall minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Connect with the Friday Dog Care Coordinator before coming onsite
  • Assist with loading / unloading the selected dog
  • Assist in the maintenance of dogs’ physical and mental well-being
  • Interact with dogs for walks, training and socialization
  • Reinforce behaviours that make dogs more adoptable
  • Ensure dogs are safe and secure
  • Ensure members of the public interact appropriately and safely with the selected dog
  • Provide accurate information about the selected dog
  • Promote adoption, volunteering, and GTHS events, programs and services
  • Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures
  • Ensure photocopy of valid / most recent version of G2 driver’s license is retained by GTHS
Qualifications
  • 21 years of age minimum
  • A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
  • Confident with dogs
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • Current dog handling and/or training experience is required
  • Medium and large dog experience is required
  • Willingness and ability to complete the GTHS Dog Care Program training from Green to Yellow Dog Walker status is a must upon joining the Dog Care Team, and a desire to progress through additional status levels of the Dog Care Program is ideal
  • Self motivated
  • Ability to work alone and in a team environment
  • Willingness to remain informed about GTHS events, programs and services
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
  • Ability to follow protocol
  • Valid G2 driver’s license
  • Own vehicle and/or ability to drive GTHS van
Working Conditions:  
  • Gas and mileage are not reimbursable
  • Review and sign-off of the Animal Transport Guidelines / GTHS Van Use Agreement is required
  • GTHS dog handling skills to yellow status is a must before taking any dogs offsite
Positions currently available

Join our Dog Care Team today and bring enjoyment to staff and visitors at the Collingwood Library, and to one of our adoptable dogs, every Friday morning.

All applications are acknowledged, so please check your email inbox (and junk/spam folder) for a response.

Apply now

Stay informed on GTHS events, initiatives and programs. Learn how the GTHS team is serving the pets and people of the South Georgian Bay Area. Read heart-warming Happy Tails about GTHS Alumni. See a lot of really cute pictures of dogs and cats!