Volunteer Orientation: Duration 2 hours 15 minutes

The Volunteer Orientation is designed to familiarize individuals with the history of the SPCA in Placer County, including our Vision and philosophy, stories of pets that have been successfully rehabilitated, outline the many ways caring volunteers can make a difference to the lives of homeless animals, and will conclude with a tour of the facility.

Prerequisite: Volunteer Application filled out and sent to Volunteer Coordinator

Scheduled Classes: December 1, 10-12:30pm: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 104.

Foster Parenting: Duration 1 hour :

This class prepares volunteers for the process of fostering a shelter animal. It details reasons for foster care, requirements from the foster parent and what to do if medical treatment is necessary. Read a Foster Parents story here!

Prerequisite: Volunteer Orientation

Scheduled Classes: November 18, 3-4pm: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 114

Behavior Foster Parenting: Duration Individual Appointment :

Many times an animal may need foster care for a specific behavior reason, such as, needing additional socialization. Each individual animal has special requirements, which need to be addressed. Anyone interested in fostering behaviorally challenged animals should contact the Behavior Department Manager.

Prerequisite: Foster Parenting

Scheduled Classes: Classes scheduled on an individual basis.: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103

Housetraining Workshop: Duration of 1 hour :

Successful housetraining is a barrier to many people and may lead to dogs being surrendered to shelters. This course outlines a step-by-step method for successfully housetraining your dog. Topics covered include soiling problems, curbing destructiveness, appropriate feeding schedules and crate training.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Feline Litterbox Problems Duration 1 hour

This class will discuss common litterbox problems and how to correct them.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Animal Bathing/Grooming Procedures & Safety: Duration 2 hours :

This class will detail HOW & WHERE to bathe our shelter dogs, as well as, instruct volunteers on safety issues. Locations for proper bathing equipment such as towels and shampoos will also be discussed.

Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 3

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME:RSVP 916-782-7722 x 114.

The Truth About The American Pitbull Terrier:: Duration 1.5 hours :

The pitbull terrier is one of the most frequently discussed breeds of dog in the world. Ironically, much of the information about this breed is either exaggerated or simply incorrect. This seminar is designed to provide accurate, honest information about this breed, its history, physical characteristics and temperament.

Prerequisite: Open to shelter volunteers. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Shelter Medicine - DOGS: Duration 2 hours:

This class was developed to give shelter volunteers a better understanding of how the medical aspect of the shelter runs. We cover the process of vaccinating, de-worming and discuss diseases commonly seen in the shelter setting.

Prerequisite: Open to shelter volunteers. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Shelter Medicine - CATS: Duration 2 hours:

This class was developed to give shelter volunteers a better understanding of how the medical aspect of the shelter runs. We cover the process of vaccinating, de-worming and discuss diseases commonly seen in the shelter setting.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Rabbit Socialization & Safe Handling & Critter Care Class: Duration 3 hours.

The shelter continues to have a growing rabbit population. This class is designed to familiarize volunteers with how to safely socialize with and handle the shelter rabbits and includes basic health needs. This class will also address the care and needs of "pocket pets" such as hamsters, guinea pigs and rats.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: October 27, 9-11:30am: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Parrot Seminar Class: Duration 6 hours.

This class is designed to familiarize volunteers with how to safely socialize with and handle the shelter parrots and includes basic health needs.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Canine Breed Specific Characteristics:: Duration of 3 hours :

This class compliments the Adoption Counseling Class. The history and function, health concerns and phenotype of various breed types, as well as, individual breeds will be discussed. This class helps form associations between what a dog was bred to do and the behaviors it exhibits.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103 (Class size limited to 40 people).

Hands-On Dog Obedience At Training Arena: Duration of 2 hours :

This session is open to any volunteer who has been through Dog Socialization Level 3 or higher, and is designed to help volunteers polish their hands on dog training skills using shelter dogs. A PSPCA staff member or Volunteer Mentor will be on hand to provide assistance and advice. No more than five dog/handler teams will be allowed in the arena at any time and all participants must have treats, a treat bag, Gentle Leader and a shelter dog.

Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 3

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: No RSVP necessary. This is a "drop-in" class.

Hands-On Dog Agility At Training Arena: Duration of 2 hours :

This session is designed to help volunteers polish their hands-on agility skills using shelter dogs. A PSPCA staff member or Volunteer Mentor will be on hand to provide assistance and advice. Only one dog/handler teams will be allowed in the Training Arena at any time and all participants must have treats, a treat bag, Gentle Leader and a shelter dog.

Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 4

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE: No RSVP necessary. This is a "drop-in" class.

Separation Anxiety Workshop: Duration of 1.5 hours :

A growing problem, dogs exibiting separation anxiety are frequently surrendered to animal shelters. This course will help you recognize signs of separation anxiety and will outline a variety of methods recommended to treat this problem.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: No RSVP necessary. This is a "drop-in" class.

Adopters Anon.: Duration of 1 hour :

The PSPCA offer this class, free of charge, to anyone who has adopted an animal from our shelter. No appointment is necessary. This is an open class, in a group setting, where adopters may freely discuss behavioral or training concerns with a Behavior Department Staff member. In order to promote a safe and healthy relationship with adopters and their new companions, we will be offering thi sclass several times monthly. The PSPCA will continue to offer our Behavior Help Line at (916) 782-7722 x 103 as well as private consultations

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103 (Class size limited to 40 people).

Children and Pets: Duration 2 hours :

This class discusses selecting an appropriate dog or cat to be compatible with children. Safety concerns in the interaction of children and animals will be addressed as well as appropriate ways to introduce animals to children.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103 (Class size limited to 40 people).

Why do dogs bite? Understanding Canine Aggression: Duration 2.5 hours :

This class will define and explain the various types of canine aggression and will reference likely victims of dog bites and which dogs bite with the most frequency.

Prerequisite: Open to the public. No Prerequisite.

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103 (Class size limited to 40 people).

Mobile Adoption Training: Duration 1 hour.

This course will familiarize volunteers with the Pet Mobile and guidelines and procedures for Mobile Adoptions and Community Outreach.

Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 3, Cat Socialization and Adoption Counseling

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 113.

Adoption & Surrender Counseling: Duration 3.5 hours.

This course will familiarize volunteers with the PSPCA adoption contract, as well as, the shelter's guidelines for adoption. Volunteers will learn what questions to ask and what information to obtain to successfully adopt an animal into the right home. In addition, you will learn how to assist the PSPCA in getting accurate information from owners wishing to surrender their companion animal.

Prerequisite: Volunteer Orientation, Dog Socialization Level 3, and Cat Socialization & Safe Handling

Scheduled Classes: December 22, 12:30-4pm: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Adoption Follow-up Caller: Duration 2 hours.

This course trains volunteers to follow-up on PSPCA adoptions to ensure that animals are fitting into their homes. Adoption Follow-up Callers work directly with the Behavior Department to help new owners with problems and prevent animals from being returned to the shelter. Volunteers must be able to commit to working one hour weekly or four hours monthly at the shelter.

.Prerequisite: Dog Socialization Level 1 and Cat Socialization & Safe Handling

Scheduled Classes: CALL FOR NEXT CLASS DATE/TIME:: RSVP 916-782-7722 x 103.

Office Assistant: Duration 2 hours.

This on-the-job training will introduce the volunteer to the many varied aspects of our office operations including customer service, filing & documentation tracking, and assisting with our Companion Request program, Lost & Found services, and Adoption follow-up surveys.

Prerequisite: Volunteer Orientation

Call for Individual appointment: 916-782-7722 ext. 109

Humane Education Assistant:

Some volunteers are comfortable doing presentations on their own, while others prefer to assist a Humane Educator in the classroom by handling an animal, handing out information or helping with role-playing. Other ways to help include conducting tours of the shelter, staffing information tables at events or preparing materials used in the program.

Prerequisite: Volunteer Orientation

Call for indivual appointment: 916-782-7722 ext. 253