Training Requirements:

• Volunteer Orientation

• Dog Socialization & Handling:

  • Level 1. Program introduction and K9 Body Postures. 
    Assist dogs with classical conditioning & lure/reward training

  • Level 2. Safe handling and kennel conditioning.
    Assists dogs with positive reinforcement, desensitization & counterconditioning

  • Level 3. Walking and training. 
    Assists dogs with operant conditioning and other training techniques.

  • Level 4. Fun & games. 
    Teach dogs fun tricks and agility training.

Cat Socializer.  Work with cats and kittens, keeping them well socialized and exercised.  This decreases their stress, keeps them healthy and increases their adoptability.

Training Requirements:

• Volunteer Orientation                                                               

• Cat Socialization & Safe Handling                                            

Rabbit/Critter Socializer.  Work with rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, mice etc.  Handling these animals keeps them well socialized, gives them exercise, can lessen their stress and makes them more adoptable.

Training Requirements:

• Volunteer Orientation                                                               

• Rabbit Socialization, Safe Handling & Critter Care                   

Adoption Counselor (Adult Volunteers Only).  Provides guidance and counseling to the public during the process of animal selection ensuring the right people are adopting the right animal for their life situation.  Counselors are expected to work with potential adopters, help with expectations, and as the circumstances warrant, may need to refuse an adoption application.  Counselors can work in the shelter or at mobile adoption sites in the community.  Shifts are usually 2-4 hours in length.

Training Requirements: (may include some or all of the following based on preferences)

• Volunteer Orientation                                                               

• Adoption Counselor Training                                       

• Mobile Adoption Training

• Cats. Cat Socialization & Safe Handling

• Small Animals.  Rabbit/Critter Safe Handling                                                    

• Dog Socialization & Handling:

  • Level 1.Program Intro. & K-9 Body Postures                                   

  • Level 2.Safe Handling & Kennel Conditioning                       

  • Level 3. Walking & Training                                      

Animal Advocate (Adult Volunteers Only). Advocate animals to the public at off-site adoption events, i.e., PetsMart or PetMobile.  Advocates also assist in the transportation of animals to these off-site locations and are usually scheduled to volunteer in four-hour shifts.

Training Requirements: (may include some or all of the following based on preferences)

• Volunteer Orientation                                                               

• Adoption Counselor Training                                       

• Mobile Adoption Training

• Cats. Cat Socialization & Safe Handling

• Small Animals.  Rabbit/Critter Safe Handling                                                    

• Dog Socialization & Handling:

  • Level 1.Program Intro. & K-9 Body Postures                                   

  • Level 2.Safe Handling & Kennel Conditioning                       

  • Level 3. Walking & Training

  Highly Recommend: Adoption Counselor Training

For more information contact Placer SPCA by calling (916) 782-SPCA (7722) or (530) 885-PETS (7387), send us email or complete our online information request.