Read to a shelter pet

Step 1: View the Read to A Shelter Pet virtual orientation video as a team

This virtual orientation will cover the history and mission of Capital Humane Society as well as the programs and services we offer to the community.   You'll learn about important information regarding the purpose of our "Read To Shelter Pet" program and the impact it can have for the animals and kiddos of our community!  We cover information on how to sign up for shifts, where to find supplies during your time at the shelter, and all the "do's and don'ts" to ensure everyone stays safe while enriching the lives of the pets in our care.  The presentation lasts approximately 36 minutes and can be completed all at once or in shorter sessions.

Step 2:View the virtual tour video

This video will give you a walk through tour of the areas of Pieloch Pet Adoption Center that are relevant to your volunteer work.  This video will also be available to you as a scannable QR code at the front desk to help orient you on your first day.  This video lasts approximately 3 minutes.

Step 3:Complete the RTSP Quiz & waiver

This quiz & info form is designed to double check your understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of Read to A Shelter Pet volunteers as well as other important information presented in the virtual orientation.  The form also captures important contact information so that we can enter you into our volunteer database ensuring that you receive important updates regarding program & organizational changes.  Form submissions are checked and responded to by staff daily Tuesday-Friday.  Submissions from Saturday-Monday will be responded to on Tuesdays. 

Step 3: Sign up for shifts and start reading!

Once your form has been reviewed by staff, you will receive a follow up email with a link to the Read To A Shelter Pet calendars.  Using these calendars you will be able to see the available timeslots and sign up whenever works with your schedule!  There is no minimum time commitment, however, if you are inactive for longer than 6 months you will need to complete the RTSP quiz again before you are able to sign up for more shifts.

Essential Capabilities for all roles

• Must not have strong allergies to animals or to chemicals, such as those used in cleaning
• Ability to deal with strong and unpleasant odors and various temperatures
• Ability to cope with a very loud environment.
• No known concerns about tolerating exposure to zoonotic diseases such as ringworm
• Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures
• High level reading and communication skills (example: understand words such as ‘quarantine’)
• Possess problem-solving capability
• Ability to receive, incorporate and sustain instruction and feedback
• Ability to cope with a highly emotionally charged environment and in the presence of animals who are homeless, abandoned, injured and/or abused.
• Ability to understand Capital Humane Society’s policies and positions regarding companion animals, animal control, and other key animal welfare issues and an ability and willingness to appropriately and accurately represent those policies when interacting with the public or otherwise representing CHS