Volunteering with STARS

 

STARS works in collaboration with the Stratford Police Department, Animal Control division.  This joint force has established a program vital to the operation of the Animal Control Facility and our volunteers make a great impact, in many areas.  Today, volunteers assist in the care of dogs and cats housed in the Animal Control Facility, help place them in loving homes and provide support for various fundraising and humane education programs.

General Guidelines

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.  
• Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of 6 hours/month and our annual Fall Festival.  
• Volunteers must possess a functioning email address and access to the internet, as this is the main method of communication.
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of supervised training.

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with STARS!  We rely on our great volunteers to help with many aspects of animal welfare and humane education.  Without them we could not do all that we do!  We are extremely fortunate to consistently have an overwhelming response from individuals wanted to become a part of STARS. 

To start the process we ask that you fill out our STARS Volunteer Questionnaire.  We are environmentally friendly, so we ask that you submit your completed form via e-mail.  Once your form has been reviewed you will be contacted by the volunteer coordinator further instructing you.

**We are currently only seeking volunteers with the following skills: Fundraising, Marketing and Accounting/Bookkeeping for our next Orientation in August 2013.**

 

Types of STARS Volunteer Opportunities:  *included but are not limited to the following

Animal Care:  Provide socialization, exercise, and basic training for the shelter animals.  Major Responsibilities: Moving animals in and out of their cages, interacting with cats, walking dogs outdoors for exercise using the appropriate equipment and handling, teaching basic obedience; cleaning up after dogs while outside of their cages, attend training classes.  Requirements: Complete 12 hours of training with a seasoned volunteer.

Adoption Events:  Host monthly adoption/open house events at the Stratford Animal Control Facility.  Meet and greet potential adopters when they arrive at the facility.  Assist potential adopters in selecting a pet who fits into their lifestyle.  Interact with people and animals.

Publicity:  Provide on-going announcements to radio, television and newspapers of events hosted by STARS.  Make and post flyers at various local businesses. 

Fundraising:  Organize various fundraising activities (candy & tag sales, Fall Festival) to provide funding for food, medical care, and necessities for the animals impounded at the Stratford Animal Control Facility.

Advocacy: Attend Town Council meetings and work with Town Officials to request Capital Improvements for the Animal Control Facility.

Groundskeeping:  Maintaining the flower beds around the facility including but not limited to weeding, planting, and watering.

*People seeking to serve court mandated community service can not be accommodated.