Community Corner
Animal Lovers Sought to Volunteer at Shelter
Some volunteer tasks needed by the Hayward Animal Shelter can also be done from home
Over 4,000 animals cycle through the Hayward Animal Shelter annually and there is an ongoing need for volunteers to fill a variety of roles at the facility. If you love animals and want to make a difference in their lives, consider becoming a shelter volunteer. The Hayward Animal Shelter is located at 16 Barnes Court in Hayward (near Soto Road and Jackson Street). Some volunteer opportunities can also be done from home. The next volunteer orientation training session will held in a month or so from now.
From the website of the Volunteers of the Hayward Animal Shelter -
"Volunteers are vital to operations at the Hayward Animal Shelter. There are many ways you can help us humanely care for and place the animals that come through the shelter.
Here are some of the ways you can volunteer: Socialize and play with cats & rabbits; walk the dogs; attend adoption events with the animals; list animals on web sites for adoptable pets; help clean cages and feed the animals; do pet grooming; provide foster animal care; contribute to the shelter’s newsletter or help with fund raising activities.
Editor's Note: (The next date for a volunteer orientation and training session at the shelter will be held in approximately one month. Those who want to volunteer are encouraged to call the shelter in September to find out the date of the orientation session. The date has not yet been set. You can reach the shelter and leave a message at 510-293-7200 Ext. 7. You must go through the orientation to volunteer. Applications to volunteer will be accepted at the time of the orientation. Due to budget cutbacks and the current lack of a volunteer coordinator, according to a shelter spokesperson, the shelter has decided to hold periodic orientations and accept all applications at once after people have been through the orientation and know they are truly interested, rather than training volunteers one at a time.)
To apply to volunteer, you must be at least 18 years old and complete a volunteer application form at or after attending the volunteer orientation and training. (All applicants must undergo a background check.)
Shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shelter is closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. On the last Saturday of the month, the shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for lost animal viewing only.
