Volunteer Opportunity for Dog and Cat Lovers

Greenwich Animal Control does not allow volunteer dog walkers.

And, with Stamford Animal Care and Control disallowing volunteers, at least for the short run, there may be some idle volunteers.

Nearby, in Mt. Vernon there is an opportunity to help with the dogs and cats that are awaiting homes.

The municipal shelter has a well-respected volunteer program.

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Back in February, Greenwich moms, Tina and Kerri Ann traveled to Mt. Vernon and enjoyed some playtime with the dogs in the snow. Credit: Leslie Yager

Greenwich moms Tina Aronson and Kerri Ann Hofer both received training through Mt Vernon Animal Shelter (MVAS) and volunteer as dog walkers. The shelter, located at  600 Garden Ave. in Mt. Vernon, is tucked in between Target’s loading dock and the batting cages of Home Run City and the Underdome.

MVAS has a volunteer contract and an orientation session for new volunteers. The Senior Volunteer and Events Coordinator at MVAS Mari Cronin, reports that the shelter is desperate for volunteers, especially on weekday mornings from 8:00am until 10:00am.

“Some Saturdays we can have up to 20 volunteers,” said Kandis Rivera, who often comes in the afternoon after teaching 8th grade at a public school in the Bronx. “If I have a stressful day, this is how I unwind.”

There are also two dog trainers who help evaluate and work with the dogs. And volunteers can become “captains” who, in turn, teach new volunteers some of the best training techniques.

Beyond training and dog walking, the volunteer paperwork allows applicants to indicate their interests—from photography, to gardening and handyman work.

Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter is located at 600 Garden Ave in Mt. Vernon NY 10550 Tel. (914) 665-2444

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Megan Webster, the assistant warden at Mt Vernon Animal Shelter (there is no warden). Webster welcomes volunteers at the shelter where training is provided. Credit: Leslie Yager

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A shelter dog, relaxed and happy after a walk with a volunteer at MVAS. Credit: Leslie Yager