Aurora Animal Care Launches Volunteer Program

AURORA, IL — The City of Aurora Animal Care and Control division launched Thursday a new volunteer program as a way to increase safety, training and fulfilling interactions for both pets and the community.

The program is structured with five tiers of specializations based on individual interests, levels of training and expertise. The system aligns with nationwide best practices and aims to give each animal the care it needs.

"We at Aurora Animal Care and Control recognize the amazing impact that volunteers make on the lives of animals in our shelter," Kameron DeBoer, animal control manager, said in a statement. "This new and improved program allows us to provide the highest quality of care for the animals who need us most."

The program is open to people 18 years or older. Teens between the ages of 16 and 17 can participate as well if accompanied by a parent or guardian who is an approved volunteer.

Here's a look at the five tiers of volunteers:

Dog Paw Volunteer Program: Designed for individuals passionate about providing socialization, exercise, and enrichment to the dogs in the shelter, this role is open to everyone, and ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors and working hands-on with animals. No experience is necessary!

Meow Manor Volunteer Program: Designed for all individuals who are passionate about enhancing the lives of shelter cats, volunteers in this program provide crucial socialization, exercise, and enrichment to help keep shelter cats healthy, happy and ready for adoption.

Glamour Paws Volunteer Program: Designed for individuals with a specific background in animal grooming, volunteers in this program help to keep shelter animals looking their best by providing essential grooming services, such as bathing, brushing, clipping nails and other grooming needs.

Pet Pix Volunteer Program: Designed for individuals with a specific background in marketing, photography, videography, or other visual arts, volunteers in this program focus on creating engaging and visually appealing content to promote the animals in the shelter's care.

Tranquil Tails Volunteer Program: Designed for individuals with a specific background in animal training and behavior, volunteers in this program must hold one of the following credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDTKA), Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPACTP), Canine Training Center (CTC), or Animal Behavior College (ABCDT).

Applications can be found on the Aurora Animal Care and Control website. Volunteer opportunities will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. aMonday through Saturday.