Behavior Helpline Team

Position description: The PAWS Behavior Helpline is available both online and by phone and is intended to provide counseling and support to members of the public experiencing unwanted negative behaviors from their dogs and cats at home. Volunteers who work on the helpline check a voice mail box and e-mail account on their assigned day, respond to inquiries from the public, and provide over-the-phone counseling to help provide a resolution to the issues and help keep animals in their homes.

Volunteers must have excellent phone and customer service skills, be able to communicate clearly about behavior modification, and be comfortable having sometimes-difficult conversations. Volunteers must also have an interest in learning and communicating about dog or cat behavior. This position has limited availability.

Dates Available: year-round

Shifts: Volunteers are assigned to a one-two hour shift each week to answer questions submitted to the helpline. They are also assigned either dog questions on cat questions.

Time commitment: Because of the extensive training required for this position, there is a six months minimum commitment. This position also involves quarterly team meetings with staff.

Location: Duties can be carried out at home, or at the PAWS' shelter in Lynnwood, WA

Training required: Behavior Helpline Team members are required to attend:

• A volunteer orientation.
• A one to two-hour in-depth training on dog or cat behavior, and how to operate the Behavior Helpline.
• Shadowing of an experienced volunteer or staff person.

Get started as a PAWS volunteer.