Large Animal and Client Assistance Volunteer

University of Minnesota
Veterinary Medical Center

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION
Large Animal and Client Assistance Volunteer

RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteers play an important role in assisting the large animal staff with animals that are becoming patients.  This volunteer assists primarily with horses but they also assist with llamas, alpacas, goats, and miscellaneous other animals.  This is a hands-on position for an experienced horse handler. The primary contact is with the staff, animals and animal owners.

Responsibilities include:
* Greeting and checking in-coming clients
* Assisting with client needs, including moving clients and horses to work up areas, finding restrooms and snack machines, etc
* Feed and water outpatients as directed
* Grooming animals
* Walking and exercising animals in inside areas (no stallions)
* Holding animals for examination and treatments
* Trotting or lunging horses for lameness exams, under supervision

HOURS
Volunteer shifts are Mondays through Fridays from 10am-1pm

This position takes work direction from Large Animal Hospital staff

QUALIFICATIONS
* Must be an experienced horse handler
* Must sign a waiver of responsibility for injury
* Must be 18 years of age, up to date with Tetanus (not optional) and Rabies Series shots (optional).
* Must complete orientation; willing to commit to one shift a week for six months (include a one month probation period).

VMC TRAINING
Initial training and on-going in-service is provided by staff supervisor, volunteer manager, and other staff