volunteer handbook: dog walkers & kitty-city …€¦ · web viewby going into kitty-city /a...
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome Volunteers!Thank you for your generous gift of time and talent by helping the animals and staff at the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Thanks to you, our animals are given affection, socialization, exercise, and overall enrichment while they wait for their “forever home.” We want your volunteer experience to be fun, safe, and satisfying. For this reason, we have some rules and policies that you must adhere to while at the shelter. If we find you continually placing yourself, others, or the animals in danger or purposefully disregarding the rules: we will ask you to terminate your position as a dog walker and/or cat volunteer. Please use this handbook as a guide to your responsibilities.
About the SPCA of Southwest Michigan
The SPCA of SW Michigan is a registered as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit animal welfare organization. This means the SPCA does not receive funding from any government agency or national organization, but are funded by private donations, funds, and adoptions fees. More than 95% of our income goes directly to the rescue and care of homeless animals. The SPCA stands for “The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals”. We are not part of the ASPCA in any way.
Where Do Animals Come From / Do You Accept Strays?
Note that the SPCA is not part of any county’s government-based Animal Control services. As a result, we cannot take in stray animals, enforce animal law, provide licenses, etc. These are services provided by the county and thus must be addressed by the proper authorities.
Who Can Volunteer to Walk Dogs/ Go into Kitty City
The SPCA of SW Michigan welcomes volunteers of all ethnicities and backgrounds. Due to safety, only volunteers who have completed orientation are allowed to accompany volunteers. Any children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult who has also completed orientation. Children under 18 require parent or guardian signature on their waivers. Finally, only one dog is allowed to be walked per person. A supervising adult has to share/control a dog with their child(ren).
Page 2
NOTICE: It is your own responsibility to be aware of signs that an animal is uncomfortable with you. By going into kitty-city/a dog’s cage, you accept responsibilities for injuries (e.g., bites, scratches) that you could potentially incur while interacting with animals.
Hours for Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome to drop-in anytime from 8:00am to 7:00pm, 7 days a week. You are not allowed to let people into the building during the hours that the shelter is closed to the public! Please notify visitors that they will need to return when the shelter is open to the public.
Parking, Volunteer Entrance, and Valuables
Please be courteous and allow the public to use parking spaces closest to the entrance. Volunteers should park as far from the main entrance as possible; if needed, you are permitted to use the dirt area opposite the quarantine/intake exercise yard. Volunteers enter using the side entrance, not the front doors. If the volunteer door has a RED sign on it, please read it! It may be locked due to medical quarantine conditions.
There are no lockers for volunteer use; please leave valuables either locked in your car or on your person. The SPCA is not responsible for theft or damage to personal items.
Proper Attire
Since many shelter animals have not quite mastered the rules of human interaction, you must dress in preparation of possibly being jumped on, stepped on, scratched, etc. You must also dress appropriately for representing the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Finally, you must help us keep compliance with OSHA standards for animal shelters. You will be asked to change/leave if you violate the rules, especially pertaining to OSHA standards.
What to wear:- Clothing: For your protection, make sure you are covered up. Long sleeves and pants
are encouraged year-round (if you can tolerate it during the warmer months).- Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes with a non-slip sole, such as sneakers or boots. - If you have pets: Designated ‘shelter’ clothes and shoes are highly encouraged in
order to make the possibility of bringing home an illness with you very low.
Page 3
Please do not wear or bring: - Flip-flops, sandals, or open-toe shoes of any kind! - Any overly ripped, torn, cut, or stained clothing - Clothing that exposes undergarments or excessive amounts of skin while moving
around (volunteering includes bending over, squatting, kneeling, etc.)o e.g., no skirts, dresses, low-rise pants, low-cut or midriff tops, etc.
- Clothing with profanity or wording of a provocative/controversial nature - Any dangly items (e.g., long scarves). They may be mistaken for a toy!
Cell phone policy:- Please only use cell phones in emergency situations.
o Similar to driving, if you’re on your phone, you are only giving the animal partial attention. This is dangerous, especially with an animal you’ve only known for 10 minutes! The animals require your full attention at all times.
- You may take quick photos/videos of the dogs and cats. Please share with and/or tag the SPCA if you post them online!
Name Tags
Always wear your SPCA name tag when you come to volunteer. Place it on your outermost layer so it is visible at all times. If you have forgotten/lost yours, replacements are $1.00 at the front desk (only during open hours). It is preferred but not mandatory that you also wear your volunteer T-Shirt while at the shelter.
Signing In and Out
Please sign in and out each time you visit, using your volunteer ID number and password. Use the computer in the main hallway, between the doors going into the healthy dog kennel area. There are instructions above the computer explaining how to sign in and out.
If you need assistance or the computer is not working, please notify someone at the front desk during open hours. If no one is available or the problem persists, please log your name, ID number, arrival and/or departure time on a piece of paper next to the computer.
Dog Walkers: About the Healthy-Dog Kennel
Information on cages: Please read the papers attached to each cage via the clipboards, especially the Dog Walker Observation sheet. These papers give a description of each dog, any allergy information, heart worm or other medical conditions, dog walker observations, and other important information. Staff are the only ones allowed to post or remove information from these clipboards with the exception of the dog walker observation sheet. PLEASE ADHERE TO ALL SIGNS POSTED.
Page 4
Leashes, toys, treats, etc.: Leashes, poop bags, and “I’m on a walk” signs are all located across from the kennel entrance. Grooming supplies, dog-washing supplies, hand sanitizer, and towels are on a cart located to your left upon entering the kennel.
Martingale Collars: Dogs who are approved to be walked will be fitted with a martingale. These martingales are already on the dogs. DO NOT SWITCH MARTINGALES FROM DOG TO DOG.
Dog Walkers: Choosing and Getting Out Dogs
Dogs that have a Martingale AND a dog-walker observation sheet are approved to be walked. Dogs that are not available for adoption or have a sign are not permitted to be walked. Please select a dog that is within your physical comfort level. This is very important for not only your safety, but for the safety of other volunteers and animals.
If a dog ever makes you feel uncomfortable, secure the dog in its cage and choose another one to work with. Just because you see one person walking/petting a dog does not mean it will react the same way when you try.
Each dog is an individual with a unique history of experiences.
Some may be unfamiliar with and/or nervous around certain types of people (e.g., people with crutches, young children, tall men, etc.) and/or in certain situations (e.g., when it’s raining/snowing, in reaction to other animal or human movements, etc.). Always be aware of their body language.
Dog Walking Buddies: Dogs don’t always get along with each other. Check the name list at the end of each row of kennels. Dogs who get along will have matching numbers next to their names, indicating an approved playgroup. If you and another volunteer wish to take out multiple dogs at the same time (Remember: 1 dog per adult), only take out approved playgroups. Meet each other outside (i.e., do not linger in the kennel area with a dog).
Dog Walkers: Steps for Taking Out a Dog
1. WASH YOUR HANDS! Use hand sanitizer each time you touch a different dog.2. Grab materials: leash, 3-4 poop bags, “I am on a walk” sign, and (optional) treats 3. Read the dog’s information on their clipboard for important updates or restrictions.
a. Check Dog Walker Observation sheet to see when the dog was last out.b. (Optional) Check Western Michigan University tag to see what the dog is
learning. Ask a WMU student for more information if you see them.4. Place “I am on a walk” sign on the cage door. Staff need to know where dogs are!
a. Keep one hand on the cage door and block the entrance with your body.b. If the dog is an “escape artist,” toss a treat into the far edge of the cage first.
5. Shut the cage door firmly behind you.
Page 5
a. If a dog escapes, YELL out “LOOSE DOG!” as loud as you can! - If you are inside the building with a dog, go outside or into an empty cage.- If you are outside the building with a dog, please bring your dog inside
using whichever door is closest to you.- If you do not have a dog with you, please help corral the dog on the loose!
6. Clip on the leash to the correct ring on the Martingale Collar.7. Once the coast is clear, slowly walk out of the cage and through the shelter.
a. Walk with yourself in-between other cages and the dog. 8. Exit the shelter via the Dog Walking Door in the back right corner of the kennel. 9. You must pick up after your dog to prevent the spread of disease! Fur, mud,
scattered toys, dirty tennis balls, etc. must also be picked up to keep the environment clean.
a. Place dirty items in the laundry bin next to the “Get Acquainted” rooms. b. Deposit used poop bags in the dumpster at the end of the parking lot.
10.Bring the dog back in using the Dog Walking Door.a. Wipe paws using a towel if the dog got dirty outside (please help keep the
space clean!) 11. Walk the dog back into their cage. Close the kennel door behind you and unclip the
leash. Back out of the cage (keeping one eye on the dog at all times). Make sure the cage door is securely latched!
- Fill out the Dog Walker Observation sheet and take the “I am on a Walk” sign. If the current one is full, grab a new one from the “Volunteer Walking” folder near the volunteer sign-in computer (on the far right side of the desk). If you get in a situation where there is a DOG FIGHT, please yell “DOG FIGHT”. That will make the staff and other volunteer aware of the situation. Please do not put any arm or leg in between the dogs. The staff members are trained to break up dog fights and sometimes will use a loud Marine Horn to help break it up. If you are inside the building with a dog, go outside or into an empty cage. If you are outside the building with a dog, please bring your dog inside using whichever door is closest to you. If you do not have a dog with you, help try to find a staff member.
Leash handling: The best leash positions are around the wrist and through the palm of your hand. Keep the leash toward the center of your body for better balance:
Page 6
For causal, well-mannered dogs. For stronger dogs, loop the leash over your thumb.
Dog Walkers: Where to Go to Play with the Dogs
1. You may take dogs anywhere within the SPCA’s property lines. In general, stay within the brush lines of the yard. There is a dirt walking path in the southern end of the yard. Please only walk on the portion of the path parallel to the shelter; do not wander past the grounds of the shelter. Also note that this trail is one way. Always start at the Southeast corner of our yard.
2. You can also take the dogs into the play areas. ONE DOG IN THE PLAY AREA AT A TIME. Please close both gates when animals are in the play yard.
3. If the weather is poor outside, you may interact with animals in the “Get Acquainted” rooms. Volunteers must surrender the rooms during open hours for adopters to meet with the animals.
Dog Walkers: General Safety Reminders
1. Respect the dog’s personal space! These are NOT your dogs at home. You are NOT their owner. Dogs WILL respond differently to humans in a shelter compared to their owner at home. Just because your dog is tolerant of its ears, toes, or tail being touched does not mean the dog in front of you does.
2. Assume the dogs dislike each other: Please keep 2-3 leash lengths between dogs If your dog or another dog starts to appear tense, uneasy, or aggressive, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
3. Always ask staff if you have questions or concerns Please respect staff and their decisions at all times, it is their responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all canine residents. They would much rather you ask them a question than assume an answer.
4. Remember that everything you do will effect dog walkers after you
Kitty-City: About the Cat Room
Please read the papers attached to each cage for specific information about the cats. Free roaming cats will wear a collar that lists their name, age, and gender. Staff and authorized volunteers are the only ones allowed to post or remove information on cages and collars.
Page 7
Cleaning materials are in the supply room (aka “the galley”), which is on the other side of the door within kitty city. While in the galley, DO NOT GO THROUGH THE SECOND DOOR to the laundry area, as this leads to our Intake/Quarantine area!
1. WASH HANDS Use the hand sanitizer by the entrance to kitty city before entering.
2. Check window and look down as you enter the room Cats may take advantage of the open door to “escape” and run through the lobby.
3. Please let the cats approach you Kneel/sit on the floor and they will probably rub up on you. Sit down on the bench and they will probably jump up to sit on your lap! Please don’t reach for a scared kitty hiding or try to pick up a sleeping kitty.
4. Cats in cages must STAY in cage You may take them out to pet, but do not put them on the ground. Make sure the cage is secure when you put them back.
5. Kittens should be held one at a time Only have one kitten out of a cage at a time so they do not get loose! This also helps you put the kitten back in the correct cage.
6. Be mindful of the Volunteer Code of Conduct
7. Always ask staff if you have questions or concerns Please respect staff and their decisions at all times, it is their responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all kitty residents. They would much rather you ask them a question than assume an answer.
- If the floor needs sweeping, get a broom and dustpan from the far left corner.- If there is a mess to clean up, there are paper towels and yellow disinfectant spray
on the shelves. When finished, return the disinfectant back to the bottom shelf.- Volunteers may, but are not obligated to, clean litter boxes.- Any soiled towels/laundry items should be put on the floor by the door to the
laundry area. Staff will take care of washing it.- Feel free to grab treats, toys, and/or brushes!
If a cat ever makes you feel uncomfortable, stop interacting with the cat. Just because you see one person petting a cat does not mean it will react the same way when you try. Each cat is an individual with a unique history of experiences. Some may be unfamiliar with and/or nervous around certain types of people (e.g., young children) and/or in certain situations (e.g., reacting to other animal or human movements, etc). Sometimes cats reach their limit interacting with others. Always be aware of their body language.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
If there are other ways you wish to help us out, we gladly welcome your assistance!
Each role at the shelter requires unique orientation and training. Note that your dog walker/cat volunteer orientation has not covered answering the phone, front desk duties, medical, adoption process, fostering, or adoption events. Some other opportunities are:
Page 8
õ Care for catsõ Fosteringõ Mentoringõ Help set-up/tear-down for adoption
eventsõ Transport animals to/from adoption
eventsõ Adoption counseling õ Give tours of the SPCAõ Make follow-up phone calls on
adoptionsõ Take photos for our webpage
õ Write bio’s for cats and dogsõ Write articles for our newsletterõ Help plan fundraiser eventsõ Volunteer to help at fundraiser
eventsõ Assist in the office (answer phones,
clerical duties)õ Help plan marketing/advertising
campaignsõ Write grant proposalsõ Make crafts to sell at fundraisersõ Take a dog or cat to the Springs
Nursing HomeIf you are interested in other volunteer opportunities at the SPCA, please contact to corresponding representative listed and we will try to get you trained as soon as possible:
Office Help…………………………….….…………………………………….… [email protected]
Off-site Events…………………………………………………………...……… [email protected]
Volunteer Recruitment……………………………………………………… [email protected]
Photography/Video/Bios …………………………...…………………….. [email protected]
Adoption Counselor …………………………………………………………..
Dog Foster Parent …………………………………………………………….. [email protected]
Tour Guides ………………………………………………………...…………… [email protected]
Thank you!!!!!
Volunteers like you make the SPCA possible!
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
CLICK or “yes!”and feed your dog