Help Give Them a Second Chance!

Volunteer Handbook

Help give them a second chance!

1 Welcome to the Camden County Animal Shelter’s Volunteer Program

Thank you for your commitment to the cause of helping homeless animals in your community. The purpose of this Handbook is to outline the Camden County Animal Shelter (CCAS) Volunteer Program in the clearest possible way. Our program, consistent with our work, is in a constant state of change, but my hope is that this manual will guide you through your experience within our organization and make your time here as productive and enjoyable as possible.

Volunteering should be enjoyable, educational, and rewarding. It is through hard work and valuable service that you can get the most out of your experience here. We are seeking individuals who will dream of the big picture but who are also willing to do the nitty gritty work to get there. As a CCAS volunteer, you are extremely important. As you will see, our organization is small but far-reaching. The reason for our success is simple; we have a hardworking staff and a passionate base of volunteers! I encourage you to bring all your passion and enthusiasm through our doors everyday. It is your energy that keeps our mission alive and supports our shelter’s work. I’m amazed at how the animals respond to the individual attention and love that our volunteers provide. In some cases, this is the first time someone has really cared for them.

We truly appreciate your service to the animals, and we hope that the time you spend here will be as rewarding to you as it is to them.

Sincerely,

Andrew Gershman Director of Operations

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Letter………………………………………………………………………………….. 2 About Camden County Animal Shelter………………………………………………………… 4 General Informaion and FAQ…………………………………………………………………... 4-8 CCAS Adoption Policy…………………………………………………………………………. 8-9 Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities……………………………………………………………. 10 Volunteer Guidelines……………………………………………………………………………. 11 Children and Volunteering……………………………………………………………………… 12 Volunteer Program Overview…………………………………………………………………… 12-13 CCAS Volunteer Pledge………………………………………………………………………… 14

Job Descriptions Level I Jobs…………………………………………………………………………………… 15 Level II Jobs………………………………………………………………………………….. 16-20 Canine Companion…………………………………………………………………………….. 16 Feline Friend…………………………………………………………………………………… 17 Level III Jobs…………………………………………………………………………………. 18-20 Dog Meet Team………………………………………………………………………………… 18 The Mod Squad………………………………………………………………………………… 19 Cat Care Team………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 Additional Activities…………………………………………………………………………... 22-23 Foster Parenting………………………………………………………………………………… 22 Off-site Events/Adoptions……………………………………………………………………… 23

3 About The Camden County Animal Shelter

Founded by the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1997, the Camden County Animal Shelter (CCAS) has been fighting to reduce the overwhelming stray/unwanted animal population in its county. CCAS is an open admissions shelter and takes in over 6,000 companion animals from 17 municipalities in Camden County every year. In 2004, the Animal Welfare Society of Camden County, which currently runs the Camden County Animal Shelter, took over the shelter's activities. CCAS now does three major things: provide shelter for stray/unwanted animals, find those animals loving homes, and provide low-cost spay/neuter services.

CCAS is an open admissions shelter. Its 40+ full and part-time staff work hard to find loving homes for each and every animal that enters the shelter's doors.

In addition to taking in animals, CCAS holds a multitude of events every year in order to help those looking to adopt to find the animal of their dreams, be it an adoption event or a full-blown gala. Lastly, CCAS provides Camden County with low-cost spay and neutering options. By providing the service at such a cheap cost, CCAS hopes to reduce the number of stray/unwanted animals in the county.

General Information

Location & Mailing Address: 125 County House Rd Blackwood, NJ 08012 General Phone: 856-401-1300 Website: Ccasnj.org Email: [email protected]

Shelter Spay & Neuter Clinic Phone: 856-401-1300 ext 101 Hours: Surgery is by Email: [email protected] appointment only Adoption Hours: M, F, Sat, Sun 12-4 Vaccination Hours: Tuesday 9-11am T, W, Th 12-7 Wednesday 9-11am Thursday 9-11am

Volunteering Phone: 856-401-1300 ext 104 Email: [email protected]

Note: With the high volume of calls coming into the building, it can be difficult to reach a live person through the phone system. If you leave a clear message, someone will get back to you.

4 Frequently Asked Questions & General Information

Q. Where is the shelter located and what are the hours?

A. Camden County Animal Shelter (CCAS) is located at 125 County House Rd Blackwood, NJ 08012. For listing of all hours please visit our website at www.ccasnj.org.

Q. What is CCAS’s policy on euthanasia?

A. At CCAS, we work hard to find placement for all our adoptable animals. However, CCAS is contracted with different towns to take in stray animals on an ongoing, unlimited basis. Because of this, the shelter may have to euthanize an animal in its care. Euthanasia is most often the last resort for an animal. These decisions are made by management team members.

Q: What are the specific reasons a dog or cat might be euthanized at CCAS?

A: There are multiple reasons why an animal would be chosen for euthanasia at our shelter. Each case is different and unique. The first reason we consider euthanasia is for a shelter animal, diagnosed with health concerns that may not respond to treatment. The second reason we euthanize is when a shelter animal displays a serious behavior problem that presents a danger to people or other animals, this includes feral cats that do not have a caretaker. The third reason for euthanasia is that the shelter has a limited capacity and does not have the space to accommodate all animals coming in on a daily basis. This last reason is why finding fast placement for adoptable animals is so crucial to saving lives. Euthanasia decisions are made by management team members. Note: Euthanasia is a sensitive subject for all staff members involved in the process. It is not the role of volunteers to question this decision.

Q: Where do the animals at CCAS come from?

A: As a contracted shelter, CCAS takes in stray dogs and cats from Animal Control. The majority of our pets come in this way. The others are surrender by the owner/guardian, finding themselves in a situation where they can no longer car for their pet. Stray animals are held at the shelter for 7 days to allow time for an owner to come forward and reclaim them. After this time, the animal is behaviorally evaluated and adoptability is determined. The behavioral evaluation is a shot in time and place and cannot necessarily predict an animal’s behavior in all situations.

Q. Is the Spay/Neuter Clinic open to the public and what services are available?

A. Anyone can take advantage of our low-cost spay and neuter surgery for dogs and cats. Unlike some programs, there are no restrictions on income or residence. Appointments may be made by calling 856-401-1300.

Q: Can I have my pet vaccinated at CCAS?

A: Yes, CCAS’s spay and neuter clinic provides low-cost rabies and distemper shots on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am – 11am. The clinic also provides additional vaccines, testing, and preventative care. Please visit our website for more info. No appointment is necessary.

5 What is Spaying and Neutering?

Sometimes referred to as “altering,” spaying and neutering are ways of providing birth control for dogs and cats by removing their reproductive organs, therefore preventing them from having litters of puppies or kittens. Spaying is the procedure used for female pets, and neutering generally refers to the procedure used for male pets.

Why Should I Know About This?

In one way or another, everyone is affected by animal overpopulation, regardless of whether or not you even own a pet.

Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to care for lost, abandoned, and unwanted pets…and millions more to put to sleep those that were not fortunate enough to find a home.

The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Having your pet spayed or neutered benefits both you and your pet. Your pet can enjoy a longer life and better health, and you get peace of mind knowing your animal companion is safer and happier. Some specific benefits are:

Some Common Myths - Myth #1: My pet will get fat and lazy. Spaying or neutering may diminish your pet’s overall activity level, natural tendency to wander, and hormonal balances, which may influence appetite. Pets that become fat and lazy after being altered usually are overfed and do not get enough exercise.

Myth #2: If we breed Rover and Fluffy, their puppies (or kittens) will be just like them. Breeding two purebred animals rarely results in offspring that are exactly like one of the parents. And with mixed breeds, it is virtually impossible to have offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.

Myth #3: My pet’s personality will change. Any change will be for the better! After being altered, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs or cats, have a better personality, and will be less likely to wander. Spraying (urine marking), which is often done by dogs and cats to mark their territory, diminishes or ceases after pets are altered. Myth #4: My children should witness our pet giving birth. Pets often have their litters in the middle of the night or in a place of their own choosing. Because pets need privacy when giving birth, any unnecessary intrusion can cause the mother to become seriously upset. These intrusions can result in an unwillingness to care for the offspring or in injury to the owners of the pet.

Myth #5: I am concerned about my pet undergoing anesthesia. Placing a pet under anesthesia is a very common concern of owners. Although there is always a slight risk involved, the anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe. Many veterinarians use equipment that monitors heart and upper respiratory rates during surgery to ensure that their patients are doing well under anesthesia.

6 The medical benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh the slight risk involved with undergoing anesthesia. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about this aspect of the procedure.

Myth #6: The surgery is painful for the animal, and may harm my pet. During spaying / neutering, dogs and cats are fully anesthetized, so they feel no pain. Afterwards, most pets seem to experience some discomfort, but all signs of discomfort disappear within a few days, or even a few hours. Serious harm as a result of spay / neuter surgery is extremely rare.

Myth #7: The surgery is expensive. Spay / neuter surgery can be expensive with a private practice Veterinarian, which is why CCAS offers its low-cost clinic. All surgeries at CCAS are performed by a licensed Veterinarian, contracted to perform surgery with the shelter.

What to do if you see an animal being abused or neglected in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the authority for pursuing animal cruelty cases has been given to the SPCA. Some counties have a County SPCAs. If your county does not have a County District SPCA you can call the State SPCA at 1-800-582-5979 and they will put you in contact with your local SPCA agent.

Some municipalities allow their Animal Control Officers to pursue cruelty. Contact the non- emergency phone number of the police department in the town where the neglect or cruelty is taking place and ask for the contact information for the Animal Control Officer.

In addition, NJ law allows private citizens to file cruelty complaints with the courts themselves. If you decide to pursue the case yourself, call the police and the county prosecutor and work with them. Confiscating the animal yourself could leave you open to criminal charges of pet theft.

Police, animal shelters and Animal Control Officers are listed in the Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey’s Resource Guide. You can find this guide online at:

http://www.awfnj.org/resource_guide.php

Keep in mind that the SPCA and Animal Control Officers can only enforce the laws as they exist. Your perception of abuse or neglect may be realistic but if the owner is not violating the law, there is little that can be done. SPCA agents and Animal Control Officers counsel owners on proper pet care in cases where the law is not being broken but the animal is not receiving the best of care.

New Jersey animal cruelty statutes can be found on the Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey’s website at:

http://www.awfnj.org/assets/cms/Title%204-22%20-%20CRUELTY.doc

7 Wildlife

Camden County Animal Shelter does not have the required license to care for or rehabilitate wildlife.

We refer injured, abandoned or orphaned wildlife to Cedar Run Wildlife Center, Medford, NJ (856) 983-3329.

Adoptions at CCAS

Adopting Dogs & Puppies______

All dogs and puppies are

Spayed or neutered Fecal tested for parasites. Heartworm tested (if over 6 months) Dewormed (often the first in a series of treatments that should be completed by the adoptive family) Treated for fleas Up to date with vaccinations (for puppies, the first in a series of vaccinations that should be completed by the adoptive family through their veterinarian) Vaccinated for rabies (if older than 13 weeks of age) Microchipped and registered

Dogs must go home with a buckle collar and a leash which you can purchase at the shelter office.

Adopting Cats & Kittens______

All cats and kittens are

Spayed or neutered Dewormed (often the first in a series of treatments that should be completed by the adoptive family) Treated for fleas Up to date with vaccinations (for kittens, the first in a series of vaccinations that should be completed by the adoptive family through their veterinarian) Vaccinated for rabies (if older than 13 weeks of age)

Tested for FIV/FELV Microchipped and registered

Cats and kittens must go home with a cat safety collar and in a carrier which are available for sale in the shelter office.

8 CCAS Adoption Process and Guidelines

Our Belief: CCAS believes in an open and non-judgmental adoption process. The staff works to make matches between people and the animals. References are used to ensure the animal is being placed into a loving home. Renters must have landlord info or a copy of their lease. CCAS sometimes has special needs animals that take more time to place and have a more elaborate process.

Process Overview: 1. Walk through out adoption areas to find your next friend. 2. Each kennel will have a cage cards that outlines a bit about the pets. Many of our dogs and cats are strays brought in from Animal Control. We often do not know much about these pets prior to coming to CCAS. 3. Each dog is behaviorally reviewed for signs of aggression before being placed up for adoption. These assessments are a snapshot of the dog but cannot predict its every behavior in differing situations. 4. IF you are interested in a cat or a dog, you should: A. Take note of the pet’s name. Come to the front office and let the staff know you have a particular pet you are interested in. They can check to see if it has any pending applications B. The front office will set you up with a staff member, so that you can meet the cat or dog. C. Once the meet is completed, you can fill out an application. D. Speak with the front office staff. 5. We do same day adoptions if able. “Holds” are used for the following reasons: a pets needs to be sterilized, a family needs time to bring in other family members, or do a dog-to-dog meet, the staff would like the potential adopter to research the breed or medical/behavioral condition, etc. All holds are for only 24 hours. 6. Finalize the paperwork, pay the applicable adoption fee, make a donation if able, and ask any questions. 7. Thank you for saving a life.

Adoption Policies:  Must be over the age of 18 to legally sign the contract.  Not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of adoption.  All CCAS adopted pets are meant to be companion animals and not kept outside.  CCAS does its best to disclose all information know about a specific pet. This is not fool-proof and any adopter must accept that he/she is taking into their care a living creature.  CCAS does not provide refunds or exchanges.  Pet returns need to be by appointment only. CCAS cannot guarantee returned animals will be judged sound for re-adoption.  We limit the number of pets adopted at one time to 2.  Staff reserves the right to say “no.”  The staff also has the right to ask someone to leave if he/she displays rude, aggressive or unpleasant behavior.  CCAS management can review or alter policies on a case-by-case basis as needed.

Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities 9 As a volunteer of the Camden County Animal Shelter, you are entitled to certain rights and are expected to fulfill certain obligations.

You have the right to

. Work in a safe environment.

. Be treated with respect

. Receive proper training and orientation

. Receive feedback and evaluation

. Request additional training or information

. Know your responsibilities

. Receive written copy of volunteer policies and procedures

. Receive supplies and equipment (if applicable) to do your job to the best of your ability

. Be appreciated

. Resign

Your responsibilities include

. Being a positive representative and advocate for CCAS on and off the job

. Acting professionally and courteously in dealings with the public, staff and other volunteers

. Respectfully accepting supervision and direction from staff.

. Reading and adhering to all posted signs

. Being responsible for yourself and your performance, and not for others unless specifically asked

. Dressing appropriately. You are required to wear close-toed shoes. Pants are strongly recommended.

. Notifying the appropriate personnel of an unsafe environment

. Fulfilling your commitment

. Maintaining a level of confidentiality as required by your assignment

Volunteer Guidelines

10 Camden County Animal Shelter relies on its volunteers to be dependable and effective. By meeting that commitment, the program operates smoothly and maximum benefit is derived for the animals.

. Wear your volunteer badge.

. All hours volunteered must be recorded. There is a volunteer sign-in sheet located by the front entrance. An accurate account of volunteer hours helps indicate not only who is actively volunteering, but also assists CCAS in obtaining funding.

. If you are scheduled to volunteer and need to cancel, please provide as much notice as possible to the Director of Operations.

. Please respect the amount of work the staff needs to accomplish every day. Please do not spend time socializing; the time is better spent caring for the animals.

. Always wash your hands before handling animals, between handling animals, and before leaving the shelter.

. You are responsible for your own transportation.

. Do not answer questions from the public if you are unsure of the correct response. Refer them to a staff member.

. Only perform tasks for which you have received specific training.

. Stay out of designated areas such as ICU, Holding, Dropoff and Kennel 1 unless otherwise instructed by staff.

. Cell phone use is discouraged as it is distracting. If you need to make or receive a call, please step outside.

. Volunteers must leave the building at the time of closing unless otherwise approved by staff.

. Volunteers can be dismissed at any time for inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to, behaving rudely to the public, staff, and other volunteers; arriving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; failing to comply with guidelines; failing to respect the philosophy of the organization. Youth Volunteers can be dismissed for handling animals inappropriate to their training and failing to be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteer Dismissal

Volunteers may be dismissed for failing to follow these guidelines in the following manner:  1st incident – verbal warning from staff.

 2nd incident – verbal warning from mgmt.

 3rd incident – you will be asked to leave the property.

***Management reserves the right to permanently dismiss volunteers for repeat offenses***

11 Children and Volunteering

Children above the age of 11 are welcome to volunteer at CCAS! If a child is under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by a parent at all times in the building. All children must also attend volunteer orientation and training with their parents.

Scout groups and school classes: Special accommodations can be made for groups and classes. Please contact [email protected].

Volunteer Program Overview

In order to enhance your volunteering experience with Camden County Animal Shelter, we are now offering three levels of training so that you may proceed at your own pace. Our purpose in the three- level program is to enable the volunteers to become comfortable and familiar, while also increasing the benefit to the animals. The volunteers may choose to attain the level of training with which they are most comfortable.

All volunteers begin with Basic Orientation. Upon completion of Basic Orientation, the volunteer is considered to be at Level I.

Level I involves shelter work without direct animal contact. This includes, but is not limited to grounds work, general maintenance, laundry/dishes and administrative tasks. All new volunteers must complete 3-2 hour shifts at Level I before moving to Level II. This time at Level I is to be scheduled in using the following link https://www.yourvolunteers.com/?eid=P76LA82CB53EG49 It is required you schedule in your first 3 shifts, so that we know when we have extra help and we can make sure the proper task is waiting for you at the shelter. Please refer to the handout you are given at the end of orientation for more info on getting started.

Level II involves safe handling of animals and proper cleaning procedures. Upon completion of the 3 shifts at Level I, additional training is required before volunteers can begin performing Level II tasks. In order to setup this training, contact the Director of Operations. Level II includes working hands- on with the animals. For an expanded list and job descriptions please turn to pages 16-20.

Level III is reserved for volunteers who demonstrate excellent animal handling techniques and have been recommended by staff or other volunteers. These high skilled responsibilities include conducting dog meets, vet tech, and socializing animals. In some instances, at this level, you may be required to schedule yourself in for specific shifts. For an expanded list and job description please turn to pages 18-20.

12 Volunteer Badges and Color Coding

Level I badges (white) will be available by the front door next to the volunteer sign-in sheet.

Level II badges (yellow) will be personalized and available upon completion of Level II training. Each volunteer badge will have stars that represent the specific areas in which you have completed training.

*Blue- Canine Companion *Red- Feline Friends

Level III badges (blue) will be personalized and available upon completion of Level III training. Each volunteer badge will have stars that represent the specific areas in which you have completed training.

*Blue- Dog Meet Team *Silver- The Mod Squad *Red- Cat Care Team

Important Note: You must have your volunteer badge on you at all times (identifying what areas you are trained in.) If you lose/destroy your personalized badge, a replacement will be provided at the cost of materials. You may receive a new badge the next time you enter the building.

Volunteer Scheduling

When first beginning with the program, you must schedule your first 3 shifts at Level I. This scheduling allows us to stay organized and to ensure we are making the best use of your time. In order to make our volunteer program as accessible as possible, CCAS does not require a commitment to scheduling past Level I. Volunteers working directly with the animals can do so during all operating hours. Though it is not a requirement, we recognize that some people would prefer set times for volunteering. Please inform the Director of Operations if you fall under this category.

13 CCAS Volunteer Pledge Believing that the CCAS has real need of my services as a volunteer worker, I agree that I will follow CCAS’s policies for my own safety, the safety of the public, other staff, and the animals.

. Before volunteering at the shelter, I will attend General Orientation. . If under 16, I must have an adult with me at all times who has also attended General Orientation session. . I will only walk dogs after I have completed Level II training and the dogs have had behavior assessments. . I will not enter Holding, ICU, Dropoff or Kennel 1 unless directed by a staff member. . I will not walk dogs that I feel are stronger than I can handle. . I will wash my hands after handling individual animals. . I will ask for guidance before giving out extra food and treats. . If a dog relieves itself while I am with it, I will clean up the mess. . I will sign in and out each time I volunteer. . I will wear my personal identification badge while volunteering. . I will not attempt to train an animal without guidance from the staff. . I will never harshly discipline, raise my voice or hit an animal. . I will not attempt to do tasks for which I have not received proper training. . If bitten or scratched, I will wash the wound with soap and water and notify a supervisor immediately. . I will accept supervision and direction from staff graciously. . I will conduct myself with dignity, courtesy, and consideration. . I will endeavor to make my work the highest quality. . I will serve as a goodwill ambassador and interpreter for the CCAS and its services in the community-at-large. . I will take any problems, criticisms, or suggestions to CCAS management directly. . I will hold harmless CCAS for any injury to me or to others as well as for damage to mine or other’s property while I am volunteering.

I acknowledge that I have read and agree to adhere to the above guidelines. I understand that CCAS reserves the right to terminate my volunteer status if I violate these guidelines.

______Signature Date

14 Level I General Maintenance/Shelter Work

Supervisor: Shelter Management Purpose . To be in the trenches and help with the upkeep of the building, grounds, and general sheltering work. Duties & Responsibilities . Laundry! Laundry! Laundry! . Washing dishes! . Cleanup grounds (i.e. scoop poop, pickup trash, lawn maintenance, gardening, etc.) . General maintenance / janitorial (i.e. cleaning bathrooms, sweeping/mopping, general repair, clean walls, empty trash, etc.) . Helping to unload donations and stocking in proper locations. . Performing various administrative duties assigned by the front office. . Making and distributing animal enrichment. Qualifications . Ability to follow directions. . Self-motivation. . Ability to follow shelter safety and sanitation protocol. Training Requirements . General Orientation Benefits of Volunteering . You will enhance the image and presentation of the shelter to the public. . You will operate as the backbone of the shelter and complete daily tasks integral to operations.

15 Level II

Canine Companion (Blue Star)

Supervisor: Kennel Manager or Kennel Attendant

Purpose . Walk or play with shelter dogs . Bathe, dry and beautify dogs and puppies . Fill water bowls and help to keep cages tidy

Duties & Responsibilities . Ability to remove dogs from kennel and return them to kennel properly . Secure gates . Ability to follow shelter safety and sanitation protocol . Walk for at least 15 minutes per dog . Clean up and dispose of waste . Bathe, groom and beautify dogs

Qualifications . Strong leash and dog handling skills

Training Requirements . General Orientation and Level II Training

Benefits of Volunteering . Exercise for you . Provide shelter dogs with human contact, mental and physical stimulation . Make shelter dogs very happy

16 Level II

Feline Friend (Red Star)

Supervisor: Cattery Manager or Cat Room Staff

Purpose . To improve the general living conditions of all cats at CCAS, while showcasing them to enhance adoptions.

Duties & Responsibilities . Attend to basic creature comforts such as clean water, clean litter, food and bedding . Cuddle and snuggle cats outside of the cage to keep them socialized and adoptable . Observe the health and behavior of cats in our care and report to supervisor . Learn about the cats’ personalities to ensure the best adoption

Qualifications . Love and concern for the welfare of cats . Self-motivation . Ability to follow shelter safety and sanitation protocol . Willingness to work with all cats . Basic understanding of feline behavior

Training Requirements . General Orientation and Level II Training

Benefits of Volunteering . You will enhance the quality of life of shelter cats. . You will have the opportunity to meet others who share your interests and the opportunity to learn more about animals. .

17 Level III

Dog Meet Team (Blue Star)

Supervisor: Kennel Manager and Director of Operations

Purpose

. To safely introduce dogs to potential adoptees

. To match families with appropriate dogs ensuring successful adoptions.

. Offer supervision, advice, and training to kennel volunteers

Duties & Responsibilities

. Respond to requests for dog meets

. Properly remove a dog from the kennel, move the dog to a play yard, and proceed with dog meet.

. Pay close attention to the meet and answer questions about the dog

. Record findings on an interaction report given to the front desk staff.

Qualifications

. Must have proven track record of volunteer success within the organization.

. Demonstrated high skill level with dogs and understanding of behavior

. Enjoy interacting with the public

. Ability to follow shelter safety and sanitation protocol

Training Requirements

. General Orientation, Level II Training, and Level III Training

. Advanced training with the Kennel Manager

Benefits of Volunteering

. Learn about advanced dog behavior while ensuring successful adoptions.

18 Level III

The Mod Squad (Silver Star)

Supervisor: Kennel Manager and Director of Operations

Purpose

. Working with dogs that need behavioral modification to improve adoptability

. To rehabilitate dogs that may not have the chance to be adopted otherwise

. Closely follow strict behavioral plans to ensure consistency and the greatest likelihood of success

. Work with “at risk” dog population on a regular basis to improve chances of adoption

. Properly handle dogs responsibly at all times to ensure the safety of everyone involved

. Honestly record all interactions with dogs in the program, providing feedback on progress or setbacks

Qualifications

. A higher level of understanding of dog behavior and body language, and a willingness to learn

. Ability to follow instruction very closely and openly communicate concerns and issues

. An understanding and acceptance that the dogs in this program are at a much higher risk for euthanasia, because of these behavioral issues

19 Level III

Cat Care Team (Red Star)

Supervisor: Animal Care Manager

Purpose

. To increase sociability of cats and improve chances of adoption

. Providing specialized care for cats to improve health and appearance

. Offer supervision, advise, and training to kennel volunteers

. Responsibilities in addition to Feline Friend’s description

. Counsel potential adopters on cat behavior and best practices for introducing a cat to the home

. Clip nails, bathe cats as needed, and clean ears

. Offer supervision and advice to cat room volunteers

Qualifications

. Must have proven track record of volunteer success within the organization.

. Demonstrated high skill level with cats and understanding of behavior

. Enjoy interacting with the public

. Ability to follow shelter safety and sanitation protocol

. General Orientation, Level II Training, and Level III Training

. Become more familiar with cat behavior, while ensuring successful adoptions

20 . Enhance adoption and customer service

Level III

Vet Tech (Silver Star)

Supervisor: Clinic Manager and Shelter Veterinarian

Purpose

. To assist the Clinic and ICU technicians with daily cleanings and medicating of animals.

. Cleaning cages and observing animals in the clinic and ICU

. Medicating and administering shots under direct supervision

. Supports staff during spay/neuter surgeries

Qualifications

. Must interview with Clinic Manager and Shelter Veterinarian

. Must have experience in the vet tech field

. General Orientation, Level II, and Level III Training

. Additional training as required by Shelter Veterinarian

. Hands-on vet-teching experience

21 Additional Activities

Foster Parenting

Supervisor: Shelter Management

Purpose . To provide foster care for shelter pets in their homes. By providing a safe and loving home during these critical weeks, our kittens and puppies have the best chance of becoming healthy, social adults.

Duties & Responsibilities . Attend to basic creature comforts such as clean water, clean litter, food and bedding . Observe the health and behavior of foster animals . Report any health or behavioral questions . Take time to socialize the animals

Qualifications . Provide a safe and secure environment for the foster animal(s) . Possess willingness to nurse illness or injury . Ability to transport animals to and from the shelter . All existing pets in household must be up to date on vaccinations

Training Requirements . Experience with cats and/or dogs . Approval from and training with shelter managment

Benefits of Volunteering . The rewarding experience of knowing that you made a real difference in the life of an animal and helped in its adoptability. The network that fostering creates enables the volunteer to save more animals than if they would simply adopt an animal. This is because they only care for a foster animal for a short period of time before releasing that animal to its permanent family. . Animals who have been in foster care tend to be more social and easier to find forever homes.

22 Off-site Events/Petsmart

Supervisor: Director of Operations

Purpose . Off-site events are a great opportunity for CCAS to showcase its animals at various community gatherings such as street fairs, sporting events and rabies clinics. CCAS volunteers also operate in various Petsmart and Petco locations in the area.

Duties & Responsibilities . Assist in set-up and clean-up for presentations and events . Pick up and return animals to the shelter . Present and display the animals to the public

Qualifications

. Willing and available to work weekends . Comfortable with animals and people . Ability to speak to the public about the organization . Ability to safely handle animals . Ability to follow shelter safety and sanitation protocol . Reliable and dependable

Training Requirements: . General, Level I and Level II Orientations . On-the-job training

Benefits of Volunteering: . Increase public awareness of CCAS and boost adoptions of shelter animals.