<p>Dog TLC Handbook (Revised March 2015) WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY Welcome to the Longmont Humane Society volunteer program. Volunteers are an extremely important part of our shelter. Your service, no matter how large or small the job, is valuable to us and, more importantly, to the animals in our care. Without volunteers, many of our present programs would not exist.</p><p>Community Goal Our goal at LHS is to provide love and humane treatment for all the animals that come to the shelter. We know that anyone who volunteers at LHS has a deep love for animals, and we appreciate your bringing that spirit to your work here. The time and commitment you make volunteering with the animals, whether it be walking a dog, playing with a cat, or petting a rabbit, offers quality attention that can only serve to enhance the animals’ lives while they are here.</p><p>Professional Behavior In your role as a volunteer here at the Longmont Humane Society, our expectations are that you conduct yourself in a professional manner while adhering to the mission statement, guidelines, and policies set forth by the shelter. Please read and familiarize yourself with the information in this booklet, and be sure to read and sign the last page of the manual.</p><p>A Hearty Thank You Your time and energy shared with the animals here at the shelter is invaluable. We extend a hearty thank you to you for choosing to share your extra time and care with us. The animals are the ones who truly benefit. You not only make a difference to the animals, but you also help in making them more adoptable while they await their forever home. The Longmont Humane Society</p><p>Our Mission: The mission of the Longmont Humane Society is;</p><p>Caring, serving and educating to save the lives of companion animals.</p><p>Our Vision: Our highly knowledgeable, specially trained staff provides a thriving safe haven for companion animals with strong community support.</p><p>Our Operating Principles:  Everything we do will be guided by our Mission Statement and Vision Statements.  We will seek out opportunities to enrich the lives of people in our community by promoting companionship with animals.  Every effort will be made to reunite stray animals with their companions or to place them in appropriate homes.  There will be no limits on an animal’s length of stay.  When euthanasia is unavoidable, it will always be performed in a humane way.  Staff and volunteers will be trained to provide the highest standards of animal welfare.  LHS will always strive to have adequate resources and facilities to accomplish our mission. GUIDELINES AND POLICIES</p><p>Responsibilities and Dedication All animals at LHS are to be treated kindly and professionally. Any rough handling is strictly forbidden. Volunteers are expected to support the mission of the Longmont Humane Society, both in and outside the Shelter.</p><p>Standards of Conduct All volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner with the Staff, other Volunteers, and the Public. Interaction with the public is fine, but please familiarize yourself with the animal’s kennel card so that you can communicate the correct information. Refer anyone who shows an interest in an animal to the front desk.</p><p>Safety Although all Volunteers work here at their own risk and are required to sign a release form, certain guidelines have been established to insure the safest situation possible. For your own safety:  Work only with animals in the adoption areas. All other areas are strictly off limits  IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY BITE/scratch to a staff member and identify the animal and the circumstances.  Have a current tetanus vaccination.  Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.</p><p>Care and Use of Equipment Please treat all property with consideration and care. Wasted supplies are costly, and broken equipment may be difficult to replace.</p><p>Clothing Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty along with your Volunteer t-shirt. Please don’t wear shorts. Long pants are preferred. No sandals or “Crocs”-closed-toe shoes only (preferably with rubber soles). For Dog TLC shifts, please dress appropriately during inclement weather. Supervision All Volunteers are directly supervised by LHS Staff. Any problems should be brought to the attention of the supervising Staff member in that area, as well as the Volunteer Coordinators.</p><p>Scheduling Dog TLC and Feline Friends programs ask for a three month, two hour a week, same-day shift commitment.</p><p>.</p><p>Holidays and Shelter Closings The Shelter will be closed to the public on the following holidays: Thanksgiving Eve (1/2 day), Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (1/2), and Christmas Day. Volunteers will not be required to fulfill their regular TLC shifts, but there may be requests for volunteer assistance.</p><p>In the event of inclement weather (such as blizzards), all volunteers will be contacted by phone on that day as to whether or not they need to come in for their shifts. Emails will be sent for “next day” closings. If you need to contact someone to offer assistance on these days, please phone the Volunteer Coordinators office. Friends of Volunteers Volunteers may not bring friends to assist them with their duties. If friends are interested in volunteering, they should contact the Volunteer Coordinator or TLC Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers may give family and friends tours of the adoption and other public places (not the service areas) during open Shelter hours (when not volunteering). Clock-In All Volunteers must clock-in at the Volunteer Check-in office and pick up their nametag to wear while volunteering. Dog TLC volunteers will need to check out a keycard to reenter building after walks. It is important that volunteers clock-in and clock-out after a shift so that hours are accurately tallied for referrals, grants, etc. Bulletin Board Please check the bulletin board in Volunteer Check-in office for any upcoming events, policy changes, or other information. Questions, ideas, or suggestions can be left for the TLC Volunteer Coordinator in the Check-in office.</p><p>Miscellaneous Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building nor while walking a dog outside. The use of Ipods, MP3’s, and the like, should not hinder Volunteer safety. Hearing is important in the shelter areas. If earphones/plugs are used, they must be out/off when in the building, and only one earphone/plug can be used outside while walking a dog.</p><p>As a member of the LHS Volunteer Program, you have committed yourself to an important cause. The Longmont Humane Society thanks you for your dedication. If there is anything we can do to make your experience here more enjoyable or fulfilling, please let us know. </p><p>VOLUNTEER HOURS AND COMMITMENT</p><p>The Longmont Humane Society is open seven days a week from. You can check out the business hours on our website. Volunteer shift times actually begin as early as 8:00 a.m. each day and go until closing. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of a three-month session, once a week, one and a half to two hours a week, depending on the area. Commitment to your shift ensures that there is coverage for that shift and helps maintain continuity of contact for the animals.</p><p>See “Holidays and Closings” on the GUIDELINES AND POLICIES page for Holiday and Shelter closings. A special sign-up sheet for animal care will be posted at Volunteer Check-in for these closings.</p><p>If you know of a shift absence in advance, record your absence in the vacation book at Volunteer Check-in. If an absence occurs on the day of your shift, contact the TLC Volunteer Coordinator’s office by email or phone.</p><p>VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN</p><p>When you arrive for your shift, proceed to Volunteer Check-in. Put on your nametag, and clock in on the computer. If you lose your nametag, contact the Volunteer Coordinator. Remember to look around and read any posted announcements. It’s important to look for general notices and ones specific to your area. </p><p>Lockers are for your use on a daily basis. If you would like to place a lock on the locker that you use, please remember to remove the lock at the end of your shift.</p><p>Dog TLC volunteers will need to check out a keycard for access into the building while walking dogs.</p><p>After your shift, file your nametag, clock out, and Dog TLC volunteers will need to return the keycards.</p><p>GUIDELINES FOR DOG TLC VOLUNTEERS</p><p>Dog Walkers Dog TLC Volunteers give the shelter dogs a chance to get out of the kennels for exercise, fresh air, and a chance to relieve themselves. The added exercise is important for providing quality of life while the dog is in our care. </p><p>We ask that you commit to your shift, rain or shine. Unsafe weather conditions are exceptions. Dogs that are kenneled together should be walked separately unless otherwise indicated. </p><p>Because we want dog walking to be an enjoyable experience for all parties involved, we ask that volunteers follow the guidelines, listed below, in order for the walk to be safe for both the people and the dogs.</p><p>Dog TLC Volunteer Levels Level I Volunteers = Dog walkers who can walk dogs that do not have special training collars. Dog TLC training class required. </p><p>Level II Volunteers = Dog walkers who can walk dogs with or without special training collars. Dog TLC training class required.</p><p>EV = Experienced Volunteer = Dog walkers who can walk dogs that might have behavioral issues that require a more experienced handler. Approval from Volunteer Coordinator required.</p><p>Level III and Level IV Canine Coaches = Specially trained volunteers who work closely with the Behavior and Training Department. Training by appointment. Preparing to Walk the Dog</p><p>1. After you have clocked in, donned your nametag, and proceeded to the dog adoption back area, scan the white walk board. 2. Peruse the board to identify dogs you can walk based on your level. VERY IMPORTANT: Read the “Instructions” column for special notes. 3. Look at the number of times dogs have been out. Make certain that all dogs have equal number of walks, with the exception of EV and 3LV dogs. 4. Then look at the times that the dogs were out last. Choose a dog that went out earliest. Sign the time and your initials in the correct columns and boxes. 5. From the laundry service area, get a poop bag or two. Leashes are hanging to the left of the walkboard. From the food service area, get some small biscuits or break up some large ones. 6. Proceed to the back of the kennel to get the training collar if you are a Level II or above. Read any signage that might refer to behavior or medical issues. From the kennel card, read information about the dog: age, breed, child-dog-cat rating, and personality. 7. Real Life rooms are ALWAYS accessed from the back doors. The thumb turn locks must always be bolted when a dog is in the room. 8. For regular kennels: Remember the guideline, “Whenever you don’t have a dog, enter/exit the front/glass door. Whenever you do have a dog in your hands, enter/exit the back/solid door of a kennel.” Doors open in the direction you want the dog to be. 9. Enter the front door of the regular kennel or stay on the back door of a Real Life room. Ask the dog for a sit or at least quiet and four on the floor. 10.You may attach the leash to the training collar before you put the collar on the dog. Once you calmly enter the kennel, observe the behavior of the dog. If the dog is ready, ask him/her for a sit. If the dog is jumping, walk into the dog and firmly say, “Off!” Do not collar/leash a jumping dog. Stand upright and ask for a sit. The dog should maintain the sit or at least keep four on the floor. Please pair putting on the training collar with a treat. Use an open hand to offer the treat. If a dog is hunkered down or goes to the back of the kennel, do not approach the dog and do not look directly into the dog’s eyes. Toss treats to the dog, eventually luring him over to you. If the dog growls or shows any concerning behavior, exit the kennel immediately and report it to a staff member. If, on the rare occasion, a dog bites you, you must report this to a staff member and the front desk. 11.Make certain you attach the leash appropriately to the collar (not the ID tag connector). Check the flat collar. If it will slip over the dog’s head, tighten the collar. Do not adjust the fit of training collars. Once you have leashed up and placed your hand through the loop of the leash, grasp the leash with your second hand allowing for18”-24” of loose leash and exit the back of the kennel. Too short of a leash may create defense in a dog. 12.Head for the long, west hallway. Stay on the wall with the dog closest to the back of the kennels. Do not come in contact with any other dog. Whoever can yield the easiest, does so. Turn left and exit quickly out the northwest door of adopts area. Continue right and exit out the northwest door of the building.</p><p>Walking the Dog</p><p>1. Once outside, you may give the dog the full leash. Do not allow the dog to pull you. Use a “stop and wait” for a pulling dog. Do not come in contact with any other dog while on the walk. If a dog is pulling or barking at another dog, you are too close. 2. You may allow members of the public to pet the dog, sharing info you read from the kennel card. If a dog is not appropriate for younger children, do not allow younger children to interact with the dog. If a member of the public is interested in visiting with the dog, refer them to the front desk. 3. Walk the dog for at least 15 minutes (shorter for extreme weather). Please keep at least street width distance from other dogs. You may use the two end exercise play yards and allow a dog off leash. Walking for exercise before going to the play yard is recommended. Do not go into the play yard if a dog is in the middle yard. In the play yard you may play with the dogs with two balls (trades); no tugs, please. 4. If a dog were to get loose, step on the leash. If the leash is not within reach, kneel down, lure the dog with treats and call the dog in a high- pitched voice. DO NOT CHASE THE DOG! If this does not work, send another nearby person for help into the front desk-Give the direction the dog is heading. Keep your eye on the dog. If no one else is around, as a last resort, you must run quickly in to the front desk and yell, “Dog Loose! On the N/S/E or W side of the building.” 5. Clean up after the dog during the walk with the poop bag or scoop when in the play yard.</p><p>Reentering the Building</p><p>1. Once you have finished your pleasant walk, reenter the building through the same door. Make certain you have gathered in the leash to the 18”- 24”. 2. Reenter the kennel area through the north door of dog adopts and head for the long, west hallway, walking along the backs of the kennels, never along the fronts. You should be closest to the wall, with the dog closest to the backs of the kennels. 3. Reenter through the back of the kennel and unleash the dog. Remove training collars from all dogs. Leave the flat collars on the dogs. If dogs are doubled, remove flat collars if you are the last walk of the day. 4. Throw treats to the back of the kennel and exit through front/glass door of regular kennels and back door of Real Life rooms. 5. For regular kennels, return training collars to back side of kennel. 6. For dogs kenneled in the real life rooms, PLEASE REMEMBER TO BOLT THE DOOR. 7. Record any medical concern on the yellow cards found below the walk board. Record any behavioral concern on the lavender cards found below the walk board. Completed cards are placed in the kennel sleeve on the back of the kennel. 8. At the end of your shift, clock-out, remove and file your nametag. 9. For any scheduling or shift concerns, please contact the TLC Volunteer Coordinator.</p><p>GUIDELINES FOR ADULT DOG TLC VOLUNTEERS WITH CHILD 8+ ACCOMPANYING ADULT  The adult is the primary volunteer in a leadership position in this program.  The adult volunteer must remain with the junior volunteer at all times while at the shelter.  There may be no more than two junior volunteers per adult volunteer.  When handling dogs, only one dog per adult volunteer is permitted.  The adult volunteer is expected to choose a dog appropriate for interaction with a child by reading the child rating on the kennel card. This information is found in the “Due to the history…” sentence and must include the wording “…is appropriate for CHILDREN OF ANY AGE.” These must be ONLY dogs that are available for adoption.  It is important to remind the junior volunteer that the dog may be unaccustomed to children and volunteers are asked not to hug, wrestle, tease or chase animals in the play yard.  The adult volunteer is responsible for safely walking the dog from its kennel to the outdoors. The adult is the one who leashes up the dog, and the child must remain outside the kennel at this point. Junior volunteers may interact freely with the dog when outside in the play yard. When the dog is on leash, the adult volunteer must always be the handler. A Junior volunteer may attach a second leash to the dog, but the adult’s leash is the primary one.  Junior volunteers do not need to attend the required training courses with the adult volunteer but are invited to do so if they wish. Junior volunteers do need to have a purple volunteer t-shirt at a cost of $10.00.  The adult volunteer, for the junior volunteer, must fill out a release form and separate application before the youth may attend the shift. VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT (You do NOT need to turn this in)</p><p>I have read and agree to the volunteer information given in the Volunteer Handbook. I have also attended a training in Dog TLC, Feline Friends, Small Paws and/or J.A.C.A. I understand and agree to all the information presented in the training.</p><p>I understand that I am to conduct myself in a manner that supports the Mission and Vision statements and Operating Principles of the Longmont Humane Society.</p><p>I understand that if I have any questions or concerns about conduct or procedures, I am to ask or discuss these questions or concerns with the TLC Volunteer Coordinator or the appropriate staff member.</p><p>I understand that should I not follow the guidelines and procedures set forth by the Longmont Humane Society, it could result in termination of current or any future volunteering opportunities with the Longmont Humane Society.</p><p>VOLUNTEER NAME: ______(Print Please)</p><p>SIGNATURE: ______</p><p>DATE: ______</p><p>*PLEASE LEAVE THIS PAGE IN THE BOOKLET; THERE IS NO NEED TO TURN IT IN, YOU’RE ON YOUR HONOR</p>