Youth Volunteer Handbook - Oregon Humane Society...• Stuff kongs/pass out kongs • Train dogs...

Youth Volunteer

HHaannddbbooookk

Updated 2/14/15

2

WWEELLCCOOMMEE!!

Contact Information

Sasha Moyle (Wed-Sat) Missy Knutson (Sun-Tues)

503-416-5032 503-416-5032

[email protected] [email protected]

Youth Volunteer Program Information About the Youth Volunteer Program

• Long-term volunteer program

• For youth ages 12-17 (18 and older move to our regular program)

• Help animals by exercising, socializing, and cleaning up after them

• Participate in a team to come up with projects that will benefit the shelter

• Learn valuable job and animal handling skills

• Youth must be mature, responsible, self-directed, and care deeply for animals

A Typical Shift Looks Like…

• Youth sign-in in the AMLC lobby and gather as a team to discuss the agenda for the shift

• Youth walk dogs and socialize with animals

• Team meets to help the shelter with tasks as needed

• Team meets to work on a project of their choice

• Youth sign-out and wait for ride in AMLC lobby

Youth Volunteer Policies and Guidelines When you become a Youth Volunteer at OHS, you are committing to helping the animals at

our shelter. We expect that you are willing to participate in the activities afforded to you

under our program and that you will follow the guidelines set forth below for your safety, the

safety of the animals and other participants.

Youth Volunteer Prerequisites

• You must have a completed application (including verification of health insurance

coverage), waiver, and transportation agreement on file with OHS in order to

participate. These forms can be downloaded from our website at

www.oregonhumane.org and are located on the Youth Volunteer page.

• You must attend a three hour orientation.

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• All participants must be 12-17 years old and be able to stand, squat, bend and twist for

long periods of time. You must be able to comprehend and follow instructions, policies

and procedures.

• No one with a criminal history will be admitted.

Youth Volunteer Rules 1. Treat all animals and people (other teens, staff, and visitors) with respect. Remember

the shelter is a stressful place for pets and they behave differently than your pets at

home. Be kind, compassionate, and use positive reinforcement methods when working

with our animals.

2. Youth must participate as a member of a team to accomplish team projects and the

tasks OHS needs help with. You can expect to do independent work, but also work with

a team.

3. Team Leads (YVs with Leadership Training) assist the YV Coordinator with YV shifts. We

expect all YVs to be respectful of their leadership role and accept the guidance they

provide.

4. Conduct yourself in a professional, courteous manner. We will not tolerate horseplay,

loud voices, or bad language.

5. Be punctual and ready to work when you report for your volunteer shift. Arrive and

leave your shifts on time! If you are late, please have the front desk contact the YV

Coordinator to let her know you are here.

6. We begin working in areas of high need and then move on to other tasks as outlined in

the agenda at the beginning of each shift. Getting all the dogs walked is our top

priority and we walk in all types of weather. We expect that you will help us with this

first and without the need for constant supervision/reminders.

7. Attend your regularly scheduled shifts. Generally, this works out to two shifts monthly.

Youth are allowed three absences per six month period of service whether you inform

us of the absence or not. Anytime you are not present at your regular shift, it will count

as an absence.

8. Participate only in tasks afforded to Youth Volunteers. A list of tasks Youth Volunteers

can do is in the sign-in book and this handbook.

9. Long pants (no shorts, skirts, or dresses), sleeved shirts (no tank tops or low cut shirts),

and closed toed, non-slip shoes are required (no sandals or flip-flops). No dangly

earrings, necklaces, or other obtrusive jewelry that might entangle an animal. Any facial

piercing must be removed or covered with a band-aid prior to volunteering. You cannot

interact with the animals if you are not dressed accordingly.

10. You are required to wear your volunteer apron and badge when volunteering. Wear

your badge in a visible location on your chest area or apron and be sure to bring your

leashes and keys. Plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need to volunteer!

We have a limited number of loaners available.

4

11. Do not show any animals to the public and direct all questions to the front desk. Only

staff and certain volunteers are allowed to show animals and answer questions for

clients. Please do not offer behavior tips, medical advice, or expert opinions to the

public. Do not interrupt staff members when they are helping a client.

12. Do not bring friends, boyfriends/girlfriends or family with you. Unless they have been

through an orientation and training, they cannot participate.

13. Do not eat during YV shifts. There are germs/bacteria around the shelter that can make

you really sick if ingested.

14. Keep valuables at home. We are not responsible for stolen items and do not have a

secure location to store your things, so please leave backpacks, purses, and other

valuables at home.

15. Do not use your cell phone while volunteering. This includes talking, text messaging,

games, etc.

16. No listening to music playing devices while volunteering. For safety reasons, you must

be able to hear what is going on around you.

17. Please do not stand around and socialize with staff or each other. We expect you will be

engaged in volunteer activities while at OHS.

18. Do not go in “off limits areas” without the permission of the Youth Volunteer

Coordinator.

19. Do NOT visit with kittens (under six months of age), puppies (under six months of age),

or unscreened animals. Youth also may NOT visit with yellow card cats or dogs unless

they have attained the training to do so. You may not visit with any small animals other

than rats and guinea pigs. The ability to handle rabbits can be attained with further

training.

20. Notify the Youth Volunteer Coordinator if you become injured during your shift.

21. After YV shifts, wait for your ride in the AMLC lobby. Youth are NOT allowed to wait

outside, in the store, in cattery or other shelter areas. If you drive, please park your car

on 11th

street or on the far west side of the building. We can provide you with the gate

code upon request.

22. In case of emergency or fire drill, exit the building immediately and meet in the

cemetery at the back of the building to check in with the YV coordinator.

23. Ask the YV Coordinator if you don’t know what to do or if you have a question.

24. Have fun!

Youth Volunteer Disciplinary Procedure In order to ensure that volunteering is enjoyable for everyone, we have established a plan for

dealing with behavioral issues. These issues may take the form of inappropriate behavior

(being rude or not doing your job) or violating program rules (general or animal area).

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We expect that Youth Volunteers will take responsibility for their own actions and will not

need constant supervision. This plan of action initially involves only the teen and the Youth

Volunteer Coordinator. Parents are not notified unless the problem reoccurs or a new one

develops. Certain serious infractions will lead to immediate dismissal from the program.

First Infraction-Level 1

Youth Volunteer talks with the Youth Vol. Coord. and Behavior Contract is Started.

• Problem is identified and solutions are discussed

• Consequences for continuing the undesired behavior are established

• Written document is signed by both parties

Second Infraction-Level 2

Behavior Contract Implemented.

• Youth Volunteer Coordinator and Youth Volunteer identify problem, develop a solution,

and establish consequences if undesired behavior continues


Parents notified.

• Parents of the Youth Volunteer are contacted by phone and made aware of the problem

and the actions being pursued

Third Infraction-Level 3

Youth Volunteer is discharged.

• Teen may no longer volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society

Grounds for Immediate Dismissal Some infractions are so serious they lead to immediate dismissal.

• Endangering or mistreating an animal (taunting, hurting, aggravating, teasing, etc.)

• Disrespecting or mistreating a volunteer, staff member, or visitor

• Profane, abusive or threatening language directed toward an animal, volunteer, staff

member, or member of the public

• Fighting, pushing, or any other physical intimidation of a volunteer, visitor, or staff

member

• Engaging in inappropriate public displays of affection.

• Sexual harassment (either verbal or physical) of a volunteer, visitor, or staff member

• Smoking or using illegal drugs or alcohol on OHS grounds

• Stealing from volunteers or staff members and/or removing OHS property without

special permission

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Youth Volunteer Approved Activities Small Animals

• Socialize rats and guinea pigs

• Sweep small animal room floor

• Refill rabbit/guinea pig water bottles

Cattery

• Socialize all adult cats except yellow card cats (pet and play with them)

• Clean litter boxes for kenneled cats and colonies

• Refill food and change water as needed/permitted

• Straighten up cat kennels/colony rooms

• Brush cats

• Train cats to approach adopters (treat on public side of kennel)

• Restock dishes, blankets, and towels

• Cut hand towels in half to make washcloth sized towels

• Build and decorate cardboard cat carriers

• Cut paper collars in half (longwise) to make them suitable for kittens

• Pass out toys (one toy per cat only)

• Sweep floors and clean windows

Kennels • Walk and exercise green card dogs

• Socialize with dogs (in kennels or yards)

• Scoop poop and clean dog kennels

• Spot cleaning (clean up poop/pee in kennels with a mop)

• Brush and bathe green card dogs

• Pass out toys and blankets (one per dog only)

• Stuff kongs/pass out kongs

• Train dogs using positive reinforcement training

• Refill yard area toy bin

• Clean kennel area windows, walls and doors

• Sweep and mop hallways in kennel area

• Fold laundry

• Hose down outside yards

Other Projects

• Helping with mailings: stuffing, sealing and stamping envelopes

• Helping our store with inventory and other tasks

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• Making signs for kennels, etc.

• Doggie Dash, Telethon, and other events

• Other projects that come up or teams decide to undertake

Youth Volunteers DO NOT:

• Interact with the clients/public

• Work with kittens, puppies, or unscreened animals

• Work with any small animal other than rats or guinea pigs (rabbits require more

training)

• Work with yellow card dogs or cats unless given appropriate training

Deeper Involvement: Classes and Other Programs Classes We are very interested in helping youth learn more about animals and how to care for them.

We have developed the below classes to help you gain more experience and expertise

regarding animals and handling them. Some classes require a certain number of hours/length

of time as a volunteer in order to participate. Others are open to you as soon as you begin

volunteering. See class descriptions below and on the blog for more information. You can

schedule classes yourself in the volunteer portal.

• Rabbit Handling

If you are interested in handling rabbits, you can sign up for this class to learn how.

Youth who attend this class receive a button that indicates they have the training to

work with rabbits during their YV shifts. This class is open to new volunteers and does

not have any prerequisites.

• Junior Kennel Buddies

Do you enjoy spending time with dogs in their kennels? Do you love the feeling that you

are making a difference for them when you spend time with them? Consider learning

more about canine enrichment and become a kennel buddy! As a kennel buddy you will

learn games and activities to do with our dogs in their kennel which will make their stay

at OHS more enjoyable. This class is open to new volunteers and does not have any

prerequisites.

• Dog Grooming

Do you want to learn how to use the OHS groom room and how to properly bathe a

dog? This class will teach you how to use the groom room, and everything in it, and how

to bathe dogs at OHS. This class is open to new volunteers and does not have any

prerequisites.

• T-Touch

This class explores Tellington Touch, or T-Touch, a method of touch used for helping

animal behavior, anxiety, and injuries. You will learn how to touch an animal to ease its

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anxiety/fear and will learn how to use calming signals to build confidence between a pet

and person. The skills you learn in this class can help you with feline, canine, and small

animal enrichment and with your animals at home! This class is open to new volunteers

and does not have any prerequisites.

• Projects

Participants in this class make cat/dog treats, signs for cat/dog kennels and decorate cat

carriers. It will be a great time and good opportunity to connect with more YVs. This

class is open to new volunteers and does not have any prerequisites.

• Small Animals

During this two hour class, YVs learn about how to care for and handle the pets in our

small animal room. The first part of the class discusses the life spans, care and other fun

facts about these special pets. During the second part, you will work hands on with our

little furry friends. To sign up and view the class openings, select “Class-Small Animals”

in the dropdown box under the schedule tab.

• Junior Pet Pals for Dogs

After 3 months and 12 hours of service, youth are invited to become Jr. Pet Pals. Jr. Pet

Pals learn positive reinforcement training techniques, and after training, use their skills

to teach shelter dogs the manners they need to help them get adopted. Pet Pals can

participate in the Leash-Up program which promotes further learning with regards to

training. As youth accomplish goals and achieve different levels, they earn buttons as a

reward.

• Adv. Pet Pals

This series of classes is open to Jr. Pet Pals only and will be viewable in the calendar

after you become a Jr. Pet Pal. These classes help YV Jr. Pet Pals hone their training

skills, learn ways to cope with particular types of dogs and earn points in the Leash Up

program. Class topics include Fun Tricks, Hyper Dogs and Shy Dogs.

• Canine Body Language Class

Ever wonder what are our dogs telling us and each other? Learn more about dog body

language and how dogs communicate at our interactive and informative workshop! You

will observe shelter dogs, view fascinating photos, and watch selected videos of dogs

expressing a wide range of messages. Learn how to read the different parts of a dog’s

body and how to put all the pieces together to understand his/her emotional states.

Learn how to recognize shy, anxious, afraid, confident, assertive, happy, and relaxed

dogs. You must take the Jr. Pet Pals class before qualifying to take this class.

• Yellow Card Dog Approval

Youth interested in working with our more challenging yellow card dogs can get

approval to do so by taking the Jr. Pet Pals class and Dog Body Language class. After

completing both classes, YVs are allowed to visit/walk/socialize with yellow card dogs

that are NOT marked as NO YV. Youth receive a button that indicates they have the

ability to work with these dogs.

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Programs If you become a dedicated, responsible Youth Volunteer without any disciplinary concerns,

you may be invited to participate in any of the below programs. You will receive an email

invitation from the YV coordinator if you are eligible to participate.

• AAT Helper

After 3 months and 12 hours of service, you may be asked to help our Animal Assisted

Therapy program. This program certifies dogs to work in institutions where they can

help people. Youth Volunteers help by acting out scenarios that dogs may encounter

when they are out in the community. Youth who help this program must be

responsible, mature and able to work independently.

• Team Lead

After 6 months and 24 hours of service, becoming yellow card dog approved, being

invited by the YV Coordinator, and providing there is an opening in your shift, you can

become a shift Team Lead. Team Leads are YVs that assist the YV Coordinator in

supervising YV shifts, help ensure all dogs get walked, and engage YVs in other activities.

They are responsible for developing a positive team atmosphere among YVs on their

team and training/mentoring new volunteers during their shift as needed.

• Teacher Program

After 1 year and 50 hours of service, you may be invited to become a Youth Teacher.

Providing there is a need and we feel you have the skills necessary to lead classes.

Youth Teachers help OHS by teaching informational and experiential classes to Youth

Volunteers on a variety of animal subjects.

Communication We have over 200 youth to communicate with regularly. To do this effectively, we utilize

electronic forms of communication. Please check your email and our blog regularly!

OHS YV Blog

The OHS YV Tumblr blog is our main form of communication. Please log-in and read it

regularly! You do NOT need a Tumblr account to access it. To log-in, enter the blog URL in

your browser’s address bar and then enter the password when prompted. The blog URL is

www.ohs-yv.tumblr.com. The password intermittently changes so log-in to the volunteer

portal and check the “News” section for the most current password. We will update you via

email when the password changes. The blog is the best place to learn about policy changes,

classes, reminders, cancellations, substitute opportunities, FAQs, OHS news, kudos, Youth

Volunteer of the month and other fun facts. YVs are encouraged to contribute to the blog by

submitting posts to the YV coordinators.

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Email

We use email for very important updates or reminders, last minute cancellations, and for

individualized communication surrounding missed shifts, discipline concerns, or promotions so

please check your email frequently.

Youth Volunteer Shift Information

Youth Volunteer Portal

After your orientation, you will be sent the log-in and password to our Youth Volunteer portal.

This is the link to the portal: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=2243 This link is

always available on the Youth Volunteer webpage as well.

In the YV portal, you may schedule classes/extra shifts, view your schedule, print your hours

for school, see who is scheduled to volunteer, and change your personal information such as

your phone number and email address. The blog URL and password can also be found there in

the “News” section on the homepage.

You will only be able to view the schedule two months at a time. When classes are added to

the portal, they will appear as “Help Wanted” signs under “My Schedule” and a note will be

added to the News section in the YV portal. You can also view particular classes by clicking on

the drop down box in the my schedule tab and selecting the class you are interested in

viewing.

Regular Shifts

Upon admission to our program, all YVs are scheduled for a regular shift that occurs every

other week. For example, a YV selected for a Friday 4-6 shift would start on their assigned

start date (after attending the orientation) and volunteer every other Friday from 4-6

thereafter for a period of at least six months. Youth are required to make a six month

commitment, but can continue volunteering beyond that until they turn 18. You do not need

to reapply at the six month mark.

Shift switching is not allowed. Existing volunteers that have served six months or more may

request to move to another shift during open application periods; however, youth are not

guaranteed a spot. New YVs should expect to serve in the shift for which they were selected

for six months. In order to keep continuity among the teams and to know what spots we have

available for new volunteers, it is important that YVs commit to a specific shift for six months.

Every Youth Volunteer shift has ten regular YV spots and three Team Lead spots. Once those

spots are filled the shift is considered full. New volunteers are brought on when current

volunteers leave the program so please let us know if you decide to no longer volunteer.

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Absences

An absence is recorded anytime you miss your regularly scheduled shift. Missing a shift for

whatever reason (vacation, sickness, sports commitments, etc.) will result in an absence. You

are allowed three absences per six month period of service. Accruing more than three

absences may result in dismissal from the program (barring extenuating circumstances, e.g.

medical conditions that arise).

You can also receive absences if you are scheduled for a class and don’t show up for it. Please

notify the YV Coordinator if you need to be removed from a class or extra shift. You cannot

remove yourself from the schedule.

It is your responsibility to let us know if you can’t come to your shift or a scheduled class. If

you are sick, go on vacation, or need to cancel for whatever reason, please inform the YV

Coordinator in charge of your shift at least 24 hours in advance. Knowing of your absence

ahead of time allows us to remove you from your shift and to solicit for YV substitutes if

needed.

Getting Rid of Absences and Just Coming More

Youth Volunteers have the opportunity to remove absences and work in the shelter more

often. In the volunteer portal, you will see an assignment called “Youth Volunteer Extra Shift”

that you can sign up for. This assignment is exactly the same as “Youth Volunteer Shifts,”

which is what your regularly scheduled volunteer shifts are called, and you would be

performing the same volunteer activities if you decide to sign up for one. This opportunity is

open to all YVs and you can sign up for it if you want to work toward removing an absence or if

you just want to come more often. To remove an absence that you have received, you must

attend two extra shifts and then email Missy or Sasha about it. It is your responsibility to

email Missy/Sasha when you complete two extra shifts in order to get the absence removed

so please be sure to let us know. You can use extra shifts you have worked within six months

of the absence. For example, if you know you are going to be gone during spring break in

March, you could work two extra shifts within the six months leading up to your absence (Oct.-

March) or after (April-Oct.).

Shift Cancellations/Changes

Occasionally, we will need to cancel shifts due to shelter closures, holidays, inclement weather

or vacations/illnesses.

Cancellations/shift changes that we know about ahead of time will be posted in your online

calendar in the portal and we will email you a reminder that they are cancelled. They will also

be posted in the YV Shift Cancellations/Changes page on the blog.

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If we need to cancel a shift due to inclement weather, we will update you by blog and email.

Please check these sources in the case of ice or snow, because we will not make individual

phone calls in the case of inclement weather.

If we need to cancel at the last minute due to illness or other reasons, we will update you by

blog, email and phone.

Recognition We want to ensure that every YV that gives their time to OHS feels appreciated. We could not

do everything we do for our pets without your help! To recognize YVs for their service we do a

few things:

• Say “Thank You!” and often reward youth with candy. Treats work for humans, too!

• Fur Fest! Fur Fest is our annual youth recognition party that happens in September. It is

a huge party with food, music, a raffle and other activities like visiting with kittens and

puppies!

• Youth receive buttons for every year of service and when they attend classes or

accomplish goals in different programs. Many youth proudly wear them on their aprons

or lanyards.

• When appropriate, we offer promotions to leadership roles like Team Lead or Teacher

to qualified youth.

Required YV Program Supplies All Youth Volunteers need the following supplies to volunteer at OHS. They can be purchased

at our retail store located inside the AMLC lobby of OHS after attending the orientation. Ask

the clerk for the Youth Volunteer Package. They will provide you with all your supplies except

the ID and Access Card. Those we will give you during your first shift. The purchase of this

package is considered a tax deductible contribution, and if you pay by check, the person

writing it must be present at the time of purchase. Please speak to the YV coordinator if you

need financial assistance. See below for breakdown of supply costs.

Youth Volunteer Package (must haves):

• Apron: $10.00 (to identify you as a Youth Volunteer and to attach your OHS ID and

access card)

• G Key: $5.00 (for access to cat colony rooms and side gates at OHS)

• Dog Kennel Key: $3.00 (for unlocking the front of the dog kennels)

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• Access Card: $5.00 (This allows you passage through the shelter security doors and

allows you to move freely around the shelter)

• Big Dog Leash: $5.50 (Required: For walking dogs over 20lbs.)

• Small Dog Leash: $4.50(Required: For walking dogs under 20 lbs.)

Total: $33

Optional Items:

• OHS Lanyard: $5.00 (to attach your OHS ID and access card)

OHS will be providing YVs their new badges (which will include a picture of you). Youth

volunteers will be responsible for keeping track of their supplies and replacing them if they are

lost or damaged.

Note: As an OHS Youth Volunteer, you will receive 15% off future purchases made in BFC or Sit, Stay,

Good Dog. You will need to present your OHS badge at the time of purchase to receive your

discount. 100% of all sales go to support OHS animals, shelter programs and operations.

As always, YVs also receive a discount on adoptions, which include $85 off a dog and $55 of a

cat. Happy Volunteering and Adopting!

Youth Volunteer

HHaannddbbooookk

Updated 2/14/15

2

WWEELLCCOOMMEE!!

Contact Information

Sasha Moyle (Wed-Sat) Missy Knutson (Sun-Tues)

503-416-5032 503-416-5032

[email protected] [email protected]

Youth Volunteer Program Information About the Youth Volunteer Program

• Long-term volunteer program

• For youth ages 12-17 (18 and older move to our regular program)

• Help animals by exercising, socializing, and cleaning up after them

• Participate in a team to come up with projects that will benefit the shelter

• Learn valuable job and animal handling skills

• Youth must be mature, responsible, self-directed, and care deeply for animals

A Typical Shift Looks Like…

• Youth sign-in in the AMLC lobby and gather as a team to discuss the agenda for the shift

• Youth walk dogs and socialize with animals

• Team meets to help the shelter with tasks as needed

• Team meets to work on a project of their choice

• Youth sign-out and wait for ride in AMLC lobby

Youth Volunteer Policies and Guidelines When you become a Youth Volunteer at OHS, you are committing to helping the animals at

our shelter. We expect that you are willing to participate in the activities afforded to you

under our program and that you will follow the guidelines set forth below for your safety, the

safety of the animals and other participants.

Youth Volunteer Prerequisites

• You must have a completed application (including verification of health insurance

coverage), waiver, and transportation agreement on file with OHS in order to

participate. These forms can be downloaded from our website at

www.oregonhumane.org and are located on the Youth Volunteer page.

• You must attend a three hour orientation.

3

• All participants must be 12-17 years old and be able to stand, squat, bend and twist for

long periods of time. You must be able to comprehend and follow instructions, policies

and procedures.

• No one with a criminal history will be admitted.

Youth Volunteer Rules 1. Treat all animals and people (other teens, staff, and visitors) with respect. Remember

the shelter is a stressful place for pets and they behave differently than your pets at

home. Be kind, compassionate, and use positive reinforcement methods when working

with our animals.

2. Youth must participate as a member of a team to accomplish team projects and the

tasks OHS needs help with. You can expect to do independent work, but also work with

a team.

3. Team Leads (YVs with Leadership Training) assist the YV Coordinator with YV shifts. We

expect all YVs to be respectful of their leadership role and accept the guidance they

provide.

4. Conduct yourself in a professional, courteous manner. We will not tolerate horseplay,

loud voices, or bad language.

5. Be punctual and ready to work when you report for your volunteer shift. Arrive and

leave your shifts on time! If you are late, please have the front desk contact the YV

Coordinator to let her know you are here.

6. We begin working in areas of high need and then move on to other tasks as outlined in

the agenda at the beginning of each shift. Getting all the dogs walked is our top

priority and we walk in all types of weather. We expect that you will help us with this

first and without the need for constant supervision/reminders.

7. Attend your regularly scheduled shifts. Generally, this works out to two shifts monthly.

Youth are allowed three absences per six month period of service whether you inform

us of the absence or not. Anytime you are not present at your regular shift, it will count

as an absence.

8. Participate only in tasks afforded to Youth Volunteers. A list of tasks Youth Volunteers

can do is in the sign-in book and this handbook.

9. Long pants (no shorts, skirts, or dresses), sleeved shirts (no tank tops or low cut shirts),

and closed toed, non-slip shoes are required (no sandals or flip-flops). No dangly

earrings, necklaces, or other obtrusive jewelry that might entangle an animal. Any facial

piercing must be removed or covered with a band-aid prior to volunteering. You cannot

interact with the animals if you are not dressed accordingly.

10. You are required to wear your volunteer apron and badge when volunteering. Wear

your badge in a visible location on your chest area or apron and be sure to bring your

leashes and keys. Plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need to volunteer!

We have a limited number of loaners available.

4

11. Do not show any animals to the public and direct all questions to the front desk. Only

staff and certain volunteers are allowed to show animals and answer questions for

clients. Please do not offer behavior tips, medical advice, or expert opinions to the

public. Do not interrupt staff members when they are helping a client.

12. Do not bring friends, boyfriends/girlfriends or family with you. Unless they have been

through an orientation and training, they cannot participate.

13. Do not eat during YV shifts. There are germs/bacteria around the shelter that can make

you really sick if ingested.

14. Keep valuables at home. We are not responsible for stolen items and do not have a

secure location to store your things, so please leave backpacks, purses, and other

valuables at home.

15. Do not use your cell phone while volunteering. This includes talking, text messaging,

games, etc.

16. No listening to music playing devices while volunteering. For safety reasons, you must

be able to hear what is going on around you.

17. Please do not stand around and socialize with staff or each other. We expect you will be

engaged in volunteer activities while at OHS.

18. Do not go in “off limits areas” without the permission of the Youth Volunteer

Coordinator.

19. Do NOT visit with kittens (under six months of age), puppies (under six months of age),

or unscreened animals. Youth also may NOT visit with yellow card cats or dogs unless

they have attained the training to do so. You may not visit with any small animals other

than rats and guinea pigs. The ability to handle rabbits can be attained with further

training.

20. Notify the Youth Volunteer Coordinator if you become injured during your shift.

21. After YV shifts, wait for your ride in the AMLC lobby. Youth are NOT allowed to wait

outside, in the store, in cattery or other shelter areas. If you drive, please park your car

on 11th

street or on the far west side of the building. We can provide you with the gate

code upon request.

22. In case of emergency or fire drill, exit the building immediately and meet in the

cemetery at the back of the building to check in with the YV coordinator.

23. Ask the YV Coordinator if you don’t know what to do or if you have a question.

24. Have fun!

Youth Volunteer Disciplinary Procedure In order to ensure that volunteering is enjoyable for everyone, we have established a plan for

dealing with behavioral issues. These issues may take the form of inappropriate behavior

(being rude or not doing your job) or violating program rules (general or animal area).

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We expect that Youth Volunteers will take responsibility for their own actions and will not

need constant supervision. This plan of action initially involves only the teen and the Youth

Volunteer Coordinator. Parents are not notified unless the problem reoccurs or a new one

develops. Certain serious infractions will lead to immediate dismissal from the program.

First Infraction-Level 1

Youth Volunteer talks with the Youth Vol. Coord. and Behavior Contract is Started.

• Problem is identified and solutions are discussed

• Consequences for continuing the undesired behavior are established


Second Infraction-Level 2

Behavior Contract Implemented.

• Youth Volunteer Coordinator and Youth Volunteer identify problem, develop a solution,

and establish consequences if undesired behavior continues


Parents notified.

• Parents of the Youth Volunteer are contacted by phone and made aware of the problem

and the actions being pursued

Third Infraction-Level 3

Youth Volunteer is discharged.

• Teen may no longer volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society

Grounds for Immediate Dismissal Some infractions are so serious they lead to immediate dismissal.

• Endangering or mistreating an animal (taunting, hurting, aggravating, teasing, etc.)

• Disrespecting or mistreating a volunteer, staff member, or visitor

• Profane, abusive or threatening language directed toward an animal, volunteer, staff

member, or member of the public

• Fighting, pushing, or any other physical intimidation of a volunteer, visitor, or staff

member

• Engaging in inappropriate public displays of affection.

• Sexual harassment (either verbal or physical) of a volunteer, visitor, or staff member

• Smoking or using illegal drugs or alcohol on OHS grounds

• Stealing from volunteers or staff members and/or removing OHS property without

special permission