Group Volunteer Guidelines

• No more than 6 volunteers at one time, due to space constraints. Larger groups should be split into shifts and scheduled separately (same day or different days).
• Groups must be scheduled at least two days in advance. Groups of five volunteers or more must be scheduled at least a week prior.
• Groups will not be scheduled before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Volunteers must wear appropriate attire: no open-toed shoes; no high heels; no slippers; no long-hanging jewelry. Volunteers should dress according to the weather conditions and expect to get dirty. The shelter can provide scrubs if/as needed.
• Volunteers are not permitted to be on their cell phones while working. Cell phones are ONLY permitted while socializing with the animals. During these times, cell phones are okay and volunteers are welcome to take photos of the animals. However, for safety reasons phones are not allowed while walking a dog.
• Group volunteers are expected to arrive at their scheduled time slot. Please DO NOT arrive early. If you are going to be late or cannot make it, please let shelter staff know as soon as possible.
• Volunteers will work under the supervision of a member of the shelter staff and will be assigned tasks accordingly from a prepared list (please see attached). Tasks will be assigned as needed and will include general maintenance/cleaning and thrift store assistance as well as cat and dog enrichment.
• Volunteers with severe allergies to cats are not recommended to work at the shelter. Since our building is small, exposure to cats is unavoidable, especially during the winter months. If an individual with allergies wishes to volunteer with the shelter, they are welcome to contact a member of the shelter staff for other ways to help.
• No volunteers are permitted to work without signing a volunteer waiver. This can be sent ahead of time by the volunteer coordinator or filled out at the time of service. If a volunteer is under 18, a parent/guardian must sign the waiver and be present at time of service.
• All volunteers must abide by the general rules and guidelines outlined on the volunteer waiver.