Agenda - 04-20-2004-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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~f~~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ANIMAL SHELTER OPERATIONS TASK FORCE (REPORT COMMITTEE) NOTES FROM LUNCHEON MEETING -APRIL 5, 2004 Suitable & Appropriate Tasks & Duties for Volunteers In general HSUS recommends usn~ volunteers to socialize animals, assist with animal care taking counsel prospective pet adopters and coordinate specral fund raising events Volunteers are typically not allowed to adopt out animals (without ~ecialized training) or assist in euthanasia. (Refer to Section 9.2 "Volunteers" m the HSUS Final Report and the "Volunteers" chapter in the draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) template provided by HSUS. County staff' also had the entire Volunteer Management manual produced by Betsy McFarland for IiSUS.) Volunteer "jobs" identified by APS in their bid response to the county for the interim contract included: / Dog Walking / Bathing & Grooming Shelter Dogs / Cat Room Helpers -Cleaning cages, socializing with cats, providing toys; brushing / Assisting Adoption Applicants with Paperwork (only after having been trained by staff) / Feeding Cats and Dogs / Helping Serve as Shelter Greeter • There has to be a trained, hired coordinator -full time. Their most important role is to coordinate; create a sense of worth and value for the volunteer time and interest. • Structured enviromnent is important -otherwise your- time feels wasted and you aren't needed. Enviromnent should be clean, wanxr, and welcoming. • General volwrteexs camxot do the real and essential work of paid shelter staff- like the health related,jobs or fiont desk. • Volunteers should not be used to allow paid staff to slough off their own duties. Ideas & Opportunities for Recruiting Shelter Volunteers Contact Piedmont Wildlife Center and leanx how they have attracted and maintained vohmteer help. • Recruit in the school system. • Learn from APS. Arrange a time to meet and discuss transition. Comnnrnicate needs.