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VCHS Orientation Manual and Guidelines – 12/19
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Report Unusual Animal Activities/Occurrences: Volunteers can be the eyes and ears of the shelter.
If you see any of the following symptoms and these have not been pointed out to you prior by the staff,
please report these ASAP:
* Eyes that are watery, swollen, or have discharge.
* Ears that are red, swollen, or have foul odor.
* Nose with discharge of any type.
* Sneezing, coughing or wheezing.
* Wounds, lesions or hair loss.
* Constipation, or runny/bloody stool.
* Limping or chewing at paws
* Vomiting.
* Lethargy.
If there is an emergency, please report right away to the front desk.
Volunteer Animal Socialization: If you’re approved to work with animals, a staff member can retrieve
the cat or dog from the kennel or cage for you. Never open any animal kennels/cages yourself. NO
VOLUNTEER IS TO GET AN ANIMAL OUT OF IT’S CAGE FOR THE PUBLIC. If someone wants to see
an animal, get a staff member. This is for your protection as well as the protection of other people and
other shelter animals. PLEASE ADHERE TO THE COLOR CODES FOR ALL ANIMALS! GREEN and YELLOW
Is “OK” for Volunteers. (please check why the animal is yellow coded). RED – STAFF ONLY!
Injuries: For the safety of the animal, visiting public, volunteers and staff, all bites or scratches must
be reported. Any incident or injury occurring while volunteering must be reported to the VCHS staff
immediately. Animal bites or scratches that break the skin, no matter how small, are considered
injuries and should not be treated lightly. If any animal bites you, a bite report must be completed
immediately.
Volunteer Guidelines and Tips:
* Do NOT get into the front desk drawers or cupboard without checking with the staff first. If you
need something, ask. This will prevent any liability if something comes up missing, or gets misplaced.
* Do NOT use the refrigerator. It contains medicines. Please bring a cold pack for your meal.
* Always conduct yourself in a professional manner while involved in shelter activities or fund raising
events. You are a representative of our shelter.
* Perform your tasks as instructed by the staff and/or senior volunteers.
* Report any abusive behavior to the shelter manager. This includes physical or verbal abuse to other
volunteers, staff members and any shelter animals.
* When approached by the public for questions, please be polite and answer general questions. For
specific questions or questions about animals, please refer them to a staff member for accuracy.
* Always be a team player. Our goals are all the same… to find the best homes we can for these
animals. Let’s work together.