W.C.H.S. Pet Resource and Adoption Center

Volunteer Application

Date:
Name:
Address:
City:	State: Zip:
Phone:	Email:
Age:	Birth Date: (example - mm/dd/yy)

1. As a Paws Along the River volunteer you will be joining a Special group of dedicated people who want to help animals. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to volunteer.

2. What do you feel are some of your greatest strengths?

3. Do you have any situations or health issues the shelter should be aware of? (Please explain)

4. Were you ever or are you now actively involved with any other non-profit, community or religious organizations?
(If yes, please list organization)

5. Please rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following areas:
(with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent)

		Punctuality		Interpersonal skills and customer service
		Dedication		Dependability
		Character		The quality of work you do
		Self-motivation

6. Would you consider yourself out-going or shy?

7. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? (If yes, please explain)

8. How do you feel about spaying or neutering pets?

9. Are there any animals you are uncomfortable working with (i.e. large dogs, etc)?

10. Are you allergic to any animals or chemicals such as bleach or any other cleaning agents?

11. Do you have any specific training pertaining to the care of pets?
(Obedience instructor, grooming, etc.)

12. Do you understand that Paws Along the River takes precautions not to adopt out dogs and cats that will hurt people? If you would like more information on our temperament testing and evaluation process, please contact the Director

13. Please tell us about yourself and why you would like to volunteer at our shelter.

14. How did you hear about our volunteer program?

15. Are you interested in a short term or long term commitment?

16. Dog Walking Volunteers will need to make a long term commitment. You will be required to walk 2 hours per month. Inactive dog walkers (after 30 days) will need to attend another dog walking class.

Volunteer Agreement
Please read through the following and enter your initials:

1. I understand the "Volunteer Visitor Policy" in that, I may only bring a visitor during non-volunteer visits, during normal business hours (when the shelter is open for viewing), and I am only showing them around the public areas of the building.
Please initial here:

2. I understand the importance of a time commitment to volunteer. Should I find the nature of this volunteer work is not what I expected, or I can not fulfill my commitment I will contact the volunteer Coordinator so she may update her records. The W.C.H.S. reserves the right to refuse a volunteer based on performance and ability to properly/safely handle our animals.
Please initial here:

3. I understand it is recommended that I have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccine; in the chance I may be bitten or scratched. This is not a requirement to volunteer, but strongly advised. Tetanus vaccines need to be updated every ten years. It may be obtained at the Health Department or by my physician at my own expense.
Please initial here:

4. Age Requirements:
I understand that the minimum age for a volunteer is 13 years of age. The volunteer must have had their 13th birthday, volunteer 10 hours of supervised volunteer time and attend a required orientation class before being approved to volunteer alone. Volunteers ages 10-12 are permitted to help an adult volunteer with walking dogs and afternoon feeding and must have complete adult supervision at all times while volunteering at the shelter. All volunteers must attend a required orientation class for each specific volunteer job applied for. Volunteers under the age of 10 years are not permitted to volunteer at the shelter. Due to liability issues and to ensure the safety of our volunteers and staff there will be no exceptions to the age requirement as set by the Board of Directors.
Parent/Guardian initial here:

5. I understand that as a volunteer for the Paws Along the River, I will be working with animals with unknown and unpredictable characteristics and dispositions, and will be subjecting myself to various work conditions. I hereby assume the risk of any injury that may result from my volunteer services at Paws Along the River. By signing this application: I, intending to be legally bound for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, Release Paws Along the River, its officers, directors and staff from any and all rights and claims for damages I may have arising out of any injuries or illnesses suffered by myself or my pets incidental to my voluntary services.
Parent/Guardian initial here:

The volunteer form and agreement must be completed and received before any orientation classes are attended.

Paws Along the River reserves the right to decline any volunteer application for any reason. This may include, but is not limited to any area where there is conflict of interest.

JOIN OUR TEAM! VOLUNTEER

Please check the days and times you can volunteer:


Monday 8am - 11:30am	Monday 12:30pm - 4pm	Monday 3pm - 4:30pm

Tuesday 8am - 11:30am	Tuesday 12:30pm - 4pm	Tuesday 3pm - 4:30pm

Thursday 8am - 11:30am	Thursday 12:30pm - 4pm	Thursday 3pm - 4:30pm

Friday 8am - 11:30am	Friday 12:30pm - 4pm	Friday 3pm - 4:30pm

Saturday 8am - 11:30am	Saturday 12:30pm - 2pm

Please RANK in order of preference which activities you are interested in:


	Kitty Cuddling:	Working with the cats to socialize them helps relax and de-stress while at the shelter. PM hours only (No Wednesdays or Saturdays).



	Dog Walking:	Walking of adult dogs and older puppies to ensure they receive their daily exercise and socialization. (9am - 11:30am and 12:30pm - 4pm) Dog Walking Class is a requirement.



	Beautification:	Volunteers help with cleaning, laundry, organization of supplies, pick up supplies, cleaning the grounds, water plants, mowing grass, weeding and planting on the grounds. Decorating the fence for the holidays.



	Fundraiser Events:	Assist with fund raising events such as; Paws in the Park, Wildwind, Rabies Clinic, Cummings, 4th of July parade, golf tournaments, humane education, etc.



	Office Assistant:	Files data on pet intakes and adoptions, type, update archives (clipping and photos) prepare mailings and stuffing envelopes, input data on computer.



	Afternoon Feeding:	Students and adults can sign up to feed our pets in the afternoon This allows staff to attend to more serious pet care concerns. (3pm - 4:30pm)



	Food Mixer:	Organization /mixing of our pet food. Keeping food shed clean/tidy.



	AM Kennel Cleaner:	Cleaning kennels from 8-11am is always welcome. Makes us look and smell good.



	Groomer:	Giving our dogs baths gets them ready for a new home.



	Humane Educator:	Visit schools and present programs of humane education.



	Shelter Tours:	Volunteer Tour Educator. We provide nearly 300 school children tours and education. (1 hour)



	Special Skills:	Can you provide electrical, plumbing or contracting skills if needed?



	Receptionist:	Saturday 12pm to 3pm.



	Newsletter:	Articles/set up/mailing/stuffing.



	Questions, Comments, Suggestions, or Additional Information you feel we need to know:

Paws Along the River is a non-profit business and can't be held responsible for typographical errors, invalid or out dated content or content that is linked to or from our web site. All offers, products and prices are subject to change without notice.