- All volunteers MUST attend Orientation Training prior to beginning your volunteer experience.
- All minors (18 or younger) MUST be accompanied by their legal guardian for Orientation.
- Please wait for email from the Coordinator to set up a time and date to do the Orientation.
Volunteer Agreement
Terms and Conditions:
- My services for Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter are provided strictly in a volunteer capacity as a Volunteer, and without any express or implied promise of salary, compensation or other payment of any kind. My services are furnished without any employment type benefits.
- I will familiarize myself and comply with the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter's policies and procedures. I fully understand that the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter expects high standards of moral and ethical treatment of the animals under its care. I will adhere to the standards in my capactiy as a Volunteer.
- I understand that Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter will terminate my services as a Volunteer for the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter immediately upon conviction of animal cruelty charges by any court of law. I understand that Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter has the power to suspend my volunteer membership for conduct likely, in the opinion of the Coordinator, to endanger the welfare of the animals or the reputation of the shelter.
General Rules and Guidelines:
- All Volunteers MUST BE at least 12 years of age to volunteer at this facility. All Volunteers aged 16 and under must have a legal parent or guardian, over at least 18 years of age and disclosed on their application, always accompanying them through the facility and in their capacity as a Volunteer. Volunteers over 16 may volunteer on their own, but have parent present for orientation. Minors will not be allowed to volunteer without their parent or guardian.
- Volunteer Hours fall in line with Adoption and Pet Viewing Hours and are subject to change. Volunteers must call at least thirty (30) minutes ahead of time, so staff and Coordinator can manage attendance and capacity. Staff will do their best to make sure there are signs posted with any hour changes, but it is the volunteer's responsibility to check if those hours have changed for the day intended to volunteer.
- All Volunteers must use the appropriate sign-in and sign-out sheets when they are in the facility.
- All Volunteers must wear their ID badges, which were given at orientation, to Volunteer for the day. If badge is lost or damaged, please let the Volunteer Coordinator know so it can be replaced. You will not be allowed to Volunteer at the facility if you do not have a badge.
- All forms of personal weaponry (pepper spray, pocket knives, self-defensive keychains, etc) must be left in vehicle or Breakroom at all times. There should never be a need to use these items at the facility. If you feel threatened or unsafe by terms of Volunteers, Public, or Staff, report to the Coordinator or Shelter Supervisor immediately.
- Volunteers are allowed to interact with animals marked as below or on their matched experience levels ONLY. Experience levels are subject to change with more experience gained with the Sherwood Animal Shelter. This will be implemented and approved by the Volunteer Coordinator ONLY and at their own discretion. There is never a guarantee of level change. Volunteers of a higher experience level may take lower experience level Volunteers out in Dog Parks with them, but they must be present for the duration of the time the dog is outside. This system has been put in place to help prevent incidents and improve safeguarding for animals and volunteers.
- Volunteers are allowed in kennels/rooms with animals, provided they are on or below their experience level, unless the kennel or room is otherwise noted. Any signage marked "Staff ONLY" does not include Volunteers. The Laundry room/wash area is the only exception to this rule.
- Volunteers are expected to clean behind themselves and take proper care of tools when partaking in any bathing, grooming, etc. Bathing and grooming are highly encouraged, but do not force an animal that is scared or showing fearful behavior. If an animal is placed in the tub and begins showing fearful or stressed behavior, return the animal to its kennel/room.
- No horesplay of any capacity (running, yelling, wrestling, or playing) will be allowed while in the kennels, cat rooms, office, lobby, or breakroom at any time.
- Closed toed shoes are required while volunteering.
- Volunteers are allowed to take breaks, lunches, etc. in the breakroom only. The break room is for Shelter Staff and Volunteers. Food and drinks must remain in the breakroom area. Food in the Breakroom likely belongs to staff and is not to be eaten without permission. Bottled water is provided freely by the Shelter. No food or drinks will be allowed in the kennels, cat rooms, or office/lobby area. Volunteers should not be “hanging out” in the office/lobby area. This is a high traffic area with sensitive information, having too much congestion can cause safety and privacy issues. The Office should only be a means of moving to the Break Room.
- No animal may be left unsupervised while outside of room or kennel. All dogs must be accompanied by Volunteer to and inside the dog parks and remain on leash until the park gate is closed. All cats must stay in rooms.
- Animals likely do not know "tricks" or "manners". Volunteers are allowed to teach "tricks" and "manners", but, under no circumstances should a Volunteer force an animal to perform a trick or command (no yelling, physically forcing an animal, etc). Encouraging animals to “sit” or “come” is allowed, so long as there is no physical force, as this teaches manners and increases the animal’s chance of adoption.
- Volunteers are NOT considered employees of the Sherwood Animal Shelter. Therefore, if any persons of the public would like to inquire about animals at the facility, any practices the facility performs, or any portion of the adoption process, Volunteers must refer that individual to a member of Staff. Volunteers are not to disclose any information on the facility’s behalf.
- If anything appears to be of concern to the animals, employees, other volunteers, or members of the public, notify Shelter Staff immediately, so that issues can be promptly addressed.
- Volunteer privileges are subject to be revoked if rules are violated or Staff notices safety concerns with actions caused or made by a Volunteer. A “three strike” system is implemented – consisting of two verbal warnings prior to revocation. This system may be bypassed if the Volunteer Coordinator deems this necessary based on the severity of the infractions. We understand that mistakes can happen and will handle each accident with careful investigation to improve Shelter function and implement changes to the program as deemed necessary based on these investigations.
Liability Release:
- I understand that the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter handles large numbers of animals on a daily basis. The temperament and medical condition of these animals is often unknown to the staff. I agree to hold the City of Sherwood, the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter harmless for any injury(s) or illness(s), which I might sustain from handling animals during my Volunteer duties.
- I understand and agree to assume all risks involved in any and all duties that I perform for the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter in my Volunteer capacity. Such duties might include, but are not limited to: animal handling, custodial work, kennel staff assistance and other Volunteer duties.
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