Location and Hours of Operation

Transcription

1 VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Location, Hours of Operation, Volunteer Shifts 1 About Friends of Strays 2 Volunteer Positions...3 Volunteer Guidelines...4 Cat Body Language Chart...5 FELV FIV FYI.6 Shelter Standard Operating Instructions FOS Workplace Culture Agreement Friends of Strays Code of Ethics..16 Volunteer Release Photo Release..19 Donation Pick Up Instructions Donation Sorting Instructions

3 Location and Hours of Operation Friends of Strays Animal Shelter is located at th Ave N St Petersburg, FL Adoption Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday thru Friday Saturday Sunday 1 pm - 7 pm Closed 1 pm - 7 pm 10 am - 4 pm 10 am - 4 pm Animal Care Volunteer Shifts Daily 8 am - 10 am Happy Cat Shift Monday through Friday 11:30 am -1 pm General Shelter Help Monday through Friday 1 pm - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm Cat Feeding Shifts Monday through Friday 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday 4:30pm - 6:30 pm Food Pantry The last Saturday of every month 10:30 Am until 2 PM 1

4 About Friends of Strays Introduction Welcome to Friends of Strays animal Shelter. We are proud to have you on our team! This handbook is filled with information to help you learn about us and will serve as your guideline as you begin your volunteer work with us. Always feel free to ask questions. Our Mission The primary goal of Friends of Strays to provide medical and daily care to homeless cats and dogs who are abandoned and left to roam, unable to care for themselves until we can find them forever homes. We are active in programs that educate the public about humane treatment and care of animals. Friends of Strays is a no-kill animal organization dedicated to caring for those who cannot speak for themselves - our voiceless friends - the animals. About Friends of Strays Friends of Strays was founded in 1978 by Jean Bomonti together with a group of her friends. At the time, there were very limited resources for stray cats and kittens in Pinellas County, so that is where they focused their efforts. Rumor has it they would ride their bicycles up and down the streets of Pinellas, taking in strays. They housed them in homes and garages and cared for them until a forever home could be found. In 1985, they purchased the current shelter building and Friends of Strays Animal Shelter has been going strong here ever since. Eventually, they added dogs and puppies to the animals cared for at the shelter. Through Friends of Stray s efforts, more than 500 stray cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies are rescued, sheltered, sterilized, socialized, rehabilitated and placed into permanent homes annually. Friends of Strays is one of a very few shelters that take in FIV- and FELV-positive cats and kittens. Our FIV and FELV program saves the lives of many wonderful cats and kittens that would otherwise be euthanized. Our monthly Pet Food Pantry helps people facing financial difficulties keep their family pets at home. Each month we distribute well over a ton of donated cat and dog food. This is only a portion of what Friends of Strays is able to accomplish in our shelter and our community. We have a limited staffing budget, so rely heavily on the commitment of our dedicated volunteers. 2

5 Volunteer Positions Volunteers are truly the life blood of Friends of Strays. We receive no government funding and rely entirely on individual, business and planned giving donations. Donating your time allows us to put that money towards better medical treatment, better housing, and better daily care. Be assured that everything you do helps towards our mission of saving lives. Many of the needs of the shelter are listed below. Cleaning Shift Team Member: One of the primary needs of our shelter. Happy and healthy animals rely on having a clean environment. It s More than just cleaning, we get to socialize and play too. Happy Cats Team: Cats need human attention every day to remain friendly and adoptable. Some need a little extra care for their mental wellbeing. Join our team to help our cats be social animals. General Shelter Helper: Socialization, cleaning, laundry, etc. You do all the things that make the shelter tick! Special Events Team Member: Have fun and help us raise money and awareness too. We hold and attend a variety of special events from our Quest for the Emerald Paw to street fairs and supply drives, just to name a few. Pet Food Pantry Team Member: Help us help the community and keep cats and dogs in their homes. Our pet food pantry distributes well over a ton of food every month. Adoption Counselors: Introduce our cats to their forever homes. Adoption counselors work directly with potential adopters to find the right pet for their lifestyle (and the right person for the pet). Foster Parents: Often we have animals that need a temporary home away from the shelter. Especially in the spring and summer, we need temporary care for kittens who aren t old enough for adoption. Feline Feeding Team Member: Our dedicated staff can be overwhelmed with the number of mouths to feed in the afternoons. Volunteers are a huge help with getting everyone their afternoon meal as well as making sure they have fresh water. Dog Walkers/Socializers: While we generally only have a few dogs in the shelter at a time, occasionally we have a need for volunteers to help with dog care, walking, and socialization. Donation Transport: We get literally tons of dog and cat food donated by local stores and rely on our volunteers to pick up and deliver it to the shelter. Proof of auto insurance and a clean driving record is required. Animal Transport: We occasionally need to transport animals for a variety of reasons: medical care at another facility, intake of animals from other shelters, airport pick up of animals from other rescues, to name a few. Proof of insurance and a clean driving record is required. Coin Bank Placement and Maintenance: Many local businesses are kind enough to host FOS coin banks so their customers can make donations. We currently have banks in 30 locations, but are hoping to significantly expand our reach in the upcoming months. Training is provided for these positions. Some positions require more time, dedication, and skills than others do but all are equally important. 3

6 Volunteer Guidelines Dress Code: Wear clothing that can get dirty, damaged or furry. No dangling jewelry, which can become snagged and be a hazard. Closed toed shoes, long pants and shirts with sleeves are required when volunteering in the shelter. Parking: During the hours the adoption center is open, please park on the sides or back of the shelter, leaving front spaces for adopters. On weekends, you can park behind the Wrightway building next door to the shelter Do Not park across the street in front of the gray building that appears to be vacant. You will be towed. Safety: Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after handling cats and dogs. Also be sure to hand sanitize between contact with each cat or dog. Use gloves when cleaning cages, using cleaners, and/or cleaning up any excrement. Any accident or incident, whether involving an animal or not, must be reported to a staff member immediately and a report of injury must be completed. Never handle an animal whose disposition may be questionable. Your safety comes first. Always observe cage cards regarding handling and feeding requirements. If you observe a safety hazard at the shelter, please notify a staff member immediately. Respect all signage, especially Staff Only areas and cages. This is for your protection as well as the animals. Check out the feline communication course at Other: Anytime the adoption center is closed, please enter and exit through the back double doors. 4

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8 FELV FIV FYI Volunteering in an animal shelter should be a very rewarding experience You are helping to save lives. There are some precautions you should take and information you need to make sure it doesn t create a problem with your own pets. Most animals you will come in contact with are completely healthy, but there is always a possibility of an underlying condition that hasn t presented yet. In addition, while we are are proud of our program helping FELV cats, volunteers must be aware of steps that need to be taken and rules to follow to make sure this disease doesn t spread in the shelter or to pets outside the shelter. What is FELV? FELV is also known as Feline Leukemia. It is a virus that can be spread by saliva. It is not contagious to humans or animals other than cats. This means that animals that groom or share food or water are likely to contract the disease. Additionally if, a cat ingests the fur of a FELV positive cat it could contract the disease via the saliva on the fur. In most cases FELV will shorten the cat s life span. How is FIV different from FELV? FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is also a virus that affects only cats, but the similarity to FELV ends there. As long as a cat is spayed or neutered, maintained as an indoor cat and given appropriate health care the cat can live a normal life. FIV is not contagious through casual contact, only through serious bite wounds. Keeping the shelter safe from the spread of FELV In order to avoid spreading FELV in the shelter, please make this the last room you enter to socialize or interact with cats. Any toys that go into FELV room must STAY in FELV room. Protect your pets at home from FELV Wash or sanitize your hands carefully after handling any animal. Don t handle any animals marked Staff Only or enter an isolation area unless requested by a staff member and properly suited up. Don t leave the clothes or shoes you wear to clean the shelter where your pets can come in contact with them. For more information on FIV and FELV, please go to 6

9 Shelter Standard Operating Procedures FEEDING Dog Keep the area clean as you make the food; discard the cans and can tops in the trash. IF THERE IS A DO NOT FEED or Surgery No Food SIGN ON AN ANIMAL S CAGE, DO NOT FEED THAT ANIMAL!! ANIMALS THAT ARE FED BEFORE SURGERY CANNOT BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED. Morning and evening Feeding: Amounts per serving are as follows X-Large dogs (90 lbs and over) = 2 cups dry food twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Large dogs (60-90 lbs) = 1.5 cups twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Medium dogs (35-50 lbs) = 1 cup twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Small dogs (5-30 lbs) = ½ cup twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Puppies = ½ cup three times a day, add a tablespoon of wet food If there is a mother nursing she gets puppy food also. The food dishes are collected during clean up and taken to the dish area for cleaning and disinfection. No food bowls should be left in cages. Afternoon Feeding (Puppies and Underweight Dogs) Puppies 6 months and younger are fed again at noon along with any animal who needs to gain weight. Kennel staff mark on the animal s cage card if they want the animal to be fed extra. Cat Keep the area clean as you make the food; discard the cans and can tops in the trash. IF THERE IS A DO NOT FEED or Surgery No Food SIGN ON AN ANIMAL S CAGE, DO NOT FEED THAT ANIMAL!! ANIMALS THAT ARE FED BEFORE SURGERY CANNOT BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED. Morning and evening Feeding: Amounts per serving are as follows Adult cats receive ¼ cup of adult science diet dry in the morning only. Adult cats receive a serving of can food in the morning and evening. Kittens receive ¼ cup of kitten science diet morning and evening. Kittens receive a serving of wet food morning, afternoon and evening with lysine added. Cats in intake and high and low risk isolation receive serving of can food morning with lysine, afternoon and evening with lysine, regardless of age. The food dishes are collected during clean up and taken to the dish area for cleaning and disinfection. No food bowls should be left in cages. 7

10 Specialty or Prescription diets Cats or dogs on special diets will have cage cards that specify what that food is. Cats or dogs on light food will have a green dot on their name card. During the duration of the special diet the cat or dog should not receive any treats or extra food. Cat Feeding schedule: Adult cats on prescription diets receive ¼ cup of dry food in the morning, and a serving of prescription can food morning and evening. Cats in Front kitchen Area: There are two cats that live on the front kitchen area. These cats are not handle-able. Under kitchen sink must be wiped out daily. Shake out bedding. Replace if necessary. Litter boxes should be scooped and litter added if necessary. Scoopable litter is used up front. Bowls should be emptied and washed daily. Dog Feeding schedule: Both dry and canned food should be prescription. X-Large dogs (90 lbs and over) = 2 cups dry food twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Large dogs (60-90 lbs) = 1.5 cups twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Medium dogs (35-50 lbs) = 1 cup twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Small dogs (5-30 lbs) = ½ cup twice a day, add a tablespoon of wet food Puppies = ½ cup three times a day, add a tablespoon of wet food DOG MORNING CLEAN UP The dog morning cleaning begins right after the dogs are all fed. The morning cleaning for all animals must be complete by noon each day. Equipment needed: Rescue solution spray bottle Pooper scooper Long handled scrub brush Squeegee Daily Cleaning Process Scoop up all the solid fecal material or toy parts in each run. Spray detergent Rescue solution on every surface of the run. Scrub with a stiff brush all the areas, removing the organic material. Rinse run/cage after 5 minutes. Rescue solution takes 5 mins to disinfect the area. Fill clean water bucket/pails. Sweep and mop hallway in dog room. Replace beds if needed. Provide toys. Empty the trash for your area and replace with clean bags When you remove a dog from his/her cage permanently see Empty cage Disinfecting. 8

11 CAT MORNING CLEANING Non-Feral Cats: At the beginning of cleaning, kennel staff will check each animal and its environment in their assigned section, including inside and outside of the animal s cage, to determine if it needs immediate attention or if spot cleaning is inappropriate. Always wear a set of new disposable gloves for each cat in Intake, Low Risk Isolation, High Risk Isolation and FELV Room. If double sided cages are available, cats can be placed on the opposite side of the cage. Handling should be minimized during cleaning. Whenever possible, use disposable items. Kennel walls can be wiped down with a paper towel or hand towel and Rescue solution to remove any organic material. Litter box should either be disposed of or soiled litter should be disposed of and fresh litter replaced. Empty water bowls, wipe with clean towel or paper towel, refill with fresh water. Wipe out food bowl. Shake bedding out to remove litter and food, and return to cage if not soiled. Provide clean bedding if needed. The rest of the animal area (floors, garbage) etc. should be swept and mopped. EMPTY CAGE DISINFECTING (AFTER ANIMAL LEAVES) Cages that require disinfecting should have a red Dirty Cage sign hanging on the cage. The person removing the animal from the cage (for Return to Owner (RTO), Adoption, Euthanasia, or Transfer) is responsible for hanging the card. Empty the entire cage, and take dishes, any blanket or toy to the washing area. Scoop out any organic material. Spray detergent Rescue solution on every surface of the run or cage Remove cage door (if possible) and scrub with Rescue, let sit for 5 minutes. For dog kennels - scrub with a stiff brush all the areas, removing the organic material. Rinse run/cage. Disinfected dog run set up: Hang a clean empty water pail on the inside of the run, which provides the visual cue that this is a clean run. Dog kennel should be set up with a kuranda bed, towel, toy and empty water pail. Disinfected cat cage set up: Set up cage with bed, blanket, empty stainless steel water bowl, food bowl and litter box with fresh litter. Empty water dish should be placed upside down as a sign the cage is ready for a new cat. This setup is a visual sign for all staff and volunteers that the cage is disinfected and ready for a new animal. 9

12 CAGE SET UP EXAMPLES 10

13 ANIMAL HANDLING SAFETY This information is a general overview of safe animal handling practices. It is not intended to replace actual safe animal handling training conducted by management. When handling animals, be sure to: take your time, don t over-stimulate the animal, and remember that the animal may perceive a threat, even though you do not intend to threaten. If you do not feel comfortable handling an animal, DON T!! Get a supervisor to help you--don t risk getting dragged, scratched, or bitten! CATS When removing a cat from a kennel, be sure to get the cat s attention before opening the gate. Allow the cat to check out your fingers before you pick it up. The cat should come to you, not the other way around. Talk to the cat calmly and softly to avoid over-stimulating the cat. When handling a cat, control the head and neck at all times. Hold the cat firmly left hand controlling the head and neck, right elbow supporting/gripping the hindquarters, right hand controlling the front paws. Take a moment to readjust your grip if you need to. Keep the cat s face away from other cats. (You can reverse this procedure if you are left-handed.) Always use a carrier to transport the cat more than a few feet. Watch for signs of stress/fear--enlarged pupils, thrashing tail, growling, hissing, and attempting to hide or escape. If these signs appear, carefully remove the cat from the source of stress--out of the visiting room or into a less stressful kennel. If a cat is fearful, do not make direct eye contact. Approach the cat at his or her level. Do not reach over the cat s head. Move slowly because rushing the cat only adds more stress, leading to unpredictable behavior and increasing the likelihood of injury. DOGS When removing a dog from a kennel, greet the dog calmly and attempt to noose the dog through slightly opened cage door. Use your foot or leg to make sure the dog can t push the door open and run past you. When moving the dog, keep the dog away from other kennels, and break his or her line of vision. Use proper leash techniques, looping the handle of the leash over your thumb and across your palm (like a joystick). Keep the leash short, bend your arms and knees and use both hands for better control. Only small dogs and puppies should be carried, and then only as you would carry a cat as described above. Carrying a dog like a baby is not permitted. If the dog won t move on the leash, coax the dog by moving in front and down low. Dragging a dog is never permitted. Watch for signs of stress/fear: o ears back o hackles raised o tail down o dilated pupils o lifted lip o submissive posture o growling, snarling, barking, or lunging WITH ANY ANIMAL Inform a supervisor immediately if an animal is displaying signs of aggression and/or may be a threat to other animals or people. 11

14 Wear protective gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes with closed toes (no sandals) to reduce the degree of injury from bites and scratches. If you have questions, ask a manager. If you feel uncomfortable handling an animal, DON T PERSONAL SAFETY Following these common sense rules will help prevent many accidents. Report all injuries, no matter how slight, to your manager. All Operations personnel and administrative persons working with animals are required to purchase and wear skid- or slip- resistant shoes. Do not attempt to lift/push objects or animals that are too heavy--ask for help. Bend at the knees and hips and lift with your legs. Adjustable tables should be lowered to the floor for animals weighing over 75 lbs., or for any employee unable to lift an animal onto a table. Identify and remember the location of fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. NEVER block these areas with materials or equipment. Keep floors and aisles free of debris at all times. Use personal protective equipment as described below: Goggles, safety glasses, gloves must be worn when working with chemicals (Rescue, bleach, windex, lyme dips, degreaser, etc.) or while performing or holding for euthanasia. Respiratory masks should be worn while scooping and handling any type of litter or when needed. Gowns, hair bouffant caps, shoe covers and gloves should be used when in isolation rooms or when dealing with any animal that can possible spread any disease to other animals or yourself. Safety glasses are also to be worn when preparing rabies specimens. Maintenance staff will wear customary safety equipment when performing applicable tasks. Ear protection is provided and should be worn when working in Dog Holding, Kennels, or any other high noise area. Horseplay is prohibited. Seat belts are to be worn at all times when driving on business, whether in agency vehicles or personal automobiles. When restraining animals over 60 lbs. seek assistance if necessary. (See the Animal Handling SOP for detailed instructions.) HOUSEKEEPING AND CLEANING All employees are responsible for maintaining the general orderliness and cleanliness of their work areas. Keep floors and aisles free of debris at all times. Housekeeping is an important part of maintaining a safe work environment. It reduces the spread of disease harbored by clutter and waste and eliminates tripping and falling hazards. Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, or store food in areas where animals are handled. These practices encourage the spread of disease. ALWAYS wash your hands in between handling animals to minimize the transmission of disease, and after handling chemicals to avoid potential allergic reactions. Non-hazardous spills are to be cleaned up promptly, and a Wet Floor/Caution sign placed in the area until the floor is dry. Aisles should be kept clear at all times. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Report all hazards to a supervisor immediately. Only properly trained employees are to undertake any repair work involving electrical equipment. Do not overload outlets. 12

15 Know the safety precautions for each chemical BEFORE you use it. The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) sheets can be found in the employee kitchen. Refer to the Hazard Communication Program SOP for more specific policies for dealing with workplace hazards. WASHING DISHES Disinfecting Dishes with Dishwasher: Clean any food particles from the dishes by wiping them out into the trash. Place dishes in dishwasher appropriately Do not overfill dishwasher. Make sure heat cycle runs to kill all bacteria on dishes. If heat cycle is not working must use bucket method. Disinfecting Dishes by Hand Note: bleach becomes ineffective after exposure to light and air, so yesterday s mixture no longer works. Please mix up fresh cleaning solution first thing in the morning and set up 4 separate tubs. Fill the first wash tub with water and a detergent. Fill the second wash tub with plain water for rinsing. Fill the third tub with a bleach mix: [ask how much bleach to water based on the amount of water the tub holds] Fill the last tub full with plain water for rinsing. (The rinse after bleach may also be performed under running water). When finished with the dishes, drain all the tubs. Disinfecting Dishes: Clean any food particles from the dishes by wiping them out into the trash. Place dishes in the detergent solution and scrub completely with a green scrubbie (no sponges) inside and place the bowl in a clear water rinse: Place dishes in the bleach solution and leave for a minimum of 10 minutes. Place dishes in the rinse water and thoroughly rinse under running water until there is no bleach residue. Stack dishes upside down so they can drain on the racks next to the dish area. When dishes are dry, take them back to the proper area: clean dish area for dogs and cats or the food prep area. Do this by the end of the day so there are clean dishes for the next day. Instructions for laundry and donation sorting: You will find laminated instructions for doing laundry and sorting donations in the laundry room. 13

16 Friends of Strays Workplace Culture Agreement We are drawn to work and volunteer at FOS because of its mission to help animals in our community. While we spend our time to get together doing this work, we can choose to create a humane and healthy workplace for ourselves. Support a united FOS Honor and respect differences among staff and volunteers Minimize inter-department competition Practice we thinking Seek to understand different needs of the departments We are all responsible for the whole Include, rather than exclude Practice collaboration, cooperation and coordination Provide access to information about decisions, decision-making processes and what s going on in general Encourage inter- and intra-department collaboration If you must interrupt someone, give them a chance to say if it s a good time or not, and schedule a later time if need be Embrace diversity and practice open-mindedness Expect differences Different is not wrong Look for the contribution that each person is trying to make to help the animals See commonalities and seek to understand differences Disagreements are not necessarily a hindrance; they can keep us dynamic Practice open, direct, prompt communications Take a stand to stop gossip Practice proactive listening and seek to understand Deliver and receive complaints, suggestions and other communications responsibly Hear someone out before responding Take time to check for understanding before proceeding Practice honesty Use phone or face-to-face meetings when topics merit such communications; s can be misinterpreted or impersonal Deal with conflict responsibly Promote trust Agree to resolve conflict NOW Be active in resolving conflicts Deal with conflict directly with the persons involved Show respect keep your voice calm and your language clean Promote healthy conflict view it as an opportunity to explore differences and increase understanding Opinions are subjective respect other people s right to their own perspective Everyone takes responsibility for themselves in continuing to build trust and is accountable for their actions Commit to working towards a healthier future 14

17 Lend support to build trust individual-to-individual, intra- and inter-department, between locations and organization-wide Trust that everyone at FOS is making decisions for the animals in good faith. Or simply ask if you have any questions Address problems proactively and constructively Treat complains, suggestions and ideas with respect Take responsibility to bring issues needing attention to someone who can take action Think constructively, look for solutions Encourage people to work things out between themselves Give up the grudges, or let grudges be a signal to you that you need to go talk with the person Demonstrate respect Respect people s right to different opinions Respect decisions that are made Respect the right to disagree Extend compassion to your coworkers Practice courtesy and consideration of others Value each other regardless of job title, seniority, position or opinion Acknowledge feelings and the emotional aspects of our work Recognize the importance of having a sense of humor lighten up Identify healthy ways to reduce or release stress ask for help if you need it Find ways appropriate to the setting to express sadness, grief and anger when those feelings arise Respect others response to emotions, help them find creative and appropriate outlets to express their feelings Keep things in perspective, help yourself and others maintain a positive outlook Have fun! Create and maintain a safe workplace Find safe ways to accomplish your task Commit to following safety procedures even when you re in a hurry Know your limitations and seek out others to help when needed Bring safety concerns to the attention of your supervisor or the safety committee Show appreciation Remember why we have chosen to work here Practice appreciation at all levels of the organization Acknowledge people across the organization when they re really fantastic Model appreciation interdependently as well as inter- and intra-departmentally and individually 15

18 FRIENDS OF STRAYS CODE OF ETHICS Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. However you choose to volunteer, you are making a positive contribution and difference in the lives of the animals at our shelter. As a volunteer representing Friends of Strays, your conduct and interaction with staff, other volunteers and the public is expected to always be professional and courteous. The Volunteer Code of Ethics clarifies the expectations and principles for Friends of Strays volunteers. In volunteering, you are making a commitment to staff and the animals to carry out, to the best of your abilities, the tasks you have pledged to perform. We thank you on behalf of the stray animals we continue to save and care for on a daily basis. As a Friends of Strays volunteer, I pledge to: Respect Respect others even though I may not agree with them Display courtesy, sensitivity, consideration and compassion for people and animals Use good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority of staff members Work Safely Keep safety at the forefront of all volunteer activities Follow the rules presented to me in training Respect and use equipment and supplies as they are intended Report all injuries immediately to a staff person Ensure Quality Perform all tasks to the best of my ability Ask for help when needed Recognize training is essential to maintain safe shelter practices Be Self-Disciplined Recognize my limitations and those of others Set boundaries for myself know my limits with the animals and other activities Hold myself accountable for the commitments I undertake Communicate Recognize I communicate both verbally and non-verbally Listen to the needs of others Advise shelter personnel of relevant information regarding the animals and my involvement at the shelter Commit Recognize true commitment comes from within Respect that people and animals count on me to honor my commitments Work together with staff and other volunteers to meet Friends of Strays goals Ensure the Welfare of the Organization Value my role in the maintenance and growth of the organization Strive to promote a positive environment Respect and support all people and animals I have read and understand the above conditions. My signature below indicates that I agree to comply. Signature of Volunteer: Date:. 16

19 Friends of Strays Animal Shelter Volunteer Release Last Name: First: Nickname: Address: City: State: Zip: Best Contact #: Date of Birth: Emergency Contact: Phone: Do you have any allergies? Yes No If yes, please be specific: PLEASE READ & SIGN VOLUNTEER RELEASE I hereby agree to accept a position as a volunteer for Friends of Strays, Inc. (FOS), and in so doing; I agree to comply with all the policies, rules, and regulations, which may be established by FOS leadership. I understand failure to do so may result in my termination as a volunteer. I acknowledge my services are provided strictly on a volunteer basis, without any pay or compensation of any kind, and without any liability of any nature on behalf of FOS, all services are to be performed by me at my own risk. *I am aware that in handling animals there exists a risk of injury including personal physical harm. I hereby release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless FOS, its agents, representatives and employees from any and all claims, causes of actions or demands, of any nature or cause connected with my Volunteer Agreement. *I agree on behalf of my heirs, personal representatives, and executors, to allow FOS to use any photographs taken for use in public relations efforts. I may be notified if a photo is used, but more than likely I will not. I hereby grant the following media release rights and permission to use all photos and/or videos taken of myself and/or family. FOS has the right and permission to take, use, reuse, publish, and republish photographic portraits or pictures of me or any minor who is my child or over which I am guardian. *I waive any right that a minor, which I am the legal guardian, may have to inspect or approve products, advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in connection with such photographs or use as applied. I agree I will not receive any financial compensation. This release is a binding document. Printed Name: Signature: Date: 17

20 PARENTAL CONSENT, MEDICAL WAIVER and INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (IF UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE) I, (Name), warrant that I am the parent or guardian having legal custody of (Name of Minor), born on (D/O/B). In consideration for the acceptance of my child s registration as a volunteer for FOS, and with the understanding that my child s participation is only on condition that I enter into this agreement, I hereby assume the risks involved. I expressly assume the risk of, and accept full responsibility for any and all injuries, that may occur as a result of my child s participation and release from liability FOS and any officers, directors, agents, representatives, vendors, sponsors, volunteers and employees. I hereby waive any claim I may have hereafter as a result of my child s participation in volunteering and any other activities connected with their participation. I hereby agree to indemnify all claims, including attorney fees, and costs which may be brought against FOS and any officers, directors, agents, representatives, vendors, volunteers and employees by anyone claiming to have been injured as a result of my child s volunteer activities. Print Name of Parent/Guardian: Phone: Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date: 18

21 Friends of Strays, Inc. Photo Release Effective as of the date show below, approval for past use and permission for present and future use is being granted to Friends of Strays, Inc. to use photographs/video or other images taken of (Name) (the Photographed Party), as more fully explained in this Consent and Release. The Photographed Parties are adults and fully authorized to sign this Consent and Release. For value received, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Photographed Parties hereby grants consent to Friends of Strays, Inc., its agents, employees, licensees, and successors in interest and authorize the use of any and all photographs taken of the above mentioned, and any reproduction of them in any form in any media whatsoever and in and derivative work based thereon throughout the world, and to use them to publicize, promote, and advertise, including but not limited to use for point of sale advertising. The photographs will be used for promotional purposes only. They will not be used to generate income for Friends of Strays, Inc. The Photographed Parties also consent to the video creation credit belonging to Friends of Strays, Inc. The photos/video belongs to (Name) Click or tap here to enter text. (the Photographed Party). The Photographed Parties hereby release any and all claims whatsoever in connection with the use of the photographs/video and name and the reproduction thereof as aforesaid. The Photographed Parties hereby waive any rights to inspect and/or approve social media platforms, websites, and/or other media outlets that may use be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied. THE PHOTOGRAPHED PARTIES WARRANT THAT THEY ARE THE UNDERSIGNED AND THAT THEY HAVE READ THIS CONSENT AND RELEASE PRIOR TO THE SIGNING OF THIS DOCUMENT, THAT THE UNDERSIGNED UNDERSTANDS IT, AND THAT THE UNDERSIGNED FREELY ENTERS INTO THIS CONSENT AND RELEASE. Signature: Date: 19

22 Donation Pick Up Instructions Picking up donations varies from location to location. You will be given the location, times for pick up and contact info for the store you are picking up from. Go to the Receiving door in the loading dock area in the rear of the store and let them know why you are there. They will usually require you to load the donated items into your vehicle. Bring the items to Friends of Strays as soon as possible. Being in a hot vehicle for an extended period reduces the life of the food. Pull up to the double doors in the rear of the shelter. You can ask staff or other volunteers to help unload. Sign in on the sheet on the clipboard just inside the double doors. ALL donated items go on the first shelves to your left as you enter with the following exceptions: Canned cat food, Little Caesar s wet dog food, new toys and leashes can go on the back kitchen counter. Cat litter can go on the floor inside the door of the back kitchen. Please do not put any new donations on any of the shelves other than the very first shelves just inside the door. Shelves are clearly marked with signs stating where new donations do and do not go. Please look carefully. If the first set of shelves are full, please put a dolly in front of those shelves and stack new items there. If there is no dolly available, stack the donations on the floor in front of these shelves. If you have time and would like to help out by sealing and sorting the food, please follow the Donations Sorting Instructions. 20

23 Donation Sorting Instructions All new unsorted and unsealed donated food should be on or in front of the shelves just inside the double doors. For each item first check expiration date and look for where it is produced. Expired food, raw hides, and anything made in China go directly to the dumpster. Items to go to back kitchen: Canned cat food, except Special Kitty Little Caesar s Wet Dog Food Cat Litter New toys New leashes and collars Be careful handling bags. Even if they are taped, they still may have holes where the food can spill out. Canned dog food goes on the black wire shelves. (See Chart) Check each bag carefully for holes. If it is taped securely where no air can escape and no bugs can get to it, place it on shelves per chart below. May bags will be taped, but not sealed. If you can get a finger in the bag or feel air escape then bugs can get in. Our main goal is keeping pests out of the food! You may have to cut or remove existing tape in order to properly seal the bag. You will find scissors and a tape gun on the top shelf above the new donations. When taping the bag, please try to restore it to its original shape as much as possible. This makes stacking and storing easier. If you come across a bag that has been stapled closed, please carefully remove the staples making sure no staples get in the food. There should be a staple remover on the top shelf above the new donations. If you can t find it, ask a staff member to help. Then seal the bag with the packing tape. If you run out of tape, there is more in the office supply closet. Please ask a staff member to get it for you. Please refer to chart below for placement of food on the shelves. Items that go in dumpster: Expired Food Spoiled or bug infested food Anything made in China Canned food with air intrusion Rawhides Unrepairable bags 21

24 METAL SHLEVES LEFT Dry Kitten and Grain Free Cat Food Canned Cat Food Dry Cat Food Dry Cat Food Dry Cat Food METAL SHELVES RIGHT Grain Free Dog Food Moist and Canned Dog Food Canned Dog Food Canned Dog Food Canned Dog Food or Dry Cat Food 22

25 WOODEN SHELVES: Books, scissors,tape,etc Incoming Donations Sorted Dog Food Treats Sorted Dog Food Treats Sorted Puppy and Small Dog food Incoming Donations Sorted Dog Food Sorted Dog Food Sorted Puppy and Small Dog Food Poorly Taped Bag 23

26 Remove or cut tape Locate and assess damage 24

27 Repair damage Bag lays flat for easy storage 25