Volunteer Orientation
Mission Providing Compassionate Care & Placement for Animals in Need.
Shelter Funding Prairie Paws Animal Shelter receives $109,909 in funding from various governmental sources. This represents 14% of our budget. Our program revenue (adoption, return to owner fees, intake fees, etc.) represents another 18% while we have to fundraise 68% or $526,151 per year to support our operations.
Shelter Business Models Open Admissions facility o Accept all animals o In many open admissions facilities euthanasia numbers are high due to the volume of animals entering the shelter o Resources are very limited for animals with medical or behavioral problems Limited Admissions facility o Intake by appointment o More counseling with potential relinquishers o More resources available to help animals medically and behaviorally o Adoption numbers increase o Foster Program grows
No-Kill V. Kill No-kill (limited admissions) Do not euthanize animals for space Only euthanize animals for aggression/medical reasons Are able to devote significant resources to the animals Selective about the animals they accept When full, intake stops Typically private facilities Kill (open admissions) Euthanize for population control Cannot turn animals away accept all who come to them Limited resources to devote to the animals Many adoptable animals are euthanized because space is so limited Typically municipal facilities, but can also be private
What is No Kill? To qualify for a no kill status a shelter must maintain a 90% save rate for all animals entering its doors.
Stats 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 Total Adopted 678 699 827 985 671 476 276 327 280 314 Total Euthanized 2% 6% 9% 45% 50% 135% 146% 220% 226% 278% Total Reclaimed 166 119 132 141 82 79 107 115 116
Did You Know We Offer the Following? Low Cost Microchipping Walk-In Nail Trims Grooming Pet Food Pantry Lost/Found Pet Reporting Bite Hold Quarantine for the City Dog Training Retail Store Stray Holds
Why Volunteer at PPAS? Work with a well respected, reputable organization Learn more about the needs of animals and how to meet those needs Variety of volunteer jobs to choose from Opportunity to learn new skills and share your existing skills with us Chance to meet others with similar interests Most importantly, you will be making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of animals!
Levels of Volunteering 3.Top Dog Volunteer 2.Mentor Volunteer 1. Volunteer
Volunteer Level Walk dogs Brush dogs Play/socialize with dogs Clean dog kennels Brush cats Play/socialize with cats Clean cat condos Wash laundry Clean dishes Sweep & mop floors Wash windows Clean and sterilize the van Yard work Clerical duties Assist at off-site adoption events Assist at tabling events Assist at fundraising events ***Always check the Volunteer Board for additional projects
Mentor Level What you CAN DO as a Mentor Volunteer: Answer questions from new volunteers Show new volunteers where to find shelter materials Assist in special projects assigned by staff Receive a customized name badge What you NEED TO DO to become a Mentor Volunteer: Volunteer 30 hours within 1 year Attend Dogs 101 orientation * Offered the last Saturday of every month from 12:00pm 1:30pm Complete the Mentor Volunteer Quiz Cats 101 orientation is optional *Offered the last Saturday of every month from 2:30pm 3:30pm
Top Dog Level What you CAN DO as a Top Dog Volunteer: Provide obedience training to shelter dogs Present facility and animal tours to the public Assist in volunteer training Assist in educational programs Receive a customized Top Dog name badge Receive a Top Dog volunteer tee shirt *All of the above must be approved by the appropriate shelter staff prior to volunteer implementation What you NEED TO DO to become a Top Dog Volunteer: Volunteer 70 hours within 1 year Attend Dogs 102 orientation Complete the Top Dog Volunteer Quiz
2016 Event Dates Bark for Life April 30th PPAS Annual Birthday Party - June 11 th Pooch Plunge - August 16th Bow Meow Benefit Dinner and Auction October 8th Petco Offsite events are the 2 nd and last Saturdays of every month.
Volunteer Times Jobs Open Days Times Times Clean Kennels 9 am-11 am 3 pm-5 pm Dishes 9 am-11 am 3:30 pm-5:30 pm Laundry 12 pm-2 pm Dog Walkers 10 am-3 pm 4 pm-6 pm Jobs Closed Days Times Times Clean Kennels 9 am-11 am 3 pm-4 pm Dishes 9 am-11 am 3 pm-4 pm Laundry 12 pm-2 pm Dog Walkers 10 am-2 pm 3 pm-4 pm
How Volunteers Make A Difference Provide socialization and exercise to animals which provides enrichment to their daily lives You are an Ambassador for Prairie Paws within the community Assist in the development of new and existing programs Build our reputation by providing great service to the public
Things to know Sign in when you arrive and sign out when you leave. Very important. Helps us qualify for grants. Age limitations: 13 and under requires a parent. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Please wear close-toed shoes and long pants. Volunteer Communications are sent via emails The volunteer board has information on recurring volunteer times and jobs.
Policies The policies at PPAS must be followed. If you have a question you can ask any staff member and they can assist you. All policies and procedures are to be followed as directed by the staff. If you have a question about a policy you can ask the Director of Operations.
Disease Control Controlling the transmission of disease is an ongoing struggle we face daily Washing/Sanitizing your hands after every animal you touch will help prevent the spread of disease Proper disinfection of kennels, dishes and laundry is essential in helping us eliminate any disease that is present in the facility If you see an animal with diarrhea please don t take them out of their kennel. Diarrhea may be a medical concern.
Laundry There are two laundry rooms on each dog wing. Dirty laundry is to be placed in the colored dirty laundry baskets. The white clean baskets are to be used after the laundry has completed its cycle. Baskets will be marked as either clean or dirty with a marker on the sides of the baskets. Please be aware of which basket you are using to help us prevent disease transmission.
Dishes The dishes protocol is posted above the sink This is one of the few occasions where bleach is used as a disinfectant in the shelter. The first sink is used to scrub the dishes with soap and water to eliminate any organic material The second sink is used to rinse any soap residue The third sink is to be filled with a 1:32 dilution of bleach. 1:32 is not harmful to the skin or the lungs but higher bleach concentrations are. Be careful to follow the protocol. Dishes are to soak for 10 minutes before being rinsed and set out to dry.
How to use a Slip Lead Do not wrap the leash around your hand.
How to use a Slip Lead Open kennel door, block with your foot and slip the loop over the dogs head.
Walking Dogs Avoid Dog to Dog interaction unless otherwise approved by staff. Do not walk dogs through the lobby on days we are open. Always check doors and corners to make sure there isn t a dog near. Avoid walking dogs near cars. Always make sure you are using your lead correctly. Report any concerns to staff.
Safety Your safety and the safety of the animals are our biggest concern. Please read all disclaimers on kennel doors. Keeping you fingers out of the kennels will not only prevent bites but helps with disease transmission. Some dogs cannot tell the difference between a treat and a finger. Sanitizing your hands/hand washing after handling each animal prevents disease transmission.
Stray Hold Medical Behavioral Not available These animals are never allowed out of their kennels.
Walked Signs Put a sign on the kennel door after walking a dog Yellow signs are for morning walks Green signs are for afternoon walks
Green Paws are low energy dogs. Referred to as Greenhorns Suitable for all volunteers Children 14 and over Volunteers with limited arm strength Dog Paws
Yellow Paws are Medium-High energy Referred to as Mellow Yellows These dogs tend to pull on a leash They typically need leash training Suitable for volunteers that can handle a stronger dog and have suitable arm strength Dog Paws
Red Paws are for staff only Referred to as Rowdy Reds These dogs may be showing signs of aggression Dog Paws They could be undergoing training They may be so powerful only a select few of the staff can walk them
Dog Behavior Posture Eyes Ears Mouth Hackles Tail
Neutral Posture
Neutral Relaxed
Arousal
Aggressive
Front Teeth = Bad News Bears
Submission
Defense Aggression
Arousal, Potential to be aggressive Ears
Submission can lead to defense aggression.
Hackles