Volunteer Handbook Prairie Paws Adoption Center 2222 W. Warrior Trail Grand Prairie, TX 75052 P: (972) 237-8575 F: (972) 237-8579 ppacvolunteer@gptx.org 1 P a g e
Prairie Paws Adoption Center Volunteer Handbook TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to the PPAC...3 What does PPAC Do?...4 Community Groups & Events 5 Contact Info and Hours of Operation...6 Staff at PPAC.7 Volunteer Requirements and Expectations..8 Volunteer Policies and Procedures.9 Volunteer Positions 17 Frequently Asked Questions..23 Better Impact Volunteer Software for Prairie Paws 24 2 P a g e
We hope this program will introduce you to our organization while gaining a rewarding and educational opportunity to have fun. You can have a significant impact on the lives of homeless animals by giving them the love and attention needed until they find their forever homes. Thank you for giving us your time and commitment to participate in our volunteer program! Our Mission Statement We provide a safe, healthy, and humane community for the pets of Grand Prairie. We accomplish this through protecting the public and its interests, providing education on responsible pet ownership, housing homeless animals, and placing companion animals through our Prairie Paws Adoption Center. We strive to provide world-class service and create Raving Fans in every aspect of our work. Dear Volunteer, Thank you for your interest in the Prairie Paws Adoption Center Volunteer Program! Caring for the needs of Grand Prairie s animal population is tremendously rewarding for people and pets, so we are happy that you want to spend your time with us! Because their experience here is important in developing a humane community, we welcome junior volunteers. However, to maintain the safest possible environment for our volunteers, minors under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Plus, it s a great way for families to spend time together! 3 P a g e
What does PPAC do? Adoptions We make dogs, cats, and critters available for adoption at our shelter and at various off-site adoption events throughout Adoption fees include first set of shots, Rabies vaccination, de-wormer, flea treatment, sterilization, and microchip and are priced at: Dogs and puppies - $70.00 Cats and kittens under a year - $70.00 Cats over a year $70 (Special Pricing of $10) Lost and Found People who have lost pets should be encouraged to come to our shelter and look through the kennels. We also show our animals on the website at www.gptx.org/paws. If PPAC picks up an animal with an ID tag or microchip, a PPAC staff member will call the owner or contact the agency that issued the rabies tag in order to get the pet back to its home. Animals found outside of Grand Prairie must be taken to the agency for that area. Rabies Prevention Call 972-237-8575 to report possible Rabies exposure including bites and scratches that have broken the skin from animals. Animals that have bitten or scratched need to be quarantined for public safety. The shelter is a State certified rabies facility and can provide approved quarters for the animal during the quarantine period. The fee for quarantine is $150.00. Animal Cruelty/Complaints Citizens can report acts of cruelty and neglect to our shelter. If the dog or cat is deprived of water, food or shelter, a PPAC staff member will create an activity and an Animal Services Officer will investigate. Citizens may also report issues such as unsanitary conditions, restraint, and waste from animals. Owner Surrenders Some owners cannot or choose not to fulfill the commitment they made when they brought an animal into their home. We attempt to inform pet owners of all the alternatives to surrendering the pet so they can make a decision that is best for the animal. Owner surrenders are accepted at the shelter during Shelter Public Hours. We only accept owner surrendered animals from citizens who live in Grand Prairie. Microchips City of Grand Prairie citizens may bring in their animals to have a microchip implanted. The fee is $15.00 to implant the microchip and to register the microchip. Deceased Animals Officers will remove and dispose of deceased pets and wild animals of Grand Prairie residents within city limits. Deceased animals on the highways must be reported to TxDOT. 4 P a g e
Community Groups & Events Shelter/Waggin Wagon Events PPAC schedules and plans activities and events (on-site and off-site) for pet adoptions. All activities and events, either on PPAC premises or as represented as PPAC in the public must be coordinated and approved by PPAC management or the Event Coordinator in advance. Unscheduled or impromptu activities or events will not be supported or endorsed by PPAC. Rescue Groups While we hope we can find homes for all the animals that come into the shelter, in reality, we receive many more than we have people who want to adopt. We work with rescue groups to place the animal in their program to care for and place the animal in a permanent home. Any rescue group that wishes to pull an animal from our shelter must be referred to our Operations Supervisor. Volunteer Groups or Organizations Any groups or organizations wishing to hold an event or group volunteer project must contact the Volunteer Coordinator in advance to make such arrangements. Groups will not be allowed to assemble at events or on-site to promote their business, cause, or messaging without prior approval from PPAC management. Please contact the Operations Supervisor Directly for information about how your group can get involved. 5 P a g e
Contact Info and Hours of Operation Address Prairie Paws Adoption Center 2222 W. Warrior Trail Grand Prairie, TX 75052 www.gptx.org Phone/Fax Numbers Main: 972-237-8575 Fax: 972-237-8579 Shelter Public Hours MONDAY: CLOSED TUESDAY: 10am 6pm WEDNESDAY: 10am 6pm THURSDAY: 10am 6pm FRIDAY: 10am 6pm SATURDAY: 12pm 6pm SUNDAY: CLOSED Field Enforcement Hours MONDAY: 8am 5pm TUESDAY: 8am 6pm WEDNESDAY: 8am 6pm THURSDAY: 8am 6pm FRIDAY: 8am 6pm SATURDAY: 8am 6pm SUNDAY: CLOSED Shelter Spay and Neuter Clinic Hours MONDAY: 8am 5pm TUESDAY: CLOSED WEDNESDAY: 8am 6pm THURSDAY: 8am 6pm FRIDAY: CLOSED SATURDAY: CLOSED 6 P a g e
SUNDAY: CLOSED Grand Prairie Animal Services and adoption Center @gp_prairiepaws @gppaws gp_prairiepaws gp_prairiepaws 7 P a g e
Staff at PPAC Animal Services Manager Danielle Tate Operations Supervisor Tammy Roberts Executive Assistant Michelle McClelland Senior Animal Services Officers Renee Johnston - FIELD Lauren Sossi - SHELTER Animal Services Officers Tiffany Martin Elizabeth Jensen Lisette Phelps Jennifer Lovett Michael McLean Michael Brett Amelia Camperlengo Eric Hopkins Jennifer Normile Animal Care Technicians Demarie Alamo Mattie McClean Keianna Winn Mark Atkins Event Coordinator Angellee Vincent Dispatch Services and Customer Service Thelma Zepeda Candyce Rembert 8 P a g e
Requirements and Expectations Animals in our care are in need of security and comfort that comes from a dependable routine. Due to the amount of training involved, we do ask for serious commitment from our volunteers. We want our volunteers to benefit you, the staff and the animals. Please review the following requirements and expectations to see if this volunteer program is right for you. 1. Must be at least 14 years old. 2. Any volunteer that is 14-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. 3. Any volunteer 16-17 years old must have a guardian sign a Volunteer Interest and Acknowledgement Form. 4. Any volunteer 18 or older must sign a Volunteer Interest and Acknowledgement Form. 5. Be willing to commit to working 8 hours a month. 6. Be willing to commit to working a minimum of 6 months. PPAC to provide aprons to wear during volunteer hours/t shirts can be purchased additionally for $10. 7. Be comfortable around animals and loud noises. 8. Be comfortable around offensive odors and bodily functions of animals. 9. Adhere to schedules, policies, and safety procedures. 10. Pass required training, evaluations, and/or background checks if applicable. 11. Stay out of restricted areas. 12. Be able to understand signs and directions. 13. Conduct yourself in a manner that reinforces the goals and values of the Grand Prairie Animal Services. 14. Be able to work independently. 15. Be enthusiastic and excited about the job! 16. Have fun! Thank you for choosing to share your time with the Prairie Paws Adoption Center. Volunteers are expected to meet all responsibilities of their specific role(s), as outlined in the training programs and the job description(s). This allows us to present a common standard of professionalism in any environment in which we work. Volunteers must abide by all security and safety rules as outlined in all applicable training programs, job descriptions, and in this handbook. The safety of our volunteers, staff, the shelter animals, and the public are of paramount importance. Infractions of the rules can result in severe consequences to the organization, the volunteer, and the life of the animal. 9 P a g e
Volunteer Policies and Procedures Your Role as a Volunteer Since your support as a volunteer is extremely important, your decision to participate must be made with the full understanding of the commitment and responsibility it demands. This handbook has been prepared for you as a reference guide. It contains information and tools to better equip you to answer questions knowledgeably and provide quality care to the animals at our shelter. Conduct As a volunteer, you are a representative of PPAC and are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner. You must be respectful and courteous in your interactions with the staff, public, and the animals. Disrespectful or unprofessional behavior, sexual harassment, threats, disparaging remarks, discrimination or vulgar language will not be tolerated. These actions may result in termination as a PPAC volunteer. This code of conduct applies to online and/or written material as well as personal interactions with staff, other volunteers, any PPAC or city representative, and members of the public. Volunteers should present themselves in such a way to reflect favorably on the shelter, consistent with the goals and objectives, policies and procedures. Non-PPAC Guests/Pets It is not appropriate to bring children who are not a PPAC volunteer or your own pet to the facility while you are performing volunteer activities. Volunteers with unapproved guests or pets will be asked to leave. Privacy Policy & Conveying Correct Information Any Information pertaining to PPAC records or specific cases are strictly confidential and may not be discussed with others. Please refrain from offering the public information on fees or policies unless you are sure you have current and accurate information. When in doubt, ALWAYS refer the person to PPAC staff. Volunteers are not to disclose any confidential information (contact, personal information, financial, etc.) of the public or staff members. Volunteers are specifically prohibited from discussing any aspect of PPAC records and cases with any representative of the media. Your information (name, address, phone number) may not be disclosed and will not be provided to anyone unless specifically authorized by you. Grand Prairie Animal Services relies on volunteers to make sure the animals at the shelter get the best care possible. The work that GPAS accomplishes each year would not be possible without the generous contribution of time that volunteers give to the shelter. By joining the GPAS team, you are helping to achieve our mission of finding new homes for all adoptable shelter pets, and educating the community to prevent animal neglect and cruelty. 10 P a g e
Getting Started Commitment: GPAS asks for a six month commitment of volunteering; at least 8 hours per month. If you do not meet that minimum commitment, you will be required to attend the volunteer orientation again. Age Requirement: Adult volunteers are 18 years and older. Junior volunteers are between the ages of 14 and 16, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at orientations, trainings, and while volunteering. The Operations Supervisor may approve volunteers ages 16-18 to volunteer on their own after all training is completed. The City of Grand Prairie has implemented a new volunteer software program that requires volunteers to pass a background check before volunteering can begin. This new software will also require volunteers to sign up and log in while volunteering at Prairie Paws. This information will be explained at volunteer orientation. Volunteer Orientation: Prospective volunteers must first attend an orientation to learn about GPAS and the various volunteer opportunities. Orientations are: One per month 1 ½ hours long Space is limited! Registration is required to attend orientations. Registration starts at the end of each month for the next month s orientation. Cut-off for registration for these orientations will be 3 days prior to orientation. You can register on-line here. Please bring the completed volunteer waiver to the orientation. 11 P a g e
Thanks to the growing number of PPAC Volunteers, we have updated our volunteer program to include levels of volunteerism. These volunteer levels are outlined below: ***New at PPAC! Shelter Essentials (SET): Shelter Essentials are designed to help you get the most out of your volunteer experience while helping to benefit the animals here at Prairie Paws. Level 1 Volunteer: Level 1 Volunteers will be working in the shelter learning their way around by assisting with Shelter Essentials duties; i.e.: laundry, restocking supplies, etc. Level 1 Volunteers will be required to attend training related to animal handling and PPAC procedures. Level 1 Volunteers will progress to Level 2 Volunteers after completing all training and mentoring shifts. Level 2 Volunteers will have other training requirements and opportunities before becoming a Level 3 Volunteer. Animal Care All volunteers working with the cats, dogs, rabbits, or other pets must complete Shelter Essentials Training. Shelter Essentials tasks include: washing toys/dishes, washing/folding laundry, sanitizing litter boxes/crates, restocking food/litter/supplies, and sweeping and mopping hallways/work areas. Shelter Essentials Training involves: 24 hours of shelter practice A sign off from any PPAC employee (will provide form) that you have successfully learned procedures (Volunteers will not be working with the animals while doing their Shelter Essentials shifts) After completing the required 24 hours of SET, volunteers can sign up for canine, feline and rabbit training classes. It generally will take 2-4 months of commitment before you can be scheduled for these trainings. Trainings will count towards your Shelter Essentials hours. In the meantime, you are welcome to continue helping in the shelter doing non-animal contact volunteering. Canine Support/Dog Walking: Aide in the enrichment of GPAS canines while they await adoption. 12 P a g e
Prerequisites: Completion of 24 hours of Shelter Essentials tasks and training outlined below. Training required: One Canine Training Class Skills level approved by the Canine Trainer or Operations Supervisor. Three mentoring shifts of two hours each Feline Support: Ensure the comfort and care of GPAS felines while they await adoption. Prerequisites: Completion of 24 hours of Shelter Essential tasks. Training required: One Cat Care & Small Pet class Skills level approved by the Animal Behavior Coordinator Two mentoring shifts of two hours each Rabbits and Small Animal Support: Ensure the comfort and care of the rabbits and other small pets while they await adoption. Prerequisites: Completion of 24 hours of Shelter Essential tasks. Training required: One Cat Care & Small Pet class Skills level approval by the Animal Behavior Coordinator One mentoring shift of 2 hours After volunteers have completed their mentoring shifts, they may set their schedule within the guidelines and availability within the Volunteer Software Program. Foster Care: Provide temporary care for shelter animals while they await permanent new homes. 13 P a g e
Prerequisites: Must be able to verify that you can house pets in your current home and make at least a six month commitment as a volunteer. Must be willing to schedule a home visit with one of the PPAC Officers or Supervisors. Must be available to bring pet (when applicable) to offsite adoption events. Training: Introduction to Fostering Class Media Relations Volunteers are strictly prohibited from speaking on behalf of PPAC to any representative of the media. All media questions are handled by our Event Coordinator, Angellee Vincent. Dress Code Appropriate clothes are required for all volunteers. For safety reasons, we ask that open-toed shoes or shorts not be worn while working directly with the animals. Wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. Aprons will be provided and must be worn at all times when working. Smoking The City of Grand Prairie does not allow smoking on City property and is prohibited in all buildings and facility grounds. If you wish to smoke, you must do so off City property. While working at Waggin Wagon events, you may not smoke except when on breaks and out of public view. Drugs and Alcohol Under no circumstances shall a volunteer work at our facility or off-site event under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If suspected of being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, you will be asked to leave and will be subjected to termination from the PPAC Volunteer Program. Cell Phones While you are at PPAC, we want you to keep your focus on the animals in your care and the members of the public in need of assistance. PPAC strictly prohibits the use of cell phones and mobile devices that create unsafe situations. For those reasons, and because we don t want your phones damaged by water when bathing animals or from being dropped. Cell phone use while handling animals is strictly prohibited and volunteers may not use their cell phone while interacting with the public. If it is necessary for you to have your cell phone with you while volunteering, set the ringer to vibrate or silent, and use your cell phone in nonworking areas only. (i.e.: approved photographs of animals, etc.) Ear buds, headsets, and headphones shall not be used at any time while volunteering with PPAC. Unapproved use of cell phone while working with animals or with the public may result in corrective action. This policy also applies to all electronic devices such a tablets, laptops, etc. 14 P a g e
Animal Care It is expected that PPAC volunteers will treat all animals in the shelter s care with compassion and gentleness. Ask for assistance from PPAC staff when needed, and use caution at all times. All volunteers must use two leashes when walking dogs. Do not hand write messages on kennel cards notify PPAC staff of any observations or information you feel may need to be noted for an animal. Volunteers are not to diagnose medical cases, remove sick animals from the shelter without permission from the shelter supervisor, or take any animals from the shelter without proper documentation or approval from a PPAC staff member. Any volunteer doing so will be subject to dismissal. Stray/Sick Animals Volunteers are only able to interact with animals that have gold kennel cards. Any animal with a white kennel card are still on their stray hold and do not belong to the City of Grand Prairie. Under no circumstance may you interact with an animal that does not have a gold card regardless of the review date. Any animal with a medical condition, even if it has a gold card, cannot be taken out or touched. This helps reduce the spread of disease throughout the shelter. We also would like to reduce the stress on the animal so they can recover quicker. If you notice there is something wrong with an animal that has a white card, please bring it to the Volunteer Coordinator or supervisor on duty s attention. If you take out or touch a stray or sick animal, you will be asked to leave, and it may result in your termination as a volunteer. Injuries You are responsible for your own health and welfare, so be sure to mind all signs and safety precautions. If you are injured while at PPAC, you must notify the Volunteer Coordinator or supervisor on duty immediately. Disease Control PPAC is responsible for ensuring public safety including rabies control and other zoonotic disease containment. As a PPAC volunteer, you must be sure to wash your hands frequently as well as clean all animal handling equipment thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease in the shelter. If you are bitten or scratched, you must report the incident to the Volunteer Coordinator or the supervisor on duty. The animal must be quarantined for observation. You are responsible for your own personal health and are advised to seek medical treatment from your doctor. If a shelter animal shows any of the following symptoms, immediately notify the Volunteer Coordinator, supervisor on duty or veterinary technician: Diarrhea Vomiting Ocular (eye) discharge Nasal discharge Sneezing/Coughing Loss of appetite Lethargy (lack of energy) Dehydration Abnormal gait or muscle control Excessive salivation 15 P a g e
Euthanasia Euthanasia is an unfortunate occurrence at PPAC. It is always our last option, and we strive to place an animal into a good home available. We hope that through spay/neuter effort and public education, there will be less animals needing homes. We want to encourage the public to come visit PPAC to adopt animals to avoid euthanasia. As a PPAC volunteer, you may be exposed to animals facing euthanasia, even though you will never witness it. PPAC uses a humane method of euthanasia by injection of sodium pentobarbital solution intravenously. Whether or not you personally agree with this practice, this is a day-to-day reality at the shelter. Our staff has to deal with its administration and its after-effects on a daily basis. If you are not comfortable in this atmosphere, supporting PPAC as it strives to make Grand Prairie a more humane community, this may not be a positive volunteer experience for you. You may be better suited to volunteering at another animal shelter or agency in the area. Off-Limit Areas Certain areas of the shelter are off-limits to volunteers, unless specifically authorized to enter. These include quarantine room, isolation; spay/neuter clinic, shelter clinic, stray holding, front administrative offices and personal offices and dry storage. Complaints Your point of contact regarding volunteering or shelter activities are PPAC supervisors. Bring your concerns and questions to any of the supervisors first. If you have a complaint regarding a staff member or an issue with a PPAC employee, bring it to the attention of the Volunteer Coordinator, supervisor, Operations Supervisor or Animal Services Manager. Discipline The City of Grand Prairie promotes a system of progressive discipline for its employees and PPAC extends that system to include our volunteers. Volunteers who commit minor violations of policy and procedure will be verbally counseled in an effort to achieve acceptable compliance. Such violations could include disruptive behavior, habitual absenteeism, misstatement of PPAC policies, etc. Continued violations could result in additional counseling or dismissal. Volunteer Term Both you and PPAC are free at any time, with or without notice or cause, to end the volunteer relationship. Dismissed volunteers are not permitted entry to PPAC beyond the public interactions. 16 P a g e
Volunteer Positions Purrfect Pals Purpose: To ensure that all adoptable cats have necessary socialization skills with human contact to ensure a positive adoption experience once they leave the shelter. To ensure that all adoptable cats have a clean place to stay, which improves their comfort level and helps prevent illness from spreading. Responsibilities: Handle cats one on one Pet, brush, or use toys to interact with the cats Spot cleaning the kennels Keeping water and food bowls filled Notify staff of any abnormalities in the cats Animal Eligibility: Animal MUST have completed the appropriate holding period and its status changed to Adoptable as well as received a gold adoption card before it can be handled. Animals that are still under the holding period are not yet considered the property of the city; therefore, the owner is the only person who can grant permission to handle the animal during that time. Also, do not take out a cat that is currently on medication, even if it is up for adoption. Requirements: 1. Must learn and practice safe animal handling and be able to read cat s body language and handle cats of all sizes. 2. Must possess excellent customer service skills, and must professionally represent the City of Grand Prairie Animal Services. 3. Be able to stand for the majority of the shift. Training Required: All volunteers working with the cats, dogs, rabbits, or other pets must complete 24 hours of Shelter Essentials prior to attending specific canine, feline, or other pet trainings. Shelter Essentials tasks include: washing toys/dishes, washing/folding laundry, sanitizing litter boxes/crates, restocking food/litter/supplies, and sweeping and mopping hallways/work areas. Shelter Essentials Training involves: 24 hours of shelter practice A sign off from any PPAC employee (will provide form) that you have successfully learned procedures (Volunteers will not be working with the animals while doing their Shelter Essentials shifts) After completing the required 24 hours of SET, volunteers can sign up for canine, feline and rabbit training classes. It generally will take 2-4 months of commitment before you can be scheduled for these trainings. Trainings will count towards your Shelter Essentials hours. In the meantime, you are welcome to continue helping in the shelter doing non-animal contact volunteering. Location: Cattery/Cat Condos 17 P a g e
Doggone Walkers Purpose: To provide adoptable dogs with much needed exercise, human contact and mental stimulation. Responsibilities: Handle dogs one on one Pet, brush, walk, or use toys to interact with the dogs Spot cleaning the kennels Keeping water bowls filled Notify staff of any abnormalities in the dogs Animal Eligibility: Animal MUST have completed the appropriate holding period and its status changed to Adoptable as well as received a gold adoption card before it can be handled. Animals that are still under the holding period are not yet considered the property of the city; therefore the owner is the only person who can grant permission to handle the animal during that time. Also do not take out a dog that is currently on medication, even if it is up for adoption. Requirements: 1. Strong leash and dog handling skills are necessary. Many of the shelter dogs are large, strong and have minimal to no leash training. 2. Must learn and practice safe animal handling and be able to read a dog s body language. We need volunteers who can commit to a consistent schedule. We walk the dogs every day; in rain, snow, storms and during holidays. The dogs rely on the volunteers for socialization and extra time out of their kennels. 3. Excellent customer service skills and must professionally represent the City of Grand Prairie Animal Services. 4. Be able to stand for the majority of the shift. Training Required: All volunteers working with the cats, dogs, rabbits, or other pets must complete 24 hours of Shelter Essentials prior to attending specific canine, feline, or other pet trainings. Shelter Essentials tasks include: washing toys/dishes, washing/folding laundry, sanitizing litter boxes/crates, restocking food/litter/supplies, and sweeping and mopping hallways/work areas. Shelter Essentials Training involves: 24 hours of shelter practice A sign off from any PPAC employee (will provide form) that you have successfully learned procedures (Volunteers will not be working with the animals while doing their Shelter Essentials shifts) After completing the required 24 hours of SET, volunteers can sign up for canine, feline and rabbit training classes. It generally will take 2-4 months of commitment before you can be scheduled for these trainings. Trainings will count towards your Shelter Essentials hours. In the meantime, you are welcome to continue helping in the shelter doing non-animal contact volunteering. Location: Large/Small Adoptable Dog Runs and Kennels 18 P a g e
Matchmaker Purpose: It is important to make all visitors feel welcome upon entry. Your job is to greet and warmly welcome visitors, provide general instructions, answer general questions and direct people to the appropriate area. Responsibilities: Stand by the front door and greet all visitors with a smile and warm welcome Ask how you may assist them Help adopters find the right animal by talking with them about their lifestyle and home environment Assist with taking out the animal they wish to visit with and bring it to the visiting room Direct adopters through the adoption process so that they can complete the adoption successfully If a match is made, help the adopters by bringing the animals kennel card to the front desk where the adopter can fill out an application Provide excellent interaction with potential adopters so that they have a wonderful experience to share with other potential adopters Animal Eligibility: Animal MUST have completed the appropriate holding period and its status changed to Adoptable as well as received a gold adoption card before it can be handled. Animals that are still under the holding period are not yet considered the property of the city; therefore, the owner is the only person who can grant permission to handle the animal during that time. Requirements: 1. Possess a welcoming demeanor and have good communication and people skills. 2. Have the ability to retain and relay information on shelter policies and directions. 3. Be able to stand for the majority of the shift. Training Required: Orientation Location: Front Lobby area; Dog runs and kennels; Cattery/Cat Condos 19 P a g e
Waggin Wagon Ruff Riders Purpose: To gain additional adoptions through the use of our mobile adoption unit, the Waggin Wagon. To also raise awareness of the shelter, its locations and the other animals at the facility that are waiting to be adopted. Volunteers are needed to help care for the dogs and help promote their adoptability. Responsibilities: Arrive on time To greet citizens that approach the wagon in a welcoming manner To provide general instructions, answer general questions and if you do not know the answer, direct them to the shelter staff in charge of the event Walk dogs around event to promote their adoptability and the wagon Clean up after dogs Animal Eligibility: Only animals that are off their hold period, have already been sterilized and are up to date on all of their shots will be allowed to go out on the wagon to offsite events. Requirements: 1. Must possess confidence around dogs and have good people skills. 2. Be able to walk or run unaided and/or be able to tolerate being pulled off balance. 3. Knowledge of basic signs of dog behaviors such as animal/people aggression. 4. Willingness to clean up after the dogs. 5. Be able to retain and relay shelter policies. 6. Be able to setup/breakdown kennels, tents, etc. Training Required: Ruff Rider Volunteers will train with the Event Coordinator for off-site events. Training Required: All volunteers working with the cats, dogs, rabbits, or other pets must complete 24 hours of Shelter Essentials prior to attending specific canine, feline, or other pet trainings. Shelter Essentials tasks include: washing toys/dishes, washing/folding laundry, sanitizing litter boxes/crates, restocking food/litter/supplies, and sweeping and mopping hallways/work areas. Shelter Essentials Training involves: 24 hours of shelter practice A sign off from any PPAC employee (will provide form) that you have successfully learned procedures (Volunteers will not be working with the animals while doing their Shelter Essentials shifts) After completing the required 24 hours of SET, volunteers can sign up for canine, feline and rabbit training classes. It generally will take 2-4 months of commitment before you can be scheduled for these trainings. Trainings will count towards your Shelter Essentials hours. In the meantime, you are welcome to continue helping in the shelter doing non-animal contact volunteering. Location: Anywhere in the DFW area. 20 P a g e
Pretty Paws Volunteer Purpose: Help promote adoptions and marketability by providing bathing and grooming to animals that are available for adoption. The goal is to increase adoptions by presenting clean, happy dogs to their potential new families. The grooming time should be a fun experience for the groomer, as well as a time of affection and attention for the dogs. Specific attention will be made to animals that will be going to adoption events. Responsibilities: Thorough animal handling for bathing and grooming Breed standard clipping/grooming Put Collars and/or harnesses on animals if going to an adoption event Animal Eligibility: Animal MUST have completed the appropriate holding period and its status changed to Adoptable and received a gold adoption card before it can be bathed or groomed. Animals that are still under the holding period restriction are not yet considered the property of the City. Until the animal is released from the holding period, the owner is the only person who can grant permission to handle the animal. Requirements: 1. Knowledge and care of shampooing, washing, and drying of animals. 2. Volunteers must have strong dog handling skills and must be confident in their ability to remove dogs from their kennels. 3. The lifting of dogs in and out of the grooming tub requires some physical strength. 4. Volunteers must be willing to get wet and get their clothes dirty. 5. We ask that volunteers have good communication skills. 6. Willingness to follow all safety guidelines. 7. Dedication to policies, procedures, and Prairie Paws Adoption Center philosophies. Training Required: All volunteers working with the cats, dogs, rabbits, or other pets must complete 24 hours of Shelter Essentials prior to attending specific canine, feline, or other pet trainings. Shelter Essentials tasks include: washing toys/dishes, washing/folding laundry, sanitizing litter boxes/crates, restocking food/litter/supplies, and sweeping and mopping hallways/work areas. Shelter Essentials Training involves: 24 hours of shelter practice A sign off from any PPAC employee (will provide form) that you have successfully learned procedures (Volunteers will not be working with the animals while doing their Shelter Essentials shifts) After completing the required 24 hours of SET, volunteers can sign up for canine, feline and rabbit training classes. It generally will take 2-4 months of commitment before you can be scheduled for these trainings. Trainings will count towards your Shelter Essentials hours. In the meantime, you are welcome to continue helping in the shelter doing non-animal contact volunteering. Location: Prep-room sink area. Supplies such as shampoo, brushes, combs and collars will be provided by PPAC. 21 P a g e
Administrative Assistant Purpose: Volunteers must be responsible for maintaining animal shelter records. Codes, files, and retrieves records as needed and ensures system is well organized. Possess willingness to help with an array of tasks, respect the confidentiality of others and communicate effectively. Responsibilities: File records away in alphabetical or numerical order. Code files for proper placement. Retrieve files as necessary. Clean and maintain file space. Create new entries as needed. Ensure files are accessible Ensure no materials in file are lost. Be able to explain filing system to others. Make adoption bags Animal Eligibility: The Administrative Assistant will not work with animals. Requirements: Volunteers must understand and respect the shelter system. They must have the ability to adapt to what task is needed to be completed and have the ability to follow directions. Administrative Assistants also must possess the ability to bend and walk unaided. Must sign a confidentiality agreement and agree to a background check. Training Required: Must attend training with Executive Assistant to show how filing system is organized. Location: Dispatch Office/Conference Room 22 P a g e
Frequently Asked Questions 1) How long do you hold strays before they are available for adoption? Grand Prairie Animal Services holds strays that have no identification for 72 hours before they are evaluated for adoption. We do not count the day the animal arrived at the shelter or the days the shelter is closed to the public (Sunday and Monday; holidays). Adoptable animals will be available to the public on the next business day. If the animal comes in on Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday they are available for adoption on Friday Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday For example, if an animal comes in to the shelter on Monday, do not count Monday - count Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; then Friday is the day the animal will be available. We will make every effort to return animals to their owners before making them candidates for adoption. Animals that are micro-chipped or wearing traceable identification have the potential to be held at the shelter for up to 10 days while attempts are made to contact the owner and give them a chance to claim the animal. 2) Can animals still in the holding period be handled by the public? Absolutely not! Animals that are still under the holding period restriction are not yet considered the property of the City. Until the animal is released from the holding period, the owner is the only person who can grant permission to handle the animal. 3) How do you define adoptability? It is the policy of Grand Prairie Animal Services to adopt out friendly, healthy pets. Sick, injured, vicious and feral animals are held for the appropriate period to be claimed. If not claimed, they may be placed in foster care whenever possible. Animals that pose a risk to public safety for reasons of health or temperament are humanely euthanized. 23 P a g e
Better Impact Volunteer Software The City of Grand Prairie has implemented a new volunteer software program that requires volunteers to pass a background check before volunteering can begin. This new software will also require volunteers to sign up and log in while volunteering at Prairie Paws. This information will be explained at volunteer orientation. Links to remember: www.myvolunteerpage.mobi timeclock.myvolunteerpage.com 24 P a g e