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Volunteer Policies and Procedures

Volunteer ID:  All volunteers will receive a volunteer badge for identification purposes.

Please wear your badge any time you are representing the shelter

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Staff-only Areas: Volunteers are to remain in designated areas unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Do not enter staff-only areas. Do not ask staff to grant you access to staff-only areas.

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Professional Attitude:

  1. Take your commitment seriously.

  2. Conduct yourself in a professional manner with the animals, co-volunteers, staff, and the public.

  3. Maintain a positive attitude and be friendly and courteous to the public.

  4. Keep all client information and data confidential.

  5. Be neat and accurate.

  6. Ask staff for assistance with any questions to which you are not sure of the absolute correct answer

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Attendance: We ask that volunteers commit to a regularly scheduled 2-hour shift per week.

Volunteers may sign up for "extra" shifts as long as you have good attendance at your scheduled times.

Be reliable; if you cannot keep your scheduled time, PLEASE CALL.

Volunteers are required to sign in each time you came to volunteer. Upon completion of service,

sign out. This requirement will allow us to maintain accurate records important for planning and obtaining grants.

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Standards of Conduct: Work rules and standards of conduct are important, and Castaways regards them seriously. All employees and volunteers must become familiar with these rules and are expected to follow them faithfully while doing their jobs and conducting shelter business. Please note that any employee or volunteer who deviates from these rules and standards may be subject to corrective action, up to and including immediate termination.

Dress code and Other Rules

For staff and volunteers

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  1. Wear closed-toed flat shoes (athletic shoes are good), no sandals or flip-flops

  2. Wear jeans, slacks, or cropped pants, no shorts or short skirts

  3. Do not wear sleeveless shirts, blouses, or tank tops.

  4. Avoid wearing jewelry in which an animal could get caught.

  5. Always wear your volunteer name badge.

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In addition to the dress code, please observe the following:

  1. Always wash your hands after handling each animal and before leaving the shelter.
    This helps prevent the spread of disease. Hand sanitizer is present throughout the shelter, but this does not take the place of soap and water

  2. Do not take personal food into areas with animals.

  3. Do not use cell phones or other electronic devices while you volunteer

  4. Do not bring guests or visitors with you while you volunteer.

  5. Do not smoke around animals, indoors or out. This includes while walking dogs. Smoke only in designated areas. No smoking is allowed inside the shelter.

  6. Immediately report any injury you receive to be evaluated for treatment and documented for injury

 

Expenses and Insurance

You must cover your own expenses associated with volunteering for Castaways. in certain instances, some expenses may be reimbursed, but you must receive approval in writing before Castaways will reimburse you for any expense.

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You must carry your own insurance coverage. Castaways does not carry health, medical, liability, automobile, workers compensation, or disability insurance coverage for any volunteer.

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