How To Become A Rescue Village Volunteer
To become part of our volunteer program, you must:
- Be 16 years of age or older (youth aged 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent or other adult guardian in our Parent & Me Program.)
- Complete a volunteer application and waiver
- Attend new volunteer orientation and training
| What is the Parent & Me Program? P&M allows a child aged 12-15 to accompany a parent during volunteering in our shelter with the understanding that the adult is the primary handler of the animal. Only one child is allowed and the adult must be either the mother or father. Due to liability concerns, we cannot allow extended family members to serve as "parent." The volunteer process is consistent with the adult program and requires volunteer orientation and training and is designed to be a longterm commitment.
Why Do I Need To Be Trained? Training helps prepare you for the challenges of working with shelter animals in a safe and appropriate manner. Volunteers represent Rescue Village to the community. Training also prepares our volunteers to answer questions and accurately support the mission of Rescue Village. How much time do I need to commit to volunteering at Rescue Village? It depends on the job. Dog walkers and cat cuddlers are assigned a work shift which meets once a week for two hours. Work shifts are the same day and time every week. Animal care volunteers are asked to work for at least 3 consecutive months. Outreach, special events, foster, educational and cleaning volunteer opportunities are more flexible. Volunteers are used in those areas on an as-needed basis. Can I volunteer after school or on weekends? Volunteers are used every day including holidays. Rescue Village maintains three volunteer work shifts per day. Volunteers are assigned work shifts based on availability and need. Weekends and afterschool are the most popular shifts, however, we often need the most help in the mornings and during the day. What are the volunteer work shifts? Volunteer work shifts are as follows:
Mondays & Thursdays
Tuesdays Wednesdays,Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays I cannot commit to a regular volunteer schedule. What else can I do to help? Your opportunity to help homeless animals is not lost. We always need donations of animal care items (see wish list on the DONATE page), you can attend our events - Empty Bowls or Woofstock, participate in our sponsor a cage program, make a monetary donation, spay/neuter your personal pet, adopt an animal from our shelter and most important be responsible and take good care of your own pet. 2008 Volunteer Training Dates General Orientation & Tour, 5:00pm—6:00pm Tuesday, January 8, 2008 Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Thursday, June 5, 2008 Tuesday, October 7, 2008 Tuesday, October 14, 2008
This hour-long event introduces prospective volunteers to the different opportunities available to them at Rescue Village. Attendees receive a Volunteer Manual, a brief presentation about Geauga Humane Society, a tour of the facility, a chance to sign up for additional training, and an opportunity to ask questions.
Beginning Volunteers—Cat Care Level 1-2 Training, 6:00pm—8:00pm Tuesday, January 8, 2008 Tuesday, April 8, 2008 summer dates to be announced Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Approximately 1 1/2 hours. Rescue Village Adoption Counselor and Animal Care Staff Member, Sara Dillenkofer leads this class. In addition to learning general information about cats, class participants are instructed in proper holding techniques, and specific shelter rules. (In addition to this class, new volunteers have to work with a mentor for a minimum of two shifts before being assigned to a regular spot.) Attendees receive a Cat Care Volunteer Manual.
Beginning Volunteers—Dog Care Level 1-2 Training, 6:00pm—8:00pm Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 summer dates to be announced Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Approximately 1 1/2 hours. Pam Semanik, Dog Behavior Coordinator, leads this class for new volunteers who wish to work with our shelter dogs. Learning to read dog body language, duties and responsibilities of shelter volunteers, working with the special needs of shelter dogs, etc. (In addition to this class, new volunteers have to work with a mentor for a minimum of two shifts before being assigned to a regular spot.) Attendees receive a Dog Care Volunteer Manual.
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