Volunteer Handbook

WelcomeWelcome to the Lawrence Humane Society team!  We are thrilled to have you and your passion for animals here at our facility.  Every year, we work to care for thousands of homeless animals.  As a nonprofit organization, we depend on the generosity of our volunteers donating their time and skills to care for the animals.Our volunteer program is designed to utilize your skills to the maximum capacity and provide you with a safe and positive working environment.  We will provide you with consistent, professional training and support you in your volunteer duties.Thank you for your commitment to the Lawrence Humane Society and to the animals we care for.  It is our honest desire for you to find your experience here enjoyable.  You are guaranteed to find that your hard work is appreciated, and you will receive many sloppy kisses and purrs in return!

Mission StatementThe Lawrence Humane Society provides shelter, care and advocacy to stray, homeless and abused

animals and nurtures the human animal bond.

Lawrence Humane Society HistoryThe first humane group in Lawrence started in the 1890s. Affiliated with the ASPCA, this group’s main concern was with the welfare of pets and of working farm animals

such as horses. The charter lapsed after some years.The Humane Society as we know it today was chartered on March 26, 1951.

Several years later, four acres were purchased on east 19th street for the future site of the animal shelter. In 1958 a $35,000 grant from charter members Dr. and

Mrs. John Ise, in memory of their son Charles permitted construction of the original shelter building to begin.

During the 21st century, the Lawrence Humane Society continues to develop and implement many new programs to enhance animal welfare in Lawrence and

Douglas County. The number of major fund-raising projects and events increases each year to help support the shelter’s ongoing commitment to do its job more

efficiently and effectively.- (www.lawrencehumane.org)

As the only open-admission shelter in the county, the LHS takes in over 3,500 animals per year, mostly cats & dogs. This means we

take in every animal (usually by appointment) regardless of health or temperament.

There is no "time limit" on how long animals can stay at the shelter. We are also tasked with decisions regarding euthanasia.

Euthanasia decisions are based on health, temperament and shelter resources. Speak with an LHS associate if you have any

questions about euthanasia.

In addition, we are a full-service facility which utilizes many resources to re-home pets including foster care, adoption, transfer to other rescues/shelters, reuniting pets with their owners and off-

site adoption events.

Shelter & Contact InformationPhone

(785) 843.6835Address & Location1805 E. 19th Street Lawrence, KS 66046Shelter Hours

Saturday-Monday  11:30 am- 4:00 pm

Tuesday-Friday   11:30 am- 6:00 pm

Thursday   11:30 am- 7:00 pm

Volunteer CoordinatorIn person: Tuesday-

SaturdayEmail:

Volunteer@lawrencehumane.org

Web Addresslawrencehuma

ne.org

Volunteer HoursSaturday-Monday  9:30

am- 4:00 pmTuesday-Friday    9:30

am- 6:00 pmThursday    9:30 am- 7:00

pm

Volunteer RequirementsAdult Volunteers Must:

•Be at least 16 years of age•Complete the volunteer profile•Attend the subsequent training pertinent to their duties•Be able to safely and independently perform all role requirements outlined in the training•Have an active email address•NOT a current employee of the Lawrence Humane Society•Pay a one-time fee of $15*•Sign a release of liability•Volunteers will not be permitted to begin their duties until this release is signed

Volunteer RequirementsJunior Volunteers Must:

• Meet the adult requirements as well as the following• Be comprised of 1-2 Junior

Volunteers per Adult Volunteer• Be between the ages of 7 and

15• Be supervised at all times by

their Adult Volunteer Team Member• Be supervised at all times by

their Adult Volunteer Team Member

• Be prearranged by the volunteer• Have the Adult Team Member

attend all orientations and training sessions, and complete all required paperwork.• Have the Adult Team Member

safely and independently perform all role requirements outlined in the training• Pay a one-time fee of $15 (per

volunteer team)

Why The Fee?

The $15 fee helps offset the cost of operating our

Volunteer Program. The fee is put toward the cost of your Lawrence Humane Society name tag, the

printing of this manual and other operational expenses.

We truly thank you for supporting our organization.

Volunteer TrainingMost volunteer positions require a little bit of training in order to handle shelter animals. Each volunteer will start out with Dog Walking Training or Cat Companion Training, or both!  We want to make sure everyone has the skills to handle our animals.  These training orientations can be scheduled online by Adults only (16 and up) in our Volunteer Information Center (VicNet). Volunteers may express interest in additional responsibilities to the volunteer coordinator. For both human and animal safety, volunteers may only perform duties for which they have documented training by an approved staff member.

Acting beyond or outside of

documented training is caused for

disciplinary action.

Volunteer Policies & PracticesSchedulingMany volunteer positions are performed at your leisure but  some advanced opportunities require commitment to a regular weekly or monthly schedule.To maintain current volunteer status, volunteers are required to serve at least 1 hour in a three month time period.  By scheduling shifts you assist us in providing continuous care to the animals.  If you are unable to volunteer for a period of 3 months or longer, refresher training will be required before resuming your volunteer activities. Prior to your return, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

All volunteers are responsible for clocking in and out on the Vogistics system when volunteering.For all in-shelter activities, sign in & out at the front desk with your pin number. This helps us know who is in the building in case of emergency.  Signing in/out other volunteers is prohibited.For off-site volunteer activities, log onto VICnet to input your hours. Volunteer hours will not count towards court-appointed community service.

Volunteer Policies & PracticesDress Code

All Volunteers will abide by the following dress code

The dress code enforced by the Lawrence Humane Society is designed to keep its volunteers and staff safe and clean.  Please remember that while you are volunteering here you are representing the Lawrence Humane Society as a professional establishment, and we request the same professionalism from all volunteers and staff.  Please note that you may come into contact with cleaning chemicals that may be damaging to clothing (such as bleach), and you may get dirty so please wear appropriate clothing that is okay to be damaged.

•Close-toed shoes and socks are required•Long pants, preferably jeans, are recommended•Profanity or inappropriate wording or images are not allowed on any clothing and volunteer will be asked to leave•A name tag is required•A neat, professional personal appearance is required• Dangling or loose jewelry should be avoided as it poses a safety hazard.

Volunteer Policies & PracticesCommunication must always be respectful toward the Lawrence Humane Society, other employees, customers, volunteers, and other constituents. Be aware that your actions captured via images, posts, or comments can reflect that of the organization.

GrievancePlease communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator  regarding any questions, issues, concerns or comments. A response will be provided within 2-3 business days. If you have an urgent need or concern, contact the Director of Shelter Operations.

CommunicationCommunication regarding the volunteer program is via email and the volunteer information board. Volunteer newsletters, notices and updates or other important information about the volunteer program will be emailed or posted on our  Facebook  page. Please make sure we have all current contact information (including email).

Social NetworkingThe following expectations apply to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, YouTube, blogs, etc. The absence of, or lack of explicit references to a specific site does not limit the extent of the application of this policy.

Volunteer Policies & PracticesCommunication must always be respectful toward the Lawrence Humane Society, other employees, customers, volunteers, and other constituents. Be aware that your actions captured via images, posts, or comments can reflect that of the organization.

GrievancePlease communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator  regarding any questions, issues, concerns or comments. A response will be provided within 2-3 business days. If you have an urgent need or concern, contact the Director of Shelter Operations.

CommunicationCommunication regarding the volunteer program is via email and the volunteer information board. Volunteer newsletters, notices and updates or other important information about the volunteer program will be emailed or posted on our  Facebook  page. Please make sure we have all current contact information (including email).

Social NetworkingThe following expectations apply to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, YouTube, blogs, etc. The absence of, or lack of explicit references to a specific site does not limit the extent of the application of this policy.

Volunteer Policies & Practices

ConfidentialityAs a volunteer of this organization,  understand that you may have access to confidential information, both verbal and written, relating to clients, volunteers or staff and the organization. Understand, and agree, that all such information is to be treated confidentially and shall not disclose any information obtained in the course of  volunteer placement to any third parties without prior written consent from the organization. This includes but is not limited to information pertaining to financial status and operations such as budget information, donations of money or gifts in kind, salary information, information pertaining to clients, staff or other volunteers. No information concerning any volunteer will be divulged without prior written consent of the volunteer. This includes addresses, telephone numbers, etc. Failure to comply with the confidentially policies of the organization may result in disciplinary actions, including the dismissal of the volunteer.

Volunteer Policies & Practices

Substance AbuseNo volunteer is allowed to consume, possess, sell or purchase any alcoholic beverage on any property owned by the LHS or any vehicle owned or leased by the LHS. No volunteer may use, possess, sell, transfer or purchase any drug or other controlled substance that may alter an individual's mental or physical capacity while volunteering for the LHS.

The LHS does not tolerate volunteers that are impaired by or under the influence of alcohol or drugs while working.

Harassment PolicyLHS strives to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all volunteers, staff and visitors. Harassment is defined (from the viewpoint of the victim) as: the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or group, including threats and demands. Harassment includes sexual, physical or verbal comments or actions. Please inform the Volunteer Coordinator if you witness or experience any form of harassment while serving at the LHS. Harassment of any form is not tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal of volunteer/ staff, and or removal of 

Volunteer Policies & PracticesProfessionalism

Remember that as a volunteer you are representing the Lawrence Humane Society as a professional establishment.  Chances are high customers will ask you about the animals you are handling.  Volunteers should conduct themselves in a professional manner.  We ask that you:

•Use appropriate language.  No loud or profane language is allowed while on duty.•Appropriately use equipment and materials.  Misuse, negligence and wastefulness of equipment and materials will not be tolerated.•Conduct oneself with a friendly, positive attitude.•Work with the public and answer questions about individual animals. •Be aware of and abide by LHS policies and procedures.•Be prompt and reliable and follow through with commitments.•Communicate with the shelter staff in regards to any concerns.

•Please leave pet counseling and advice to our staff, staff has access to pet's behavior and medical profile.•Notify the shelter of a change in personal schedule or holiday plans that might interfere with any scheduled shift.•Notify the shelter staff at least two weeks prior to ending volunteer service.•Handle the animals in a safe, humane manner as outlined by the training. •Please leave pet counseling and advice to our staff, staff has access to pet's behavior and medical profile.

Volunteer Policies & PracticesDisciplinary Action & Termination Policy

Volunteers are an invaluable resource to the LHS and our primary aim is to encourage and support their contribution to the animals. However, it is also recognized that there may be times when a volunteer needs to be counselled, disciplined and perhaps dismissed. Volunteering at the LHS is a privilege, not a right. Volunteers who commit minor violations of policies and procedures will be verbally counselled in an effort to achieve acceptable corrective behavior leading to compliance. Continued violations could result in additional counseling or dismissal. Serious violations will result in termination.

LHS had Zero tolerance policy for:

• Abusive behavior towards animals

• Physical or verbal abuse of any staff or volunteer

• Disregard for rules and regulations

Volunteers may choose or be asked to discontinue their volunteer service to the LHS. If a volunteer wishes to end their service, we ask that the individual(s) inform the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer Policies & PracticesDisease Transmission & Control

It is extremely important that we do everything we can to prevent the spread of disease.  Animals come to the shelter every day from all parts of Douglas County with varying degrees of health.  It is our job to keep the animals housed here as healthy and adoptable as possible.  Illness can spread very quickly from one animal to another and possibly to humans, so following safety and cleaning protocols is essential to controlling diseases and keeping everyone happy and healthy.

Sanitize your hands after handling each animal.

Wall dispensers of disinfectant gel can be found throughout the shelter

Items such as food and water bowls, toys, blankets, etc cannot be shared between kennelsAnimals from separate kennels may not interact with one another unless otherwise noted by a staff member (this includes walking dogs together outside).If you suspect an animal is ill, please inform a staff member immediately.  Signs to watch for include:•Lethargy•Coughing/sneezing•Vomiting•Diarrhea

Volunteer Policies & PracticesSafety & Accident Prevention

Shelter environment can be stressful for some animals and behaviors cannot always be predicted, therefore extra caution

and care is mandatory.

• Handling of animals is strictly prohibited until you have attended training sessions for that animal.

• Your role is to create a calm, controlled atmosphere for social interaction and/or exercise. Play is to be kept controlled at all times; overexciting an animal may result in aggression and/or negatively affect its adaptability.

• If you discover an animal out of its kennel, Do Not reach out to grab it. Close any doors in the immediate area and alert a staff member, who will safely retrieve the animal.

• If you witness a fight, Do Not attempt to break it up. Contact a staff member immediately.

• Bringing your own pet to the shelter while volunteering is prohibited

• All animals not housed together must be kept separate at all times, i.e no touching or interaction.  

Dog Language

Cat language

Accidents...Accidents do happen. You are required to report any bite, scratch or other injury to a staff member, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.  Such reports are necessary to comply with laws, ensure the safety of volunteers/ staff/ animals and to help us place adoptable animals in appropriate homes.

Volunteer Policies & PracticesEmergency Procedures

FireUpon hearing a fire alarm, seeing a fire and/or seeing or smelling smoke, employees, volunteers, customers and other members of the public should calmly exit the building and meet by the red aluminum can recycling bin near the parking lot exit.

• Management should be alerted immediately

• Fire exits are labeled throughout the building

Animals should not be removed from the building by employees, volunteers, customers or other members of the public.

TornadoUpon hearing a tornado siren and/or seeing a tornado, employees, volunteers, customers, and other members of the public should calmly take shelter in the hallway between the TLC and Adopt buildings

Animals should not leave the safety of their kennels

Volunteer Policies & PracticesAdditional InformationFriends

• Friends may not come with you to volunteer unless they have been through training

Parking• Park with staff vehicles on the Douglas

County Fairgrounds property south of the shelter

• you should park in the shelter parking lot if believe your vehicle will get stuck in snow or mud.

Smoking• The LHS prohibits any form of tobacco use

in the building or company vehicles. Smoking is strictly prohibited while handling animals.

Belongings• There is no secure place to keep

your belongings, so we advise that you keep them in your vehicles or at home. LHS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.

Breaks• Volunteers are encouraged to take

breaks as needed. Please avoid hanging out at the front desk or lobby areas. The refrigerator maybe used for snacks and beverages. Please take them with you at the end of your shift.

Need Help?Volunteer Questions, you can email Volunteer@LawrenceHumane.org

Foster Questions, you can email Foster@lawrenceHumane.org

For all other questions, you can email Info@LawrenceHumane.org

If you need help and you are at the shelter, feel free to reach out to any staff member