Volunteer

While PALS Haven welcomes volunteers of all abilities, not every volunteer activity will be the right fit for everyone that volunteers with us. Most of the volunteer activities associated with working with our cats and dogs require a full range of seeing and hearing, as well as physical requirements such as lifting heavy objects, walking, bending, and with respect to working with our dogs, the ability to control and direct dogs of varying sizes and weight.

As PALS Haven is not able to provide mentors, assistants, or staff to assist volunteers with special needs on an ongoing basis, individuals who do not meet the criteria for independent volunteering must provide their own support person, such as a family member, friend, or professional support personnel who are capable of assisting them, and performing all necessary volunteer tasks, themselves. Those who typically require regular assistance with physical or cognitive tasks during their daily lives

In addition to providing assistance, and helping someone have a fun and rewarding time as a volunteer, assistants, whether family member, friend, or professional, must be able to perform all tasks required of our regular volunteers. Assistants should come with a love for animals, and be fully engaged during training classes; assistants will be required to demonstrate core concepts and handling/training techniques required of all of our volunteers.

• Submit a completed Adult Volunteer Application, including required contact information
• Attend New Volunteer Orientation
• Complete and pass all required training classes
• Follow all PALS Haven safety guidelines and rules for volunteer conduct

• Be able to attend, and pass, all required safety and handling classes and/or training
• Be able to remember and follow all instructions and safety rules
• Be capable of recognizing potentially unsafe situations and/or conditions, and be able to react appropriately to them
• Be able to clearly communicate with staff and fellow volunteers any questions or problems that may arise while volunteering, either via speech, handwriting, or typing (via text/email, etc.)
• Be able to maneuver safely through a busy kennel environment, through doors/gates, and on uneven ground, grass, and terrain
• Be able to see and hear clearly in a shelter environment that is often loud and busy in order to maintain volunteer and animal safety at all times

As working with shelter dogs involves many physical, visual, auditory, and vocal cues, and prospective volunteer that has a physical, visual, or hearing impairment may not be able to become a dog handler, even with an assistant. However, we are happy to work with each prospective volunteer with special needs to create a plan that allows participation in certain areas and activities, while maintaining the safety of all of our volunteers, staff, and the animals in our care.

I hereby certify that all statements made in this application are true. I acknowledge that and false statements or misrepresentations, either verbal or written, on this application will be cause for refusal of placement or immediate dismissal.

In consideration for this opportunity to volunteer, I agree to the following terms and conditions, intending to be legally bound by them.

1. I will abide by the mission, rules, regulations, policies and programs of PALS while I am a volunteer.
2. If I stop being a volunteer for PALS, for any reason, or upon PALS request at any time, I will promptly return all of PALS supplies, equipment, records, monies, and all items in good, clean condition.
3. I assume the risk of being bitten, scratched, injured or frightened by animals in connection with my volunteer work for PALs. PALS is not liable to me for any injuries, damage, liabilities, losses, judgments, costs or expenses whatsoever, which I might suffer or sustain in connection with volunteer activities for PALS. I will indemnify, defend and hold PALS harmless from and against all claims, lawsuits, injuries, damages, losses, costs, or expenses whatsoever, sustained by any companion animal or any person in connection with my intentional misconduct or negligent performance of volunteer activities for PALS, or my breach of PALS rules, regulations, policies and programs.
4. I understand and agree that PALS may refuse volunteer applicants for any reason.
5. I have accurately and truthfully completed this Volunteer Application and Agreement.
6. Any modification to this agreement must be in writing, signed by both a PALS representative and myself. This agreement is binding upon PALS, me and my respective, hers, successors, assigns, executors and personal representative.