Help out
PALS has many needs that volunteers can fill. You are encouraged to be flexible and help with whatever needs arise.
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.
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.