Adult Volunteer Questionnaire

Volunteer Handbook 2024

Uniting our community & engaging volunteers in the effort to provide homeless pets 

with compassionate care and positive outcomes.

South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter

1244 N. Delsea Drive

Vineland, NJ 08360

856-691-1500

 Volunteer Coordinator

Questions? Email:

Volunteers@sjras.org

WELCOME

Welcome to South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. We are very pleased that you have decided to join our Volunteer Program. We believe that you have the power to make a difference for homeless animals.  Not only can you help the homeless animals at the shelter, but you can help prevent other animals from becoming homeless by sharing our message about the importance of spaying/neutering, caring for, and loving pets. We hope that you will open your mind to learning about and sharing our mission. We also want you to know that we value your time and your help and hope that this proves to be a rewarding experience for you.

OUR VISION STATEMENT

In our function as South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, we serve as a refuge for thousands of strays, unwanted, abused, abandoned and sick animals. Each year our clinic provides the general public and thousands of animal’s access to our low cost spay neuter and vaccine services. In addition to sheltering and protecting animals, the shelter also acts as a clearinghouse for the thousands of phone calls requesting information on animal related issues.

WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT- OUR PROGRAMS

Shelter and Adoption for Lost, Stray, or Unwanted Animals

Animals come to us from the Animal Control Officers (ACOs) who pick them up in the cities we hold contracts with.  When we hold a “contract” with a city, it means that they pay us a fee to shelter their stray animals.  Citizens surrendering family pets are scheduled as space in the shelter allows.  Animals may also be seized by a Cruelty Investigator and brought to the shelter.

Lifesaving and Fostering

We work with a variety of Rescues and Shelters to save lives.  We have a vibrant foster care program responsible for saving hundreds of lives each year.

Humane Education

The SJRAS goes into classrooms and the community to educate local youngsters about the many responsibilities of pet ownership as well as the importance of spaying and neutering.  Usually an animal from the shelter is brought along to interact with the children.  Tours of the shelter can also be provided.

PetSmart and Petco

SJRAS works with PetSmart to promote and house some of our adoptable cats. Also, PetSmart and Petco hold regular adoption events to highlight both our adoptable cats and dogs.

EUTHANASIA POLICY

South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter is Open-Admission.  We do not turn away animals that need our care that are from the areas we contract with.  There is no one reason that an animal is euthanized.  Animals (excluding feral or aggressive animals) are not on a time limit.  Multiple staff members are consulted before the decision is made to euthanize.  Making these decisions and performing euthanasia is the most difficult part of a staff member’s job, so we ask you to be sensitive and respectful.  If you have any questions about euthanasia, please direct them to the Volunteer Coordinator, Operations Manager or the Executive Director.

Aggression:  Animals that display aggressive behavior towards people, or display feral (UN-socialized) behavior, cannot be placed for adoption may be euthanized.  Dogs that are aggressive to other dogs may be euthanized.  The SJRAS holds a great responsibility to the public.  We cannot place an animal that is a threat to people or other animals.  

Illness/Injury:  We treat many cases of upper respiratory infection or kennel cough, but sometimes combined with another issue they can be a reason to euthanize an animal.  Animals may also be euthanized if they have more serious illnesses or injuries that we are unable to treat.

Loss of Quality of Life:  Living in a shelter situation is extremely stressful for an animal.  Without enrichment, an animal can become depressed and stressed.  Signs of stress include excessive licking, barking or whining, pacing, rebounding off kennel walls.  Dogs may bark aggressively and become mouthy and cats may begin to bite.  Animals lose weight and their general health may decline.  This may become unpredictable, which makes them dangerous.  The SJRAS will never allow an animal in our care to suffer, so when their quality of life begins to decline the difficult decision to euthanize may be made.

Space:  Space is the most difficult reason for euthanasia.  We must always have space available for incoming animals.  We may have to euthanize otherwise adoptable animals to create space.    

VOLUNTEER POLICIES

All policies are mandatory and subject to change without notice

Sign-In / Logging Volunteer Hours: All volunteers are required to log into their volunteer account in Better Impact. Your Better Impact login and password is the same login and password you created to submit your volunteer application. This is where you can “clock in” and “clock out”, track volunteer hours, signing up for volunteer shifts, events and orientations.  The portal will keep track of their hours volunteered. You will be provided with a name badge. You must bring your badge with you and wear during your volunteer shift. We will have extra volunteer badges in the groom room, in case you forget your badge. Make sure to return back to the groom room at the end of your volunteer shift.

**If you will need a letter of recommendation or a letter to confirm your hours, please contact the Coordinator at least 1 weeks prior to the deadline for the letter.  Please be specific about your needs (who the letter should be addressed to and information required.) **

Dress Code: Please purchase a volunteer t- shirt so you are identified as a volunteer while at the shelter and events. Volunteer t-shirts are $15.00. Please dress comfortably in clothes that allow you to move freely.  Do not wear clothes that you would not want to get messy.  No shorts- this exposes your legs to scratches, cleaning detergents, etc.  Please wear a t-shirt.  No visible undergarments (boxers, bra straps, etc.).  Absolutely no OPEN-TOE shoes!  The shoes must fasten to the feet.  Flip-flops and sandals are prohibited (Sneakers and socks are the wisest choice).  

Permitted Areas for Volunteering:

• Front lobby and Get Acquainted Rooms (not behind desk unless you are helping with administrative work)

• Cat Adoption Room, Dog Adoption Kennels

• Grooming Room, Work Room and Pantry Storage Room

Speaking with the Customers:  Please do not share information about the status of animals in the shelter. Only the staff knows which animals are adopted, in quarantine, etc. Giving incorrect information can be upsetting to our customers.  However, there are three great ways to help in the lobby:

• Inform customers of our adoption process. If they are interested in adopting or fostering, have them fill out our adoption or foster questionnaire on their phone or our ipad. These forms can be found on our website.

• If we are very busy and customers are waiting, you can let them know that they can look around at the animals for adoption without speaking to the office staff first. If they do need to speak to the office staff, let them know we will be with them as soon as possible!

• Help customers unload donations into the donation cart. Thank them profusely- we depend on their donations and are very grateful for them.  Remind donors to sign the donation clipboard located at the front desk.

Miscellaneous:

• Volunteers are not permitted to smoke while volunteering or on the property of the SJRAS.

• Any bites or scratches MUST be immediately reported to the SJRAS staff.  Please immediately wash the area with warm, soapy water.

• Volunteers should always be polite, friendly and have a positive attitude.

• As a Junior/Adult Volunteer you are a representative of SJRAS.  We always want to present the SJRAS in a positive professional light so people will want to support and visit us.  Please see the Volunteer Coordinator with any complaints or problems right away so we can address the issue in the appropriate way. If the Volunteer Coordinator is not available and it is an emergency, please go to the front desk. Any non-emergency issues please email the Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteers@sjras.org.

• Any rules that apply for a Jr Volunteer also apply to the chaperon that is with them.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to help volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities in South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter (SJRAS) implementation of communication technology including but not limited to: web sites, social networking sites, Facebook groups, personal networking sites, blogs and microblogs, message boards and chat rooms, podcasts and webinars and video sharing sites etc.

Scope of Policy:

South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter (SJRAS) recognizes that volunteers may engage in communication while on and off duty as appropriate for performance of their duties and/or for the advance of our animal rescue mission. This policy applies to social media content – written, verbal and images - on the SJRAS social media (Facebook and other media) as well as information you post on your personal site(s) or on someone else’s page or site on the Internet.

Volunteers who engage in blogging or posting should be mindful that their comments, even if done off premises and while off-duty, could have an adverse affect on SJRAS’s legitimate business interests, animal rescue mission and animal privacy interests. In addition, some readers may view you as an official spokesperson for SJRAS.

SJRAS depends on strong community support and good will. Our reputation is a valuable and important asset. Please consider whether you are potentially damaging our reputation before you post on any site, especially if/when you identify yourselves as a volunteer of SJRAS. If you are uncertain, consult your supervisor, the Volunteer Coordinator, Operations Manager or the Executive Director before posting on-line.

To reduce the likelihood that your blogging or posting will have an adverse effect on SJRAS and the animals under our care, we require that you observe the following terms of use:

1. Do not create or share internet media communication that negatively impacts the SJRAS brand or reputation. 

2. Do not discredit, disparage, challenge or defame the mission, services, public policy positions, operational or animal status decisions of SJRAS. Do not reveal any confidential or proprietary information about SJRAS. 

3. Do not criticize individual staff or volunteer performance (by name, title or role.) Do not disclose the name or any personal identifying information of any staff or volunteer without his/her permission. 

4. Do not discuss the behavior, history or medical records of animals in our care and custody that are involved in criminal proceedings.

5. Do obtain permission from SJRAS management team prior to posting the SJRAS logo, trademark, proprietary graphics, and photographs of the shelter, events, employees, volunteers, staff or animals. 

6. Do create content or forward positive compelling content about animal rescue that builds support for the adoption of animals in our care with permission of the SJRAS. Obtain permission before naming or referencing any animal in our care or before soliciting material of financial support for SJRAS. 

Procedure: SJRAS will regularly monitor the content of all of its social media sites. SJRAS, at its sole discretion may restrict, block, suspend, terminate, delete or discontinue any volunteers access to SJRAS-sponsored Internet media sites at any time, without notices and delete postings.

Policy Administration and Interpretation:

The SJRAS management team will be responsible for administering and interpreting the guidelines and provisions of this policy. Any questions regarding the appropriate use of SJRAS- sponsored social media sites or your personal social media (Facebook, etc.) should be directed to the SJRAS management team.

By accessing, viewing and/or posting any content related directly or indirectly to SJRAS on any Internet media site, you accept, without limitation or qualification, the above terms of use. If you do not agree to the terms of this policy, you may not view or post any contact to any Internet media site on behalf of SJRAS, as a volunteer of South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter.

Volunteer compliance is expected as part of the SJRAS Volunteer Agreement.

ANIMAL HANDLING

DOG HANDLING

 All Volunteers must sign up for and attend a Dog Handling Orientation class prior to handling any dogs.  You will be taught the acceptable way/ways to handle, leash and how/where you can walk our dogs. You will start out with a green badge. Additional training and hours spent handling dogs will be required to move up to yellow and red. You must have a walkie talkie on you at all times. Feel free to attend our Buddy Walks. Buddy Walks are dedicated times on our volunteer schedule that have volunteers who are experienced dog walkers. They will be able to help you take dogs in and out of their kennel and help build your confidence. Must attend the Dog Handling Orientation first. Once you are comfortable with taking the dogs out on your own, feel free to sign up for a dog walking volunteer shift.

Choosing a dog to take out:

• Choose a dog that matches your dog handling level (Green, Yellow or Orange) 

• Check for signs on kennel and our Dog Walking Board

• Read information on kennel (if no information on kennel, do not take dog out)

• Are you comfortable with this dog’s size, age, breed, energy level etc. 

Maintain control of the dog:

• Walk the dog down the middle of the kennel, do not allow dogs to go nose-to-nose with other dogs.  

• Two hands on leash at all times

• NEVER allow your dog to walk up to another dog.  Always be extra aware when walking through doors or turning corners- do not allow your dog to lead.  

• Use extra caution in the Red Zone (area where grooming room, adoption, hall to lobby and hall to outdoors meet) Move dogs quickly and carefully through the lobby.

Use appropriate walking aids:

• Some dogs may require special collars or harnesses to stop them from pulling while on a leash. This is important in order to maintain proper control of the dog at all times. 

• Easy Walk harnesses and Gentle Leaders are available in the grooming room, if these are not properly fitted, they will not work. Please ask for assistance if you need it. 

Going Outside:

• Use the side door and gate when taking dogs for walks (laps around the property, including trail through woods).  

• Use side door when going to the play yards 

• Scoop your Poop!  You are responsible for cleaning up any messes made while walking your dog.

• We focus on Exercise and Enrichment.  We want to wear them out physically with exercise and provide emotional/social enrichment.  Enrichment may be in the form of playing fetch, running laps in the play yard, being brushed, or snuggling. It will differ from dog to dog.

 When finished:

• Take the dog back to the kennel. Go inside with the dog and unhook the leash. Throw a treat to the back of the kennel and quickly leave, latching the door behind you.

• If there are multiple dogs in the kennel, use extra caution.  When beginning, attend our Buddy Walks to build your confidence and skill.

Communication with Staff / Volunteers / Dogs:

• Communicate with other volunteers as you are walking- to indicate the direction you are going or to wave past if you are holding back while they move through.

• Pay attention to your dog- he will communicate with you using body language

CAT HANDLING

Volunteers MUST receive training to handle cats. Attend our Cat Handling Orientation if interested in handling our cats.  Please review the following rules/requirements for handling cats.  

*** All Volunteers MUST wash/sanitize hands in between each cat/kitten that they touch- even if they only stick their fingers in the cage.  Disease jeopardizes the lives of our cats and kittens.  Our cats are especially susceptible to disease because they are under great stress from being in a shelter environment ***

Cat Adoption Room:

• Please review the cat’s information on their cage card prior to opening the cage.  

• You can interact with cats inside of their cages or take them to a Get Acquainted Room, Conference Room, or Bathroom for social time. Please make sure the door to the room is closed.  Please see the front desk to ask about availability of rooms first!!

• After opening the cage door, put your hand in and allow the cat to sniff/approach you.  Give them some time to become comfortable with you and gauge their interest in being petted or picked up.  

• If the cat is comfortable and the shelter is quiet enough to bring them to a social area, gently pick up the cat.  Scoop them up with one hand under their rear, and bring them close to your chest.  If they resist, put them back.  Be cautious of their reaction to other cats nearby.  Hold them close as you walk.  If you see a dog, turn your back to the dog and put your arm over the cat’s upper body, keeping one arm under their rear.

• After handling a cat, please use lint rollers to collect cat hair/dander, which can spread disease, as well as hand sanitizer/hand washing.

• Cats may feel threatened by people touching their bellies or “full body petting”.  This is how they are approached by predators in the wild.

• A happy cat has relaxed (not dilated) eyes, and whiskers and ears forward.

• Petting- Induced Aggression:  Some cats become over-excited by lots of petting.  They may begin to bite, nip, or scratch.  If they begin to show this behavior, leave them alone by walking away or shutting their cage for a few moments.  This teaches them that this behavior is not acceptable or fun.  We see this in many cats/kittens who were separated from their families too young or grew up as a “singleton”.  Kittens and mothers teach each other bite inhibition.

Other:

• Volunteers should feel free to POLITELY ask customers to sanitize their hands when visiting to prevent the spread of disease.

• Promote the cats!  Talk to adopters about them – point out information.  

• Focus your attention on adult cats and long-term residents.  Litters of kittens have each other to play with. If a singleton kitten seems to need attention, get permission from a staff member prior to handling.  

• Any bite or scratch that draws blood must be reported to the staff.  

• You must sanitize in between each cat you touch.  Even if you so much as stick a finger in a cage, you must sanitize by washing your hands in a sink or using instant sanitizer.  If you are holding a cat, please use a lint roller to remove cat hair from your clothing before holding another cat.

• Litter pans can be sifted to remove feces; sanitize the scoop in the disinfectant between cat boxes.  

** SJRAS Kitten Policy **

Between the months of March and November, we experience “Kitten Season”.  The SJRAS takes in an overwhelming number per day.  Kittens often arrive with or harboring illness and/or parasites, including Coccidia, an extremely contagious and sometimes fatal parasite that kittens are especially vulnerable to.  For these health reasons, volunteers are not permitted to handle or touch litters of kittens.  In addition, a volunteer’s time is better spent socializing adult cats that are lonely and craving affection, as opposed to kittens that have litter mates to entertain them.  

                                   WORKROOM ATTENDANT                                   

See workroom attendant before starting work

Laundry Instructions

Washer:

            Gloves are available in every room if you would like to use them

Load the washer with any blankets, sheets, towels, etc.  It should be VERY full, but not overflowing.

DO NOT put materials that are rubber, plastic, or hard (dog toys, etc.) There will be a separate basket for those as well as for dog leashes.

When washing leashes and collars (see laundry basket on top of washer), place all leashes and collars into a pillowcase and tie shut.  Load into the washer with laundry.  DO NOT DRY – lay on the counter to air dry.

Snuffle mats should also not be dried 

Please let the workroom attendant start the washing machine.

Dryer:

Move clean laundry into the laundry basket under the dryer.  

Move laundry from the washer into the dryer.

Place a dryer sheet (on top of the washer) in the dryer.  

Shut the door, hit start.   Do not open the dryer until the cool down cycle is complete.  At the completion of the dry cycle there are 5 minutes for cool down.  

When putting away dried laundry, check labels on cabinets in the workroom to see where sheets, pillowcases, etc. go.  Towels, comforters, cat beds, etc. should be placed in the appropriate shelf/cart in the hall.  

Dishes:

The sink will be filled with a water/cleaning solution.  This solution includes bleach so please wear gloves when doing dishes.  Bowls, toys, etc. should be placed in the filled sink for 1 minute, then taken out, rinsed with clean water from the faucet, and placed on the counter to air dry.  They can be towel dried after air drying for several minutes.  Once they are dried, you can leave them out and staff will distribute bowls to the proper rooms.  Cat and dog toys can be placed in the appropriate bins. DO NOT put litter pans in the sink.  They should remain stacked on the counter.  Staff will attend to litter pans. If there is no water/Cleaning solution in the sink see the workroom attendant!

TERMINATION & GRIEVANCE 

Our goal is to make sure all our volunteers have wonderful, rewarding experiences with SJRAS, while providing the best care possible to the animals. Because of that, some volunteer programs offer volunteer training, support programs and performance feedback.

Performance feedback sessions give our staff a chance to meet with volunteers one-on-one to review the position description, discuss what’s going well, and identify goals and areas for improvement. If, as a volunteer, you have not acted in SJRAS’ interests, it may be necessary to end the volunteer relationship. Volunteer management staff may end your volunteer relationship at will. When the relationship between SJRAS and a volunteer is terminated all volunteer benefits will terminate as of that date.

Causes for release from volunteer service:

Potential causes for release from volunteer service include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to adhere to the standards of conduct and customer service

• Breaking of confidentiality

• Failure to adhere to policies or follow procedures

• Inactivity

• Inappropriate drug or alcohol use

• Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct

• Excessive “no-show” for volunteer shifts

• Not fulfilling the duties of the volunteer position

• Misrepresentation of SJRAS

• Theft

• Violence or implication of violence

Grievance procedure: If you have any questions or challenges regarding your volunteer assignment, please bring them to the attention of your staff supervisor. The volunteer management staff make every effort to provide you with an opportunity to raise your questions in confidence and without fear of reprisal or discrimination. Every effort will be

made to investigate in a timely manner and settle the issue on a fair and equitable basis.

Discipline Policy:

If at any time a volunteer does not comply with the volunteer guidelines and rules set in place to ensure the safety of our animals & staff as well maintain a professional atmosphere the following actions will apply:

1. First Warning:  Management Staff (if Coordinator is not present) will speak to the volunteer to discuss the issue and impact and determine if they need more training.  The Volunteer Coordinator will be notified of the incident.  

2. Second Warning: Management Staff will again address the issue and final warning will be given.  Additional training will be offered again.  Volunteer Coordinator will be notified.  

3. Third Offense:  If the behavior has continued, the Volunteer will be required to meet with a Volunteer Coordinator prior to continuing to volunteer.  A formal write-up documenting the incident will be prepared for the Staff and Volunteer to sign.  

4. Final Offense:  If there is an additional offense, the volunteer will be terminated. Termination is via phone or email.

GENERAL RULES

1. You must be dressed appropriately. No tank tops, shorts or open toed shoes.

2. You must have your badge, wear your lanyard and sign in. Sign in on Better Impact, if you don’t have your phone to sign in, you can log in and out on the clipboard located in the groom room.

4. Please stay in designated volunteer areas unless you have permission from the volunteer coordinator or kennel attendant.

5. Please be courteous to your fellow volunteers.

• If someone else is in the grooming room please wait patiently in the hall at a safe distance away from the door until they exit with their dog.

• Please keep rooms clean. Pickup, sweep and mop after yourself!

6. Use the doors you have been trained to use and always look first before walking through a door. There could be other dogs in the hall or on the other side of a door. Make noise. Yell dog if you need to.

7. Please refrain from asking the kennel staff or techs for help unless it is an emergency. Feel free to ask the front desk to page the volunteer coordinator. Also be courteous of the front desk and their time. Often, they are very busy and/or handling sensitive situations.

8. Please do not break from any protocol unless it is discussed with the Volunteer Coordinator. If needed the Volunteer Coordinator will discuss the issue with other staff members before giving a final answer.

We appreciate and thank you for your service to us and want you to have a safe and rewarding experience.

By moving forward and submitting your volunteer application you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the protocols, policies and rules in this handbook. Because of the nature of this facility, what works one day may not work another so all protocols and rules are subject to change without notice.