900 25th avenue ne great falls, mt 59404 www ... · name tags & aprons: tan aprons: team...
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900 25th Avenue NE
Great Falls, MT 59404
www.macleancameronanimaladoptioncenter.org
Email: [email protected]
(406) 727-7387
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Table of contents:
Introduction………………………………………………………………..3
Mission Statement…………………………………………………………3
Our Vision…………………………………………………………………4
About Us…………………………………………………………………...5
Volunteer Information…………………………………………………….6
Volunteer Commitment………………………………..………………….6
How to Become a Volunteer…………………………………………….6,7
Volunteer Programs……………………………………………………….8
Volunteer Service Hours………………………………………………….9
What to Expect on your First Day……………………………………….10
Dress Code………………………………………………………………...10
Hygiene…………………………………………………………………….11
Protect Yourself & Your Own Animals…………………………………11
Protect Shelter Animals…………………………………………………..12
Safety Basics………………………………………………………………12
Grievances…………………………………………………………………13
Emergency Procedure……………………………………………………..13
Termination Policy………………………………………………………..13
MCAAC Volunteer Service Agreement………………………………14,15
Pledge of Confidentiality………………………………………………….16
Waiver of Liability…………………………………………………..…….17
Release & Hold Harmless Agreement…………………………………...18
Please read the Volunteer Agreement, Pledge of Confidentiality, Waiver of Liability,
Release & Hold Harmless Agreement at the back of this handbook. ALL documents
MUST BE signed, dated & turned into the Volunteer Coordinator or another MCAAC
staff member prior to beginning of service.
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Introduction:
Welcome to Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center!
We are proud to have you join our team. This handbook is loaded with information to
help you learn about the shelter’s history, policies, and programs. It will serve as your
guide as you begin your volunteer work at MCAAC.
Please ask questions! All questions are important and we want you to feel comfortable in
your volunteer role. It is our goal to help you have the best experience possible.
Telephone: (406) 727-7387
Website: www.macleancameronanimaladoptioncenter.org
Volunteers Make a Difference:
Every year MCAAC volunteers open their hearts and donate their time and energy to
helping the homeless pets in our community. With a volunteer program that aims to
empower individuals to make a difference in a meaningful way, there are many ways you
can help – and even more personal rewards. When asked “why volunteer?” most profess
their love for animals or state a feeling of community responsibility.
Mission Statement:
Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center Mission: Fostering a caring community for
animals by providing shelter, advancing animal welfare, and promoting the bond between
animals and humans through innovative programs, education and service.
Volunteers are a vital and valuable component of MCAAC’s mission.
As such, volunteers are expected to be familiar with and adhere to our
policies and procedures.
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Our Vision:
The Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center serves Great Falls and North Central
Montana. These animals come to us from various sources. Some of our dogs are part of
the transfer programs between us and other facilities. We receive both cats and dogs that
are surrendered to us due to compatibility issues or living constraints. Others are strays
who have not been claimed within the legally required time frame.
Promoting the Bond between Animals and Humans
We currently provide resources to facilitate sustainable adoptions and will soon offer
humane education and training opportunities for children and adults. Volunteers provide
much needed help and reap the benefits of unconditional love.
Your volunteer service will benefit homeless animals and the community in many ways:
You will be a part of MCAAC’s mission
We hope you can agree that it is incredibly rewarding to see an animal you have cared
for and worked with find his or her new home
The volunteer opportunities are endless, and we know you can find something here
that will suit your talents.
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About us:
The Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center is located at 900 25th Avenue NE in
Great Falls, MT. The 13,600 square foot facility, provides temporary shelter to cats and
dogs in a safe, pleasant and humane environment. Training and education areas provide
space for humane education (including kids camps) and training courses.
Facility Areas Include:
Public reception, viewing, and visiting areas with an appealing atmosphere to maximize
adoptions
A variety of housing options for animals
Indoor training/exercise areas for dogs
Communal space for cats
Outdoor space for cats and exterior kennels for dogs
Grooming facilities – 90% of groomed animals are adopted
Education areas
Future Development: Memorial gardens to honor pets
MCAAC is an independent entity and is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United
States, the City of Great Falls or any other national/government agency.
MCAAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Revenue sources are private donations and local
fundraisers.
MCAAC is an “open door shelter” accepting lost, abandoned, or surrendered cats and dogs.
Animals arrive at MAAC for many reasons.
MCAAC does not euthanize for space or length of stay.
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Volunteer Information:
We ask for time commitments from our volunteers. Why? Training volunteers takes a
considerable amount of time.
By completing your volunteer commitment you are ensuring that you have more
opportunities to be trained and to be safe in the shelter environment.
It allows you to know when policies or procedures have changed at the shelter.
It will allow you to get to know the staff, the animals, and the organization better which
will lead to a more meaningful volunteer experience.
Volunteer Commitments:
Youth (ages 8-15) & Junior (ages 16-18): 2 visits per month for 6 months
Adults: 4 hours per month for at least 6 months
Since the shelter could not be run without the participation of volunteers, fulfilling your
commitment allows us to ensure we are providing the best care possible to the animals and
allows us to ensure we are providing a service to the community.
Being unable to complete the time requirements does not disqualify someone from
volunteering at the shelter. However, it will limit your ability to perform various volunteer
experiences.
How to Become a Volunteer:
MCAAC offers flexible opportunities designed to fit into anyone’s schedule. Often, you
can determine the hours you work and in what capacity – keeping in mind the minimum
commitment level for each volunteer role. No matter what your skill set ─ whether you
desire hands-on activities with our pets, prefer to provide clerical support, or assist with
our events and education programs in the community, there is a place for you. If you
decide you can no longer volunteer or would like to change your volunteer role, please
inform the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible.
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All prospective volunteers must complete the following steps to
become an official volunteer:
Submit an application, online or at the Center: Each person hoping to volunteer must
submit their own application – this includes Jr. volunteers and the adults who will be
volunteering with them. Please include a valid e-mail address and phone number.
If you do not have an e-mail account or phone number, please inform the Volunteer
Coordinator.
Attend a New Volunteer Orientation: After your application has been approved, you
will need to schedule your New Volunteer Orientation.
All New Volunteer Orientations take place in the Education Room at the Center
(Located at 900 25th Ave NE). At your orientation you will learn about the history
of MCAAC as well as the various volunteer opportunities currently available.
Attend Training: Training times vary depending on volunteer program and interests of
volunteers. During Volunteer Training you will review the policies and procedures of
volunteering as well as learn more about animal behavior. Again, attendance at this
training is required to become a volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be
accompanied by a predesignated adult during all volunteer trainings and time
volunteering.
Volunteers should not work in a program or assist in an area of the
shelter or clinic in which they are not trained
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Volunteer Programs:
Volunteers must complete an in-shelter training session to participate
in one of the programs below:
Animal Care Teams:
Dog Walker (walks & socialize dogs)
*Requires additional training. Must be 18 years or older*
Dog Running Buddy Program (take shelter dogs out for a run)
*Must be 18 years or older*
Dog Enrichment (pet and play with dogs in their kennel or in designated room)
*Requires additional training. Must be 18 years or older*
Dog Grooming (socialize, bathe & brush dogs in grooming room)
*Requires additional training. Must be 18 years or older*
Cat Socializer (socialize & pet cats, play with cats in designated rooms)
Meet & Greets (show animals to prospective families)
Dog & Cat Kennel Cleaner (clean animal kennels)
Non-Animal Care Teams:
Facility Maintenance (clean common areas, make sure areas are stocked with essential
items, clean windows, garbage/trash, equipment repair)
Laundry & Dishes (wash, dry fold laundry & clean & dry dishes, make sure objects
are put away in the correct places)
Office/Clerical (basic office administrative tasks, ex: stuff envelopes, bulk mail outs,
data entry, writing biographies for animals, adoption counseling)
Groundskeeper/Outdoor Maintenance (mow grass, weed, shovel snow, keep exterior of
building free from garbage and debris)
Photography (photograph animals and upload to website)
Fundraising (assist staff in fundraising to improve life of shelter animals. Most projects
will be off site)
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Volunteer Service Hours:
Volunteers are welcome during any and all of our normal business hours:
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
All volunteers are required to sign-up in advance for any animal handing and care
activities. Volunteers can do this by accessing their volunteer accounts via Volgistics.
Why must volunteers sign-up prior to volunteering?
An accurate count of daily volunteers allows the staff to prepare for the day.
Advance sign-up keeps us from having too many volunteers at the shelter at one time,
allowing for each volunteer to have quality time with shelter animals.
For all volunteer activities, volunteers should record their hours in Volgistics, either by
signing-in and out at the shelter’s Volunteer Computer or by logging their hours via
internet from home. If the computer is not working, volunteers can sign-in and out on
the clipboard hanging next to the computer.
Why do we need this information?
An accurate log of total volunteer hours allows us to apply for special grants.
An individual log is kept for each volunteer, and hours are calculated each month.
This is then used for recognizing volunteer service. It is not always the number of
hours, but also the consistency of volunteer work, that is recognized.
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What to expect on your first day:
Please park in the side parking lot designated for staff and volunteers
Sign in on computer and on clip board
Check laundry, fold & put away any laundry needing it
Check dishes, wash any dirty dishes and leave on counter
Key sign out at front desk (if needed)
Name tags & aprons: TAN aprons: team leaders & BLUE aprons-volunteers
Check “To Do List” in volunteer closet or ask kennel staff
At the end of your shift, please return all aprons, keys, walkie-talkies to their places
Sign out on computer and on clip board
Volunteer Dress Code
MCAAC Name Tag/Volunteer ID Badge
MCAAC Volunteer Shirt or Apron
Long pants are required – jeans, khakis or other long pants, no shorts, skirts, skorts, or
other garments that expose portions of the leg to potential scratches or scrapes
Comfortable close-toed shoes – no sandals or flip flops
No sleeveless or tank tops
No clothing promoting drugs or alcohol, no vulgar or inappropriate images
Avoid wearing loose jewelry in which an animal can get caught
Avoid over powering fragrances (perfume & cologne)
Remember, your appearance and conduct reflects directly on
MCAAC.
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Hygiene:
Many diseases are transmittable. Therefore, good personal hygiene is necessary.
Each individual must promote his/her own health. By your actions you can either limit or
enhance the spread of infectious diseases.
We have included the following recommendations for your protection:
Many volunteers have a designated set of volunteer clothes that they wear only when
volunteering. You may also change to volunteer clothes and shoes when arriving at
MCAAC, and change back to your "home" clothes and shoes prior to leaving.
You should not smoke, eat, drink or apply cosmetics in the animal or work areas.
You should wear protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or possible
infective material.
You should keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, eyes, genitalia and wounds
after handling animals, their urine or feces.
You should avoid the use of common combs, hairbrushes, towels, drinking cups, etc.
Protect yourself and your own animals:
If your immune system is compromised or if you are pregnant, consult your physician
before you begin volunteering.
Keep all of your and your animal’s vaccinations current.
ALWAYS wash hands between animals, prior to eating or smoking, after using the
bathroom and before going home; wash palms and back of the hands up to the wrist.
Immediately report any bite/scratch to the Volunteer Coordinator or staff
member, wash immediately with disinfectant and soak in betadine solution for a
minimum of 10 minutes.
Ask for gloves before any potential contact with excrement or vomit;
Do not touch/handle animals labeled as “vet hold” or “staff only” without permission
from an MCAAC staff member.
Do not handle any animal that appears ill, including coughing, sneezing or congested.
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Protect Shelter Animals:
Do NOT mix cats from separate cages.
Try to clean meet and greet rooms as much as possible before/after each animal.
Remember that many items, including toys, bedding and clothing, can transfer disease
to animals - do not share these items among animals. Used toys can be put in the dirty
laundry bin and dirty dishes can be taken to the food prep area to be washed.
Safety Basics:
MCAAC will not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace. Use of these
substances can adversely affect a volunteer’s performance and judgment, compromising
the welfare and safety of others.
Know your limits! If you are uncomfortable working with an animal, notify staff
immediately.
If you feel threatened or harassed in any way, report to MCAAC staff immediately.
Report any injuries (no matter how minor) to MCAAC staff immediately.
Do not go into unauthorized areas without MCAAC supervision.
Do not bring unauthorized guests into MCAAC during your shift.
Do not touch or handle animals without MCAAC staff approval. Never touch or
handle animals that have just been brought in as they have not yet been evaluated.
No horseplay or careless/reckless behavior.
Never allow a member of the public to access an animal without MCAAC consent, do
not let a member of the public leave with an animal.
Do not try to break up any animal fights, notify MCAAC staff immediately.
Do not leave any cages or kennels unlocked or open at any time.
If an animal looks sick or injured, notify staff immediately.
In an attempt to minimize accidents and injuries, the need exists for
recognizing and following good safety principles. The MCAAC staff in
observance of this policy will assist in providing safe working
conditions and accident free performance.
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Grievances:
If you have any problems with a staff member, another volunteer, or MCAAC rules and
regulations, please speak to the Volunteer Coordinator or Staff immediately.
Emergency Procedures:
All emergencies must be reported to a staff member immediately. This includes animal
bites and physical injuries.
Termination Policy:
Volunteers may choose or be asked to discontinue their volunteer service to MCAAC.
We ask that volunteers please give two weeks’ notice if they choose to leave.
We take reasonable steps to work with volunteers on issues that may arise. However,
volunteers may be dismissed for unsatisfactory performance or misconduct such as
insubordination, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft or property misuse of
equipment or materials, abuse or mistreatment of others, and failure to abide by our
policies and procedures. Dismissals may be implemented with or without notice or
warning, at the organization’s discretion.
Please read the Volunteer Agreement, Pledge of Confidentiality, Waiver of Liability,
Release & Hold Harmless Agreement at the back of this handbook. ALL documents
MUST BE signed, dated & turned into the Volunteer Coordinator or another MCAAC
staff member prior to beginning of service.
MCAAC Volunteer Handbook Revised 2/2019
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MCAAC Volunteer Agreement
Each volunteer is expected to:
Support the mission and operation of MCAAC
Treat clients, staff members, other volunteers & animals with respect &
professionalism
Avoid activities that disrupt MCAAC operations or working relationships among
MCAAC staff & volunteers
Adhere to MCAAC dress code
Not intercept animals that are being brought into the MCAAC
Only introduce animals to a client when instructed to do so by a staff member
Not publicly share information about animals that are not yet available for adoption
with clients or members of the public (social media posting)
Not feed animals unless directed by staff
Not enter the stray cat and unsocial cat area or any animal isolation areas, unless
requested to do so by staff
Not mix animals from different kennels or cages
Adhere to staff decisions on which animals can be handled and follow signage
instructions
Not enter confidential areas of MCAAC such as administration, field services, animal
receiving and private offices without an escort or requested to do so by staff
Not disclose confidential MCAAC business information concerning clients, animals,
and staff to persons outside of the MCAAC without management authorization
Not remove any animals off MCAAC property without staff approval
Abide by all MCAAC policies, guidelines & directives
Continues on next page...
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MCAAC Volunteer Agreement (continued)
Each Volunteer may not engage in:
Theft or unauthorized personal use of MCAAC equipment, supplies or animals
Harassing, abusing, threatening, tortious, or unlawful behavior toward any person or
animal
Accepting gifts from the public for personal use
Use of intoxicants or being under the influence or otherwise impaired by unlawful
drugs or alcohol while volunteering for MCAAC
Breaching or assisting any person attempting to breach MCAAC security
Acts of cruelty, neglect or mistreatment of an animal
Acts of carelessness or negligence while performing volunteer duties
Altering or falsifying and MCAAC document
Acting with discourtesy or rudeness toward other volunteers, clients or staff members
Dishonesty
Incompetency
Negligent or intentional damage to MCAAC property
Activities without proper authorization or training from staff.
I acknowledge and agree that MCAAC may terminate my volunteer service at any time,
without notice, and without cause.
I have read and understood this Volunteer Agreement. I agree to abide by all MCAAC
policies and guidelines and as set forth in this agreement. I agree to cooperate with any
supervisor or manager of the MCAAC. I understand that failure to abide by this
agreement may result in my termination from the volunteer program. MCAAC and I
agree to act in good faith in conformance herewith.
Signature Printed Name Date
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Pledge of Confidentiality
This is to certify that I, ,a volunteer of MCAAC,
understand that during the performance of my duties as a volunteer, I may be exposed to
information about the organization which is proprietary and confidential. Such
confidential information may include but is not limited to information about: Members,
Clients, Families, Employees, Volunteers, Donations, Gifts, Unevaluated animals, Other
Associated Organizations as well as any other information otherwise marked or known to
be confidential. Confidential information may be in the form of, e.g., written, observed.
Accordingly as a volunteer I agree not to reproduce any of the confidential information
about prior written consent of the organization, not use the confidential information
except in the performance of my duties as a volunteer, and not to divulge all or any part of
the confidential information in any form to any third party, either during or after my term
as a volunteer. If for any reason I am terminated as a volunteer or I decide to no longer
serve as a volunteer, I agree to cease using and return to the organization any confidential
information that my be in my possession.
I understand that any unauthorized release or carelessness in the handling of this confi-
dential information is considered a breach of duty to maintain confidentiality. I further
understand that any breach of duty to maintain confidentiality could be grounds for imme-
diate dismissal and/or possible liability in any legal action arising.
Printed name of Volunteer Signature of Volunteer
Printed name of Staff Witness Signature of Staff Witness
Date signed
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Waiver of Liability:
READ THIS DOCUMENT COMPLETELY BEFORE SIGNING.
Its effect is to release MCAAC, its employees and independent contractors from any liability resulting from your participation in any program at MCAAC.
MCAAC, its employees and independent contractors will not be held liable for any accident, injury, loss, damage, sickness to and/or death of a course participant resulting from the inherent risks of course activities and/or for any damage to and/or loss of participants’ personal property. Animals react differently and unpredictably in different situations and environments. The participant and/or parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) understand the risks involved in the course including, but not limited to, the handling of animals.
MCAAC, its employees and independent contractors promote animal safety precautions and do not assume responsibility for participant safety. Safety precautions include safety procedures while handling animals.
By signing, I am fully aware of the risks and hazards associated with the participation in MCAAC. I, voluntarily agree to assume full responsibility for any and all risks of loss, personal property damage, or personal injury including death that may be sustained arising from participating in a MCAAC program.
In the event of an accident, injury and/or sickness, I give permission to MCAAC, its employees and independent contractors to call for medical attention and/or authorize emergency medical treatment if necessary, if the emergency contact and/or parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) cannot be reached. MCAAC, its employees and independent contractors will not be held liable for any accident, injury, loss, damage, sickness to and/or death of a participant that might arise out of or in connection with such authorized emergency medical treatment.
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Release and Hold Harmless Agreement :
I further agree to hold harmless MCAAC, its employees and independent contractors from any loss, liability, damage or costs, including court costs and attorneys’ fees, that they may incur due to participation in any course activity.
It is my expressed intent that this Release and Hold Harmless Agreement shall bind the members of my family and spouse, if any, if I am alive, and my heirs, assigns and personal representative, if I am deceased, and shall be deemed as a release waiver, discharge and covenant not to sue MCAAC, its employees and independent contractors.
This Waiver of Liability and Release and Hold Harmless Agreement shall be considered in accordance with the laws of the State of Montana.
I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to the Waiver of Liability & Hold
Harmless Agreement:
Participant’s Name (Please Print):
Signature: Date:
Parent/Legal Guardian Name: (Please Print):
Signature: Date:
Emergency Contact Name: Phone Number:
Emergency Contact Name: Phone Number: