Wednesday 26 November 2014

Train Pet Rescue Volunteers

Learning crate loose dogs is an important part of volunteering.


When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, thousands of pet owners evacuated, leaving their animals behind to perish of starvation, dehydration or disease. Volunteers and animal rescue associations from all over the United States descended on the city to provide relief for these pets and save them for their owners. Since that time, many rescue organizations regularly provide disaster training and rescue education and certification for their new volunteers in an effort to expand their knowledge base and keep them safe from harm.


Instructions


1. Teach your volunteers different approach techniques for loose dogs, including using treats, a looped trap-leash and no direct eye contact.


2. Educate the group on proper restraint methods for both dogs and cats. They need to learn get the animal in and out of a kennel without hurting it or getting bitten. They should also practice use a catch pole, pillowcase or net to control the pet without causing harm.


3. Lecture the volunteers on the basics of cat and dog behavior in a rescue situation. Dogs tend to run away while cats hide from rescuers. Show your group pictures of canine and feline body language to help them differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive animals.


4. Instruct the group on the proper feeding, watering, cleaning and exercising of animals in a temporary or permanent shelter facility.


5. Coach the group on haltering, tying and loading horses onto trailers. Training should include information on equine body language, move quietly and confidently around the animals and lead the horse to safety without getting stepped on or trampled.


6. Tutor the volunteers on herd, trailer and transport cattle, goats, pigs and sheep to safety without causing undue stress to the animals and harm to themselves.


7. Provide your volunteers with basic understanding of animal first aid, including instruction on triage, transporting ailing animals and the cleaning and bandaging of wounds.

Tags: body language, group proper, loose dogs, safety without, without causing, your volunteers