Animal shelter
volunteers should enjoy working with animals.
When taking on volunteers to work in an animal shelter, it is important to ensure each individual is trained correctly. Volunteers can help in many ways such as feeding, training and walking animals and cleaning kennels and living areas. According to Volunteering.org, before you begin training a volunteer, it is important to specify what the job includes. You can train animal shelter volunteers using different methods including pre-arrival training, induction training and on-the-job training.
Instructions
1. Create an information booklet for volunteers to read before they begin working at the animal shelter. Its main purpose is to explain their jobs and responsibilities. Include information about the animal shelter and what the organization does, a description of the volunteer role and either a map or directions to the shelter.
2. Arrange a date and time for the volunteer to undergo induction training. Show the person around the premises and introduce members of the staff. Explain health and safety procedures such as responding to a fire alarm or other emergency. Train the inductee in handling stressed, aggressive and sick animals. Have the volunteer complete a questionnaire covering the animal shelter's health and safety regulations; go over the questionnaire with the individual to ascertain it is filled in correctly.
3. Arrange for an experienced volunteer or staff member to give the new volunteer on-the-job training by showing feed, clean and care for the animals. Invite the volunteer to watch more experienced staff members train dogs, interact with difficult animals and care for sick or injured animals. Show the volunteer help in the reception area by answering phones and interacting with the public. Shadow a beginning volunteer to ensure each task is completed correctly.
Tags: animal shelter, animal shelter, ensure each, health safety, induction training