CARA’s House Volunteer Handbook:

Email form to

Mail to: Cara’s House

9894 Airline Hwy. Gonzales, LA 70778

Welcome, and thank you for becoming a volunteer for CARA’s House (C.A.R.A.)! You are joining a group

of dedicated, enthusiastic foster parents, volunteers and staff that are truly making a difference for dogs and cats in need here in Ascension Parish.

Since the acquisition of the shelter in November 2015, we have been working tirelessly to find forever homes for animals that have been abused, abandoned or neglected. None of this would have been possible without the support and assistance from our volunteers!

We have many varied types of events throughout the year that I am positive you will find exciting and fulfilling to your volunteering desires, so please take part in these activities.

We look forward to meeting you at our events and at the shelter. If you have any questions, or would just like to send us comments or your thoughts on how we can improve our Shelter, please message one of the current board members or someone on the advisory committee.

Thank you for giving your time as a volunteer to help change the life of an animal in need and choosing to become a part of the CARA’s House team!

The mission of CARA and CARA's House is to assist in the rescue of homeless pets in Ascension Parish and surrounding areas and connect them with loving homes.

As Ascension Parish's population grows, more animals are living without homes. They are in desperate need for someone to take care of them. With all of the joy and affection that pets can bring to a home, it is a travesty that hundreds of pets right here in our community have no home, resulting in many of them being euthanized.

CARA's House fills the need of finding "furever" homes for homeless companion animals by promoting pets for adoption, and placing them in foster care while they wait for a "forever" home. On November 10, 2015, via a CEA (Cooperative Endeavor Agreement), CARA took over the operation of the Ascension Parish Animal Shelter in Sorrento, greatly increasing the scope of CARA's activities and need for manpower and donations.

So, now, more than ever, CARA and CARA's House needs your help!

My Personal Contact Information

My Name: / Street Address:
Home Phone: / City:
Work Phone: / State:
Home Email: / Zip Code:
Work Email: / Date of Birth:
Best way to Contact: / Today’s Date:

My Emergency Contact Information

In case of an emergency, CARA’s House will act immediately to contact your preferences below:
Primary Contact: / Relationship:
Phone
Number: / Other Phone No:

Please note: Volunteers who work directly with shelter pets will be exposed to dog and cat dander; dog and cat hair; cleaning chemicals; pet foods with preservatives; bouncy animal activity; and other potential hazards. Some lifting and labor may occasionally be asked of volunteers.

My Volunteer Interests

Check all boxes that apply
Walk Dogs
Cat cuddling
Main Dog Kennel aid
Cleaning Dog Intake
Cleaning Cat intake
Cleaning main Cat room
Cleaning Cat sick room
Grooming dogs/cats / Adoption Day Captain
Clerical/Office Work
Fundraising
Housekeeping
Fostering Cats
Fostering Dogs
Dog Training
Public relations / Laundry
Off-site events
PetSmart Adoptions
Other
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Adoption of animals in our care:

Much of the emphasis as an animal shelter is placed on adoptions. The goal is to find permanent, loving homes or rescue for each and every animal. CARA’s House does not “sell” animals, nor is the adoption donation the price of the animal. The shelter animals are released into the lifelong care of responsible, loving homes after an application and screening process or they are pulled and place through other qualified groups. Adoption fees help defer the cost of housing and care for the animals in the shelter. The adoption fee offsets only part of the actual cost of services provided for each animal. Our animals at the shelter are adopted out on a “first come, first serve” bases at the discretion of the shelter manager. Animals that are in foster care will be adopted to approved homes by the foster parent with the guidance from the shelter manager and the board of directors.

Dog Adoption Fees: $100.00

Includes DA2PPV, Bordetella, Heartworm test/treatment,

microchip implant/registration, spay/neuter, and rabies

vaccination if appropriate.

Cat Adoption Fees: $75.00

Includes FRCP, Felv/Fiv test, spay/neuter and rabies

vaccination, if appropriate. Microchip implantation and

registration.

Owner Reclaims:

All strays are held for at least 5 days in order to give owners a chance to reclaim their pet. Proof of ownership via vet records is required for reclaims. The owner must pay boarding fees and cover our medical costs for the animal.

Rules and Guidelines for volunteering at the shelter:

Keep in mind all information between the public and adoption/surrender desk staff is confidential! Volunteers are required not to interfere or challenge any conversations or decisions made by staff. It is best not to approach any animal at time of surrender or the owners. You do not know if the animal is aggressive or sick in which case you could become injured or pass deadly viruses to healthy animals in our adoption cages. When the difficult decision to euthanize an animal is made, for whatever reason, it is not helpful in any way to argue about the decision. The decisions made in regards to protocol and operations at the shelter should not be disputed during business hours, especially by anyone who does not have access to confidential facts. Issues can be directed to the advisory committee or the board of directors.

  1. No human food, beverages are permitted in the animal rooms. There is an increased risk for contracting zoonotic parasites when eating/drinking around resident animals. Additionally food can be spilled and is potentially harmful to resident animals.
  2. Appropriate attire must be worn at all times while volunteering. This includes closed-toed shoes. It is recommended volunteers also wear long pants. This is to protect skin from scratches, scrapes, cuts, lacerations, and zoonotic parasites and diseases.
  3. Volunteers are not allowed in staff only area unless specifically directed by Staff/officer. There are multiple reasons an area is staff only. They include but are not limited to: prevention of diseases/pathogen spreading, protection of dangerous/hazardous materials, and overall safety of resident animals, staff, volunteers, and members of the Public.
  1. The Computer is considered staff only. If you are in need of something other than clocking in, you must have a staff member or officer of CARA assist you.
  2. All cabinets and files in the building are staff/officer only. If you are in need of something you must reach out to staff/officer.
  3. The refrigerator is staff only. Non staff/officer items should never be placed in the refrigerator. Please bring something to drink and snack on if you will be volunteering for an extended period of time.
  1. Volunteers are only allowed to work with one resident animal at a time. Exceptions include dog play groups, and multiple cats in one kennel. If a volunteer removes a resident animal from a kennel to interact with him/her, CARA requires that volunteer return that resident to their kennel prior to working with another resident animal. This protects the safety of the volunteers and resident animals. Additionally it allows resident animals to stay in their kennel, on view to the Public, during office and kennel hours. This allows for increased exposure and increased chances of adoption. Dogs are all let into play yard daily by staff during non-office and kennel hours.
  2. Volunteers are not allowed to distribute food to the resident animals without checking cage card info to check for food requirements or without permission from staff member. Volunteers may pass out treats at any time as long as the animal is not on special diet. Resident animals are fed on a once a day schedule Monday-Friday and once a day on Saturdays and Sundays unless otherwise stated by a Staff member or officer. Some residents have prescription diets. To ensure proper nutrition for all residents, please check with staff or review cage card before an animal is fed. Volunteers are encouraged to give fresh water to resident animals.
  3. Volunteers under the age of 16 must volunteer with a parent or a responsible adult volunteer partner. All volunteers under the age of 16 must stay with their adult guardian at all times during volunteering; they are not permitted to work with resident animals unless the adult guardian is present. Volunteers under 16 are not allowed to hold the leash when walking dogs, unless the adult guardian is also holding the leash.
  4. CARA’s House staff is not allowed to give first aid to volunteers. There is a fist aid kit available for volunteers to use when a medical emergency occurs. Staff needs to be informed of any bites volunteers receive from resident animals that break the skin as soon as they occur. CARA is not liable for any injury that occurs while volunteers are present in the building. CARA offers no compensation for medical treatment/cost associated with injuries incurred while volunteering at CARA’s House.
  5. Euthanasia is an unfortunate part of running/operating CARA’s House. The decision to euthanize is a difficult decision and will be made by the Shelter Director, CARA officer or approved staff only. Volunteers will not be asked for input nor will input be allowed on this issue.
  6. Vetting can only be done by approved Staff/officers at this time.
  7. Certain medications can be given if need, but requires approval beforehand by Staff.

- I understand 1-10 and agree to adhere to the requirements.

- I understand that new volunteers must start by walking dogs, socializing cats, attending off sites for adoptions, or working in the office.

- I understand that certain areas of the shelter are accessible only to CARA staff/Officers and volunteers with specific levels of training.

- I understand if I am not 16 years or older, I must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while volunteering at CARA’s House.

- I will move animals only under the direction of staff members and never move or alter their paperwork except when asked or directed to by Staff.

- I will be respectful to employees, other volunteers and our visitors at all times.

- I understand that CARA staff may ask me to leave areas of the shelter or end my volunteer status at any time for any reason, including but not limited to failure to follow the rules, disruptive communications with staff and/or other volunteers, negative attitude, failure to fulfill the requirements of the job, or failure to represent CARA positively.

- I will clock in upon arriving & clock out when leaving the Shelter. (This is for grants we can get)

- I understand that when handling a dog, it is my responsibility to keep the dog under control at all times. This means keeping the dog from jumping on other people and dogs. The more obedient and well behaved the dog, the more likely it is to be adopted.

- I will report anything unusual (sick or loose animal, a person in a section of the shelter that is off limits to volunteers, etc.) immediately.

- If I am transporting foster or shelter animals, I understand that I must have a valid driver's license and automobile insurance and may be required to show proof of licensure and insurance to shelter personnel.

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Signature Date

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CARA’s House Board Member Date

ANIMAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES

- Puppies and kittens are extremely susceptible to sickness. Therefore, under no circumstances are they to be taken out their cages and put on the ground anywhere in the facility.

- Hand sanitizer must be used before handling each animal you come into contact with.

- I am responsible for removing waste when I walk a dog. Plastic bags are available as are dispensers on grounds.

- When volunteering in the Cat rooms, the door must remain closed at all times if cats are loose. I will exercise caution when entering and leaving Cat rooms so that no cats escape.

VOLUNTEER DRESS CODE FOR SAFE SHELTER OPERATIONS

- Close toed shoes must be worn at all times, preferably tennis shoes/work or mud boots to protect the feet in the kennels and avoid the spread of contagion at the shelter and at home.

- Shorts should be slightly above the knees to avoid scratches and other animal contact. No short shorts.

- Dangling earrings and exposed necklaces should not be worn as they can be pulled by cats and dogs.

- Attire should be comfortable and appropriate for greeting the public in a professional shelter environment.

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Signature

I acknowledge my position at Cara’s House is entirely voluntary and without compensation. I also understand that nothing contained in this volunteer application or in the interview is to create an expressed or implied volunteer contract between CARA and myself. No promises regarding volunteer work or any duration of service have been made to me and I understand that no such promise is binding unless issued by CARA in writing. I further understand and agree that if I am offered and accept a volunteer position at CARA, my volunteering can be terminated with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time, at the discretion of CARA.

I acknowledge and agree that my volunteer position is contingent upon my signing this document or completing and sending the electronic CARA’s House Volunteer Form and the Waiver of Liability.

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Signature

WAIVER OF LIABILITY – CARA’s House

  1. I hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, AND DISCHARGE CARA/CARA’s House and Pet Smart of Gonzales (hereinafter referred to as RELEASEES) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or to any property belonging to me, while participating in such activity, while in, on or upon the premises where the activities are being conducted, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH LOSS IS CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.
  1. I further hereby AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the RELEASEES from any loss, liability, damage, or costs, including court costs and attorneys' fees that Releases may incur due to my participation in said activities, WHETHER CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

IN SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, I ACKNOWLEDGE AND REPRESENT THAT I have read the foregoing Wavier of Liability, understand it and sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed; no oral representations, statements, or inducements, apart from the foregoing written agreement, have been made; I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent; and I execute this Agreement for full, adequate and complete consideration fully intending to be bound by same.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this Waiver and Agreement on this

______day of ______, 20__.

PARTICIPANT: WITNESS:

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Sign Sign

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Print Print

Youth Waiver of Liability

Because we value your children we want to ensure their safety while they are volunteering at the Animal Shelter. We welcome parents or guardians who want to work with their child during their volunteer time to help build a parent-child relationship. Youth volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to volunteer at the shelter without a parent or guardian present, but with their written permission. Younger children can volunteer if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Permission Slip and Liability Waiver

[______], the parent of [______], do hereby give permission for my minor child to volunteer at CARA’s House. I understand that my child will be working with and around animals and may be asked to do physical labor such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning, and will be walking dogs and handling cats and kittens and puppies. I hereby knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waive any right or cause of action of any kind whatsoever arising as a result of such activity from which, and liability may or could accrue, against CARA, CARA’s House or its agents or employees jointly or individually.

Parent's Signature: ______

Parent's Name Printed: ______

Date: ______

CARA Witness: ______

Responsible Adult Volunteer Partner Form

Definitions:

Minor- Any volunteer under the age of 16 years old.

Responsible Adult Volunteer Partner (RAVP)- An adult over the age of 18 years that will act as a

supervisor to a minor volunteer under the age of 16 years. The RAVP will be responsible for the minor

volunteer at all times during the volunteer shift.

Minor Guardian- The legal guardian of the minor volunteer.

I ______(Minor Guardian) allow ______(Responsible

Adult Volunteer Partner) to supervise my minor ______while volunteering at Cara’s House. The same policy applies to my minor when volunteering the RAVP as when

they volunteer with me.

1. The Minor Guardian, RAVP, and minor have all attended a volunteer orientation at Cara’s House.

2. The RAVP is responsible for supervising the minor at all times while volunteering.

3. If the RAVP and the minor have separate transportation, the minor may not enter the building

to begin volunteering until the RAVP has arrived. Additionally the RAVP may not leave until the

minor has left.

4. The minor must stay with the RAVP at all times while volunteering.

5. The minor is not allowed to hold the leash while walking resident dogs.

6. The minor is not allowed to work with animals separate from the RAVP.

7. When playing with dogs in the outside yard the minor is only allowed to enter a yard with the

RAVP and they can only handle one resident dog (or one play group) at a time.

8. It is not recommended that RAVP handle Red resident animals when volunteering with a minor.

9. If the above policies are not met, the minor and the RAVP may be asked to leave for that shift.

Additionally a meeting with the Director may be scheduled to discuss any situation of concern.

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Minor Guardian Date

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Responsible Adult Volunteer Partner Date

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CARA Staff Member Date