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900 25th Avenue NE

Great Falls, MT 59404

www.macleancameronanimaladoptioncenter.org

Email: director@macleananimaladoptioncenter.org

(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: