animal socializer volunteer application

SEAN CASEY ANIMAL RESCUE IS A 501(C)(3) NOT‐FOR‐PROFIT, NO‐KILL SHELTER ‐ EIN: 35‐2244558 ADDRESS 1: 153 East 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11218 (Windsor Terrace) ‐ PHONE: 718.436.5163

ADDRESS 2: 551 39th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11232 (Sunset Park) ‐ PHONE: 347.599.1500 EMAIL: [email protected]

VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Animal Socializer

Purpose: To comfort, keep company, pet animals that are kept in cages all day long, and to make timid animals friendly towards humans. Duties:

1. Come in, greet and tell staff what you’re going to socialize. 2. Make sure your hands are clean. 3. Read the next page for how to approach the animals and sign it. 4. Do not feed animals foreign food unless you let staff check. 5. Report any problems to staff if you notice any. 6. Handle animals with care and caution, and have great time!

Qualifications:

All ages welcome, but if volunteers are younger than 15 years and handling dogs, there must be adult supervision.

Attend a quick orientation at our E3rd Street location (every second and fourth Thursday each month from 7pm‐8pm).

Sign this agreement pack. Signature: ________________________ Print Name: ____________________ Date: ___________



HOW TO PROPERLY APPROACH ANIMALS

(Even if you think you know, read this anyway)

DOGS

Ask kennel staff to bring a dog out with a leash. You will be waiting either in the front of our E3rd Street location or the garage of our 39th Street location. Let the dog sniff you first. If the dog jumps on you, don’t be afraid; we have many dogs who are very energetic after being in an enclosed space for a long while. Most of the dogs at SCAR are not aggressive unless you are violent towards them. After you let the dog smell who you are, don’t pet the dog over his/her head. If the dog is timid, give him/her time to come up to you. However, if after 10‐15 minutes, the dog still won’t approach you, give the leash back to a staff member and don’t bother the dog anymore. It is important not to force the animal, even if we want to be nice and pet him/her. If the dog is positive to your presence or is unaffected, go ahead and pet him/her to gauge his/her personality. Wrap leash around hand securely (loop on wrist with leash wrapped around twice on palm) if outside or if other animals are around. CATS

Go ahead (after telling staff what you’re going to do) to one of the cat cages/condos and your hand on the cage bars or glass so that the cat can see you. If the cat approaches you, try opening the door carefully. Slowly extend out a hand inside the cat’s place. If the cat is cautious stay still and don’t make sudden movements with your hand. Allow the cat to sniff you. DO NOT immediately place your hand on the cat; this can startle cat and elicit hissing, clawing, or biting. If the cat accepts you after sniffing, go ahead and have fun petting or grooming. If the is cat is timid, give him/her time to come up to you. However, if after 10‐15 minutes, the cat still won’t approach you, slowly close the door to his/her cage/condo and don’t bother him/her anymore. It is important not to force the animal, even if we want to be nice and pet him/her. *Wash your hands before petting another cat. Some cats do not like the smell of other cats OTHERS

If spending time with birds , rodents, rabbits, fish, or reptiles go straight to them. Do not take out/open the cages of reptiles, rodents, birds, or rabbits without permission of staff, and do not make sudden movements when approaching them. If you put your fingers through the cage of a bird, rodent, lizard, or even rabbit, he/she may bite. Ask the staff about their personalities before attempting to stick a finger in. Even if you may not be able to touch an animal, the animal can always use company‐‐feel free to read or talk near the animal; this will get them more used to people and be less stressed.

HANDS MUST BE CLEANED / SANITIZED BEFORE & AFTER EVERY INTERACTION



Volunteer Waiver and Release of Liability, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement

This Waiver and Release of Liability, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement (“Agreement”) is

between the Volunteer and Sean Casey Animal Rescue (“SCAR”), 153 East 3rd Street and 551 39th St.,

Brooklyn, NY and its directors, officers, members, employees, agents, assigns, legal representatives and successors. As a volunteer that is 18 years old or older, I hereby understand and agree to the following: I agree to WAIVE and RELEASE SCAR from all liability, manner of actions, causes of action, debts, contracts, claims and demands for or by reason of any illness, death, damage, loss or injury to person and property, which has been or may be sustained as a direct or indirect consequence of the Volunteer’s volunteering at or for SCAR and notwithstanding that such damage, death, illness, loss or injury may have been caused partly by the negligence of SCAR. I agree to INDEMNIFY and HOLD HARMLESS SCAR for any costs or liabilities which they may incur as a result of my volunteering at or for SCAR. I acknowledge and agree that I have carefully read this Agreement, that I fully understand the Agreement, and that I freely and voluntarily execute the same. I understand that I may seek independent advice prior to signing this Agreement. I understand that this Agreement is binding on me, my spouse, my executors, administrators, personal representatives and assigns and that this Agreement has important legal consequences. The terms of this Agreement are contractual and not mere recitals. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York. Signature of Volunteer: __________________________________ Date: _____________

Signature of Parent: __________________________________ Date: _____________ (If under 18 years of age)

Emergency Contact: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Relationship:___________________

If insured, name of medical insurance carrier and policy number: _____________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for completing this application and for your interest in volunteering with us. Please note, completing this form does not guarantee placement as a volunteer with SCAR.

animal socializer volunteer application

Government & Nonprofit