Odd Question on Volunteering

lunasmom

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OK, so I've got options to get my lazy rear off the couch and go do something positive that also makes me happy (some of you may remember my vent a month ago about BF not having a job and how he gets snappy and it makes me frustrated because he's frustrated etc). anyhoo, so I thought about volunteering and was checking out the local shelters. There's one within a mile from where I live that is the city animal shelter. The thing I thought REALLY odd was that I have to fill out an application (similar to what you would for a job) if I wanted to volunteer there.


I did a lot of volunteering when I was a teen (working with mentally challenged kids, the local theatre, etc) and never once had to fill out an application.

Just wondering if this is normal for animal shelters or not. I am really still deciding as to whether or not I want to do this (i.e. I'm sure they put pets down, but after how long and my mom always told me that volunteers are used to clean the cages of the animals and nothing else -which I know to be a LIE...that we're there for more than just that!).
 

momofmany

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I've been volunteering for a couple years now and was recently asked to fill out an application form. The explanation given was that now that they are expanding and have taken on responsibilities for the local municipal animal control, they must do this for legal reasons - they cannot maintain their non-profit status without it. I don't know any of the details.

Good for you to volunteer! There are lots of things to do at shelters. I do mostly fundraising and run their educational booths at local fairs. I try to stay out of the actual shelter as it tempts me too much.
 

pushylady

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I've done a fair amount of volunteering too. Most recently for National Service Dogs, and they required that I fill out an application. I thought it was all reasonable. They wanted references too, even though they didn't call. But I guess they want to know as much as poss about the people that end up looking after the animals.
 

white cat lover

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I had to fill out an application to volunteer, but they only remembered after I had been there 4 or more times!
I had to write down my name, phone #, cell #, address, & days I could volunteer. I don't think they needed references, but I wasn't left alone to do anything until they were sure I wasn't going to steal a cat or poison one or something. They are responsible for the animals well-being, so they do have a right to be careful.
 

leto86

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They usually make you fill out an application and whatnot for various reasons.

I know one for sure is usually because then you can't sue them or whatever if you get hurt by an animal there.
I was attacked by cats multiple times.. only once being bad enough that I ahd to go to the emergency room. So it does happen. I think they just want to make sure that they won't be prosicuted or anything.
As well as if they needed a volunteer in for a certian day, some rescues call the person to ask of those hours are suitible.
 
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lunasmom

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OK that all seems reasonable then. It just threw me a bit and after thinking about it more, I remember some of the places I volunteered at had some really questionable type of people (men). I.e. I felt that some of the older men were being a little too friendly with me as a teenager..which is why I stopped volunteering.
 

esrgirl

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Most organizations require an application, interview, and many a background check. It isn't odd at all, it's the norm.
 

lionessrampant

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My shelter did an application, an interview and checked refernces, not to mention special training and education before we were allowed to actually volunteer.
 

tnr1

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The rescue I volunteer with has the volunteers fill out a waiver.

BTW...good luck volunteering.


Katie
 

leesali

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I have been volunteering (and also a member) of my local Humane Society for a few years now, and yes...I had to fill-out an application.

I am really still deciding as to whether or not I want to do this (i.e. I'm sure they put pets down, but after how long and my mom always told me that volunteers are used to clean the cages of the animals and nothing else -which I know to be a LIE...that we're there for more than just that!).

Personally, I find volunteering very rewarding!! Some days it is, as you mentioned, simply cleaning cages & passing-out bowls of food & water...BUT...even that simple task means that you have provided a clean & safe area for a cat and/or kitten. That alone makes me smile. There are some days where it is much more than that...transporting, giving meds., socializing, fostering, etc. No day is exactly the same as the previous or the next.
 
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