The Role of GMHS Volunteers

Volunteers are vital to providing animal care and related community services. Some work directly with the shelter to extend staff resources, and other reach out into the community to increase adoption and humane education efforts.

What we ask of you:

Complete orientation under the direction of the shelter operations coordinator and any specific training required.
Observe the volunteer role as carried out by existing volunteers
Support the policies/philosophy of the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society
Follow through with the commitment you make to the animals.
Show proof of current tetanus vaccination

What You Get in Return:

Satisfaction of giving to the animals and plenty of TAIL WAGS.
A volunteer badge, information packet and quarterly newsletter
Receive an orientation, training, and answers to your questions.
A chance to develop new animal and people related skills.
The enjoyment of working with others who share your interests.

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VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SIGN-IN PROCEDURE: All volunteers must sign the volunteer log either upon beginning your work or at the end of your work.

PROCEDURE WHEN SICK: Please contact GMHS as soon as possible if you can not make your scheduled duty.

SCHEDULE CHANGES: We rely heavily on you to be here during your scheduled hours. If you wish to make changes, please contact the shelter operations coordinator, shelter manager, or program supervisor as far in advance as possible.

ADDRESS AND PHONE CHANGES: Should your mailing or e-mail address or phone number change, please report theses changes immediately to the shelter operations coordinator.

DRESS CODE: Dress with your duties in mind ( no open-toed shoes please), remembering that the GMHS is a place of business. Remember, you are just as much a representative of the GMHS as our paid staff. Your appearance and conduct will reflect on GMHS.

OFF-LIMITS: Some areas of the shelter may be off-limits to volunteers because of disease control, the animals’ comfort, or possible interference with shelter operations.

BRINGING FRIENDS, CHILDREN, AND PETS: While you are at work do not bring friends, children and pets.

INJURIES: Report any injury you receive immediately to the manager on duty.

RESIGNATION PROCEDURE: Upon leaving the GMHS volunteer program, please contact the shelter operations coordinator. This enables us to keep our records up-to-date. We would also appreciate any feedback from you on your volunteer work at GMHS.

TERMINATION: Since we must ensure the smooth operation of the Shelter, it may be necessary to relieve a volunteer of his or her duties if a solution to a problem cannot be reached.

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