Animal Welfare Professionals

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Hello! We are in the process of changing some things in our volunteer department. Previously, our application asked if the applicant had been convicted of a felony. If yes, we would email them asking for clarification. We previously  declined people for crimes that are violent in nature against people or animals and drug related crimes. I was wondering if you ask similar questions and what your protocol is for drug related offenses. 

#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

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I know our rescue doesn't ask these questions.  I will say this, I understand the concern and you're so right for being cautious.  Sometimes part of the legal process is for people to serve community service hours.  I know because I was the Community Service Chairperson for my community.  Go with your gut, but understand most people do want to recover, heal, and do better.  Have you ever seen the show Pitbulls and Parolees (I think that's the name of it).  Anyway, many of the incarcerated individuals assigned a rescued dog say in their interviews that caring one-on-one for a dog while incarcerated changes their lives.  Dogs heal the soul.  You will be able to tell who to approve and who to stay away from.  I wouldn't automatically count someone out because of mistakes they have made in the past.  Ask for references, talk to parole officers, go to their neighbors and see what they have to say about your potential volunteer.  Yes, it's extra work noone really has time for, but you might fiind you have more approved volunteers than expected.  Thank you for what you do and good luck!!

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Nancy Kaniewski
Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator
Just Giants Rescue, Inc.
IL
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We don't have that question in our application form. We do, however, have in our Handbook that once they are an active Volunteer, offenses such as acts of violence, or drug use in the premises, being inebriated, etc. are grounds for dismissal. 

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Fay Crisanto
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