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Volunteer Tiers

  • 1.  Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-19-2023 01:41 PM
    The shelter where I work has a great volunteer base but we would like to organize them in tiers. We have dogs that only staff are allowed to handle, but with some instruction we do have volunteers who could help with them.  I'd love suggestions on how to implement this program, what each level should require as far as training, what you have found to be successful in this area.  Thank you for your suggestions!
    #AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
    #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
    #CommunityCatManagement
    #EducationandTraining
    #FosterPrograms
    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
    #Rehoming

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    Kathleen Griffin
    Licking County Humane Society
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  • 2.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-20-2023 07:26 AM
    I took a course through Maddie's University that walked you through the process, basically, you use a color-coding system; i.e., red stands for only certified staff can work with; yellow stands for certified volunteers can handle and green stands for all staff can handle.  This system is for all handling - feeding, walking, interacting, etc.  During your volunteer training, and included in your volunteer manual, the process is explained and consequences for not following the color coding are explained; i.e., termination, etc.  

    I cannot remember the name of the course, but I am sure you could search on it.

    Hope this helps.

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    Sabrina Hill
    Aide 2 Adoption Rescue
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  • 3.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-20-2023 11:19 AM
    Thank you Sabrina, I will look for that course!

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    Kathleen Griffin
    Licking County Humane Society
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  • 4.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-23-2023 12:12 PM
    Hi Sabrina, 

    Was it the Animal Shelter Volunteer Management course in Maddie's University you were thinking of? It was recorded at the ASPCA Cornell Maddie's Shelter Medicine Conference and presented by Laura Frank, ASPCA Director of Volunteer Programs.  She starts talking about the color-coding at 24:47 on the recording (but of course I recommend anyone viewing it watch the entire presentation). 

    Here's a link to that course, @Kathleen Griffin​: https://university.maddiesfund.org/products/animal-shelter-volunteer-management#tab-product_tab_overview​​

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    Kim Domerofski (she/her)
    Community Manager
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 5.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-23-2023 12:47 PM
    Yes, that sounds right!

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    Sabrina Hill
    Aide 2 Adoption Rescue
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  • 6.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-20-2023 11:19 AM

    Our team recently implemented this with all of our on-site dogs. We have 4 tiers, level 1-3 and then staff only dogs. All of our volunteers have the option to take a dog handling class and complete a subsequent "paws-on" training to be cleared for level 1. Our on-staff Behavior Specialist teaches the class and also conducts the hands-on portion. If volunteers wish to have further training to gain level 2 and 3, they reach out and set up a time to go over the handling the specific attributes that classify those dogs as L2 and L3. 

    Our training walks through everything from reading the behavior of dog, proper leash holding, what to do in a dog fight, etc. I would be happy to share our training PP if you want to look through it. 

    Each kennel is marked with a colored bone, and volunteers have corresponding marks on their name tags so that everyone knows who can walk who. One of the biggest things we see is that even if volunteers attend that class, they usually need guidance in removing dogs from their kennels and getting them to listen while outside. Having the hands-on session with our trainer has helped give them confidence and support during their first time. 



    ------------------------------
    Cheyanne Ornelas
    Volunteer Coordinator
    San Antonio Pets Alive!
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    Attachment(s)

    pptx
    Volunteer training.pptx   29.05 MB 1 version


  • 7.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-20-2023 12:58 PM
    Thank you Cheyanne! That's exactly the kind of program we would like to implement. I would love to see your pp. My email address is kathleen@lchspets.org.

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    Kathleen Griffin
    Licking County Humane Society
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  • 8.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-22-2023 07:54 PM
    Hi Cheyanne, may I have a copy of your training too?  I like the apron idea.   That's creative. Always good to have certain items on hand.  My email is paws@fairpoint.net  Thank you.

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    Toni Naeser
    Volunteer/Board Member
    Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue
    Westfield NY
    http://www.caninerescue.org
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  • 9.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-23-2023 05:08 AM
    Cheyenne can we get a copy of your training protocol please? Aralliancega@gmail.com
    Thank you!

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    Carol Williams
    aralliancega.com
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  • 10.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-23-2023 08:04 AM
    Cheyanne, could I please get a copy of your training PP?  Christina@halifaxhumanesociety.org  Thank you!

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    Christina Sutherin
    K9s for Warriors
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  • 11.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-23-2023 09:06 AM
    Cheyanne, 
    Would it be possible for you to share your Training PP here in the forum on this thread? Looks like there are at least 4 forum members (and probably more) who would love to take a look at it. Thank you!!

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    Kim Domerofski (she/her)
    Community Manager
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 12.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-23-2023 02:03 PM
    I would love to have a copy of it too if its not posted here :)  karla@angelcitypits.org

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    Karla Mejia
    Angel City Pits Org
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  • 13.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-26-2023 12:11 PM

    Due to popular demand, Cheyanne has shared her Volunteer training presentation with us! The volunteer training presentation has been added to the library entry here where it's available to download: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/viewdocument/re-volunteer-tiers?CommunityKey=afce7f7a-fd5a-431e-9f2a-aaedc46a03d6&tab=librarydocuments&MessageKey=1bb414c7-f6b2-44bd-85bc-0185d092dad9

    Thanks so much for sharing this incredible resource with our community, @Cheyanne Ornelas​​

    cc'ing those who asked for the presentation:
    @Kathleen Griffin
    @Toni Naeser
    @Carol Williams
    @Christina Sutherin
    @Karla Mejia
    @Teresa Underwood

    ​​​​​

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    Charlotte Otero
    Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
    she/her
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  • 14.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-23-2023 03:58 PM
    We are currently working on implementing color-coding volunteer levels.   Thank you for the information.  This is very helpful.

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    Jennifer Earp
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  • 15.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-26-2023 09:53 AM
    Cheyanne,
    What are the criteria for each of the  1-3 levels of dogs at your shelter?

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    Kathleen Griffin
    Licking County Humane Society
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  • 16.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 01-27-2023 10:28 AM
    @Kathleen Griffin

    Level 1: Dog displays little to no concerning behaviors. Walks well on leash.
    Level 2: Dog is shy, timid or fearful. Requires handler with knowledge of handling a dog with these attributes.
    Level 3: Dog Displays some concerning behaviors such as jumping, mouthing, and/or poor leash skills. Requires handler who is comfortable and has experience handling an untrained dog.
    Staff Only: Dog displays concerning behaviors, has not been evaluated, or is a medical case. 

    Our on-staff behaviorist works to evaluate each dog as they come in and level them appropriately. A dog can fluctuate between levels depending on a number of reasons. It is helpful to have volunteers access behavior past the initial evaluation and daily walks so that we get multiple insights on the dog's behavior. We have QR codes posted around our facility that leads them to a short feedback form on how their walks went and to share any new tricks or behaviors they noticed. 

    ​​

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    Cheyanne Ornelas
    Volunteer Coordinator
    San Antonio Pets Alive!
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  • 17.  RE: Volunteer Tiers

    Posted 02-11-2023 07:22 AM

    I wasn't clear when I asked the last question. I'm wondering how you evaluate the handlers to determine if they are ready to move to the higher level? If you have to turn them down how do you word it so they aren't offended and do you suggest further training? 

    Thanks!



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    Kathleen Griffin
    Licking County Humane Society
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