Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Youth Volunteers

    Posted yesterday

    For those organizations who have youth volunteers, at what age do you allow them to have direct contact with the animals (e.g., walking dogs and socializing with cats)? If you allow individuals under 18 to work directly with animals, do you have their parents sign an additional release/indemnification waiver?


    #LawsandPublicPolicy
    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

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    Chris Fitzgerald
    Director of Animal Services
    Town of Greece, NY - Animal Services
    Rochester NY
    cfitzgerald@greeceny.gov
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  • 2.  RE: Youth Volunteers

    Posted 22 hours ago

    Hi Chris,

    I'm currently an intern with Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue, so while I'm not an expert on jurisdiction surrounding youth volunteers, I can share my personal experience.

    When I volunteered at an animal shelter at age 15, there were several age-related restrictions in place. First, volunteers had to be at least 15 years old. Those between ages 15 and 18 were required to have a parent present for supervision during their first six months participating at the shelter. After that period, I was permitted to work independently with kittens, rabbits, and other small animals until I turned 18. Volunteers 18 and older were allowed to work with dogs/bigger animals without supervision.

    Both my parents and I signed liability waivers, since we were all volunteering at the shelter.

    I hope this was helpful! 



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    McKenna Van Voris
    Administration and Grant Writing Inter
    Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Youth Volunteers

    Posted an hour ago

    Hi there,

    We allow volunteers as young as 8yrs to volunteer with our animals. If they are between 8-15yrs they must be with a parent or guardian (18yrs or older). Once 16-17yrs they can volunteer on their own. All volunteers attend training and fill out a volunteer application (ours includes an indemnity clause). All of our animals are color coded and assessed so our volunteers know which ones we feel comfortable with youth and which ones need to remain adult only. 

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    Erin Ellis



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    Erin Ellis
    Community Engagement Director
    Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

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    Foster Program & Volunteer Management Specialist
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    Original Message


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