Coastal Pet Rescue Volunteer Handbook
Volunteer Participation
Attendance
All volunteers must participate in four activities and/or events a year to be considered an active volunteer. Volunteers who sign up to participate in events but are no-shows for two events without just cause and notification will be removed from the volunteer list, pending review by the executive board.Training and Supervision
Inside Training
Volunteer training will vary according to the volunteer’s position. All volunteers must attend an orientation with the volunteer coordinator or member of the executive board. After the orientation, the Volunteer Coordinator will make an evaluation to determine how best to utilize a volunteer’s time and skills. Microchip clinic, adoption day and event volunteers will be trained the day of the event through the pairing of a Volunteer Mentor as well as a short demonstration given prior to the time that the event is open to the public.
Foster parents will be required to attend one foster parent orientation session before fostering and will continue to be supervised by the respective Foster Coordinator.
Virtual volunteers will receive written instruction from their respective coordinator regarding their duties.
Volunteers are encouraged to explore multiple areas of Coastal Pet Rescue’s volunteer opportunities as their time and experience will allow. Occasional online training sessions will also be provided to keep you up-to-date on our programs and goals.
Outside Training
Outside opportunities for training will be posted on our volunteer forum as they are made available to us. Coastal Pet Rescue will not cover these costs unless specific grants or scholarships are made available, however, we will help coordinate travel and lodging if possible. Past training opportunities have included Petfinder.com’s Adoption Options, American Humane Association’s Emergency Services Volunteer Training, Noah’s Wish Animal Disaster Response Team Training, and American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR classes. Online training is also available through the Humane Society University (humanesocietyu.org) and PetSmart Webinars (https://petsmartcharities.webex.com). Volunteers who successfully complete outside training should notify the volunteer coordinator and provide copies of any certificates or letters of recommendation. Coastal Pet Rescue will provide tuition assistance for approved programs if funding is made available in the annual budget. Only members of the executive and advisory boards and active volunteers with a minimum of six months active participation will be considered for tuition assistance. Active volunteers must present information regarding participation in advance and must be recommended by the Volunteer Coordinator or a member of the executive board.
Meetings
In place of formal meetings, Coastal Pet Rescue utilizes an online message board system. The message board postings allow for Q&A for volunteers on duties, policies, etc. Meetings will be held offline as needed and adequate notice will be provided. If you cannot attend an offline meeting, please notify the Volunteer Coordinator to make alternate arrangements.
Online Forum
We utilize an online forum to coordinate activities and discuss our programs. Registration is open to anyone who wishes to volunteer their time with Coastal Pet Rescue.
Event Participation
Coastal Pet Rescue participates in and hosts events on a monthly basis. Volunteer commitment and ideas are essential to the success of our events. These events are designed to promote the adoption of our animals, encourage donations, and provide information to the public about our organization.
Required Community Service Hours
Volunteers needing certification of required community service hours must present all forms to the Volunteer Coordinator or assigned member of the executive board prior to start of volunteering. Signed forms will only be returned at the completion of all required service hours and will be subject to the approval of Coastal Pet Rescue.
Foster Parent Requirements
Foster parents must fill out a foster parent application and complete an in-home interview and vet reference check prior to fostering. Foster parents are monitored and inspected quarterly as mandated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Foster parents will receive a separate policy manual and may be required to attend an orientation meeting.
Participation with Other Animal Welfare Agencies
While Coastal Pet Rescue partners with other animal welfare agencies, volunteers are requested to participate with only one animal welfare agency at a time. Georgia Department of Agriculture regulations prohibit the fostering of animals from multiple rescue agencies at the same time. Foster parents must notify the foster coordinator if they decide to foster a pet from another agency so that proper arrangements are made.
