Idaho Humane Society

Volunteer Handbook

The mission of the Idaho Humane Society is to advocate for the welfare and

responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote

humane education, awareness and compassion.

Table of Contents

Welcome! ………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………… ........ 2

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Intro to Idaho Humane Society………………………………………………………………………………………………… ........ 3

Volunteer Program and Policies ............................................................................................................. 7

Shelter Basics…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ............ 16

Health and Safety Guidelines………………………………………………………………………………………………… ......... 32

Welcome! We are so excited to have you on our team here at the Idaho Humane Society (IHS)! Without

volunteers, our efforts to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect

them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane education, awareness and compassion

would cease to exist. It is because of volunteers like you that we are able to achieve this.

In every position where I am in charge of others, I make sure that everyone (including animals)

are happy, healthy and safe. If I can accomplish these three things, I have done my job. Please

feel free to stop in my office to say hello or ask any questions that you may have.

This manual should help you through your IHS volunteering journey. It is a great resource to

help with basic questions and needs you may find you have when starting to volunteer with us.

Again, the staff, myself and our animals, are so thankful for your time and energy. Please feel

free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Courtney Thompson

Volunteer Services Manager Contact:

208-331-8553

volunteer@idahohumanesociety.org

IHS Adoption Center 1300 S. Bird St. Boise, ID 83709 Bird Adoption Center Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00am-7:00pm Sunday: 11am-5pm Bird Medical Center Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm

Dorman Facility 4775 W. Dorman St., Boise, ID 83705 Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm Both campuses

are closed on major holidays.

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Intro to the Idaho Humane Society

The original Idaho Humane Society was formed in Boise in the late

1890s and active through the early decades of the last century. It was

an all-volunteer organization. Some of the original members were later

affiliated with the current Humane Society, including District Judge

Charles F. Koelsch, who was a lifelong and influential advocate for the

humane treatment of animals and for the punishment of those who

perpetuate acts of cruelty.

The Dorman Campus was officially incorporated after three Boise women – Mrs. John (Olga)

Rothchild, Mrs. Ben Mains and Mrs. Earl Zimmerman – protested inhumane conditions at the

Boise City Pound in June 1941. The women took a local Idaho Statesman reporter to investigate

the pound and confronted Boise Mayor Westerman Whillock with demands that conditions

should be improved.

The result was a front-page Idaho Statesman expose that infuriated local citizens with its

account of stray dogs languishing in the pound. The pound facility at the time was a three-sided

wooden barn located on the banks of the Boise River near present-day Ann Morrison Park in an

area known to residents as “shanty town.” Dogs were reportedly kept without adequate food

or water, and subsequently shot and left to decompose within the structure.

Reacting to public pressure, the mayor assured residents that the situation would be remedied

and pledged to adequately fund the pound with dog license revenue. With the help of the

group that would become the Idaho Humane Society, the structure was cleaned and the

animals were cared for properly. New policies for humane euthanasia, sanitation and plentiful

food and water were put in place, and mandatory holding periods for stray dogs were also

established.

The Idaho Humane Society took over the functions of running the shelter and was highly

successful at finding the owners of lost dogs and adopting out those that were not claimed.

Olga Rothchild, both passionate and forceful in her concern for animals, continued to be a

driving force in improving conditions. The group was ahead of its time, ensuring that adopted

female dogs were spayed at the Blue Cross Hospital for Dogs in Boise (a revolutionary idea at

that time). During this time the pound had no electricity or heat, and water for cleaning had to

be carried from the river in buckets.

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One of the organization’s early accomplishments was passing local animal cruelty and dog-

atlarge laws. The shelter was moved to an old army barracks at Gowen Field in 1949. In 1959, a

new shelter was constructed. The majority of funds came from the Humane Society, with Ada

County and the city of Boise contributing the rest.

Although conditions were much improved, this shelter was overcrowded from the beginning, a

situation that was remedied in 1997 with the construction of the present day 27,000-

squarefoot Dorman St. facility funded by a capital campaign that raised $3.8 million from local

philanthropists and businesses.

In 2019, The Bird St. Campus was opened to house our adoptable animals and our Veterinary

Clinic which is open to the public. The Dorman Campus is used as our intake center and all

animals that are surrendered or brought in as a stray, are brought to the Dorman location. The

shelter clinic is located at this facility and is where all animals getting ready to go to the

adoption center are spayed/neutered, given their vaccinations, and evaluated.

The Dorman and S. Bird St. Campuses handle an average of 12,000 animals a year and have one

of the most successful adoption and fostering programs in the Northwest. The current Idaho

Humane Society has a staff of over 100 employees and more than 1,000 volunteers. It is

governed by an all-volunteer, 19-member board of directors.

Above: IHS Dorman St. Campus

Below: IHS Bird St. Campus

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Volunteer Program and Policies Volunteer Commitment

Any time volunteers can share with IHS is valuable and appreciated. There are positions that

require a weekly or monthly time commitment and also positions that can be filled whenever

you are available. If you commit yourself to a specific event, please plan on volunteering your

entire scheduled shift or let the Volunteer Services Manager know in advance if you’re unable

to attend.

After 12 months of inactivity, you will be removed from the volunteer roster. To continue as an

IHS Volunteer, you will need to complete a new volunteer application online and watch and

answer the online orientation video and quiz.

Communication

Email is the primary method of communication with volunteers. Monthly updates, requests for

help at events, or special needs at the shelter are all emailed to volunteers. If you do not have

email, please check in frequently with the Volunteer Services Manager.

Volunteer Policies

Volunteers who are at least 16 years of age and able to work independently may volunteer at

Idaho Humane Society after completing the online orientation and all trainings necessary for

volunteering in areas where more training is needed, but may be restricted to certain tasks.

Anyone 12-15 years of age must have a parent or guardian accompany them while

volunteering. Please see Volunteer Age Requirements below for more information on this topic.

For safety and security concerns, volunteers must wear a volunteer t-shirt and name tag while

volunteering, and closed toed shoes at all times. We would prefer volunteers to wear long

pants while volunteering as well.

Age Requirements for Volunteers

The minimum age for IHS volunteers is 12 years. Children who are between the ages 12-15 and

who have an adult who has also completed volunteer training may volunteer at our Bird St.

Campus. Children ages 12-15 must always have an adult with them and in control of all animals

while volunteering. Adults should always hold dog leashes. We do not allow children younger

than 12 years of age to volunteer with or without an adult.

Children ages 16 years and older can volunteer without an adult, can work alone in the cattery,

and can handle a dog on leash. Youth volunteers under 18 years must have their volunteer

application signed by a parent or guardian.

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Kennel and Cattery Essential Capabilities of Idaho Humane Society Volunteers

In order to maintain a safe environment for our animals, the general public, staff and volunteers with

essential care and enrichment, the Idaho Humane Society (IHS) has the following essential requirements

for participation in the volunteer program when working with animals. Volunteers need to possess the

following physical, mental, and emotional capacities. Your signature on this form indicates that you believe you possess these basic capabilities, with your written acknowledgement of any limitations.

At IHS, we strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate differently abled individuals. Individuals who do not possess the following basic

capabilities may be asked to bring an assisting individual with them in order to volunteer. The assisting

individual has to also become a volunteer with IHS and has also taken all required trainings in the kennel and/or cattery areas. In other cases, the volunteer may be required to only perform volunteer tasks that

they are considered capable of safely accomplishing without assistance.

Essential Physical Capabilities

• Average vision (with or without correction) to move safely around the building, to be able to

observe animal body language without difficulty, to be able to read notes on animals’

paperwork, computer, or memos as needed

• Ability to speak and effectively communicate in English verbally as well as in written form • Average reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously (example: open cage door while

handling animal)

• Sufficient manual dexterity to prepare diets, handle small tools, open/close doors and cages • Must not have strong allergies to cats or chemicals that can’t be managed by medication • Ability to hear and respond to feedback from others including staff members, patrons, and

animals that are indicating fear, aggression, or pain

• Average strength to assist with lifting small to medium sized objects/animals • Ability to tolerate a loud environment due to animal noises • Ability to tolerate sometimes strong and unpleasant odors, fleas, feces, and possible wounds or

injuries to animals in our care

• Must have sufficient physical endurance to accomplish certain physical tasks. • Ability to walk unaided on unpaved, uneven, rugged and sometimes muddy and slippery

exercise yard and lawn areas (when walking dogs outdoors)

• Ability to bend and squat to leash/harness and pick up an animal • Ability to stand for significant periods of time while walking dogs, assisting the public with visits,

or cleaning cages/kennels

• Ability to push carts and barrels of laundry; load and unload washer and dryer; fold clean

laundry and put away, reaching shelves from ground level up

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Essential Mental Capabilities

• Ability to understand, remember, and follow exact instructions and procedures • Once trained, must be able to work independently with minimal supervision yet be able to

recognize limitations and ask for help when needed

• Possess sufficient reading, writing, and communication skills (example: understand words such

as quarantine, euthanize, and other common industry-related terms)

• Possess problem-solving capability • Ability to be aware of and recognize potentially dangerous situations when working with

animals and ability to o Remain calm with animals o Show good judgement by reacting sensitively, respectfully, and appropriately

• Ability to understand and accept the boundaries between the role of a volunteer and the role of

a staff member

Essential Emotional Capabilities

• Ability to cope with unexpected animal behavior without assistance • Ability to cope with a highly emotionally charged environment with some animals that are

homeless, abandoned, and/or abused, as well as the reality that some of the animals in our care may be humanely euthanized

• Ability to understand IHS’ policies and positions regarding all animals, animal control, and other

key animal welfare issues and an ability and willingness to appropriately and accurately

represent those policies when interacting with the public or otherwise representing IHS

Ability to control the urge to play with/pet animals in isolation

Level of Supervision If lacking the ability to work independently, whether due to age/cognitive ability/ physical ability, must

be able to work alongside a parent/guardian/partner/case manager with a focused attention on the task at hand.

Please indicate any reasonable accommodations(s) you may need in order to meet the essential

capabilities of your volunteer positions with IHS: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Name: _________________________ Signature: ______________________________

Date: ____________________

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Policy for Volunteers with Assisting Individuals The Volunteer may not volunteer at IHS until their assisting individual (e.g., Caregiver, PSR

worker, or equivalent) has met all qualifications to become an IHS volunteer.

Assisting individuals must be actively involved with and responsible for the volunteer they are assisting

while volunteering at the Idaho Humane Society (IHS). Assisting individuals must also stay with their

volunteer at all times while volunteering. Assisting individuals and their volunteer must wear a volunteer

T-shirt and/or a name badge. If the Assisting individual is not being fully involved with their volunteer

while volunteering, they will be asked to leave.

If there is a change in the volunteer’s assisting individual, their new helper must be an IHS volunteer. The

volunteer may not volunteer at IHS until their assisting individual has met all qualifications to become an

IHS volunteer.

• Non-animal handling positions • Putting together adoption packets • Preparing materials for events • Unfolding newspapers • Sorting paperwork

• Filling dog toys with peanut butter Other miscellaneous needs.

• Animal Handling Positions • All volunteers and assisting individuals must read and sign the Kennel and Cattery

Essential Capabilities Form.

• The ratio of assisting individual to volunteer must be one-to-one. • The assisting individual must be extremely hands on in assisting their volunteer while

volunteering. They must do the majority of the animal handling if the client cannot keep

sufficient control of the animal. For example, only one dog at a time can be walked by a volunteer and assisting individual and the helper must be with the volunteer the entire

process of getting a dog out of a kennel, walking it, and returning it to the correct

kennel.

• Animal handling positions include comforting cats, assisting in cattery, and walking dogs.

Volunteer Training

All volunteers must fill out an online application and pay the $10 volunteer fee. They must

watch and answer the online orientation video and quiz. If volunteers are looking to walk or

handle dogs, they will need to watch and answer the online kennel skills video and questions. If

volunteers are looking to work with cats in the cattery, they will need to watch and answer the

online cattery skills video and questions. Once these videos are completed, volunteers will

finish their classes in person with a staff member or Mentor Volunteer at the Adoption Center

where they will also get their volunteer T-Shirt.

The link to sign up for the in-person portions can be found here:

http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/IHS_Volunteer_Program/New_Volunteer_Classes Volunteer

Advancement

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At our shelter, we encourage our volunteers to pursue opportunities for growth and take

ownership of their development within the volunteer program. Evaluation to volunteer roles at

higher levels is available to qualified volunteers in good standing. Advancement is not

automatic, however; volunteers must demonstrate traits such as integrity, compassion,

punctuality, responsibility, respect, and the ability to work as part of a team, in addition to

meeting the minimum requirements. Once the volunteer has met the minimum hours for

advancement, they should notify the Volunteer Services Manager of their interest. The

Volunteer Services Manager will then refer the volunteer to the appropriate area supervisor. Be

advised that the final decision on placement and promotion rests with the Volunteer Services

Manager and Area Supervisor, and that they reserve the right to prevent unqualified volunteers

from advancing.

Volunteer Levels Basic Level

Essential Shelter Help- Non-animal handling tasks and/or,

Kennel Skills- Has completed kennel skills class and can handle/walk dogs in kennels 1,2,5,6

and/or,

Cattery Skills- Has completed cattery skills class and can handle cats

Advanced Level

Meets all Kennel Skills and/or Cattery Skills Basic Level Qualifications and,

Has volunteered in kennel and/or cattery for at least one month and

Has logged at least 30 hours of volunteer time in the kennel and/or cattery or other Animal

Handling IHS programs and,

Has been approved by staff

Mentor Level

25 spaces available by Invitation only- must have completed Basic and Advanced Levels if

working with animals, or be an Essential Shelter Volunteer and,

Has logged at least 100 hours of volunteer time in the kennel and/or cattery or other IHS

programs and,

Must volunteer with IHS at least 30 hours per quarter at events, mobiles, MOW, PFP, clerical

work, cattery/kennels, teaching classes, other IHS programs etc.

Be approved by staff

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Volunteer Code of Ethics

As a volunteer representing Idaho Humane Society, your conduct towards staff, fellow

volunteers, animals in our care, and members of the public is expected to be professional and

courteous. By volunteering, you are committing to our team, our animals, and yourself to carry

out your duties in an exemplary manner to the best of your abilities. This Code of Ethics clarifies

expectations of Idaho Humane Society.

Displays of unprofessional, dishonest or disrespectful behavior, and/or lack of self-discipline,

are grounds for termination of volunteer status.

As an Idaho Humane Society Volunteer, I pledge to adhere to the following tenants…

Respect

Have respect for others, even when I may not agree with them.

Respect the authority of shelter managers, staff, and higher level volunteers.

And display courtesy, sensitivity, consideration, and compassion for people and animals.

Safety

Follow the guidelines presented to me during training and mentoring.

Use equipment and supplies as they are intended, and with caution.

Report all injuries immediately to a staff member.

Ask for help when needed, and not attempt to take on more than I am qualified to do.

Self-discipline

Set boundaries for myself based on knowledge of my physical and cognitive limitations. Hold

myself accountable for the commitments I make, and remember that Idaho Humane Society

counts on me.

Value my role in the maintenance and growth of the organization and its programs.

Communication

Always ask questions, rather than assume to know how or why something is done.

Practice active listening.

Be cognitive of my body language, and the message it conveys. Pay

attention to the nonverbal cues of our pet population.

Cell Phone Policy

Please ensure your personal cell phone is on silent while at IHS. If you must make or take a

personal call, please step outside of animal care areas.

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Drugs and Alcohol Policy

IHS is committed to providing a safe, efficient and productive environment for all employees

and volunteers. Using, possessing or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the facility

poses serious safety and health risks. While on IHS property, no volunteer may use, possess,

distribute, sell or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. The Bird St. Campus is a

non-smoking campus.

The legal use of prescribed drugs is permitted at the facility only if it does not impair a

volunteer’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job effectively and in a safe manner

that does not endanger other individuals.

Non-Discrimination Policy and Harassment

IHS is committed to providing an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and

conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment.

Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s gender, race, color, sexual

orientation, national origin, age, religion, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic

will not be tolerated and are grounds for termination of the volunteer.

If you experience or witness sexual or other unlawful harassment in the workplace, report it to

the Volunteer Services Manager immediately. If the Volunteer Services Manager is unavailable,

or you believe it would be inappropriate to contact that person, you should immediately

contact the Human’s Resource Director.

Harassment and Violence

No volunteer, staff member, customer, or other individual shall be harassed, sexually harassed,

or subject to actual or threat of violence at IHS or any IHS sponsored activities or events. It is

grounds for termination of your volunteer position if IHS finds that a volunteer is harassing

other volunteers, staff, customers or other individuals.

If a volunteer is subject to such harassment or violence while working s/he should immediately

report it to the Volunteer Services Manager. If the Volunteer Services Manager is the

perpetrator of the offense, the report should be made to the Director of Human Resources.

Violence towards animals will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If a volunteer

witnesses such abuse, they shall immediately report it to the Volunteer Services Manager,

Shelter Manager or Executive Director. If a volunteer witnesses or suspects animal abuse by a

customer or individual, they should report it to a kennel or cattery staff member.

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Issues/Conflict Resolution

If a volunteer has an issue, which could be defined as any problem, grievance or difficulty in or

with IHS or its staff members, and volunteers, that volunteer must present the issue to the

Volunteer Services Manager. This will assist IHS in its attempt to resolve the issue by

examination and discussion of the circumstances surrounding the issue. The Volunteer Services

Manager should make every attempt in good faith to satisfactorily resolve issues for the

volunteer.

If a volunteer has an issue with another volunteer/s, the volunteer must first discuss the issue

with the volunteer/s. If the matter cannot be resolved between or among individuals, the

volunteer with an unresolved issue must then notify the Volunteer Services Manager in writing.

The Volunteer Services Manager will generally schedule a meeting with all parties involved to

solve the issue.

Social Media Policy

If you are contacted by a reporter or representative of any TV, Radio, Newspaper, or Magazine

reporters, or by other media representatives regarding Idaho Humane Society, direct them to

the PR and Communications Manager.

If you choose to identify yourself as a volunteer at Idaho Humane Society or discuss matters

related to Idaho Humane Society on a personal website, blog, or other social media platforms,

many readers may assume you are speaking on behalf of IHS. In light of this possibility, your

communications should be transparent, ethical and accurate. Please follow IHS guidelines when

blogging, creating a personal website, or posting on social media.

Comments posted by others on social media sites that may be perceived as negative should be

directed toward the IHS PR and Marketing Manager. Please do not respond to such comments.

Only pictures of animals available for adoption should be posted. Pictures of any other Shelter

animals should not be posted to personal sites.

Ask the Volunteer Services Manager if you have any questions about what is appropriate to

include in your blog, website and/or other social media platforms.

Be respectful of the organization, fellow volunteers, and the general public.

Be smart about what you publish. Once you put something out there, it can be difficult to

retract.

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Confidentiality Policy

Volunteers will maintain the confidentiality of IHS customers, donors, and sensitive information

as prescribed by IHS and, if applicable, by law. The names and identifying information of IHS

customers and donors will be considered strictly confidential and will not be shared by

volunteers with other agencies or individuals.

Confidentiality on all matters pertaining to IHS should be maintained, until their release to the

general public by authorized staff.

Each IHS volunteer has an obligation to observe and follow Idaho Humane Society’s policies and

to maintain standards of conduct at all times.

No Show/ Tardiness Policy

Being on time is asked of volunteers. Because absence or late arrival may cause hardships for

other volunteers, employees and animals we care for, we require volunteers who are delayed

more than a few minutes, or who are unable to attend volunteer opportunities they have

already signed up for to contact the Volunteer Services Manager promptly and in advance

when possible. If you are late or no show for volunteer opportunities more than once without

letting the Volunteer Services Manager know, you will not be allowed to volunteer in that area

anymore.

Dismissal of Volunteer

Volunteers breaching any of Idaho Humane Society’s policies and procedures will be reviewed

by the Volunteer Services Manager and/or the CEO. Appropriate action will be taken, which

may include, but not be limited to, the following: Discussion, more training, reprimand,

suspension, dismissal.

Causes for release from the volunteer program

• Breaking confidentiality

• Failure to adhere to policies or follow procedures

• Failure to report volunteer hours

• Inactivity

• Inappropriate drug or alcohol use

• Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct

• Excessive “no-show” for volunteer shifts

• Not fulfilling the duties of the volunteer position

• Theft

• Misrepresentation of the Idaho Humane Society

• Violence, implication of violence or harassment

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Shelter Basics Rules and Reminders

Off-Limit Areas of the Adoption Center:

Unless specifically working with staff, these are areas volunteers should not need to be in.

• Back areas of the Clinic

• Behind Front Desk Area

• Storage Rooms

• Server Room

• Kennel Customer Service Area (unless getting leash to walk dog)

• Upstairs in administration offices (please ask front desk to call for specific person if you

are in need of meeting with someone and do not have an appointment set up already)

Education Room

If there are animals in the lobby, they need to be restrained for safety reasons. Please offer a

leash to customers who come in the front door with an unleashed dog. If someone enters the

Adoption Center holding a cat that is not contained in a carrier, ask them to put it in an empty

cat carrier. This should not be an issue at the Adoption Center as the intake of animals will be at

our Dorman location, but in the off chance it is needed, please be prepared.

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Dog Handling at IHS Adoption Center

You watched the online kennel skills class and you attended the in-person portion and are

ready to walk dogs at our Bird St. location! Hurray! Below are things to be aware of when

handling/walking dogs at our Bird St.

When you arrive to the Bird St. Campus, please be sure to sign in at the Volunteer Sign in

located just outside of the Volunteer Manager’s office/Volunteer Workroom. This is located to

the right and behind the small mammal’s room.

Important reminders:

• Must be 16 years of age to handle a leash.

• Closed toed shoes required to handle dogs.

• Always put a dog back in their correct kennel. If you don’t remember where they should

go, ask a staff member.

• Never take a dog that is too big or strong for you to realistically handle.

• Do not take a puppy under 6 months outside due to Parvovirus risk. This virus is deadly

to dogs that are not fully vaccinated (like puppies) and it can live in the grass for many

months.

• Do not drag, pull, or push the dog if it’s not walking. Use caution when picking up small

dogs. Not all dogs like to be picked up.

• Try to give each dog at least 20 minutes outside of their kennel. This allows time for

them to use the bathroom, run, and get some love. CAUTION: if temperatures exceed 90

degrees or below 32 degrees, then limit walks to no more than 5 minutes.

• Only take one dog out at a time (even if they are kennel mates). They need your

undivided attention.

• Please do not let dogs touch nose to nose; keep at least 3 feet between the dogs. Dogs

are not allowed to interact on leash or off-leash (off-leash areas are one dog only). This

will help reduce kennel cough.

• Keep dogs away from urinating on plants in the yard.

• Please use mutt mitts to clean up poop messes. Deposit used mutt mitts in proper

receptacles.

• “Clean dog toy” bins are located at Customer Service Desk, in get acquainted rooms, and

in the indoor playrooms. Please put dirty toys in the laundry bins located in the

workrooms connected to the dog dorms.

• Use positive reinforcement at all times when working with dogs. If a dog appears sick,

inform the kennel staff.

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Dog Dorms

All dogs at the Bird St. Campus are adoptable. There are seven kennel dorms that house our

dogs until they are adopted.

Dorm 3 is used for our dogs who need a bit more TLC. These dogs will only be walked by

advanced and mentor volunteers and staff. You need staff permission before entering this

dorm. These dogs are still adoptable, they just have extra instructions or information that goes

along with them. Anything from a dog being a kennel jumper to a small scared dog who doesn’t

like being picked up.

Dorm 4 is used for our adoptable dogs who have kennel cough. We keep these dogs separate in

hopes of not spreading the disease to other dogs. You have to ask staff before walking and

handling these dogs to also prevent the spread of kennel cough.

Dorm 7 is used as our holding area. This is where we will have dogs that are not available for

adoption due to a number of reasons. Some of these include needing to be transferred back to

our Dorman Campus for Veterinary needs or reevaluation.

Kennel cards are located outside of the dorms on the windows. Please walk past the four

kennels with walkable dogs and read the kennel cards before taking a dog out.

Once you have found a dog you would like to take out, note their apartment number (kennel

number) and go to the Customer Service Desk. There will be hooks straight back with leashes

on them. You are to take the leash that has the correct apartment number that matches the

dog you are taking for a walk. This is very important to help prevent customers from fighting

over who will be adopting a dog.

When you have the correct leash, you will enter the dog’s kennel completely and close the door

behind you. Wait until the dog shows good kennel manners such as all four feet on the ground

and then clip the lead onto their collar. Wait again until all fours on the ground and then exit

the kennel with the dog on the leash. Please exit to the outside through the closest or least

crowded door.

If you notice your dog has pooped in their kennel and it has not been taken care of, please use a

mutt mitt to pick it up and dispose of it in the work room connected to the dorm room. If the

poop is smeared or you are not able to pick it up with a mutt mitt, please let a staff member

know so they can clean it up.

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Kennel Card Example:

Outside Areas

There are two small play yards to the right of the Outside Get Acquainted yards. These should

be used for smaller dogs. There are other larger play yards next to these two smaller ones that

are available to take dogs to play with off leash. We also have three larger play yards that have

higher fencing that we will host play groups in. Please note that if you have a kennel jumper,

they will need to stay on leash at all times. Please use the mutt mitts to clean up after your dog

in the play yards. If you cannot pick up the mess or it has smeared on the turf, let a staff

member know so they can go clean that area.

If you are planning to take a dog for a walk off campus, you will need to check them out at the

customer service desk with a staff member so they know where the dog is at all times. Please

make sure they have a flat collar, with a clip leash. Be sure to take mutt mitts with you and pick

up any mess the dog may make.

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Kennel Play Yards

Dogs under 6 months are NOT walked outside.

Dogs must be kept on a leash in the Get Acquainted yards, except when they are in the offleash

areas in a play yard (unless they are kennel jumpers).

No shelter dogs may play together or be in physical contact with one another when outside

their kennel living space. This rule is in place to decrease the spread of illnesses such as kennel

cough and to decrease the possibility of dog fights.

Inside Areas

We have two playrooms and two get acquainted rooms in the kennel area. Before taking a dog

into these areas, please check for other dogs in these areas. They may be used as

decompression rooms for some of our kennel stressed dogs.

You are always welcome to go into a dog’s kennel and spend time with them there.

Please note, puppies must always be carried and you should ask staff before taking puppies out

of their kennels.

Bites and Fights

If an animal bites and breaks the skin: Report the incident immediately to the Customer Service

Desk or the Front Desk at either of our two locations. Reporting a bite is extremely important to

make sure that no one else is injured. Failure to report a bite is a ground for termination of your

volunteer status.

IF A DOG FIGHT OCCURS DO NOT REACH IN OR ATTEMPT TO BREAK-UP THE FIGHT!

If a dog fight breaks out, it is your job as a volunteer to alert shelter staff who have been

specially trained and equipped to stop a dog fight. You can get assistance at the front desk, the

customer service desk, or any animal care attendant working in the kennels. They are equipped

with radios to get more assistance very quickly.

Please ask everyone in the area to go inside the building or away from the area where the dogs

are fighting. The shelter has veterinarians that can treat dogs for injuries at both sites, BUT if

one of the dogs accidentally bites you if you try to reach in to the fight, that dog will most likely

be euthanized. Although dog fights can seem very scary, they are rarely deadly for the dogs

involved. Dog fights tend to look and sound must worse than they really are. If you get involved

and get bit, the end result will be much worse for the dogs in the fight. Reaching into a dog

fight is grounds for termination of your volunteer status.

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Kennel Customer Service Information

When volunteering at the Adoption Center with dogs, you will need to have great customer

service skills. All dogs that are at the Adoption Center are up for adoption so it’s important to

know Basic Dog Adoption Information. Feel free to speak with customers about the dogs you

have walked and be sure to talk about all the great qualities they have! Remember that if you

don’t know the answer to a customer’s question, refer them to a staff member. Never tell a

customer something that isn’t true. This could be grounds for termination of your volunteer

status.

Potential adopters are encouraged to visit the Shelter’s dogs in Dorms 1-6. Have them look

through the windows and read about each dog outside of their dorm. If they are interested in

meeting a specific dog, they will need to go ask for assistance from a staff member at the

customer service desk.

Outside of their kennels, all dogs must stay on a leash unless they are in the off-leash runs in a

dog yard.

No children under 16 years old should be handling the leash.

Those handling the leash should be wearing closed toed shoes.

Dog Adoptions

When someone is ready to adopt a Shelter dog, they will go to the customer service desk and

tell a staff member they are ready to adopt “Name of dog” in “number of apartment”. The staff

member will then give them the paperwork for the dog and that person will go out to the front

desk to finish the adoption. Once they are finished, they will come back to the customer service

desk to get the dog. Since the adoptable dogs are all spayed/neutered and vaccinated; they can

go home the day they’re adopted.

Didn’t find the right dog: If potential adopters didn’t find the dog that suits them in the kennels,

remind them that we get in new dogs every day. There are also dogs in foster care that they

may be interested in adopting. They can find out about available foster dogs on our website at

www.idahohumanesociety.org .

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Cost of dogs

Fees for dogs vary at IHS due to a number of reasons. They usually run from $35-$300. Dogs

with higher adoption fees are either purebreds, puppies or smaller dogs that are in high

demand. They are quickly adopted, even with their higher fees. Their adoption fees allow them

to act as benefactors to other dogs. Their fees can help give other dogs more time or special

medical care and a better chance at adoption.

Adoption fees cover the dog’s spay or neuter surgery. It also includes a dog’s first set of shots,

including rabies and an identification microchip. The dog’s license fee will need to be paid in

addition to the adoption fee.

When dogs are relinquished by their owners, they are encouraged to fill out a questionnaire

describing the behaviors and personality of the animal. When a dog comes to the shelter as a

stray, we usually don’t know very much information about them. Sometimes their behavior at

the shelter can tell us whether a dog is good with other dogs or likely housebroken. Any

information we know about the dog is found on the dog’s kennel card. If there’s no card on

the kennel, the customer service or front desk can look up this information on the computer.

We do have discounted adoptions for qualifying seniors who are adopting animals. Check with

the front desk for more information on this program.

If a dog a customer adopts doesn’t work out at their home, they can always return their

adopted dog to IHS. If they return the dog to the Adoption Center within 30 days, they can get a

credit certificate of their adoption fee or a full refund (but not for any additional veterinary

procedures the own chose to do) for use later at the Shelter or Clinic. If they return the dog

after 30 days, they will be surrendering it to IHS and will need to take the animal to our Dorman

location.

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Cattery Customer Service Information

When volunteering in the cattery, you will need to have great customer service skills. All cats

that are at the Adoption Center are up for adoption so it’s important to know Basic Cat

Adoption Information. Feel free to speak with customers about the cats you have spent time

with and be sure to talk about all the great qualities they have! Remember that if you don’t

know the answer to a customer’s question, refer them to a staff member. Never tell a customer

something that isn’t true. This could be grounds for termination of your volunteer status.

A person needs to be at least 12 years old in order to open up a kennel to play with cat in

kennel. To hold cats by themselves, enter the cattery and/or catios alone, they must be at least

16 years old.

Customers are welcome to open cages, pet and hold cats that they are considering to adopt.

Some cats welcome being picked up while others may scratch if stressed and handled. Anyone

handling cats should be gentle and use caution. The Shelter is a stressful situation for all the

animals.

Always wash your hands before handling any cats at the shelter and in-between handling

different cats at the shelter. This helps keep the spread of diseases to a minimum.

CAUTION: You are always taking a risk when you handle a shelter cat. Spend time petting a cat

before you attempt to pick it up. Some cats prefer to only be pet in their cage. Volunteers can

keep the cats happy and content through interaction and cleaning cages. Below are several

tasks for volunteers to work on in the cattery. Remember to sanitize your hands often.

• Interact with the cats in a loving way by petting, holding and socializing them.

• Supplies: Cardboard litter boxes, food, wood pellet litter, and newspaper can be found

in the Cattery station. If you notice we are running low on supplies, please ask a staff

member to show you where we keep the supplies to restock this area.

• Water: Refill water dishes for cats. Kittens tend to knock over their water, so only fill

their dishes about ½ full.

• Food: Shelter cats are supplied with a full dish of food in their cage all day. If a cat has

eaten most of its food, you can refill it at the Cattery Station.

• Dirty Cages: If a cat has a used litter box or torn and spoiled newspaper lining their cage,

you can clean up the mess to help the cattery stay more pleasant for felines and

humans.

• Empty Trash: Take the full trash out through the garage to the dumpster.

• Restock Supplies: If shelves are empty, refill.

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Cat Adoptions

When someone is ready to adopt a shelter cat, they need to find a cattery staff member who

will then give them the cat’s paperwork and then the staff member will walk the customer to

the front desk.

If a customer didn’t find the right cat, remind them that we usually get dozens of cats in each

week. There are also cats and kittens in foster care that they may be interested in adopting.

They can find out about available foster cats on our website.

The adoption fees for the cats vary from $10-$75.

• $75 for kittens 8 weeks to 16 weeks old

• $40 for cats 17 weeks to 4 years old

• $25 for cats 5 to 8 years old

• $10 for cats 8 years or older

The adoption fee includes a cat’s spay or neuter surgery. It also includes a cat’s first set of shots

(does not include Feline Leukemia or Feline AIDs) and an identification microchip. Additional

expenses to be expected with adoption include any additional veterinary services the owners

decide to do.

When cats are relinquished by their owners, they are encouraged to fill out a questionnaire

describing their behaviors and personality of the animal. Generally a cat only goes into the

cattery if it’s using its litter box. Any information we know about whether the cat is litter box

trained or good with kids, cats, or dogs can be found on the cat’s kennel card. If there is no

card, please check with the front desk or staff member to find the information.

IHS does have a discount adoption program for qualifying seniors. Check with the front desk

regarding the current policy.

Just like for dogs, customers who adopt a cat and it doesn’t work out, may bring the cat back to

the adoption center if it has been less than 30 days since the adoption. Adopters can get a

credit certificate of their adoption fee or a full refund (but not for any additional veterinary

procedures the owner chose to do) for use later at the Shelter or Clinic.

IHS does not declaw cats. It is considered inhumane practice that can be painful to the cat and

cause behavior problems such as biting and not using the litter box. However, we do receive

cats frequently that are declawed that may be adopted.

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Sample Cat Card:

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Small Animals Our small animals up for adoption are located near our front desk and store at our Bird. St.

Campus. We primarily receive rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, rats, mice and birds.

If you would like to help out in our Small Animal room, please speak with the kennel staff

before cleaning.

Cleaning rabbit and guinea pig enclosures

To clean a cage in the Small Animal room, you should remove the animal from the enclosure

and place in cardboard box.

Remove all soiled bedding/linens and use the shop vacuum if needed which is located in the

workroom connected to the Small Animal room.

Empty litter box and replace with fresh litter, wipe out if needed

Empty food/water bowls, wipe out if needed

Wipe down enclosure with sanitizer and dry with wash cloth and replace bedding/linens

Replace litter box (make sure there is hay in the litter box)

Sweep and mop floors if a mess was made

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Health and Safety Accident Policy

Accidents that result in injury, including bites and scratches, regardless of how insignificant the

injury may appear, must be reported to a staff member immediately. Such reports are

necessary to help us monitor the health and wellbeing of our pets. This does not automatically

mean any negative consequence for the animal; however, we need to know the situation in

order to properly address it.

There are first aid kits located in the Volunteer Workroom located in the top left cupboard near

the desk space with the phone, in the hallway near the door to the garage, and at the front

desk. As stated in the volunteer waiver you signed, you are assuming the risks of volunteering

at IHS. This includes work that may be hazardous to the volunteer, including, but not limited to

dog and/or cat handling, lifting heavy objects, bending, standing for extended periods of time,

exposure to cleaning chemicals and transportation to and from off-site events. In your waiver,

you expressly and specifically assumed the risk of injury or harm in the activities and released

IHS from all liability for injury, illness, and death or property damage resulting from the

activities on or off site IHS.

In order to reduce the chance of injury:

Do not try to carry a load that is too heavy for you. Practice proper lifting procedures and ask

for help when you need it.

During the summer months, the heat index can be very high. If you are working outdoors,

please recognize your limitations. Come in to rest, hydrate, and cool down.

During winter months, if you are working outdoors, take frequent breaks inside to warm up and

rest.

Common Animal Diseases

The risk of diseases spreading increases in a shelter environment because of the numbers of

animals living in close proximity, animals with different levels of immunity, or animals that may

be incubating diseases. In addition, animals are stressed from being in a noisy, strange place.

Distemper, parvovirus and panleukopenia are all spread orally through feces. Handling an

animal that may have walked through feces in its kennel or cage makes you the possible source

of infection to the next animal you touch. If you handle a sick dog or cat by mistake, wash your

hands immediately and don’t handle any other animals! Let a staff member know which animal

you handled. If you see a kennel that has feces with blood in it, let a staff member know right

away. Keep your shoes clean. Wear rubber-soled shoes that cover your entire foot. Stay out of

the quarantine and isolation areas. If you have a sick animal at home (especially Parvovirus) DO

NOT HANDLE ANY SHELTER ANIMALS.

Control Measures: KEEP CLEAN!

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Cleanliness is extremely important for removing all sources of disease and controlling its

spread.

It is important for volunteers and all others to take special care with cleanliness. Wash or

sanitize your hands between handling different animals. This can mean the difference between

life and death for these animals.

Use toys with only one dog and then place in the “used toy” area to be cleaned.

Some of the diseases of most concern to the Shelter are:

Dogs:

Distemper

Parvovirus

Kennel Cough

Parasites

Respiratory Viruses

Heartworm

Cats:

Upper Respiratory

Complex

Feline Leukemia

Parasites

Feline AIDS

Panleukopenia

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Acknowledgement Statement

I have received a copy of the Idaho Humane Society’s volunteer policies effective December 31,

2019. I agree that it is my responsibility to read and understand the policies contained in it. I

understand that these policies govern my volunteer service at the Idaho Humane Society and I agree

to conform to these policies.

Signature of Volunteer receiving: ________________________________________________

Signature of parent if Volunteer is under 18: ________________________________________

Date: ___________________________