Erna R Badstieber Paws & Claws Adoption Center Volunteer Application

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🐾 Paws and Claws Adoption Center – Volunteer Information 🐾

If you’re new and wanting to volunteer at Paws and Claws, please be aware that all new volunteers MUST complete one morning cleaning session from 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM. The date and time will be set up by the Shelter Manager.

The Paws and Claws Adoption Center strives to have an enjoyable, innovative, and organized volunteer program that benefits the animals and animal-lovers of Columbus. Volunteers may work Monday through Saturday.

To volunteer at the shelter, you must:
• Be 16 years of age to volunteer independently
• (If you are under 15 years old, you must have a parent or guardian present at all times.)
• Be able to read, write, and work independently without direct supervision
• Be physically able to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand while working directly with the animals
• Have previous large dog handling experience if applying for a dog handling program (i.e., Dog Walking)
• (We are willing to train committed dog walkers.)

All new volunteers are required to attend an orientation session. During this session, volunteers will receive an information packet and an overview of shelter expectations and responsibilities.

Please note: If the shelter receives more applications than it can accept, not all applicants will be selected to volunteer.

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🛑 Safety & Staff Direction

For the safety of our animals, staff, and volunteers, all volunteers must follow staff instructions at all times.

If a staff member advises that certain animals, areas, or tasks are off-limits or unavailable that day, it is for the safety and well-being of everyone involved. These decisions are made based on behavior assessments, medical concerns, intake status, quarantine protocols, or operational needs.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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🧼 Health & Illness Policy

To protect the health of our animals and fellow volunteers, please do not volunteer if you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or any contagious condition.

Volunteers must follow all sanitation protocols, including proper hand washing, disinfecting procedures, use of personal protective equipment (if required), and quarantine instructions provided by staff.

If you have recently been exposed to a contagious illness (human or animal), please notify the Shelter Manager before returning to volunteer.

The health and safety of our shelter animals is our top priority.

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❌ The Volunteer Program IS NOT ❌

This program is not for individuals who need to fulfill:
• Community service hours as part of a church, youth, or school program
• Community service hours due to a code of conduct violation
• Court-mandated service hours

Anyone who falls into these categories must apply for our Community Service Program or call the shelter at 402-562-5683.

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👕 Volunteer Attire

We are a professional facility, and many times prospective adopters do not know who is an employee and who is not. Please dress appropriately.

Acceptable Attire:
• Casual, neat clothing (jeans and t-shirt style)
• Closed-toe shoes

Not Allowed:
• Open-toed shoes
• Shorts
• Clothing with offensive language or photos
• Baggy or ripped jeans
• If undergarments are visible, you will be asked to leave.

Volunteers must direct potential adopters, and customers to a staff member for any questions and may not interfere when Animal Control Officers are present

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👩‍👧 Youth Volunteers

The Paws and Claws Adoption Center cannot accept volunteers under 15 years old into its in-shelter volunteer program alone.
(If you are under 15 years old, you must have an adult present at all times.)

We can accommodate youth groups (with chaperones) for several hours of volunteering or behind-the-scenes tours. Opportunities are limited and require at least one month’s notice.

Please contact the Shelter Manager for more information.

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📌 Commitment Expectations

We are looking for dependable, compassionate individuals who are ready to commit their time and energy to the animals in our care. Shelter work is rewarding, but it requires consistency and reliability.

Volunteers who repeatedly miss scheduled shifts without notice may be removed from the program.

If you are prepared to show up, work hard, and make a real difference, we would love to welcome you to our team.

Email *

Today's Date *

YYYY

Full name(s) of people who will be volunteering: *

Age(s) of people who will be volunteering: *

How would you like us to contact you? *

Text

Phone Call

Email *please make sure to check your spam*

Do you consent to having your picture taken? *

Yes

Required

Are you willing to commit to a regular volunteer schedule? *

Yes

Required

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain. *

Home Address: *

City ,State , Zip Code *

Phone Number: *

Emergency contact full name and phone number *

Please Check Areas of Interest: *

Cat Socialization: Working with cats to ensure that they receive proper attention and socialization while at the Shelter. Brushing, grooming, and playing with the cats. (Employees only are to feed the animals) Ages 16+ (If you are under 15 years you must have an Adult with you)

Dog Walking: Walking and socializing Shelter dogs, giving the dogs attention, playing with dogs off-leash in the play yard. Ages 18+ (If you are under 17 years you must have an Adult with you (Adults are the only ones to be holding the leash when on a walk with children if under the age of 16 NO MATTER WHAT) Dog walkers - you will receive instruction on how to do some basic training so that you can teach the dogs you work with some basic manners. The better behaved the dogs are and the more commands they know, the better their chance of being adopted into a forever home. If you do dog walking and the dog walks you, we will not be able to let you continue as a walker.

Bathing and/or grooming cats and dogs as needed. Ages 16+ - You do not need to be a professional groomer but must be able to control the dogs and cats in the bath and while grooming. All animals bathed must be brushed out (free of matting) and “completely” dried before returning them to their kennels. (If you are under 15 years you must have an Adult with you)

In-House Care: The majority of our daily cleaning occurs between the hours of 8 AM to noon. Anyone wanting to assist with the daily care and cleaning would need to let us know what days they can help and would need to be here at 8:00 when we start. All the animals are taken out of their kennels, dogs are taken one at a time outside and the cats are allowed to exercise in the adoption room or the outside enclosure. All cages are cleaned, and disinfected, fresh water is given to each one, litter boxes are cleaned, animals are fed, poop is picked up from outside, bowls are washed, all floors are swept and scrubbed every day. We do have employees to do these tasks, but they always welcome extra help.

Off Site Adoptions and/or informational booths: This involves attending our off-site adoption events, handling an adoptable animal at the event, and fielding questions from the public/potential adopters about the specific animal. This is a fun opportunity to be involved with the adoption process and spend some quality time outside of the Shelter itself. Ages 16+ to handle the animals in public.Some of the events that we attend: Some of the events that we attend:

Fundraisers: Assisting at fundraising events by working booths, providing information to the public, serving as a representative of the Shelter, placing Dog Banks and collecting donations from Dog Banks, etc.

Photography/Videos or Pet Descriptions: Assisting staff members with, photography or video needs. Or writing a funny or clever pet description can help an animal stand out! Spend time each week getting to know our adoptable cats and dogs, then write about them from their perspective. Pet descriptions will be used on kennel cards, Pet Finder, and our website. Ages 16+ (If you are under 15 years you must have an Adult with you)

Housekeeping: Assisting with various housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, washing dishes, dusting, washing windows, or doing laundry. Age 16+ (If you are under 15 years you must have an Adult with you)

Yard Work: Mowing, weed eating, pulling weeds, snow removal, etc.

*MUST BE 19 or OLDER* Doggy Day Out: Dog Day Outs A Doggy Day Out is a field trip that can include a hike, a trip to the pet friendly stores or the park, or a car ride for a pup cup, or even a sleepover. These breaks help shelter dogs reduce kennel stress, burn off energy, connect with humans, and present better to potential adopters. Shelter dogs who go on Doggy Day Outs are 5x more likely to get adopted and 14x more likely after 1-2 sleepovers!

Required

Volunteering at Paws and Claws Adoption Center is a privilege. The shelter reserves the right to refuse or discontinue volunteer participation at any time. By volunteering, you agree to the following:

• Volunteers are not permitted in office areas, may not answer phones, and may not use shelter computers unless directed by staff.

• Volunteers may not process adoptions or provide official adoption information. All adoption questions must be referred to the Shelter Manager or an assistant.

• Volunteers must not interfere with staff interactions with adopters, the public, or Animal Control Officers.

• All information learned or observed at the shelter including medical, intake, owner, adoption, staff, or operational information is strictly confidential and may not be shared outside the organization without

📝 Volunteer / Community Service Worker Agreement & Release of Liability

I, the undersigned, have applied to participate as a volunteer with Paws & Claws Adoption Center. Upon acceptance into the volunteer program, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Compliance with Policies I agree to follow and abide by all procedures, policies, rules, and training presented to me for participation in the volunteer program. Any comments, concerns, or complaints regarding the program will be directed to the Shelter Manager.

2. Medical Authorization & Tetanus AcknowledgmentI authorize Paws & Claws Adoption Center to seek emergency medical treatment for me in the event of an accident, injury, or illness while volunteering. I understand that it is recommended to have a current tetanus vaccination prior to participating in the volunteer program and that I am responsible for consulting with my physician regarding vaccination. I release Paws & Claws Adoption Center and the City of Columbus, Nebraska, from any claims or liability related to my medical decisions or vaccination status.

3. No Employment Relationship I understand that my participation in the volunteer program does not create an employee/employer relationship between myself and Paws & Claws Adoption Center or the City of Columbus, Nebraska. I acknowledge that I am not an employee and will not receive compensation, wages, or employee benefits.

4. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability I understand that domestic animals may behave unpredictably and are capable of causing property damage, serious personal injury, or death. I fully understand the risks associated with handling animals.With this understanding, I voluntarily assume all risks and hereby waive, release, and forever discharge Paws & Claws Adoption Center and the City of Columbus, Nebraska, including its employees, agents, and representatives, from any and all present or future claims arising out of my participation in the volunteer program.

5. Confidentiality Policy I understand that all information discussed, observed, or learned while volunteering at the shelter is strictly confidential. This includes, but is not limited to:

•Animal medical information •Intake details •Owner information •Adoption discussions •Staff conversations •Operational procedures I agree not to share shelter-related information with anyone outside of the organization unless specifically authorized by the Shelter Manager. Violation of this confidentiality policy may result in immediate removal from the volunteer program.

6. Photo & Social Media Policy Volunteers may not post photos, videos, or information regarding shelter operations, medical cases, intake situations, owner information, staff discussions, or Animal Control matters on social media or any public platform.Volunteers are permitted to post photos from approved shelter events they are attending and of adoptable animals, provided the content is respectful, accurate, and does not include confidential information.Any questionable content must be approved by the Shelter Manager prior to posting.

7. Injury & Incident Reporting Volunteers must immediately report any injury, bite, scratch, exposure, or safety concern to a staff member. Prompt reporting is required to ensure proper medical attention and documentation.

8. Acknowledgment of Agreement I certify that I have read and fully understand this entire Agreement, specifically the Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability in Paragraph 4, and acknowledge that my participation in the volunteer program is entirely at my own risk.If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full legal force and effect. (FULL NAME AND DATE)

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