Welcome to the HOPE Animal Shelter! As a volunteer, your time and effort are greatly appreciated by all associated with HOPE. No matter what task you undertake, it's the animals that ultimately benefit.

Before beginning your volunteering at HOPE, please complete a volunteer application. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and minors must have a permission form filled out by a parent or legal guardian.

Volunteer orientation sessions are held once a month at the shelter, and are required for all new volunteers. Please call the shelter at 906-932-1511 to sign up for orientation. Dates and times will vary upon the season.

To avoid too many volunteers in the building at one time (which is stressful to the animals), we ask that you please sign the volunteer schedule as to the days and times you wish to come in. We will try to honor your requests as best we can. There is a limit of one (1) volunteer in the dog room, one (1) volunteer in the cat room, and two (2) volunteers outside walking dogs at any one time.

**WALKING DOGS** - This is a great way for them to get some fresh air, exercise, and hands on attention. Walkers are needed Monday through Friday 8:00am - 10:00am & 4:00pm - 6:00pm and Saturday/Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Volunteers need to be physically able to control any dog they walk. Volunteers also need to be patient and have compassion toward animals, and an understanding of animal behavior and how to work with them is helpful. Following the dress code is a must. Orientation is needed prior to working with any dog.

**SOCIALIZING CATS** - Cats need a chance to play and stretch their legs. The more human contact they have, the more adoptable they are. Orientation is needed before handling, petting, or grooming any cat.

**SHELTER/KENNEL/CAT ROOM CLEANING** - This involves the cleaning/disinfecting of the animal cages/kennels (Please refer to the cat/dog room cleaning procedures). Cleanliness is important for maintaining a healthy, happy environment for the animals. Volunteers need to be patient with animals and have a high tolerance for noise and odor. The duties also include washing dishes, doing laundry, washing walls, maintaining the grounds, and shoveling snow. Proper dress is important including waterproof footwear.

**OFFICE WORKER** - If you'd like to help, but would prefer not to work directly with the animals, we have some limited office jobs available. Putting together adoption packets, addressing and stuffing envelopes, making name tags, etc. Neatness and accuracy is important, confidentiality is a must.

**FUNDRAISERS** - Throughout the year we have many fundraisers and can always use help. Tasks can vary greatly from helping with promotion, making signs/posters, working in floats for parades, manning booths, the list goes on and on. Participating in a fundraiser can be done either behind the scenes or working directly with the public. Requirements are a pleasant personality, dependability, and the ability to follow directions.

**OTHER** - If you have any type of professional skill such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, dog and cat grooming, grant writing, artistry, public speaking, etc, WE NEED YOU! Volunteers play a vital role in everything we do. If you have any questions, would like more information, or have a great idea, contact HOPE at 906-932-1511 or drop us a line at P.O Box 261, Ironwood, MI 49938.

The dress code for the employees/volunteers of HOPE shall be in accordance with appropriate office attire and attire for shelter operations. The following must be strictly adhered to:

Wear shoes that are comfortable and safe and clothing must be neat, clean, and in good shape. We are working with the public and want to look presentable.

Please list three adult references, not relatives;

I understand this is volunteer work, and I will not be on the payroll.

I further understand that animals brought to HOPE may have suffered abuse and/or abandonment, and may be highly nervous, frightened, or vicious. This requires constant alertness on my part to avoid injury. If an animal seems dangerous, I will have a shelter attendant investigate at once, and will not attempt to take any action unless an emergency exists.

I will not hold HOPE liable if I am bitten or scratched by an animal because of neglect of my part.

Please note that if you are under the age of 18, you must bring a parent or guardian to the shelter to fill out an extra form giving you permission to volunteer. This cannot be done online. You will not be able to start volunteering until this form is filled out in person. Thank you!

I have read the volunteer information packet and understand my role as a HOPE volunteer. I understand that I must be covered by my own insurance as HOPE does not insure volunteers. i have read the dress code which must be followed to work directly with animals. I understand I must attend an orientation session prior to volunteering in any capacity that would involve direct contact with the animals or public. To the best of my ability, I shall be reliable, punctual, patient, and compassionate toward the animals, and understand that HOPE depends on me to appear when I say I will, complete any task assumed in a timely manner, or to notify them if I am unable to fulfill any scheduled commitment.

I understand that all shelter policies, rules, and regulations must be strictly adhered to and that any behavior not deemed appropriate towards the animals or the public will result in immediate dismissal from the shelter.