If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Humane Society of Ventura County, please print out this form and have it completed before orientation.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

MISSION STATEMENT

The Humane Society of Ventura County (H.S.V.C.), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of all the animals of Ventura County. Our goal is the prevention of cruelty and overpopulation of animals, and education concerning the humane treatment of animals.

 WHY ARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED?

The Humane Society of Ventura County depends on its talented and dedicated volunteers to assist in the care of animals and the maintenance of the facility. There are many ways that you can make a difference in the life of the animals at the H.S.V.C. You may choose to work directly with the animals at our shelter, or you can get involved with other aspects of our agency.

 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Animal Socialization
• Lost and Found Pet Aid
• Kennel Staff Assistant
• Animal Grooming
• Office Assistant (Spay & Neuter Clinic)
• Special Events
• Pet Visitation
• Grounds Work

REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A VOLUNTEER

• Be ten years of age or older.
• A guardian who is also a volunteer must accompany children between the ages of ten and fourteen at all times.
• Be able to make at least a six-month commitment.
• Read, sign, and agree to adhere to the H.S.V.C. “Procedures and Policies”.
• Care about the welfare of animals.
• Submit a one time, $10.00 volunteer materials fee (t-shirt and name badge).

Before you begin your new role as a Humane Society Volunteer, you will need to go through an informative orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator. Orientations are by appointment only and last about one hour. You will receive an overview of our operation, philosophy, and volunteer opportunities. There may be additional training required for some volunteer positions.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a nonprofit organization; we receive no funding from the city, state, or federal government. We depend on the generosity of our supporters in order to make our budget every year. Because of this, we are enacting a $10.00 volunteer materials fee in order to offset the cost of these materials, and to alleviate some of the strain on our budget. Plan to submit this fee at the time of your orientation.

Dogs are only walked by volunteers over the age of 16. All volunteers between the ages of 10 to 15 are called Junior Volunteers. Junior Volunteers are allowed to interact with the cats and puppies (in the puppy pens) under adult volunteer supervision, but are not able to walk the dogs.

PERSONAL INFORMATION*

NAME:___________________________________________________________DATE:___________________________

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________________________________________

HOME PHONE#___________________WORK PHONE#__________________CELL PHONE#____________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS:______________________________BIRTHDATE:_______________________AGE:_____________

OCCUPATION:________________________________ or School attending____________________________________

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

CONTACT:_______________________________________________________________________________________

RELATIONSHIP:___________________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE#:_________________________________CELL#______________________________________________

*You must complete.

• Because of the time involved in training, the H.S.V.C. asks for a six-month commitment from volunteers. Are you willing to make such a commitment? ___YES ___NO
• Are you a part time resident of Ventura County (i.e. college student, seasonal resident)? ___YES ___NO

If so, please circle the months you would be available to volunteer: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

TIME AVAILABILITY

Please indicate the days/times when you would be available:

Mon________ Tues________ Wed________ Thur_______ Fri________ Sat________

Have you ever adopted an animal from the Humane Society of Ventura County? ___YES ___NO

Other than the fact that you love animals, why do you want to volunteer with the H.S.V.C.?______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please describe any previous volunteer experience:_______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

What special skills do you have that may be helpful to the H.S.V.C.?_______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have any hands-on experience with animals? If yes, please describe:_______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have experience working with the public? If yes, please describe:_______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have any physical or medical limitations that would limit the type of volunteer activities you can do (i.e. pregnancy, back problems, etc.) ___YES ___NO If yes, please describe:________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a no kill shelter. Yet, there are circumstances when it is necessary to euthanize an animal, (humanely end an animal’s life). What are your thoughts on euthanasia?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you volunteering in order to fulfill court ordered community service? ___YES ___NO

For what reason?___________________________________________________________________________________

Number of hours required:_________________

Date that community service needs to be completed:______________________

PLEASE PLACE A CHECK MARK NEXT TO YOUR AREAS OF INTREST

Some volunteer positions may require additional training

SHELTER

• Cat Care
• Dog Walker (16 & older)
• Groomer / Bather (18 & older)
• Kennel Staff Assistant (18 & older)

ADMINISTRATION

• Lost and Found Pet Aid
• Filing / Copying
• Data Entry

EDUCATION

• Pet Visitation
• Outreach Program: Humane Education in Schools

GROUNDS WORK

• General Repairs
• Yard Work: Gardening, Weeding, Planting, Landscaping
• Painting

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Help with H.S.V.C. Booths at Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers
• Donation Canister (collection / maintenance)
• Pet Photography
• Professional Sign and Poster Makers
• Bulletin Board

• My participation with the Humane Society of Ventura County (H.S.V.C.) is strictly on a volunteer basis. No insurance against injury or bodily harm is provided. I agree to release the H.S.V.C., a non-profit organization, from any liability concerning any and all injuries or damages that may be incurred during my participation in any aspect of the volunteer program.
• I agree to abide by the policies and procedures presented to me during volunteer training and as updated there after.
• I will relate ideas, constructive comments, suggestions and criticisms directly to the Volunteer Coordinator or other supervisor assigned by the H.S.V.C.
• If communication problems develop between employees and / or other volunteers and myself, I will report these to the Volunteer Coordinator or another supervisor immediately.
• I will not disclose any confidential and proprietary information of the H.S.V.C., such as: technical information, methods of operations and procedures, know how, improvements, fundraising lists, membership lists, volunteer lists, financial data, invoices and other financial statements, computer programs, discs and printouts, donor lists, telephone numbers, names, addresses, or any other compilation of information written or unwritten which is used by the H.S.V.C. I agree that all such confidential and proprietary information, in any form, and copies and extracts thereof, is and are and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the H.S.V.C. Upon termination of my volunteer assignment with the H.S.V.C., I hereby agree to return to H.S.V.C. the originals and all copies of any confidential and proprietary information, which provided to or acquired by me during the period of my assignment..
• I understand that my Volunteer Assignment may be terminated at any time for any reason at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinator or other Supervisor.

Volunteer Signature________________________________________________Date_____________________________

I,_________________________ give consent for____________________________ to volunteer at the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Parent or Guardian’s Signature_______________________________________Date_____________________________

FOR H.S.V.C. USE

Date of Orientation:______________Volunteer Coordinator:________________________________________________

Fees Paid:_____________________ CASH / CREDIT / CHECK_____________________________________________

Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________