Learning the Basics

If the front door is locked when you arrive, knock on the office window for someone to let you in.
Sign your name, time in/out and radio# at the volunteer kiosk. In the event of an emergency, the supervisor on duty will take the daily volunteer log to facilitate an evacuation.
Take a set of kennel keys from the hook across the volunteer kiosk (if you have demonstrated Orange Level proficiency) and radio from Front Office.
Leave personal items locked in your car, out of view, or keep them in the locked volunteer cabinet in Annex.

Everyone is required to wash their hands before and between handling cats.
Volunteers and visitors may opt to wear an apron (available in GA closet). If so, the apron typically is changed between handling cats housed in different cages. An apron is unnecessary for cage-side visits because cat holding is not permitted.

If you need help, use the radio to identify who you are, where you are, and what you need:

To power on, press top button and hold for upward chime; downward chime signals powering off. Check that your radio is set to Channel 2 by turning knob on top.
If a cat escapes, lock the front door to Adoption floor, so the cat cannot dash outside. Then, approach the cat calmly and try to retrieve; kittens usually go under the cages and can sometimes be lured out with a toy. Otherwise, ask the Animal Care Attendant or someone in Patrol Room to help.
Keep it short and sweet - everyone within earshot of a radio can hear what you say!
Please make sure to turn off and return your radio at the end of your shift!

Cage Number – indicates specific location of each cat in Annex
Visitation Allowed – specifies staff approval for cage-side (CS) or GA visitation
- Kittens (under four months) can be visited CS-only. Their immune system is not fully developed yet, and they can contract diseases against which older cats are protected.
- Adult cats with special needs also may be listed as CS-only by staff.
Name and Number – name of each cat and its A# identifier
History – medical or behavioral notes at intake
Comments – updates to medical or behavioral status by staff and volunteers
Isolation – Cats in ISO are noted on the right side of the whiteboard with date
AM/PM - notes where we socialized each cat during our shift: CS or GA

Cat volunteer gowns can be taken home and laundered or cleaned in the volunteer laundry room on-site.

The volunteer washer and dryer (along with liquid detergent and bleach) are located in the Laundry Shed behind the outside dog kennels. These machines should be used to launder volunteer aprons only - no toys or towels.
Fold clean laundry in shed, return to GA room, and put folded towels in cabinet drawers or wire shelving. If you use the basket to transport clean laundry, return it to top of dryer.

If you have a concern about a cat’s health or behavior, complete a Volunteer Observation form and hand it to office staff on duty. Forms are available in the GA room and on the A floor bulletin board.
Sign out.