Volunteer Capabilities and Rights

• 16 years old or older. Under 18 requires a parent or guardian agreement signature. 

• Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously.

• Ability to stand, bend, squat, reach overhead, push, pull, etc.  

• Average vision (with or without correction) to move safely around the property and to be able to read directions. 

• Ability to hear if an animal is making sounds indicating fear or pain. 

• Ability to read and effectively communicate. Read all newsletters, notes and e-mails to  stay current / informed. 

• Ability to handle close proximity to animals and cleaning chemicals that have the potential to cause allergies 

• Ability to deal with unpleasant odors. 

• Ability to cope with occasionally loud environment 

• Average strength to assist with lifting boxes of food, animals, litter, tools and other supplies. 

Mental Capabilities 

• Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures.

• Possess problem-solving capabilities. 

• Must be aware of potentially dangerous situations when working with the animals,  show good judgment and act appropriately in these situations. 

Emotional Capabilities  

• Ability to cope with animal behavior, must be able to remain calm with animals who are upset.

• Ability to cope with a highly emotionally charged environment, and control one's own emotions at work.

• Ability to cope with the knowledge that animals in the environment may have been neglected/abused, be sick/injured/elderly, or nearing the end of life.

SAFe Rescue accepts the services of this volunteer and in our commitment to the volunteer, agrees to do the following:  

• Explain our mission and policies and provide volunteer education materials and/or on the job training as needed. SAFe will provide written manuals and posted instructions on SAFe Rescue procedures and protocols.  

• Treat the volunteer as a valued team member of SAFe Rescue. 

• Provide feedback on the performance to the volunteer, and opportunities for the volunteer to give feedback to the organization, so that we may better accomplish our goals.  

• Be available and willing to discuss issues of concern to the volunteer, either in an impromptu discussion or by arranging a specific meeting time.  

In consideration of this opportunity to volunteer for SAFe Rescue I (volunteer,) agree to the following terms and conditions, intending to be legally bound to them: 

• I will read all written instructions provided to me, the volunteer handbook and policies, posted signs, the information board, daily tasks lists, and any email or print newsletters I receive.

• I will follow instructions given to me. I will ask questions if I do not understand the direction provided. 

• I will work shifts that I am scheduled for, for a minimum of 4 months or 40 hours. 

• I will communicate with rescue staff prior to my shift if I am unable to attend a shift and follow the attendance policy in the volunteer handbook.  

• If, at any point, I decide to stop volunteering at SAFe Rescue, I will give the Volunteer Manager two weeks’ notice, unless circumstances reasonably prevent this.

• I will communicate with my volunteer supervisor about any concerns I have regarding my volunteer work. 

• I will conduct myself in a responsible and professional manner whenever providing volunteer services, including when interacting with the public. I will defer to a staff member if I find a question I cannot answer. 

• I know that there are certain risks involved in working with cats, including but not limited to: bites, scratches, zoonotic diseases, and allergic reactions. I know there may also be risks involved with exposure to certain cleaning products while performing my duties. 

• I will follow safety procedures outlined in the volunteer handbook, including but not limited to safe animal  interactions and reporting any volunteering injuries to staff immediately. I am responsible for sharing my  concerns about my safety with rescue staff immediately.  

• If I am injured while acting as an unpaid member of the volunteer staff, I am not covered by the Washington State Workers Compensation law. I authorize SAFe Rescue to seek emergency medical treatment for me in the case of an accident, injury, or illness at my expense. 

• Any personal items damaged or lost during your volunteer shift are your responsibility to fix or replace. 

• SAFe Rescue may use photographs or video of my volunteer activities without further notice or consideration. 

• SAFe Rescue may conduct background checks and other investigations of volunteers and may use the results of such checks in determining whether to accept volunteers and in determining the scope of duties.