Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are Important!
Columbia Humane Society
Volunteer Rules And Regulations
- The term “volunteer” includes those who are presently serving as board members. Volunteers must be trained before they are allowed to work at the shelter. A list of trained volunteers will be maintained in the office.
- Volunteers may work in the shelter only up to a maximum of two hours per day except when working at a specific event.
- Volunteers will not bring their personal pets into the shelter except for specific purposes of training/socialization if they have prior approval from the shelter manager or lead animal tech.
- Volunteers will not bring animals into the office. Only those animals deemed in need of socialization by the shelter manager or lead animal tech will be allowed in the office, except those brought in temporarily for administration of vaccinations or other medical procedures.
- No volunteer will make any decisions as to the care or disposition of any animal, nor will they make any change in their prescribed care. If a volunteer notices any illness or unusual or undesirable behavior by any animal s/he will immediately report it to one of the managers.
- Volunteers must sign in and check with a manager for assignment. Volunteer badges will be provided and are to be worn at all times while volunteering.
- Volunteers must refer all questions from the public to the shelter staff, including not only questions about adoption and/or care of any animal but also all other information even if they think they know the answer.
- Volunteers will remain on the premises of CHS only while performing their voluntary services and will vacate the premises when their service is complete. Volunteers will not loiter in the office or lobby area. Volunteers will vacate the premises by 5 p.m. daily.
- Volunteers may not bring a “guest” with them while working.
- When a volunteer is walking dogs, shelter employees will obtain the dog. Volunteers will take the dog in and out through the side doors and not through the front doors used for public access. Volunteers must keep the dog on a leash at all times.
- Dogs will not be given treats unless they have earned them. Treats must be regular “dog” treats, not “people” food. Use treats sparingly. Dogs’ food intake is carefully monitored.
- Volunteers will not refill dog food bowls. If you think it is needed talk to the staff.
- Volunteers may not remove animals from CHS premises except with specific prior approval from either the shelter manager or the lead animal tech.
- In the cattery, volunteers may groom the cats, scoop the litter boxes (not empty them) and/or give the cats fresh water. They will not allow the cats to be on the floor and will sanitize their hands between handling of different cats. Volunteers may not feed the cats.
- If any volunteer wishes to do something not covered in their training they must obtain permission from one of the managers.
- Unless doing clerical duties volunteers will not enter the office without express permission of the office lead or shelter manager. Volunteers will not operate the cash register or handle sales transactions.
- Volunteers will never use abusive language or strike an animal at any time. They will treat others with respect.
- Volunteers may hear or see information about CHS or Columbia County Animal Control staff or customers that is confidential. All volunteers will maintain the confidentiality of any information that is private or personal.
Questions? Call or Email us today:
Columbia Humane Society
2084 Oregon St.
St. Helens, OR 97051
phone: (503) 397-4353
fax: (503) 397-0355
email:
Located inside of the Holsheimer-Lamar Animal Shelter
Shelter Hours
Tuesday-Friday 11:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday NOON to 6:00pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays