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2	Introduction Thank you for taking the first step in helping make a difference in the lives of homeless animals! Within this brief orientation you will learn the history of the CARA organizations. The orientation will take about 30 minutes to complete. You will also be introduced to volunteer opportunities that volunteers just like you do every day. Each task means the world to these animals, as well as helping to improve the lives of homeless animals. If you are not sure what you would like to do, that is great as well! We will do our best to help you find your place within the CARA organization. You will also find the best way you can help North Carolina’s homeless animal population.
3	Topics Covered in this Orientation Overview Important items to know as a CARA Volunteer Volunteer Policy and Guidelines Disease and Prevention About the Shelter Board of Directors The Volunteers The Animals Different Volunteer Opportunities At the Shelter At PetsMart At Home At other locations
4	Overview The volunteer program was started in April 2003 with only a handful of volunteers. The number of volunteers and the many different ways to volunteer has grown tremendously over the past three years. Because of the volunteer program dogs are walked; cats are socialized; dogs learn basic obedience training; cats and dogs have their photos posted on the web site; sick, injured or abused dogs and cats recuperate in foster homes; and most importantly the lives of dogs’ and cats, that would otherwise be euthanized, are saved!
5	Overview Continued… Being a volunteer is extremely rewarding, educational, exciting and fun. We all have a huge impact on the lives of these homeless animals. Helping a neglected animal, giving them a meal, a blanket, and a pat on the head will touch your heart and bring you back for more. Our volunteer program was created FOR THE ANIMALS. We would like to thank you for choosing to participate in our program. As a volunteer, you are a valuable asset to our organization and to the many animals. Thank you for giving your time and energy to the animals of Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption. We hope that the time you spend here will be as rewarding to you as it is to the animals you care for. J
6	Important Items to Know as a CARA Volunteer… What is the Organization’s Name: We are Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption, shortened often to CARA. We were formally known as the San-Lee Humane Society. We are also sometimes confused with C.A.R.E. (Chatham Animal Rescue & Education, Inc.) but we are two different organizations, although we do have the save overall goal. J Regulations: All shelters in North Carolina must abide by regulations set in place by the NC Department of Agriculture. CARA Adoption Fees: Adoption fees for CARA animals are $95 for cats and $150 for dogs. All adopted animals are altered before adoption. Definitions of Alter / Spay / Neuter: Alter : Sterilization to prevent reproduction Spay: Sterilization by surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female animal. Neuter: Sterilization by surgical removal of the testicles of a male animal or ovaries of a female animal
7	Important Items to Know Continued… What is Heartworm disease? Heartworm disease is an EXTREAMLY common parasitic infection that occurs in dogs and occasionally in cats in the state of NC. This disease can be fatal if not treated, however is PREVENTABLE with the use of preventatives such as Heartgard and Revolution. The parasite is a worm called Dirofilaria immitis and it makes its home in the animal's heart causing the animal to become very sick. Heartworm is transmitted to a dog when bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become carriers when they bite a dog that has heartworm. Young worms called microfilaria, circulate through the blood vessels of an infected dog and are drawn up with blood when a mosquito bites. The microfilaria mature into larvae within the mosquito, and are transmitted to other dogs through the wound produced when the mosquito bites them. The heartworm larva remains in the tissue surrounding the bite for approximately 2 months where it grows into an immature adult worm. It then enters the dog's blood stream and in 3 or 4 months reaches the heart and surrounding arteries. The worms reach final maturity 6 to 7 months from when the dog was first infected and can now produce microfilaria offspring, thus starting the cycle over again.
8	Important Items to Know as a CARA Volunteer… VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption relies on its volunteers to be dependable and effective during their volunteer hours. By meeting these commitments, the program operates smoothly and the maximum benefit is derived for the animals. Time Commitment & Attendance We ask that you commit to a minimum of eight (8) hours per month for at least six (6) months. All hours worked must be recorded on the volunteer hours recording sheet (“sign-in sheet”) located at the volunteer desk. Dress Code We suggest you wear jeans or casual pants (NO shorts), and non-skid rubber-soled shoes. A volunteer I.D. badge will be provided and must be worn at all times.
9	Important Items to Know as a CARA Volunteer… VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Continued… Conduct As a representative of Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption, it is important that you be familiar with its policies and procedures. When dealing with customers as well as other volunteers, you must always be polite, courteous, and helpful. Accident Prevention The accident prevention policy provides for the prevention of work place injury/illness and the reporting of incidents. All work related injuries/illness must be reported immediately to your supervisor, and the appropriate paperwork will be filled out. Off-Limit Areas Certain areas of the shelter are off-limits to volunteers unless specifically authorized to enter. These include the quarantine room and the isolation ward. If you are unsure about entering an area, just ask another volunteer. They will be happy to assist you!
10	Important Items to Know as a CARA Volunteer… VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Continued… Smoking Smoking is not allowed in any portion of the building. If you must smoke, you may do so outside in designated areas. Privacy Any information pertaining to Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption records, and cases which you may become privileged to (including names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) as a result of your position is confidential and may not be discussed with others. Under some circumstances, CARA staff may be prohibited discussing with you certain specific details regarding cases that are under investigation, or pending criminal court action. Your personal information (name, address, phone-number) may not be disclosed, and will not be provided to anyone unless specifically authorized by you. .
11	Important Items to Know as a CARA Volunteer… VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Continued… Adoptions Volunteers may only adopt animals from the shelter with approval from the adoptions committee. Volunteers must apply for adoption in the same manner as everyone else. Adoption is contingent upon the volunteer meeting the adoption guidelines as set forth in Policy and Procedure, and payment of all applicable fees. When a Volunteer Finds an Animal Just because you are a CARA volunteer does not mean you can bring animals into the shelter. We are very small, and even our board members have to gain approval from the intake committee for animals they find. Most surrenders from volunteers that are accepted into CARA are fostered by the volunteer who found the animal until the animal has found a home. This can be a week, a month, or a year. J Please consider this before suggesting CARA take in a new animal.
12	Important Items to Know Continued… DISEASE AND PREVENTION Each volunteer can help to prevent the spread of disease within the shelter environment. Preventing disease among the animals in the shelter requires several steps.
13	Important Items to Know Continued… DISEASE AND PREVENTION Continued… If a shelter animal shows any of the following symptoms, immediately notify the lead volunteer/ daily supervisor.
14	About the Shelter At Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) we are dedicated to finding permanent and loving families for the homeless dogs and cats of North Carolina. CARA (Formally San-Lee Humane Society) began rescuing homeless animals from across N.C. in April 2003, and we have placed countless animals in wonderful homes across the country. CARA is dedicated to providing the best service possible to the animals in our care and the families who adopt from us.
15	About the Shelter Continued… The CARA Adoption Center is located at 42 Deep River Rd. Sanford, NC 27330 The Adoption Center phone number is: (919)774-9433 CARA’s E-mail is:cara@cara-nc.org Hours of Operation: Open to the public Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm or by appointment. The first Sunday of each month from 1pm-4pm. CARA’s Mailing Address is: CARA PO Box 2642 Sanford, NC 27331-2642
16	About the Shelter Continued… The Shelter itself can only house a limited number of pets. It is CARA policy that only 10 dogs and 10 cats reside at the shelter at any given time. The remaining CARA Animals are in foster homes. CARA takes pride in adopting healthy animals. Each CARA dog over the age of 6 months is tested to be negative for heartworm disease, and each CARA cat is tested to be negative for feline leukemia and FIV. CARA adoption committee members go to great lengths to pair each pet with the perfect family. J CARA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer organization that operates on individual and corporate donations and fundraising proceeds. We do not receive any funding from government agencies or national animal welfare agencies. We are very fortunate to have a caring and dedicated team of volunteers, board members, and supporters.
17	Board of Directors All 501©3 organizations must have an active board of directors. CARA is no different, and the board is filled with volunteers ranging from practicing veterinarians, to average pet lovers. Below you will find CARA’s current board of directors. Matt Daly – President Crystal Mason- Vice President Michele Daly – Treasurer (Interim) Irene Smith - Secretary Deborah Measamer - Operations Committee Chair Michele Daly - Adoption Committee Chair Crystal Mason - Fundraising Committee Chair Lori Resnick Scott Resnick Ashley Skaff Emily Hudson Eva Rodgers
18	The Volunteers Who are the volunteers of CARA? You have already learned about the Board of Directors, but what about the rest of the volunteers? They are people just like you! Volunteers come from all walks of life, are of all ages, and bring many special gifts to the organization! If you are a lover of animals then you will fit in perfectly! Volunteers do many things for the organization, and without them CARA would cease to operate! CARA has two paid kennel technicians, however adoption center staffing, animal intake, and vaccinations, adoption processing, animal transport, and adoption center maintenance is conducted by volunteers just like you! The volunteers are very important, and if you wish to join CARA’s volunteer ranks you will be invaluable as well!
19	The Animals CARA Animals are domesticated companion animals (dogs and cats) that are without a home. We even once found a home for a rooster that was at Animal Control! These animals are surrendered by their owners, rescued from animal control, and often found as strays – abandoned by their irresponsible owners. All animals are altered prior to adoption. All dogs have tested negative for heartworm disease prior to adoption All cats have tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia prior to adoption All animals are vaccinated, have undergone a general deworming, and have received flea/tick treatment prior to adoption. Each of these animals needs love and hope. Two things that each volunteer can freely give. J
20	Different Volunteer Opportunities You can help: At the shelter assisting with adoptions and shelter maintenance, At PetsMart assisting with adoption events/ transportation, At home as a pet foster parent, Or even at another completely new location! If you want to help, there are endless places!
21	Volunteering at the Shelter All volunteers are welcome to visit the shelter each and every Saturday between the hours of 10am and 2pm! There is lots to do, and something for everyone. Here are a few of the MANY opportunities available at our shelter location! Adoption Center Volunteer Volunteers may answer phones, greet visitors, and provide clerical support to the adoption counseling staff. Volunteers are also trained to answer some very basic pet care questions and offer assistance to adopters during the application process. Volunteers are also needed to walk dogs, socialize cats, bathe animals, and help with general maintenance and cleaning inside the shelter. Experienced volunteers are also needed to help train new volunteers. CARA’s adoption center, located at 42 Deep River Rd in Sanford, NC is open to the public each Saturday from 10:00A.M. – 2:00 P.M., as well as the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00P.M. All volunteers are welcome to visit the shelter at this time. J
22	Volunteering at the Shelter Animal Socialization If you love to play with and walk animals, you should definitely come to the shelter each Saturday to walk CARA’s pups and play with CARA’s kitties! It is fun and very rewarding! If you are interested in helping to socialize the animals email us! Photographer Do you have a digital camera, a computer, and the willingness to help? The best way we can find our furry friends a home is to get their beautiful faces out for the world to see! We need volunteers who can visit the shelter and take pictures of our friends. These pictures will be sent to our volunteers who post these photos on our websites! If you would like to help us take pictures email us!
23	Volunteering at the Shelter Adoption Counselors Volunteers’ counsel potential adopters to help find the right pet for them and to make sure they understand the responsibilities and long term commitment necessary; Contacting people who are looking for a specific type of pet. There are so many dogs and cats needing great homes and so few out there, that it is very important we are very careful and exacting when we meet and talk with somebody looking for their perfect friend. A great adoption counselor will not only get to find loving homes for the poor neglected and abandoned dogs and cats, but will get to play the matchmaker and find the perfect fit between dog and person. They get to know the dogs and cats and all their wonderful personalities to better find the most suitable home. Adoption counselors assist prospective adopters with the selection of a pet best suited to their family and lifestyle. Requires training with an experienced Adoption Counselor.
24	Volunteering at the Shelter Adoption Center Host Manage shelter and adoption activities and coordinate staff in adoptions and Animal Care during a Saturday or Sunday the shelter is open to the public. Requires completion of the Adoption Center Training, and approval from Board of Directors. Angels Sometimes a volunteer drops down out of the sky to answer a desperate cat or doggie's prayers. Those people are the angels - the ones who may not be able to adopt a certain dog, but will go the distance to see that he or she is well cared for. Our angels visit their cat or dog, take the dog for a walk or groom the cat whenever they can. Some angels have run ads in their local papers, helped pay for vet bills, or just show up at the kennel with a treat and a toy. Either way, the dogs and cats thrive under the wings of these special people who love animals. J
25	Volunteering at the Shelter Animal Care /Feedings You'd be surprised how much work it takes to feed around all the cats and dogs in the shelter each morning. Then there are animals that need feedings in the afternoons as well. If there are any early risers out there who would like to come and mix and prepare dog or cat foods for our animal care workers to deliver, let us know. Volunteer with our animal care staff, and help us maintain a clean, disease-free environment for our animals. You can assist in maintaining their habitats, grooming and exercising our dogs and cats. Your efforts will help keep them healthy and looking good for prospective adopters. If you are interested in helping in this area, please email us.
26	Volunteering at the Shelter Animal Professionals We always need professional services from trainers, groomers and the like to help our dogs and cats get through those tough times. If you are a professional and would be able to give some of your very busy day (or evening) to a worthy cause, you have found the right organization to do it for! If you would like to help in this area, email us! Shelter Maintenance Are you handy? Do you not mind cleaning and or doing laundry etc? We can always use help during the week and on the weekends with the cleaning and general upkeep of our shelter. Mowing grass, painting, even laundry are all things that volunteers help with! If you would like to help with shelter maintenance email us!
27	PetsMart Adoptathons Some of the most important volunteer positions CARA must fill are the adoptathon workers that help at the Apex, Cary, and Aberdeen PetsMart locations each Month! Volunteers are needed between the hours of 8:30am (to load up at the shelter) through 3pm (to drop off back at the shelter). Each dog must have one handler. The more volunteers we have, the more dogs that are seen! If you are interested in helping, please email CARA@CARA-NC.ORG for the upcoming months adoptathon dates!
28	PetsMart Adoptathons Continued… Here are a few bits of information to remember when you come to volunteer at PetsMart. 1.) Look professional - Make sure you are dressed appropriately. You will be handling animals, scooping poo, messing with bleach, yet you will be representing the organization. Wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty, but are respectable and tasteful. No open toed shoes or shorts, halter-tops etc. Just use your best judgment. Most volunteers wear t-shirts and jeans. CARA shirts are available for purchase at the shelter for $7 each. CARA shirts are navy blue, so feel free to color coordinate if you would prefer. 2.) Volunteer Application. If you have not already, please fill out a volunteer profile. You can fill out one electronically on the CARA Web site. http://www.cara-nc.org/totalcalendar/account_request.php 3) Please let the other CARA volunteers know how long you plan to stay, and what you are comfortable doing. Ask if there is a current sign in sheet for that day. When you leave, please make sure you tell another adult volunteer you are leaving. 4.) If you are a youth under 16 you must have someone over 18 with you at all times.
29	PetsMart Adoptathons Continued… CARA is a PetsMart Adoption Partner, which means PetsMart has permitted CARA (as well as other area shelters on occasion) to conduct adoptathons at their locations. PLEASE remember that we (representatives of CARA) are guests of PetsMart. Please do not sit on their displays or show disrespect to the store. We are not employees of PetsMart, although we are allowed to access the cat room when our kitties are on display. Please do not touch or use anything you are unsure about without the consent of a senior CARA volunteer. J Adoptathons are held outside weather permitting. There is a permanent cat room at the Apex PetsMart that houses CARA kitties two weeks each month. CARA volunteers normally do not bring kitties to our adoptathons. The address of the CARY PETsMART Store is 2430 Walnut St, Cary, 27511 The address of the Apex PETsMART Store is 1031 Beaver Creek Commons Dr, Apex, 27502 The address of the Aberdeen PETsMART Store is 11088 US Hwy 15-501 Ste 600 Aberdeen, NC 28315-2359
30	PetsMart Adoptathons Continued… This is an example time line of what happens during an adoptathon day: (times are approximate) 8:30am – 9:00am: volunteers meet at the Sanford NC shelter. At this time the lucky animals that will attend the adoptathon are chosen. Kennels are provided for volunteers for safe transport if needed. Adoptathon coodinators ensure that enough water bowls are brought as well as donation jars. Other display materials are brought as well as the book with all current adoptable CARA animals. 9:30am: Volunteers leave shelter to travel to PetsMart
31	PetsMart Adoptathons Continued… 10:00am – 2:00pm Volunteers meet and greet potential adopters. Volunteers provide information about the animals present at the adoptathon as well as direct potential adopters to our display area to browse our adoptable pets booklet. Please bring bottled water and a snack or a sack lunch with you in the event you get hungry. 2:00pm: Volunteers pack up all display materials and travel back to the shelter. Drop off dogs, ensure they all have food water etc in their kennels. 3:00pm: Volunteers are now free to go home feeling that they did a wonderful thing introducing CARA’s special friends to the community! J
32	PetsMart Adoptathons Continued… CARA does not perform same day adoptions. If someone is interested in a CARA animal we encourage the interested party to visit our website WWW.CARA-NC.ORG to fill out an online application. Application processing time can take anywhere from a couple days to a week or more. If the interested party does not have internet access, volunteers can provide a paper application to the interested party to be completed at that time. Incomplete applications cannot be processed, so volunteers should take the time to ensure all information is complete. J
33	PetsMart Adoptathons Continued… What you just read is the abridged version of the adoptathon process at PetsMart. PetsMart adoptathons are not only a great way for our furry friends to be seen by the public, but it also allows each pet some time out of the shelter as well. Our Kitties also go to PetsMart in Apex once a month (for 2 weeks) and we need transportation for their visit as well! If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments please email CARA@CARA-NC.org. J
34	Volunteering at Home There are MANY opportunities to help CARA from the comfort of your own home! Some of these opportunities include: Foster Care Fundraising Grant researcher/ writer Public relations assistant Petfinder/1-800-save-a-pet Crafters
35	Volunteering at Home Cont. Foster Care We are desperately in need of regular foster homes to temporarily care for some of our animals. Sometimes it is a pregnant mama cat or dog, or a pet that needs regular medications. Fostering can range from a week to several months. Although many of our foster animals are in foster homes for medical reason, sometimes it is great to allow our healthy animals to spend some time out of the shelter! If you see a CARA animal you are interested in fostering, let a senior volunteer know! J Shy and introverted pets also benefit greatly from the fostering experience. Foster kitties must remain indoors at all times, and foster dogs must be indoor/outdoor animals. Most cases foster pet parents have the animals for a maximum of 4 -7 weeks. CARA will take care of all medical needs, etc. We just need a safe home for them to be cared for.
36	Volunteering at Home Cont. Fundraiser : Are you creative? We need animal lovers to help raise funds to care for CARA’s animals. We are in constant need of funds for medical necessities and food. We need a base of people who can do fundraisers. If you are interested in this opportunity email us! Grant researcher/writer: Need someone, preferably experienced, to research and find suitable companies for us to apply to for grants. Must have the ability to write clearly, have persistence, and willing attitude. If you are interested in this opportunity email us! Public relations assistant We need individuals to work with our Fundraising and PR coordinator and the board of directors to increase public awareness. Volunteers must possess good writing skills, patience, be outgoing and have willing attitude. If you are interested in this opportunity email us!
37	Volunteering at Home Cont. Petfinder/ 1-800-save-a-pet Are you Internet savvy? CARA is always looking for individuals who can help up to maintain our Petfinder.com, and 1-800-save-a-pet websites with up-to-date information. If you are interested in this opportunity email us! Crafters Are you Crafty? Donate your crafts to help raise funds for CARA. We need animal lovers who are willing to donate their crafts to help with fundraising auctions, events, and even sell them at the shelter!. If you are interested in this opportunity email us!
38	Volunteering at Other Locations If you would like to hold a fundraiser for the shelter, there are a few things to remember. Because we are an adoption partner through PetsMart we cannot fundraise on their property. If you have an idea for a fundraiser, please also consider how many individuals it will take to make the idea a reality. Like many organizations our volunteer roster is stretched very thin. Any and all ideas MUST be APPROVED by the board of directors. If you have an idea for a fundraiser, please contact us!
39	Summary Thank you for taking the time to complete this orientation! Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption needs volunteers such as yourself. If you have not already, please fill out our volunteer profile on our website. We look forward to hearing from you and if you have any questions please email us!
40	Where to Get More Information To learn more about Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption, please visit our website.