Volunteer Policies
VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PETCO
N.A.B.S. appreciates the cooperation of the volunteers in adhering to these rules for the sake of the animals, PETCO, their customers, and our prospective adoptive families.
SHIFT HOURS: 11:30 - 4:00 PM (please be prompt for dogs and other volunteers’ sake). If you are not able to make your shift please call N.A.B.S.’ main number (281-330-5238, LEAVE MESSAGE) to let them know ASAP. At end of shift please help get everything packed up in a timely manner so those who transport dogs may leave promptly.
CONTACT: Dru Dalton at [email protected] to volunteer. Each volunteer must be scheduled on her calendar; no drop in teens allowed.
BETWEEN DOG POTTY BREAKS: After potty break outside, dogs can be walked separately inside store, brushed and groomed, and given lots of love and attention. IF our rescue relieves himself/herself inside store, we MUST be sure to clean it up and dispose of waste properly. A cleaning station is on either side of store.
VOLUNTEER SNACK BREAK: Please bring your food and drink with you. No one is permitted to leave the store to get food or drink. Please take all personal trash outside to receptacle at front door of store. Please place opened drinks on floor out of the way (not on tables or half wall) to avoid being spilled.
1. Have the rescue by your side at all times when walking on a leash. N.A.B.S. has an 8 ft. rule!! Keep our rescues 8 ft. away from other pets inside and outside store. Keep your eyes open and the rescue beside you NEVER in front of you when walking them around the store or outside and especially coming through an open door. Never remove their leash! Be sure each new adult or teen knows correct ring to hook onto on our collars. Put "Adopt Me” bandanas on promptly so there is no mistake they are adoptable.
2. Be aware of rescue’s body language: (i.e. eyes staring or glaring, ears lowered back, teeth bared, lip raised, hair raised on their back, tail straight out, stiff body) when approached by children/adults. Since we don't know if they like or dislike children, have a problem with men or women, we need to introduce them slowly and take note of their reactions. The above signs may reflect past experiences they may be cautious or defensive about and this is our only way of knowing them better by reading them correctly. Our careful handling of them in various situations will allow them a chance to trust again, while we respect their feelings no one gets hurt. If you notice any of these behaviors please tell an adult immediately so they can report to Pam S. at the end of the day. Going to Petco is our main opportunity to learn more about each dog and if the rescue exhibits any defensiveness or aggression, it is important to know the situation that preceded or prompted it.
3. Be alert about children or adults opening the crates and taking a dog out! Turn the crate door towards the back where chairs are, so only volunteers can unlock and remove a rescue. If a dog happens to be in their crate and someone is standing there looking at them, always offer to get the dog out for them. We need to always be available to talk about and show our dogs. Please explain to children approaching our rescues to first let the dog smell the back of their hand in order for a dog to get to know them before reaching out to pet them.
4. Remember some of our rescues have very short legs and cannot pick up a leg to 'hop' into a crate. Please be aware of limitations of some rescues and pad the front of the crate or help them inside the crate. (i.e. dachshund) Also, watch that the dogs feet do not get hung up on bottom front part of the crate when being taken out of or being put back in to crate (hold their feet up to clear it).
5. Check all rescues nails while at Petco. It has been cleared with Mgr. RJ that their groomers will do nails for us. A groomer may come to our table when they are not busy and time allows or they may ask you to come in to the grooming salon. Since they are busy and may forget, please politely remind them so nails can be done before leaving, as these dogs may not be back for another month.
6. Since there are no cats at The Sanctuary, check our rescue’s reactions to cats while at Petco as this is our only chance to find out if they will get along, or if they are too interested. Slowly walk our leashed rescue to Aurora’s cats, stop and make note of their reaction. If a dog is too interested or fixated on a cat, turn the dog away to distract the dog. We want to watch for the same reactions towards cats as we would when observing the dogs around children, men, and women: glaring, staring fixated, tail raised straight out, hair raised, growling, raised lip, snarling, stiff body, ears lowered back.
7. Never transport our rescues in a shopping cart. Also, if holding or carrying our small dogs it is a good idea to slip your finger in the ring of their collar so if they start to jump or fall you will have a hold on them. If someone wants to hold our small dogs ask them to please sit down in one of our chairs or if it is a young person they can sit on the floor with them. We always want to avoid our rescues being dropped.
8. We are also knotting our leashes in order to shorten them which make it easier to keep the dog right by your side. You may want to carry a longer leash that you can hook onto when pottying the dog to give them a little more freedom to move around, but the shortened leash is the one that is needed inside the store and walking to and from the potty area. The teens (always in pairs) can potty the dog outside once they have been instructed where and how to do it. Always remember to offer water hourly. Hold the bowl rather than leaving it in the crate or take them to the water bowl after potty break.
9. Since we have so few dogs each Saturday (usually 2 dogs and 2 adult volunteers, plus our teens) it would be best IF the dogs are kept out of their crates as much as possible so they get the most one on one attention and socialization. Our teens are there to help us socialize the rescues for adoptions. Our teens can take turns walking them properly throughout the store (separately, not together) with an adoption bandana or vest on while the other teen can get them used to being brushed. If there are no teens, then one adult should walk a rescue while the other adult volunteer talks with the public and promotes our Kroger/Randall letters, etc. But, please try to keep them out of the crates as often as possible, if not at the same time then rotate their time out equally. Many dogs coming to Petco for the first time especially need extra handling in this strange new environment. They need more time spent out of the crate, walking in the store or outside in order that they can feel more comfortable and relaxed which will ultimately help them to show better and be more adoptable. They cannot get at The Sanctuary what you are able to do for each of them on their visit to Petco.
CAR TRANSPORT CRATE ASSIGNMENT FOR DOGS:
· Please remember to NOT open crates in a car loaded with 2 or more dogs without having one volunteer per dog when the crate door is opened, otherwise a dog may escape.
· Please crate dogs separately at Petco. This is important for many reasons, a few are:
· As a N.A.B.S.’ TEAM member please properly instruct and supervise each volunteer on your shift for the sake of each of our rescues and for the sake of the potential adopters. IF we are protecting the dogs, THEN visitors will be safe as well as our rescues. We want them to be safe and not jeopardized.
10. The final thing I want to emphasize is when walking any dog through a door way, THE DOG NEVER WALKS OUT FIRST. They can walk along side you, with their heads even with your legs, but OUR RESCUES ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO WALK OUT OF A DOOR FIRST. If any dog walks in front of a human, they lose respect for the human and think the human is weak. We want to be their pack leaders so we must show our dogs we are strong and brave by walking beside or in front of the dog. You can use your body or legs to block the way of the dog so it doesn’t go out in front of you. Actually the only time a dog is allowed to walk in front of you is when they are going potty. The rest of the time the dog MUST remain at your side. That’s why we shorten the leashes, to insure the dog understands WE are their pack leaders. A pack leader is the protector and all dogs are happiest when they know WE are in charge, watching out for them. Then they can relax and have fun, knowing we are ‘on guard’.
11. The MOST important thing is for each of you to have a wonderful time with the dogs! Thank you for volunteering at N.A.B.S.!
N.A.B.S. appreciates the cooperation of the volunteers in adhering to these rules for the sake of the animals, PETCO, their customers, and our prospective adoptive families.
SHIFT HOURS: 11:30 - 4:00 PM (please be prompt for dogs and other volunteers’ sake). If you are not able to make your shift please call N.A.B.S.’ main number (281-330-5238, LEAVE MESSAGE) to let them know ASAP. At end of shift please help get everything packed up in a timely manner so those who transport dogs may leave promptly.
CONTACT: Dru Dalton at [email protected] to volunteer. Each volunteer must be scheduled on her calendar; no drop in teens allowed.
BETWEEN DOG POTTY BREAKS: After potty break outside, dogs can be walked separately inside store, brushed and groomed, and given lots of love and attention. IF our rescue relieves himself/herself inside store, we MUST be sure to clean it up and dispose of waste properly. A cleaning station is on either side of store.
VOLUNTEER SNACK BREAK: Please bring your food and drink with you. No one is permitted to leave the store to get food or drink. Please take all personal trash outside to receptacle at front door of store. Please place opened drinks on floor out of the way (not on tables or half wall) to avoid being spilled.
1. Have the rescue by your side at all times when walking on a leash. N.A.B.S. has an 8 ft. rule!! Keep our rescues 8 ft. away from other pets inside and outside store. Keep your eyes open and the rescue beside you NEVER in front of you when walking them around the store or outside and especially coming through an open door. Never remove their leash! Be sure each new adult or teen knows correct ring to hook onto on our collars. Put "Adopt Me” bandanas on promptly so there is no mistake they are adoptable.
2. Be aware of rescue’s body language: (i.e. eyes staring or glaring, ears lowered back, teeth bared, lip raised, hair raised on their back, tail straight out, stiff body) when approached by children/adults. Since we don't know if they like or dislike children, have a problem with men or women, we need to introduce them slowly and take note of their reactions. The above signs may reflect past experiences they may be cautious or defensive about and this is our only way of knowing them better by reading them correctly. Our careful handling of them in various situations will allow them a chance to trust again, while we respect their feelings no one gets hurt. If you notice any of these behaviors please tell an adult immediately so they can report to Pam S. at the end of the day. Going to Petco is our main opportunity to learn more about each dog and if the rescue exhibits any defensiveness or aggression, it is important to know the situation that preceded or prompted it.
3. Be alert about children or adults opening the crates and taking a dog out! Turn the crate door towards the back where chairs are, so only volunteers can unlock and remove a rescue. If a dog happens to be in their crate and someone is standing there looking at them, always offer to get the dog out for them. We need to always be available to talk about and show our dogs. Please explain to children approaching our rescues to first let the dog smell the back of their hand in order for a dog to get to know them before reaching out to pet them.
4. Remember some of our rescues have very short legs and cannot pick up a leg to 'hop' into a crate. Please be aware of limitations of some rescues and pad the front of the crate or help them inside the crate. (i.e. dachshund) Also, watch that the dogs feet do not get hung up on bottom front part of the crate when being taken out of or being put back in to crate (hold their feet up to clear it).
5. Check all rescues nails while at Petco. It has been cleared with Mgr. RJ that their groomers will do nails for us. A groomer may come to our table when they are not busy and time allows or they may ask you to come in to the grooming salon. Since they are busy and may forget, please politely remind them so nails can be done before leaving, as these dogs may not be back for another month.
6. Since there are no cats at The Sanctuary, check our rescue’s reactions to cats while at Petco as this is our only chance to find out if they will get along, or if they are too interested. Slowly walk our leashed rescue to Aurora’s cats, stop and make note of their reaction. If a dog is too interested or fixated on a cat, turn the dog away to distract the dog. We want to watch for the same reactions towards cats as we would when observing the dogs around children, men, and women: glaring, staring fixated, tail raised straight out, hair raised, growling, raised lip, snarling, stiff body, ears lowered back.
7. Never transport our rescues in a shopping cart. Also, if holding or carrying our small dogs it is a good idea to slip your finger in the ring of their collar so if they start to jump or fall you will have a hold on them. If someone wants to hold our small dogs ask them to please sit down in one of our chairs or if it is a young person they can sit on the floor with them. We always want to avoid our rescues being dropped.
8. We are also knotting our leashes in order to shorten them which make it easier to keep the dog right by your side. You may want to carry a longer leash that you can hook onto when pottying the dog to give them a little more freedom to move around, but the shortened leash is the one that is needed inside the store and walking to and from the potty area. The teens (always in pairs) can potty the dog outside once they have been instructed where and how to do it. Always remember to offer water hourly. Hold the bowl rather than leaving it in the crate or take them to the water bowl after potty break.
9. Since we have so few dogs each Saturday (usually 2 dogs and 2 adult volunteers, plus our teens) it would be best IF the dogs are kept out of their crates as much as possible so they get the most one on one attention and socialization. Our teens are there to help us socialize the rescues for adoptions. Our teens can take turns walking them properly throughout the store (separately, not together) with an adoption bandana or vest on while the other teen can get them used to being brushed. If there are no teens, then one adult should walk a rescue while the other adult volunteer talks with the public and promotes our Kroger/Randall letters, etc. But, please try to keep them out of the crates as often as possible, if not at the same time then rotate their time out equally. Many dogs coming to Petco for the first time especially need extra handling in this strange new environment. They need more time spent out of the crate, walking in the store or outside in order that they can feel more comfortable and relaxed which will ultimately help them to show better and be more adoptable. They cannot get at The Sanctuary what you are able to do for each of them on their visit to Petco.
CAR TRANSPORT CRATE ASSIGNMENT FOR DOGS:
· Please remember to NOT open crates in a car loaded with 2 or more dogs without having one volunteer per dog when the crate door is opened, otherwise a dog may escape.
· Please crate dogs separately at Petco. This is important for many reasons, a few are:
- They show better
- It is easier to get one out for visitors
- It only takes one volunteer to get one out of a crate or put one up.
- One dog per crate prevents dog fights.
- Petco likes that we have lots of dogs there. Spread out and attract attention.
· As a N.A.B.S.’ TEAM member please properly instruct and supervise each volunteer on your shift for the sake of each of our rescues and for the sake of the potential adopters. IF we are protecting the dogs, THEN visitors will be safe as well as our rescues. We want them to be safe and not jeopardized.
10. The final thing I want to emphasize is when walking any dog through a door way, THE DOG NEVER WALKS OUT FIRST. They can walk along side you, with their heads even with your legs, but OUR RESCUES ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO WALK OUT OF A DOOR FIRST. If any dog walks in front of a human, they lose respect for the human and think the human is weak. We want to be their pack leaders so we must show our dogs we are strong and brave by walking beside or in front of the dog. You can use your body or legs to block the way of the dog so it doesn’t go out in front of you. Actually the only time a dog is allowed to walk in front of you is when they are going potty. The rest of the time the dog MUST remain at your side. That’s why we shorten the leashes, to insure the dog understands WE are their pack leaders. A pack leader is the protector and all dogs are happiest when they know WE are in charge, watching out for them. Then they can relax and have fun, knowing we are ‘on guard’.
11. The MOST important thing is for each of you to have a wonderful time with the dogs! Thank you for volunteering at N.A.B.S.!
