Volunteers are one of the cornerstones to running your animal shelter or rescue successfully. You rely on them to help with day to day needs, care for the animals, organize events, spread the word about your mission, and be passionate about the great work they are doing. Did you know they are one of your biggest risks? Volunteers are human and unpredictable in their actions. To successfully manage their actions and minimize risk, implement an official volunteer program. Here are the categories your program requires:
Volunteer Handbook
Volunteer handbooks contain valuable information about the animal shelter or rescue. They provide new volunteers with:
- Background information
- Mission and Vision
- Application process
- Training expectations
- Behavior expectations
- Volunteer waiver
- Organization policies
Require new volunteers to review the handbook prior to completing a volunteer application. This information sets the precedence for expectations during their time volunteering for your organization.
Volunteer Waivers
Volunteer waivers are typically included as part of the handbook. They are vital for animal shelters and rescues to have in place. A strong waiver includes:
- Release of liability for injury and bites
- Acceptance that injuries are not covered under a worker’s compensation policy
- Acceptance of policies and procedures
- Emergency contact information
- Release to contact to provide medical help or attention if needed
Volunteer waivers are a safety precaution. Volunteers may still choose to file a lawsuit if they believe the animal shelter or rescue is responsible for an injury. Waivers are part of your defense in court but should not be your only defense. Work with your legal counsel to draft a waiver that best suits your animal shelter or rescue needs.
The Right Insurance
The best way to be proactive in protecting your animal shelter or rescue from financial loss as a result of a lawsuit is to purchase insurance. There are many types of insurance you can purchase for your organization including:
- General Liability Insurance
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Accident & Health Insurance
- Director’s & Officer’s Insurance
Liability insurance protects your financial assets by paying defense and settlement costs of a covered lawsuit. Take the time to research animal shelter insurance options today. Purchasing insurance after a lawsuit is filed will not protect you.
Volunteer Training
Volunteer training is vital for new and existing volunteers. Create a strong volunteer training program by answering these questions:
- What do you want the training to accomplish?
- What do your volunteers need to know?
- What do your volunteers already know?
- How do they learn best?
These answers will help you to create a valuable training program that is beneficial to both the volunteer and the organization. Once training is completed, have your volunteers tell you what they learned and how they can implement this in their tasks. Training is never complete and should be offered on a routine basis to volunteers. The knowledge and education help make them valuable to your team.