Pasadena Humane

1. Is this Program Currently Accepting Volunteers? Yes! 2. Program Description and Goals SNiP Express is a vital program that assists members of the public in checking in their pets for low-cost spay or neuter surgeries. Volunteers in this program play an essential role in ensuring a smooth and efficient check-in process by welcoming pet owners, guiding them through the necessary paperwork, and answering basic questions about the procedure. By providing friendly and organized support, volunteers help reduce stress for both pet owners and their animals, making the experience as seamless as possible. This program is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy interacting with the public, and want to contribute to responsible pet ownership and population control efforts. Program Goals: -Support Accessible Spay/Neuter Services – Ensure that pet owners can easily navigate the check-in process for their pet’s surgery. -Improve Efficiency of Appointment Check-ins – Assist with paperwork completion, reducing wait times and ensuring all necessary information is provided to staff. -Reduce Stress for Pet Owners and Their Pets – Offer guidance and reassurance to individuals dropping off their pets, helping them feel confident and informed. -Promote Responsible Pet Ownership – Educate the community on the importance of spaying and neutering to reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare. -Enhance Shelter and Community Engagement – Build stronger connections between the shelter and the public by providing excellent service and support. By volunteering with SNiP Express, you will help create a positive and well-organized experience for pet owners while directly supporting the shelter’s mission to reduce pet overpopulation through accessible spay/neuter services. 3. How Does this Program Help the Shelter? The SNiP Express program plays a crucial role in supporting the shelter’s mission to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce pet overpopulation. Volunteers in this program help streamline the check-in process for spay and neuter surgeries, making the experience smoother for pet owners, staff, and the animals themselves. Here’s how this program directly benefits the shelter: 1. Reduces Pet Overpopulation -By assisting with spay/neuter services, the program helps decrease the number of unwanted litters and stray animals in the community. -Fewer unwanted animals mean fewer pets entering the shelter system, reducing overcrowding and euthanasia rates. 2. Improves Efficiency for Staff and Veterinary Teams -Volunteers help complete necessary paperwork, allowing staff to focus on medical care and surgeries rather than administrative tasks. -A well-organized check-in process ensures surgeries start on time, maximizing the number of animals that can be helped each day. 3. Enhances Public Experience and Shelter Reputation -Providing friendly and knowledgeable assistance to pet owners helps build trust in the shelter and its services. -A positive experience increases the likelihood that pet owners will return for future services, recommend the program to others, or support the shelter in other ways (donations, adoptions, volunteering). 4. Reduces Stress for Pet Owners and Their Pets -Volunteers provide reassurance and guidance, easing concerns that pet owners may have about the surgery process. -A calm and organized check-in environment helps keep pets relaxed before their procedures. 5. Encourages Community Engagement -The program gives volunteers a hands-on way to support animal welfare, strengthening community involvement with the shelter. -Increased community participation fosters advocacy for spay/neuter initiatives and other shelter programs. By volunteering with SNiP Express, you are directly contributing to the shelter’s goal of reducing pet homelessness while ensuring pet owners receive the assistance they need. Your efforts help create a more efficient, welcoming, and impactful program that benefits the entire community. 4. Position Outline First-time volunteers will sign up for the "Shadow Shift" position in order to have an in-person training with the SNiP Express staff. When you arrive at the shelter for your shift, please first stop in at the Volunteer Services office to sign in and then downstairs (1st floor) to the large breezeway adjacent to the Shelter Shop. 5. Skills & Requirements Volunteers in the SNiP Express program play a critical role in ensuring a smooth check-in process for pet owners and their animals. To provide the best experience for both the public and the shelter team, volunteers should possess the following skills and meet these requirements: Required Skills & Attributes: - Strong Communication Skills – Volunteers should be comfortable interacting with the public, providing clear instructions, and answering basic questions about the check-in process. - Attention to Detail – Ensuring that all paperwork is completed accurately and efficiently is essential for the success of the program. - Calm and Friendly Demeanor – Many pet owners may feel anxious about their pet’s surgery; volunteers should be patient, reassuring, and approachable. - Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Environment – Check-in can be busy, so volunteers must stay organized and keep the process moving smoothly. - Comfort Around Animals – Volunteers will be near pets of all sizes and temperaments, so they should feel at ease in an environment with animals. - Team-Oriented Mindset – Volunteers will work closely with staff, veterinarians, and fellow volunteers to ensure an efficient workflow. - Basic Problem-Solving Skills – Volunteers should be able to identify and address minor issues, such as incomplete paperwork or confused pet owners, while escalating concerns to staff when necessary. Program Requirements: - Minimum Age Requirement – 18 years of age and older. - Mandatory Training Session – Volunteers must complete a training session covering the check-in process, paperwork guidelines, and customer service expectations. - Commitment to Assigned Shifts – Since SNiP Express operates on a set schedule, volunteers should commit to their assigned shifts to ensure program consistency. - Adherence to Safety and Shelter Policies – Volunteers must follow all shelter procedures related to interacting with the public, handling paperwork, and working in a setting with animals. - Professional and Respectful Conduct – Volunteers represent the shelter and should maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times. By meeting these skills and requirements, volunteers help ensure that SNiP Express operates efficiently, benefiting both the shelter and the community 6. How to Get Involved After completing the online, prerequisite training modules, volunteers are encouraged to then sign up for upcoming, available shifts. Before signing up and arriving for your first shift, volunteers must first complete the online training modules: https://shorturl.at/sHRtz (if this link does not work, please find the training links below): -Infectious Disease Management Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h1tjfZngT0 -Infectious Disease Management Quiz: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cSDNmHAIlEqurBCbgZki0RAdOiBuufRCh_A6Y7eq_4pUOVE1MDFYNzlMMDFTUUxSRzZaSUtVSjZYMi4u -How to advise on vaccines_shelter and clinic protocols: https://pasadenahumanesociety-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/cbriffett_pasadenahumane_org/EfswoIltM0VMifjajsLilo8B5aiGIgZrEwmVLGDOQg1Alw?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJPbmVEcml2ZUZvckJ1c2luZXNzIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXciLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJNeUZpbGVzTGlua0NvcHkifX0&e=I3dkwK&referrer=Outlook.Web&referrerScenario=email-linkwithoutembed -Weigh Dogs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7JiN9JxR_s&feature=youtu.be 7. Benefits to Volunteers Volunteering with SNiP Express is a rewarding experience that provides direct support to the shelter, the community, and the animals in need. As a volunteer, you will gain valuable skills, make meaningful connections, and contribute to a program that positively impacts pet welfare. 1. Make a Tangible Difference in Animal Welfare - Play a key role in reducing pet overpopulation by supporting a program that provides accessible spay/neuter services. - Help ensure that every pet owner has the guidance and resources they need to complete their pet’s surgery process successfully. - Directly support a humane solution to pet homelessness by assisting with an essential preventive program. 2. Gain Valuable Skills and Experience - Customer Service & Communication – Improve your ability to interact with the public in a professional and helpful manner. - Administrative & Organizational Skills – Learn how to manage paperwork, follow procedural guidelines, and maintain efficiency in a fast-paced environment. - Problem-Solving & Teamwork – Work alongside staff and fellow volunteers to ensure a seamless check-in process. - Animal Shelter & Veterinary Experience – Gain insight into shelter operations and veterinary services, which can be beneficial for those interested in careers in animal welfare or veterinary medicine. 3. Connect with Like-Minded Animal Lovers - Become part of a compassionate community of volunteers and staff dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners. - Build friendships with fellow volunteers who share your passion for animal welfare. 4. Contribute to a Stress-Free and Positive Public Experience - Help pet owners feel comfortable and confident as they check in their animals for surgery. - Play a role in making spay/neuter services more accessible and less intimidating for community members. 5. Enjoy a Flexible and Fulfilling Volunteer Role - SNiP Express offers a structured but engaging volunteer experience that doesn’t require direct animal handling. - Volunteers can participate based on their availability, making it a great option for individuals looking to give back without a long-term commitment. By volunteering with SNiP Express, you’re not only helping the shelter run more efficiently but also making a lasting impact on pets, their owners, and the broader community. IMPORTANT - PLEASE REVIEW: Shelter Map and Parking Information here: https://pasadenahumanesociety-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/personal/volunteer_pasadenahumane_org/Documents/GETTING%20TO%20AND%20AROUND%20CAMPUS.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=OGo4D0