VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
 
We thank you most sincerely for joining us at the Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center as part of our volunteer auxiliary. Your interest in the shelter is greatly appreciated and we need the support of every animal lover in Calcasieu Parish. Because dealing with the animals is highly emotional, certain areas of involvement are not for everyone. Please be aware of this during the orientation tour so you can select the best area of involvement for you. We have many different levels of involvement in the volunteer program and we feel there is some area where you will feel at home.
 
If you decide to participate in any of the volunteer programs, you may be asked to commit 
a certain amount of time each month. There are many willing hearts, but few people are willing to dedicate part of their daily, weekly or monthly life to the shelter. We need people that are willing to give their most precious resource - their time.
 
When offering your services as a volunteer worker, it is assumed that it is your intention and you wish to contribute your assistance over a prolonged period. We assume you will arrange your other activities in such a way that they will not conflict with your scheduled time to work at the shelter or specially scheduled events. Please do NOT volunteer for anything if your can't complete the task. It is much better to be honest so we can get someone else.
 
It is important to realize that your introduction into service at the shelter and as a representative of the Animal Services "Auxiliary" takes time and training before you will be in a position to contribute very much independently.
 
Volunteers are accepted for occasional special events or fund raisers, but it is necessary to go through an orientation meeting with the Operations Manager and review guidelines before serving as an auxiliary representative of the shelter. For a "regular" shelter volunteer, there will be a probation period of three (3) months with a minimum of eight (8) hours of training. It is necessary to realize the importance of your assignment, and the need for your cooperation at all times, and the responsibilities you assume when you become a member of the Animal Services Auxiliary volunteers.
 
Before you decide to give of your time, you must be aware of two important distinctions. They are 1. Opinion vs. policy, and 2. Emotion vs. fact. These distinctions are extremely important because they can make the difference between success and failure for the credibility of the Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center as a Parish-run facility.
 
We all have opinions, but the Shelter must have only one set of opinions and those are the policies of the Animal Shelter. Everyone associated with the Shelter must follow these policies. Individual opinions only serve to confuse the uninformed public and undermine the entire operation. If you have an opinion that differs with the Shelter Policy, please feel free to discuss it with the Operations Manager.
 
Do NOT find yourself in the pitfall of giving out information or facts you are not absolutely sure of. The importance of checking with a reliable resource before you act or offer information can not be stressed enough. NEVER be embarrassed to say, "I don't know". Put the responsibility on the animal services staff. We pride ourselves on a very professional staff.
 
The Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center has been run by the Parish Police Jury since January, 1990. The entire staff was transferred from The City of Lake Charles as one unit to ensure a smooth reorganization for the Shelter. The transfer to the NEW ANIMAL SHELTER began in September of 1999 and today we are fortunate to have one of the most modern "state of the art" animal shelters in the nation. We have experienced those things that work and have proved effective and those things that have not. You should all have a list of resources and phone numbers close at hand.
 
Please remember to THINK WITH YOUR MIND AND FEEL WITH YOUR HEART!.....The reverse can cause permanent damage.

AUXILIARY POLICIES
 
Philosophy of Service:
Volunteers supplement service in the areas in which they are assigned and for special events and duties. They do not fill positions which are normally covered by paid Parish employees.
 
In-service Volunteers:
 
Definition:
All Persons volunteering their services within the shelter facility are agreeing to
abide by these policies.
 
General Factors to be Considered:
1. Health and limitation
2. Availability
3. Interest and abilities in relation to the needs of the shelter
4. Age in relation to all other factors 
 
Special Requirement for Volunteer Service:
1. 18 years of age or older, except when accompanied by an adult/parent
2. Good physical and mental health
3. Average manual dexterity
4. Good moral character
5. Punctual and reliable
6. Wear appropriate clothing (jeans and t-shirt - No vulgar language or
sayings on t-shirts or caps allowed)
7. Alert and courteous
8. Tour of Shelter
9. General orientation of all services, conducted by the Operations Manager (OM)
10. On the job training instructions in all areas of volunteer services
11. Periodic orientations throughout the year to keep the volunteers well informed
of any changes in procedures of services at the shelter.
 
Assignments:
Upon mutual agreement between each volunteer and the OM, volunteers shall be given a definite, regular assignment. They should not alter their assignments unless requested to do so by the OM, or after first discussing their need or desire to change with the OM.
 
Orientation:
All volunteers selected shall receive a basis orientation before beginning their assignments. Orientation shall be conducted by the OM or designee.
 
Hours:
Volunteers shall be expected to adhere to the hours agreed upon at the time of assignment, unless discussed with the OM or designee in advance. A commitment of at least four (4) hours a month shall be required.
 
Signing in and out:
The volunteer shall sign in and out in the appropriate place for the following reasons:
 
1. To provide the shelter with necessary immediate knowledge of the location of each
volunteer on duty and the coverage on each service.
2. To provide a record of hours of service for awards and information for the OM to use in reports to the Parish and to the Humane Auxiliary.
3. Proof for the Parish's insurance purposes of attendance on a given day.
4. For use by the volunteer in filing Income Tax deductions for volunteer service.
 
Absences: 
The volunteers will be expected to notify the Shelter Office as soon as they know 
they will be absent from their assignments.
 
Offers by the absent volunteer to substitute at another time will be encouraged.
 
An excessive number of absences shall be subject to review by the OM. If it is
in the best interest of the program, alterations or reassignment may be suggested.
 
Leave of absence:
The volunteer shall be expected to notify the Shelter Office of an intended leave of
absence as soon as it is known. It shall be the responsibility of the volunteer to notify
the office of plans to return.
 
For an extended leave, it may be necessary, in the interest of good service, to assign
another volunteer on a permanent basis; the returnee would then be considered for a 
new assignment.
 
Termination:
The volunteer may be terminated for any of the following reasons:
 
1. On request of the volunteer.
2. For reasons listed on absences and leave of absence.
3. For conduct on duty which would be detrimental to the shelter and/or the animals,
including any breach of confidence.
4. For conduct off duty which would adversely affect the shelter.
5. When health or other factors indicate that termination would be to the best
interest of the shelter and/or the volunteer.
 
The decision for termination shall be made by the OM after securing the facts from all concerned. This decision may be referred to the appropriate supervisor if the volunteer feels there is a grievance.
 
Upon termination, the volunteer will be required to return any badges, name plates, aprons or tee-shirts assigned by the Shelter.
 
Health:
All volunteers should be in general good health. Proof of a current tetanus shot is required to do physical care of animals. Any physical limitation should be noted on the application for volunteer service so appropriate work may be selected.
 
Meals:
Staff receives ½ to 1 hour from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch. They are staggered to insure coverage throughout the shelter. The shelter does NOT close for lunch. If the public comes in it is expected to provide service.
 
It is suggested that volunteers either bring their lunch or make advance plans for lunch so the staff can finish their meal break without excess confusion.
 
Parking:
Parking is available at no charge at the shelter.
 
Telephone Calls:
Please limit all personal calls to a minimum, but when necessary please keep any calls
to a two (2) minute maximum. 
  
Awards:
Appropriate recognition of service will be planned during the year in conjunction with community programs.
 
Review of Policies:
These policies shall be reviewed annually and revised when deemed necessary.

DO AND DON'T FOR VOLUNTEERS
 
You are a representative of your Shelter and your volunteer group. Your appearance, what you say, what you do, and how you do it can create either a favorable or an adverse reaction towards the Shelter in the minds of the public. Be a good representative of your volunteer group always. We serve all, regardless of race, color, creed, and are a voice for the voiceless. Let's respect and live up to that ideal.
 
HERE ARE A FEW DO'S:
 
1. DO regard confidences as sacred. (Refrain from gossip - simply see and hear twice
as much as you speak. Information has been entrusted to you in confidence and is not
for you to relate.
 
2. DO everything possible to make the public's entry and exit as pleasant as possible. 
REMEMBER - visitors are guests of the shelter and you are part of the CARING team.
 
3. DO accept supervision graciously.
 
4. DO walk and speak quietly. There is enough "sound" emitted from the animals....it is
tempting to get in the habit of shouting...refrain and take the time to sooth the animals
so you can talk to other people.
 
5. DO keep your uniform apron/tee shirt or other assigned garment on when working at the Shelter for identification.
 
6. DO keep your dealings with the public on an IMPERSONAL THOUGH FRIENDLY 
basis.
 
7. If illness or other emergency will keep you from working your appointed day. DO let
the Volunteer Coordinator know of it at the first possible moment.
 
8. DO learn the Codes and conduct for radio use and follow them if you fill in for communications.
 
AWAY WE GO TO THE "DON'TS":
 
1. DON'T discuss any pet information except specific breed/age/area and available
adoption date. NO names of complainants or surrender parties are every given out. Any
consideration for additional information or contact with original owners shall be cleared
through the OMor designee.
 
2. DON'T discuss an employee with the public.
 
3. DON'T discuss personnel with other personnel.
 
4. DON'T discuss politics or religion with the public.
 
5. DON'T express knowledge of medical needs. Refer to local veterinarian list in the
yellow pages of the phone book or ones in their areas.
 
6. DON'T quote any law without checking it in print as City/Parish/Health/State/ or 
Federal laws.
 
7. Refer any hostile person to the OM.

AND HERE ARE SOME NEVER, NEVER, NEVERS.......:
 
1. NEVER recommend medication or medical treatment for any pet adopted from the
Shelter.
 
2. NEVER promise anything to the public you cannot fulfill. (If you can't fulfill a request
immediately, explain why. (Examples: The Shelter is unable to "hold" a specific pet
for anyone. It's first come/first served to the first "qualifying" applicant. The shelter
cannot guarantee that the animal they are surrendering will be adopted. The shelter
cannot guarantee that the same animal will not be euthanized.......nor are we able to
promise that we will call them back and tell them before the animal is euthanized. It
should be stressed to anyone surrendering an animal that they need to be at peace with
their decision to bring an animal to the shelter and understand that we do the best we 
can.
 
3. NEVER interfere with the work of the professionals. (You are in the shelter to 
supplement - not supplant!)
 
4. NEVER argue with anyone regarding our policies. Refer them to the OMor a
supervisor.
 
5. NEVER tell anyone we don't "put the animals to sleep". We explain the euthanasia
"Realities". See the literature, poems and articles on the pet over-population.

RULES AND ETHICS:
 
The volunteers should be conscious of the DIGNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THEIR POSITION AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ANIMAL SHELTER. They will observe the ethical practices required of all Parish personnel in relation to the shelter matters.
 
1. Report for duty in complete uniform. (Tee shirt/jeans or skirt with non-skid 
shoes or boots) Observe strict rules of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
No muscle shirts or thong shoes!
 
2. Sign in and out at the front desk, so that we may know that you are working
in your assigned area. There is a time sheet provided for you in the office and 
you are responsible for recording your own volunteer hours.
 
3. Any injury, accident, or unusual incident that occurs to a volunteer while on duty
must be reported immediately.
 
4. If you should become ill while on duty, report to the OM or appropriate Supervisor
immediately.
 
5. While working at the Animal Shelter, you are a part of the Shelter "team". Shelter
affairs are strictly confidential and must be regarded as so by volunteers.
 
6. Keep confidential all information that you may learn concerning impounded pets,
in-house differences, or personnel. Act, at all times, in a dignified and considerate
manner.
 
7. Your actions should be above criticism at all times.
 
8. Service to the Shelter is your primary function. For this reason, we request that
you not monopolize personnel time in unnecessary conversation. At the same
time, always retain a warm and wholesome attitude toward all public and staff.
 
9. Do NOT stand in the front and visit with other volunteers or employees, or
interfere with the public.
 
10. Never let your assignment go unfilled. The shelter is depending upon you. If
you are unable to work at your assigned time, notify a supervisor, secretary or
the OM.
 
11. When in doubt as to any procedure, consult a supervisor or OM.
 
12. Do your assignment willingly and thoroughly. Follow carefully any instructions
given to you.
 
13. Personal telephone calls cannot be given to volunteers while on duty,
except as an emergency.
 
14. Do NOT bring unassigned friends or any personal pets on duty with you. This
rule must be obeyed due to insurance coverage and for the health protection
of your pets.
 
15. Practice common courtesy to all the professional staff. Be aware of professional
courtesy.
 
16. Volunteers may not socialize in the Officer's room, the Communication Offices,
the front lobby area or any other area that might interrupt work. Breaks and
meals are taken in the conference room and patio area only.
 
17. Friends who are interested in becoming volunteers should make inquiries with 
the OM.

GENERAL INFORMATION
 
SHELTER FUNDING:
 
The Shelter is a tax dollar supported, Parish managed facility. We operate Parish-wide with enforcement and services through Joint Service Agreements. The Shelter is supported by in-kind service donations from local non-profit, tax-exempt humane societies and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
 
The Shelter employees cooperate with the humane societies and wildlife rehabilitation centers with fund raisers and programs. All proceeds are donated to the non-profit humane societies but are allocated for use for animals from the animal services shelter or designated for special programs at the Shelter. Animal Services employees have been sponsored by these non-profit groups and private individuals to attend humane oriented training schools and seminars.
 
Wildlife Rehabilitation is offered as an alternative to automatic euthanasia to the hundreds of wild animals brought to the Shelter each year. Wildlife & Fisheries authorizes shelter employees to humanely trap and dispose of nuisance wildlife. Injured and orphaned wildlife that are brought to the shelter are transported to a facility with volunteer labor to care and maintain them until it is possible to release them back to the wild environment.
 
SHELTER GOALS:
 
The Shelter's goals are to:
 
1. Enforce all animal ordinances.
2. Issue citations for ordinance violations.
3. House, euthanize, and dispose of all surplus impounded animals within Calcasieu Parish.
4. Impound stray and surrendered animals.
5. Provide assistance to surrounding municipalities by Joint Service Agreements.
6. Pick up dead animals.
7. Loan humane box traps to citizens having problems with nuisance animals.
8. Investigate and prosecute cruelty to animal charges, nuisances, and vicious dog cases.
9. Investigate animal bites and suspected rabies cases, insuring proper quarantines.
10. Find good homes for as many unwanted animals as possible.
11. See that all animals receive humane treatment.
12. Speak out and guard the rights of animals. 
13. Encourage spaying and neutering of companion dogs and cats.
14. Encourage proper care and treatment of animals through humane education.
15. Secure the enforcement of legislation for the prevention of cruelty to animals and to
professionalize animal control status and laws.
16. Serve as the impoundment/enforcement agency for animals.
17. Capture and dispose of nuisance wildlife, as authorized by the LA Wildlife & Fisheries.
18. Offer wildlife rehabilitation transportation and services, as authorized by Special
State & Federal Permits.
19. Offer humane euthanasia to pet owners for injured or dying pets unable to afford
veterinarian care.
 
People unfortunately, many times do not assume the responsibility to humanely care for
and control their pet's movements and reproduction. The Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center  must step in and care for unwanted, homeless and mistreated animals as well as those lost, abandoned or strayed animals. Each year the Shelter is forced to destroy many dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens because their owners fail to have their pet sterilized or do not bother to search for their pet if it fails to return to their home.
 
The policy of "euthanasia" (humane death) is NOT accepted by the Shelter as the answer,
but it is a reality of the necessary "stop-gap" measure required by our laws. The answer lies in three parts: 
1. Education in all areas...Schools, civic organizations and the media.
2. Surgical sterilization of all companion dogs and cats to reduce the pet
over-population explosion.
3. Strictly enforced leash laws for dogs and control laws for cats.
 
These three things together are the answer to the "PET OVER-POPULATION EXPLOSION". It all boils down to "RPO'S"..............
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS !
 
Adoptions:
The adoption fee is set by the Shelter based on the fees for the Veterinarian Assistance Program. (*See Fee Schedule) The charges include a health check, worming, a primary multiple immunization inoculation, a certificate for a Rabies vaccination and license/tag at the appropriate age, and also the mandatory spay/neuter surgery.
 
Other costs the adopter will incur are for any additional immunizations, worming tests, heartworm testing and/or treatment, and any minor treatment or medications as recommended by their private veterinarian. All treatment is at the adopter's discretion and expense, or the animal may be returned for an exchange. The Animal Shelter is NOT responsible for the reimbursement of any additional medical expenses. Heartworm preventative and positive identification (tatoo), microchipping, or ID tags should be recommended. Parish and municipalities ordinances require that the Rabies License Tag is worn by dogs at all times. Although not required by law to be worn by cats, the tags are issued with the certificate and proof is required upon request by an Animal Services representative.
 
Be careful....Do NOT ever recommend one clinic over another. We have a list of veterinarians in the Calcasieu Parish area. We are happy to give them a list to choose from within the area they live in, if requested to do so.
 
The Shelter recommends that NO animal under the age of six (6) months be adopted to a family with children under six (6) years of age. (We provide articles by credible experts that support this policy.) We do not outright refuse, however, adoptions to these households require extensive counseling and a supervisor's authorization.
 
Louisiana State Law requires that NO animals are released from Animal Shelters without some type of policy requiring mandatory spay/neuter. NO fertile animal is released from the Shelter to an out of parish adopter. The adoption agreement requires pre-payment for this surgery at the time of adoption. Pre-adoption counseling should address this requirement. If you feel that the adopter has no intention of going through with the surgery, alert the supervisor and we will evaluate the feasibility of adopting to them.
 
Retention Time For Animals:
Stray dogs and cats are held for five days before the law allows them to be euthanized unless circumstances warrant holding them longer for adoption. Animals are evaluated for adoption by the Animal Care staff. The Shelter employees make every possible attempt to reunite lost pets with owners that are searching for them. Animals selected and cleared for adoption are held for as long as possible. We are NOT able to hold or promise a specific animal for anyone. We are not able to call back people before an animal is euthanized after the time limit has expired. We actively work with breed rescue organizations and humane society representatives to place every adoptable pet that comes into the Shelter.
 
Destruction (Euthanasia & Disposal) of Animals:
It is the responsibility of the Shelter  that unwanted, surplus or sick animals be humanely and painlessly euthanized. Shelter volunteers should, in NO WAY, apologize for this policy. It is not only the most humane, but unfortunately, the only practical way to handle the vast number of unwanted, surplus animals within our society. Sick, starving, stray and unsocialized animals are a risk to humans and animals because they can harbor and transmit diseases.
 
Sodium Phenobarbital (also used by veterinarians) is the method used to euthanize the animals at the Shelter. The animals experience no pain or physical trauma during this procedure.  No animal is every abused once it is at the Shelter. The Shelter staff is committed to limiting the psychological trauma that is felt by the animals under their care through decent, gentle care and handling of all animals at the Shelter.
 
Cruelty to Animals:
The Animal Services Investigators have the legal authority as "Special Police Officer" appointed by the City of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, as requested by a humane society, to investigate, seize and institute legal action in cruelty cases. The Shelter investigates all cruelty complaints and will take custody of an animal (if the situation warrants it) until the condition is corrected or other action is taken, as deemed necessary.
 
Conviction on cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor and can be prosecuted through simple cruelty to animals or aggravated cruelty to animals charges. These can be punishable by fines and jail time.
 
REMEMBER TO:
1. Never give any information that you are not sure is absolutely correct.
2. Remind people that the Shelter needs their financial support through the non-profit,
tax-exempt humane societies.
3. Tell people about the volunteer opportunities at the Animal Shelter. *We always
need new members.
4. Never apologize because the Shelter must euthanize animals. We did not cause
the problem. We are trying to solve the problem as humanely as possible.
5. Never forget you represent the shelter. Our image in the community is judged by 
the volunteers and staff that represent it.
6. Always remind people that we do NOT release animals for research.
7. Familiarize yourself with all forms and literature.
8. Do NOT show the surrender form to any prospective adopter. This information
is confidential and cannot be released without a court order.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CALCASIEU PARISH ANIMAL SERVICES AND ADOPTION CENTER:
 
The prior Shelter on Railroad Avenue was originally built on City of Lake Charles property, and operated by the Calcasieu Parish Health Unit after the former Humane Society of Southwest Louisiana facility, located in Sulphur on Highway 90 was closed in the 60's. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury took over operations for several years. Eventually, the individual municipalities throughout Calcasieu Parish assumed responsibility for enforcement of their own animal control ordinances and signed Joint Service contracts to take their impounded animals to that Shelter facility.
 
In 1983 the City of Lake Charles hired a Director for its Animal Control Department. As animal control programs developed for that City, it was decided to pursue a change in administrative control and negotiations were completed between the Parish and the City. From November 1984 to December 1989, the City of Lake Charles operated the old Shelter facility under the name of the Lake Charles Animal Control & Care Center. Administrative control was through the City of Lake Charles and they maintained Joint Service Agreements with the Parish of Calcasieu and the surrounding municipalities, except for the City of Sulphur and the Town of Vinton. Sulphur
maintains a Shelter and Vinton transports animals to that facility.
 
In 1990, another administrative change was implemented. Administrative responsibilities transferred from the City of Lake Charles to the Parish Police Jury-Public Services Division. In 1991 the Animal Control Department was placed within the Public Works Division of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury . In 1997 the Department was placed within the Engineering Division of the Police Jury where it is currently administered. 
 
In 1998, a new Shelter Facility was completed and the animals were re-located to the current site at 5500 Swift Plant Road. The new Shelter Facility is over 17000 sq. feet and is a state-of-the-art facility.  In 2003, the Shelter received the "Shelter of the Year" Award by the National Animal Control Association.

EXTRA: 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION ON THE CALCASIEU PARISH ANIMAL SERVICES AND ADOPTION CENTER ACTIVITIES. 
(*Activities, as possible, with Staff and volunteer manpower.)
 
Adoption referral program beyond what is available at the Shelter
*Pet Therapy referrals for the elderly & handicapped
Humane Education and wildlife programs
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Adoption counseling program
Humane auxiliary fund raisers
Shelter Volunteers
Lost and Found Pet Listing Research
Dog Obedience training in conjunction with area dog trainers including the Calcasieu Kennel Club
Cremation Services
Shelter Tours
Emergency Service
Legislation efforts-local, state and national level
Enforcement of animal laws-City, Parish, State and National levels
Loan program of human box traps for nuisance animals
Animal bite investigations and rabies quarantine enforcement
Dead Animal pick up
Sponsorship of special events to highlight Shelter activities
Research Information for students of all ages
Education material LOAN Program for educators and private individuals
Annual Rabies Clinic in conjunction with the Health Dept. and the local veterinarians
Annual recognition of special celebrations highlighting Animal Services and Animal Welfare issues