WETZEL COUNTY
ANIMAL SHELTER
RESCUE IS A VERB, NOT JUST A WORD!
399 Mollohan Drive
New Martinsville WV 26155
304-815-1570
Wetzel County Animal Shelter
Volunteer Handbook
Welcome, and thank you for choosing to volunteer with the Wetzel County Animal Shelter (WCAS). Your time, compassion, and dedication directly improve the lives of animals in our care and strengthen our community.
Our motto:
"Rescue is a verb, not just a word."
1. Our Mission
The Wetzel County Animal Shelter is committed to protecting animal welfare by providing safe shelter, compassionate care, and responsible placement for stray, surrendered, and mistreated animals. We proudly serve alongside our humane enforcement partners and collaborate with rescues, professionals, and experts nationwide.
Volunteers are a vital part of fulfilling this mission.
2. Volunteer Eligibility
To ensure safety for volunteers, staff, and animals:
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Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older
Volunteers under 18 years of age must have a parent/legal guardian signature on all required forms
WCAS reserves the right to approve or deny any application
3. Safety First Commitment
Animal shelters are active environments that may involve:
Loud noises
Cleaning chemicals
Animal handling risks
Slippery floors
Unpredictable animal behavior
All volunteers must:
All volunteers must:
Follow staff instructions
Adhere to safety protocols
Work within approved task levels
Report hazards immediately
4. Volunteer Conduct & Expectations
Volunteers represent WCAS and Wetzel County. Professional behavior is required at all times.
Volunteers must:
Treat animals, staff, and visitors respectfully
Follow shelter policies and procedures
Arrive on time or notify staff if unable to attend
Perform only approved tasks
Maintain confidentiality
Maintain Social Media Policy
Volunteers must not:
Use harsh handling or discipline
Enter restricted areas without permission
Administer medications unless authorized
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Make promises regarding adoptions or outcomes
Use personal phones in animal areas unless permitted
5. Dress Code
For safety and hygiene:
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Closed-toe shoes (required)
Comfortable, modest clothing
Long pants
We recommend wearing older clothes as we get dirty
Avoid:
Sandals / flip-flops
Dangling jewelry
Loose scarves
6. Volunteer Training Requirements
All volunteers must complete:
A. Orientation
Mission & policies
Shelter layout
Safety rules
Hygiene & disease prevention
Emergency procedures
B. Role-Specific Training (as applicable)
Cleaning & disinfecting
Cat handling
Dog handling
Customer/public interaction
C. Skills Verification
Volunteers must demonstrate safe practices before independent assignments.
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7. Volunteer Task Levels
To protect volunteers and animals:
Level 1 – Orientation Cleared
Examples:
Laundry / dishes
Restocking supplies
Basic cleaning
Enrichment preparation
Front desk support (if assigned)
Level 2 – Animal Care Assistant
After training + approval:
Cat socialization
Approved kennel routines
Walking designated low-risk dogs
Level 3 – Advanced Volunteer
After demonstrated competency:
Expanded animal handling
High-risk animal handling is prohibited
Enrichment activities
Adoption/event assistance
8. Youth Volunteer Guidelines (Under 18)
Additional safeguards apply:
Volunteers must be 14 years of age and if under 16, accompanied by a parent or guardian or legally responsible individual approved by parent or guardian
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Parent/guardian signature required
Tasks may be restricted based on age & training
High-risk animal handling prohibited
Staff supervision required
WCAS prioritizes safety over task assignment.
9. Animal Handling Safety
Move calmly and quietly
Read kennel signage
Use approved equipment
Stop if animal shows stress/aggression
Ask staff when unsure
Never:
Open kennels without authorization
Handle animals marked restricted
Attempt to break up animal fights
10. Hygiene & Disease Prevention
Wash hands before/after animal contact
Follow PPE guidelines
Prevent cross-contamination
Report bites, scratches, or exposures
11. Injury / Incident Reporting
Immediately notify staff if:
Bitten or scratched
Witness unsafe behavior
Animal escapes
Hazardous condition observed
Documentation is required for all incidents.
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12. Confidentiality & Privacy
Volunteers may encounter sensitive information.
Volunteers must not:
Volunteers must not:
Share medical, owner, or case details
Post photos/videos without permission
Discuss investigations or seizures or any information deemed confidential
13. Attendance & Scheduling
Volunteers must sign up for shifts
Notify WCAS if unable to attend
Repeated absences may affect status
Recommended minimum participation:
4 hours/month
14. Grounds for Dismissal
WCAS may suspend or terminate volunteering for:
Safety violations
Animal mistreatment
Inappropriate conduct
Policy noncompliance
Disruptive behavior
15. Emergency Procedures
In case of:
Loose Animal:
→ Stay calm, alert staff immediately
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Injury/Bite:
→ Notify staff, seek first aid
Fire/Severe Weather:
→ Follow staff instructions
16. Acknowledgement
I understand that volunteering at WCAS involves responsibilities and potential risks. I agree to follow shelter policies, safety rules, and staff direction.
Volunteer Name:
Signature:
Date:
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Month
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Day
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Date
Parent/Guardian (if under 18):
Name:
Signature:
Date:
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Month
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Day
Year
Date
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