VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

 

With funding problems and overpopulation, the Allegany County Animal Shelter faces challenges every day. Often our biggest struggle comes from the lack of reliable volunteers. You can help by volunteering to work at the shelter in your spare time. Our volunteers are one of our most important assets and they do an amazing job helping us help the animals.

Volunteers help in almost every capacity of our operation. Feel free to call the shelter or drop by, and ask to speak to our volunteer coordinator. We will be happy to answer all your questions about volunteering at the shelter.  You will be asked to fill out an application – either at the shelter or fill out our online application. All pertinent applications are downloadable below:

Volunteer Guidelines

Please click HERE to download the Volunteer Guidelines.


Volunteer Application

Please click HERE to download Volunteer application form.


Volunteer Requirements

There is no age requirement to volunteer at the shelter. However, anyone under the age of 18 must have signed parental permission. The shelter does allow junior volunteers (13 and under) to assist their parents in a variety of volunteer opportunities. All volunteers, regardless of age, are required to attend an orientation which covers the shelter’s policies.


Volunteer Orientation

Orientations are held approximately once a month. Interested volunteer applicants are encouraged to attend.


Junior Volunteers

Being a Junior Volunteer is a great way to develop respect and compassion for living creatures. Children under the age of 13 may volunteer for certain assignments, as specified on the application, if they are accompanied by a parent. The parent and child must complete all volunteer requirements, including submission of an application and attendance at an orientation. Parent and child may also be required to complete any other addition training.


Volunteer Parental Release (for minors)

Please click HERE to download the Parental Release form.


Volunteer Foster Parent Program

We often have a special need for foster parents. Find out more about the volunteer foster program.

Summarize special skills and qualifications you have acquired from employment, previous volunteer work, or through other activities, including hobbies or sports.
I certify that I am at least 18 years of age and that I have answered the above questions both truthfully and honestly. I further understand that the Volunteer Coordinator and/or the Animal Shelter Manager have the right to deny any application.
I will familiarize myself and comply with the Allegany County Animal Shelter’s policies and procedures applicable to Volunteers. I agree to perform my volunteer duties to the best of my ability. I fully understand and agree that I am providing my services in a volunteer capacity without any expressed or implied promise of salary or employment benefits. I further understand that my volunteer involvement may be terminated for reasons including, but not limited to, those outlined in volunteer training. I recognize that working with animals may place me at risk of physical injury, such as bites and scratches, and I agree to assume those risks. I realize that although Allegany County has taken all reasonable measures to protect me, accidents and injuries may still occur. THEREFORE, I HEREBY COMPLETELY RELEASE AND ENTIRELY DISCHARGE ALLEGANY COUNTY, MARYLAND, AND ITS AGENTS and EMPLOYEES from any and all claims and causes of action or claims of negligence or gross negligence that I or another might have or bring relating to or arising from any injury or damage that I should sustain while assisting Allegany County or in connection with my volunteer work for Allegany County Animal Shelter. Further, I certify that I have never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment of an animal or any related criminal charge in Maryland or any other state. State I agree.