Teen T.A.I.L.S.

(Training with Animals to Impact their Lives)

Handbook

ContentsAbout HSCAZ............................................3Animal Care and Adoptions.......................3HSCAZ Programs.......................................3Collaborations...........................................4What’s the Difference?.............................4Teen T.A.I.L.S. Responsibilites..................5Required Training.....................................5Daily Procedures.......................................5Level One..................................................5Level Two..................................................7Level Three...............................................7Asilomar Accords......................................7Terms and Vocabulary..............................7Consent Form...........................................7

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About the Humane Society of Central Arizona

Our Mission Statement

Respect, Grace, Compassion and Love for the Animals Who Share Our Journey

Our Story

o Since 1972 HSCAZ has been relying on volunteers as a valuable and reliable resource for the animals and in assisting staff in the well-being of animals in our care. We at HSCAZ understand you have a choice in volunteering for an organization and you have elected to contribute your time by choosing to volunteer here. It not only benefits the animals that you are helping out one-on-one, but you’re also helping the Gila County community by taking care of its’ homeless and lost pets in the area.

o Today, our modern shelter provides temporary housing for over 50 dogs and 60 cats. We provide adoptions, low cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics and various programs including educational ones that improve the quality of life for dogs and cats and offer support for the community. The majority of our animals come in as strays or owner surrenders from the Gila County area.

o The Humane Society of Central Arizona is a non-profit animal shelter with our own Board of Directors. We receive money through grants, from contracts with the Town of Payson and Gila County, but mainly from donations.

Animal Care and AdoptionsIn addition to caring for the animals in our shelter, HSCAZ provides a wide range of services for the animals and people in our community.

Animal Careo Our shelter facilities are a temporary home for dogs and cats. We

provide quality care, including medical and behavioral treatment for those in need, if we can accommodate.

o Every shelter animal has an enriched environment. For dogs that includes daily exercise, toys, social interaction with other dogs and play time with people. We have outdoor play yards for dog exercise, play, socialization, and training. Cats have toys to chase, places to hide, shelves to climb, and ample attention from loving humans.

Foster Careo Our foster care program matches volunteers with animals who need

special care in a home environment, such as shy dogs, cats and dogs needing extra socialization, young puppies and kittens, and animals needing a quiet place to recover from medical conditions.

Medical Careo Medical care within our limits is provided. We have a veterinarian who

examines the animas and performs surgerieso Animals entering our shelter are examined and vaccinated to ensure

the overall good health of the dogs/puppies, cats/kittens. o All animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and current on

vaccinations prior to adoption.

Emotional and Behavioral Careo The animal behavior team is here to guide and educate both staff and

volunteers on how to maintain the behavior of well-socialized, friendly, outgoing dogs and cats, and to improve the behavior of shy, rambunctious, or fearful animals.

o Design, implement, and train staff and volunteers on behavior enrichment protocols for each animal.

o Design, implement, and train staff and volunteers on behavior modification protocols.

o Ensure developmentally appropriate socialization and life experiences for puppies and kittens that come through our organization.

Adoptionso We work hard to ensure that dogs and cats in our care find loving

homes. Every year, our matchmaking efforts place around 400 pets in new homes with families who love and care for them.

o Trained HSCAZ staff utilizes a matchmaking process designed to find the right pet for each adopter.

HSCAZ Programs

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Public Clinics

As a non-profit organization we are dedicated to assisting our community. A Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic and Low Cost Vaccine Clinic are provided alternating between the two each month. We do not have a full time, on-site vet so we must work through a private practice in order to address the community.

Recycling Program

The Humane Society of Central Arizona’s recycling program helps us raise money for the animals while doing a great service for our community and the environment. For decades we have been collecting aluminum cans around Rim Country, and in 2014 we launched the next wave of our recycling program and now accept almost any type of scrap metal. Small items like air conditioners, car batteries, electrical cord, metal (aluminum, brass, copper, lead, stainless steel, and sheet metal), and electronics such as laptops, keyboards, and flat screen monitors can be dropped off at the shelter between the hours of 8am and 4pm daily. We also accept large items like appliances and even cars.

Feeding Fido Pet Food Pantry

The Humane Society of Central Arizona (HSCAZ) believes that no one should have to choose between feeding their pets or feeding themselves, or worse, surrendering or abandoning their pet in the hopes that they will be rescued. HSCAZ’s Feeding Fido program provides pet food for pet owners who are struggling to feed their pets due to financial hardship. Our goal is to help keep pets in their home and out of the shelter by providing assistance to those in need. We do require documentation to insure that our support is going where it is most needed.

Spay & Neuter Voucher Program

In the Rim Country, a number of residents have indoor/outdoor cats that seriously contribute to the feral cat problem. Pets – both dogs and cats – have free roam. This situation, combined with the residents’ inability to afford spay/neuter services has created the perfect storm and an increase in unwanted litters and to the overall feral and free roaming cat populations. Since 2008 the Humane Society of Central Arizona’s Voucher Program has provided low-cost and free spay and neuters to qualifying residents of the Rim Country. In 2013 HSCAZ spayed and neutered over 500 animals in the community in partnership with participating veterinarians and clinics. Participating

clinic include: Main Street Animal Clinic, Payson Pet Care, Rim Country Veterinary Clinic, and Star Valley Veterinary Clinic.

Humane Education

It is our mission at HSCAZ to promote humane values to benefit people and animals. With this goal in mind, we offer educational presentations to Payson schools that wish to participate in our Character Counts Project. This project is designed to complement the character education programs of local school and educate children about humane values. HSCAZ believes this will support the development of compassionate adults who embrace animals and strive to enhance the bond between people and animals for the rest of their lives.

Humanitarian Hold Program

The Humane Society of Central Arizona’s Humanitarian Hold program provides short-term care for companion animals of at risk individuals/families, elderly, disabled, and children who must leave their home temporarily due to hospitalizations, rehabilitation, domestic violence, homelessness or other life altering circumstances. On average HSCAZ provides temporary housing of 60-80 animals every year.

Collaborations Reaching out to other rescues

HSCAZ will reach out to other rescues and shelters if we find we are becoming overcrowded. In the same respect we try to make ourselves available to assist other shelters and rescues if we have the space. We do all that we can within our limits to out source to other shelters and rescues.

Friends of Ferals

Rim Country Friends of Ferals has been practicing the Trap Neuter Return program since 2005. They've spayed and neutered over 3000 cats. This small dedicated group of volunteers has worked hard to humanely reduce the

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numbers of unwanted homeless cats in our community. They've contributed to a reduction of these cats and kittens that end up at HSCAZ as well as those living in our community in managed (fed) colonies. To contact RCFF to learn more about our program or if you know of a colony needing TNR'd call 928-970-0175.

What’s the Difference?

Limited Admission Shelters- usually are a 501 (c)(3) Non Profit. They are sometimes referred to as a “no-kill” shelter, because they do not euthanize for space or time. Usually they will have a euthanasia policy that may include medical and/or behavioral criteria. Admission is restricted based on space, source, animal health, adoptability and other factors. Shelters are funded by program fees and donations. Board-governed.

Sanctuaries- usually are a 501 (c)(3) Non Profit. They may or may not adopt animals. Sanctuaries can be a “last resort” for difficult animals. Resident animals live out their lives at the facility. Most do not euthanize except for terminal illness. Long-term stays limit the number of animals they can assist.

Private Open Admission Shelters- usually are a 501 (c)(3) Non Profit. Accept all animals for a fee or donation. They may euthanize for time and space. Private Open Admission Shelters can elect to close admissions to prevent euthanizing for time and space. They are funded by program fees and donations. Board-governed.

Government Open Admission Shelters- have Animal Control Agencies and are a Government function. These shelters are responsible for public safety. Contract with cities, towns, counties, etc.. They are responsible for mandates, code enforcement, and legal compliance. Government Open Admission Shelters must euthanize for space if needed. Can have ancillary (non-mandated) programs and services.

How does HSCAZ help to reduce the euthanasia of dogs and cats in our community?

With more than 1,000 animals entering our shelter each year, it’s an uphill battle. We believe that the unavailability of medical, behavioral, and educational resources and the inaccessibility of these resources to the public are the main reason for this. HSCAZ’s goal is to actively address these issues by serving the broader community consisting not only of animals, but people and other organizations as well. HSCAZ addresses these issues through newspaper articles, PSAs, and other programs designed to help the public through education and helping the vulnerable population of the Rim Country. If I don't support euthanasia, why should I support HSCAZ?

Until a community has a home for every dog and cat, euthanasia will inevitably occur. By supporting HSCAZ, you are supporting the animals in your community, because our mission includes the entire community. If there are homeless, adoptable animals anywhere in our community being euthanized, we have not yet succeeded. We hope you will join our effort to reduce the euthanasia of adoptable animals in Gila County.

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My Teen T.A.I.L.S. Responsibilities

Come, Learn, Enjoy!

Teen T.A.I.L.S. should be a learning experience and a source of fulfillment. This is a time for you to build friendships, experience accomplishments and make a difference in the lives of animals and people in your community.

Professional Service

Just as a paid staff member, Teen T.A.I.L.S. members are expected to be dependable, prompt, efficient, pleasant, and to provide friendly customer service to our prospective adopters and guests. In return, HSCAZ will treat Teen T.A.I.L.S. members with respect, courtesy, and professionalism.

Commitment

HSCAZ is staffed 365 days a year to feed, clean and care for the animals. We are open to the public for adoption and viewing Monday through Saturday from10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The commitment of each Teen T.A.I.L.S. member will vary depending on his/her level in the program. All participants are expected to participate in activities with enthusiasm, complete the 6 minimum required shifts and workshops, and carry out each session to completion.

Scheduling

The Teen T.A.I.L.S. program works on a semester basis. Semesters are as follows:Summer Semesters run from June-July; The First Semesters runs from September-December; The Second Semester runs from January-April. At the beginning of each semester, you will be given a calendar to choose the dates you are available to participate in. The majority of Teen T.A.I.L.S. shifts are 9am to 1pm. Dates and times of workshops/projects/guest speakers/field trips are posted as they become available.

Conduct

Treat your fellow Teen T.A.I.L.S. members, HSCAZ staff members and volunteers, and guests with kindness. Do not engage in offensive or hurtful behavior or in any way cause another person, animal, or property harm. Represent yourself and HSCAZ with dignity. Always strive to conduct yourself in ways that support the well being of HSCAZ, its animals, and guests. HSCAZ reserves the right to determine what is considered appropriate or inappropriate behavior.

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Guidelines for Behavior:o Be a part of creating a positive, active impression. Dispel the slacker

image with which teens have been branded.o Participate in set-up, assignments and tear down.o Do not leave your designated area without checking with your

instructor.o Your position here at HSCAZ is to educate yourselves, help staff and

volunteers as well as being courteous to potential adopters and other guests. Please avoid loitering with other Teen T.A.I.L.S. members to the extent that it discourages people from approaching.

o Please follow the directions given by the Volunteer Coordinator, Programs Assistant, instructors and other HSCAZ staff and volunteers with courtesy.

o Please treat each other with respect! Returning teens have a responsibility to treat newcomers with kindness, respect and to aid them in activities.

Inappropriate or unacceptable behaviors:o No mp3s or cell phones allowed during shifto No personal phone calls or text messaging except during break timeo No foul language or lewd conversation o No harmful behavior towards people, animals, or propertyo Do not bring friends to HSCAZ during your shift

Consequences of unacceptable behavior:o First offense – verbal warning by an Instructoro Second offense – written warning to be given to teen and guardian,

and placed in his/her file (i.e. email)o Third offense – suspension from activities and conference with teen,

guardian, Volunteer Coordinator and Programs Assistanto Fourth offense – dismissal from the Teen T.A.I.L.S. programo Inexcusable behavior such as violence toward animals or people will

result in immediate dismissal from the Teen T.A.I.L.S. program.

Public Relations

Always project a courteous and professional demeanor when dealing with the public. As a Teen T.A.I.L.S. member, you may have the opportunity to interact with our potential adopters. Remember to leave a positive impression by presenting an efficient, friendly, and professional image. Be confident but do not be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Look to your Instructor for assistance whenever needed. Smile and enjoy yourself!

Liability

Each Teen T.A.I.L.S. member is required to complete a Teen T.A.I.L.S. Application and sign a waiver of liability on or before orientation.

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Accidents/Injuries

Program members are required to report any injuries, whether animal related or not, to your Instructor. If an animal shows signs of illness and/or abnormal behavior, please report this information to a staff member.

Guests

Teen Track members may not bring guests during their scheduled shift unless special arrangements have been made with the Volunteer Coordinator or an Instructor. However, members are always welcome to bring friends and family to visit the shelter as guests outside the Teen T.A.I.L.S. shift and during normal business hours.

Required TrainingThese classes and other trainings are required every Teen T.A.I.L.S. year (2 semesters) for recertification. Training sessions may not apply to your designated level.

Dog Handling and Behavior 101This training class covers stages of dog development, highlights of dog body language, social structure of dogs and shelter etiquette. This training

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prepares you for handling dogs in a shelter environment. This includes proper leash works, defensive handling skills, and takes you through common scenarios that happen daily in a shelter environment. (Required for all levels, every semester.)

Cat Behavior 101This class includes stages of kitty development, highlights of cat body language, social structure of cats, and colony life vs. typical home life. (Required for all levels, every semester.)

Remove and ReturnA required training to become a Handler (or level 2 teen). This is given in correspondence with the Dog101 Training. Remove and Return will give you the skills necessary to take dogs out of the kennels as well as to put them back. It also prepares you on what to expect from a dog in this environment. (Required for all levels, every semester.)

Presentation TrainingAll levels are required to attend Presentation Training at least once within a 2 semester span. Teens are taught presentation skills that will benefit them in required animal presentations. (Required for all levels.)

o Level 1, Caregivers PUFA (Put Up For Adoption) Cat Houses cleaning, PUFA Puppies and Small Dogs cleaning, Puppy and Small Dog ISO cleaning, Window Cleaning, Wiping Walls, Sweeping and Mopping, Bathroom Cleaning, Recycling Ink Cartridges, Cleaning the Sally Port, Dishes and Laundry

o Level 2, Handlers: Dog Kennel Cleaning, Quarantine Kennel Cleaning, Cat ISO Cleaning, Scooping the Quarantine Play Yard, Set up and Scoop Dog Play Yards, Grooming (Baths and Brushing).

o Level 3, Curators: Buddy to buddy walks, Cat/ Kitten Play therapy, Kennel Calming (Within Reason), Dog Return/Retrieval, Dog Kennel Cleaning, Setting Up Dog Play Yards, Grooming (Baths and Brushing)

Daily Procedures

Check In / Check Out

o The Teen Program meeting area is in the front lobby of HSCAZ. When you come, sign in and wait quietly and patiently in the front lobby.

o When you’ve finished your shift, sign-out and check out with your Instructor

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Tracking Hours

It is your responsibility to make sure you sign in and out at the volunteer sign-in/out tablet at the beginning and end of your shifts. Your hours, training classes, and level of participation are used in determining advancement to other levels or increased responsibility.

You are expected to arrive at the shelter at least 10 minutes prior to your shift start time so that you have time to sign in and make it to the front lobby before class begins at 9:00 AM (unless otherwise specified). You will be considered tardy after that time unless prior arrangements have been made. Remember, being on time is one of the evaluation tools we use to monitor progress and is a good habit to begin now!

Animals must be cared for rain or shine! In most cases, shifts will not be canceled due to rain. If the Teen Program Coordinator feels it is necessary to cancel a shift, every effort will be made to call all those scheduled in time to save an unnecessary trip.

If you become ill or otherwise incapacitated the day of a class you have RSVP’d for, please contact the Teen Program Coordinator as soon as possible.

Attire

o Teen T.A.I.L.S. shirt and name tag are required o Jeans or khakis only. No shorts, capris, sweat pants, leggings, etc. allowed.o Closed-toed shoes are requiredo Keep accessories to a minimum (rings, earrings, etc.)o No gum chewing or eating in areas open to the publico Hair must be neat and cleano It is up to the discretion of the instructor to decide appropriateness of

attire

After Your Shift

As a member of Teen T.A.I.L.S., you are permitted to do special things that guests cannot. Many privileges, though, end once your shift is over. When you are not “on the clock” as a Teen T.A.I.L.S. volunteer, it is not acceptable to:

o Enter areas considered staff/volunteer onlyo Utilize HSCAZ equipment that is off limits to guestso Handle any animals without staff consent/supervision

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All Teen T.A.I.L.S. members are invited and encouraged to attend as many workshops, presentations, etc. as possible; however, unless you are on one of your scheduled shifts, your privileges are that of a guest.

Special Activities

As a Teen T.A.I.L.S. member, you will be invited to participate in special programs or events as a volunteer. Some of these will be part of the regular Teen T.A.I.L.S. shift schedule (like the Buddy to Buddy walks), and others will be offered to you as the opportunities arise. For example, those who have completed at least one Teen T.A.I.L.S. session can choose to work as a volunteer at some of our adoption events. You will receive information throughout the year announcing any upcoming special programs. This is a level three privilege.

Levels of Responsibility

All teens will have the opportunity, based on your own skills and interests, to get involved with projects around the shelter. There are three levels of responsibility; all teens start out equally on the first level. Promotion to the next level is based on the completion of minimum requirements, commitment demonstrated toward the program, and staff recommendation or approval.

Level OneCaregiver

The requirements for Caregivers are mandatory every year for recertification.

Name Tag Color: Green

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Requirements:o Must take basic dog and cat behavior. o Must take basic dog and cat handling. o Must take and pass quizzes. o Must take 2 workshop(s) or Guest Speakers. o Remove and Return Certificationo Presentation Training/ 1 Animal Presentationo Must be at level one for one semester.o Must be at least 13 years old

Level TwoHandler

The requirements for Handlers are mandatory every year for recertification.

Name Tag Color: Red

Requirements:o Must be level one for two semesters.o Must have graduated from level oneo Must have no more than 2 documented warnings while level oneo Must pass basic dog and cat behavioro Must pass dog and cat handlingo Remove and Return Certificationo Mentor Caregivers (Level 1) o Presentation Training/2 Animal Presentations

Level ThreeKeeper

The requirements for Curators are mandatory every year for recertification.

Name Tag Color: Blue

Requirements:

o Must be level two for two semesterso Must have graduated from level twoo Must have less than 2 documented warnings while at level twoo Must pass basic dog and cat behavioro Must pass dog and cat handling

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o Mentor Caregivers and Handlers (Level 1 and 2)o Must complete 2 workshop(s)/Guest Speakerso Must go above and beyond the call of dutyo Research and present an animal related topic of your choiceo Presentation Training/3 Animal Presentations

Electives:

o Assist in Youth Workshop o Train with Animal Care Technicianso Behavioral enrichment projects for domestic animalso Front Desko Mobile Adoptionso Teen Leader

Keeper IITeens that have completed the Keeper checklist are eligible for the Keeper II title. Keeper II’s are responsible for guiding and mentoring other teens in the program. They must continue to work toward the Keeper checklist items but are required to go above and beyond not only in a mentorship capacity but in developing a special project with the Education Department.

AppendixAsilomar AccordsIn order to facilitate the data collection process and assure consistent reporting across agencies, the following definitions have been developed. The Asilomar participants hope that these definitions are applied as a standard for categorizing dogs and cats in each organization. The definitions, however, are not meant to define the outcome for each animal entrusted to our care. A glossary and more specific details and examples are included in the appendix portion of this document.

Healthy: The term "healthy" means and includes all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older that, at or subsequent to the time the animal is taken

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into possession, have manifested no sign of a behavioral or temperamental characteristic that could pose a health or safety risk or otherwise make the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet, and have manifested no sign of disease, injury, a congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of the animal or that is likely to adversely affect the animal's health in the future.

Treatable: The term "treatable" means and includes all dogs and cats who are "rehabilitatable" and all dogs and cats who are "manageable."

Rehabilitatable: The term "rehabilitatable" means and includes all dogs and cats who are not "healthy," but who are likely to become "healthy," if given medical, foster, behavioral, or other care equivalent to the care typically provided to pets by reasonable and caring pet owners/guardians in the community.

Manageable: The term "manageable" means and includes all dogs and cats who are not "healthy" and who are not likely to become "healthy," regardless of the care provided; but who would likely maintain a satisfactory quality of life, if given medical, foster, behavioral, or other care, including long-term care, equivalent to the care typically provided to pets by reasonable and caring owners/guardians in the community; provided, however, that the term "manageable" does not include any dog or cat who is determined to pose a significant risk to human health or safety or to the health or safety of other animals.

Unhealthy and Untreatable: The term "unhealthy and untreatable" means and includes all dogs and cats who, at or subsequent to the time they are taken into possession,

(1) have a behavioral or temperamental characteristic that poses a health or safety risk or otherwise makes the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet, and are not likely to become "healthy" or "treatable" even if provided the care typically provided to pets by reasonable and caring pet owners/guardians in the community; or (2) are suffering from a disease, injury, or congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the animal's health or is likely to adversely affect the animal's health in the future, and are not likely to become "healthy" or "treatable" even if provided the care typically provided to pets by reasonable and caring pet owners/guardians in the community; or

(3) are under the age of eight weeks and are not likely to become "healthy" or "treatable," even if provided the care typically provided to pets by reasonable and caring pet owners/guardians in the community.

Terms and Vocabulary

Adoption vs. Purchase

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In the animal shelter and rescue industry, it is customary to say that animals are adopted, not purchased. Animals are living creatures, not things. It is not possible to place a value or price on the life of a rescued animal. We do, however, have adoption fees that help cover the operating costs associated with caring for the well-being of the animals entrusted to us.

It vs. He/SheIn order to encourage more humane treatment of animals in general, we must encourage people to think of them as individual living beings who experience emotions. Referring to an animal as an “it” takes away that animal’s entire emotional being.

Donating AnimalsWe get many phone calls from people who want to donate their animals to us. We don’t accept animals as donations (they are not things) but, when we have space in our shelter, we call people from the surrender wait list and accept their pets.

Housebreaking vs. HousetrainingWe get many questions from people who want to know if our dogs are “housebroken” or if we have classes to “housebreak” dogs. We don’t “break” dogs of going to the bathroom in the house, we train them. Since our dogs are housed in kennels, we recommend that all of our dogs go through “housetraining”.

The “Pound”People hear the word “pound” and they associate the word with euthanasia and sick animals most of the time. They are called Government Open Admission Shelters. They don’t like to be called a pound anymore than we do. We should help out our fellow animal lovers and make sure they are addressed correctly Euthanasia PoliciesHSCAZ does have a euthanasia policy. We do euthanize for time and space if it comes down to it. We do make an effort to avoid having to euthanize for time and space by offering adoption specials (lower adoption fees) and by contacting other shelters/ groups to see if they can offer assistances by puling some of our animals. If the final decision is for an animal to be euthanized, please know that it is not taken lightly. If you do have any questions on euthanasia, please feel free to ask your Teen T.A.I.L.S. Leader. We’d much rather have you ask then wonder, guess, or assume.

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After reading this manual, please sign and turn in this page to your Teen T.A.I.L.S. Coordinator along with the liability form.

I have read and understand the Teen T.A.I.L.S. Summer 2015 manual.

Teen Name (Please Print)

Signature Date

Parent Name (Please Print)

Signature Date

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