wright-way rescue’s
volunteer handbook
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Introduction to the Wright-Way Rescue volunteer program Mission statement: Wright-Way Rescue seeks to reduce the number of homeless adoptable pets euthanized in the Midwest each year through an adoption program, community education, promotion of spaying and neutering, and a shelter medicine outreach program.
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Wright-Way Rescue’s history and success Wright-Way Rescue officially started in 2003 in response to the overwhelming number of adoptable animals being euthanized in rural animal control facilities. We ease the burden of these animal control establishments by visiting their facilities and pulling adoptable dogs and cats that are at risk of being put to sleep. These animals are then readied for adoption at our Admissions & Care Center in southern Illinois and later transported to our Adoption Center in northern Illinois. The idea of moving animals from rural populations to urban ones is not a new concept. However, our Admissions & Care Center provides a unique opportunity for animals to be prepared for adoption before ever arriving at our Adoption Center. To our knowledge, this is the first program of its kind in the Midwest. In 2004, we provided 800 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens with shelter, spay/ neuter surgeries, and adoptive homes. We have grown to
provide a second chance at life to approximately 4,500 animals yearly through our busy adoption program. The headquarters of WrightWay Rescue is located in Murphysboro, IL. Our adoption center is currently located in Niles, IL, which is a bordering suburb of Northwest Chicago. Wright-Way Rescue employees and volunteers help make our mission statement come alive through their teamwork, commitment, dedication and partnerships. Together we provide our adopters with superior care and long-term relationships. When WrightWay began its operation, it employed two individuals and rented an office building/ warehouse combination in Crab Orchard, IL. We now employee approximately 30 employees ranging from veterinarians, managers, veterinary technicians, groomers, animal care providers, trainers, and office staff. Our 3.5-acre facility that was purchased in 2006 has been renovated
to provide state-of-theart sheltering for animals awaiting homes. In 2008 we added our Adoption Center in Niles, IL. To say we have grown by leaps and bounds would be an understatement. The support of our adopters, animal welfare foundations, and other supporters, such as the Petco Foundation, has enabled Wright-Way Rescue to extend our operation and grow to be who we are today. With the entire staff and volunteers of WrightWay Rescue participating in making our vision of distinctive quality and unparalleled service real, we are headed for even greater achievements. This, simply put, equals more adoptive homes for our pets and a step towards helping the overwhelming number of homeless animals in shelters today.
Thank you for being a part of our history in the making.
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Volunteering at the Adoption Center Level 1 Door Greeter - Welcome guests, provide information about daily happenings, thank adopters as they leave, educate first time guests of our mission. Facility Care - Help keep Wright-Way’s facility clean by assisting with laundry, cleaning pet bowls, caring for toys, etc. X-Pen Attendant - Prepare areas for potential adoptive homes to meet their new pets.
Level 2 To become a Level 2 volunteer, you must be able and willing to perform all the responsibilities of Level 1. In addition, you must receive management approval. Focus on Animal Care - Walking, feeding, socializing, and loving of adoptable Wright-Way Rescue pets.
Level 3 To become a Level 3 volunteer, you must be able and willing to perform all the responsibilities of Level 1& 2. In addition, you must receive management approval. Adoption Counselor Assistant - Help match adopters with the right pet for their home. Make introductions and be able to direct adopters through the entire adoption process. Phone Communications - Provide basic information e.g. hours, location, etc and relay important messages to manager on duty.
Specialized training Retail - Help new adopters shop for the "Wright" products at the Wright-Way Rescue Adoption Center's retail store. Did you know 100% of the proceeds go back to help save more lives? Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics - Assist guests in obtaining high quality, low-cost veterinary care for their dog or cat. Foster - Save the life of a pet who may need some extra TLC before being made available for adoption! Special Events - Help Wright-Way Rescue raise the funds it needs by participating in one of our many yearly special events ranging from car washes to Las Vegas nights. Note: All volunteers will shadow an experienced volunteer or Wright-Way employee once each level’s training is complete. Volunteers will shadow until management approval is received.
Shifts
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Sign up for your shift online at wrightwayrescue.net. If you have a last-minute change of plans but haven't signed up online, do come in and help! If you need to adjust the hours of your shift, please denote the modification after your name, e.g., Suzy Smith - arriving at 8:45 am If you need to cancel, please email the Volunteer Team at volunteer@wrightwayanimalrescue.com as soon as possible. A Team Member will update the schedule and try to find a fill-in. Please keep in mind we reply on our volunteers so try your best not to miss your shift!
When To Volunteer? The shifts you sign up for should match your objectives! Weekday Shifts: Weekdays tend to have less traffic than the weekends. If you want a more relaxed environment with the animals, weekdays may be the best choice for you. Weekend Shifts: If you want to help match people with the perfect pet, volunteer on the weekends when there is the most traffic. Early morning shifts from 8:00 am-11:00 am: revolve around walking, feeding, helping with deep cleaning and facility care. There is little interaction with the public because we are closed during these times. Evening shifts from 8:00 pm-9:00 pm: revolve around quick walks, evening feeding/ watering, spot cleaning, and preparing the animals for the night.
Checking In/Out Upon arrival, please sign in, record your start of shift, and check folder for updates. Always wear a name tag on a lanyard. This helps everyone get to know each other. Before leaving, please sign out, record the end of shift and update your volunteer log. Also don’t forget to leave your name tag.
Dress code Volunteers are asked to abide by a dress code and wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. Always wear a short or long sleeved Wright-Way Rescue t-shirt. Khaki colored pants, with no holes, should be worn. Shorts are not allowed. Wear close-toed shoes with good traction (no sandals/flip flops, high heels, etc.) Please always wear your name tag If you are here to for an early shift and plan to help clean kennels, rubber boots are most appropriate.
safety first.
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The adoption center follows vital protocols in order to set our pets and volunteers up to succeed! A top priority of the Wright-Way Rescue Adoption Center is maintaining a healthy environment and preventing the spread of disease or germs. No matter what activity you participate in, sanitation should always be your top concern (e.g. hand washing, preventing crosscontamination, making others do the same) Level 2 volunteers will receive extensive training on sanitation as it relates to animal health. Staff members will handle any ill or aggressive pets. It is important to always follow instructions given to you by
staff or senior volunteers.
Do not give treats when there are two older puppies or two
adult dogs in one enclosure.
Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation. Report any injury, to an animal or person, to the manager on
duty immediately.
If you are unsure about something, ask. Never try to break up an animal fight, notify a staff member immediately. Read all signage posted that relates to your tasks.
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top ten things
to know about volunteering at the wright-way adoption center. 1. The health and well being of Wright-Way Rescue animals is a top priority. 2. Wright-Way Rescue insists that all guests be treated in a professional and positive manner reflective of our organization (no matter what). 3. You will most likely be asked to help with a multitude of tasks. every day at the adoption center is different. 4. At some point, you might become attached to a pet. please Know that this is normal and that your commitment and care towards this pet will make a difference to the adopter. 5. If you have young, old, or unvaccinated pets at home you should speak to a manager regarding basic precautions to keep them healthy. 6. It is important to follow all safety rules and guidelines. 7. Wright-Way Rescue welcomes the suggestions of our volunteers. Some of our best practices have been first suggested by volunteers. 8. It is helpful for volunteers to memorize basic information about WrightWay Rescue (e.g. operating hours, mission, schedule of major events, etc.) 9. Wright-Way Rescue is committed to being a good neighbor. Please pick up after any mess made by dogs outside immediately. 10. Wright-Way Rescue values your time! Thank you for volunteering to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets!
thank you for your
interest in wright-way’s
volunteer program!
wright-way rescue adoption center 7136 w touhy ave niles, illinois 60714 phone: 773-353-9931
hours
Monday – Closed Tuesday – 3pm-8pm Wednesday – 3pm-8pm Thursday – 12pm-5pm Friday – 3pm-8pm Saturday – 11am-5pm Sunday 11am-3pm