Our volunteers have been hard at work helping us expand our facility.
Check the FAQs to learn about the many ways you can help Safe Haven. VOLUNTEER FAQs  Q: If I volunteer, what will my time commitment be?
A: Volunteers may work at the center once a week, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. There are various feeding schedules depending on the number and age of animals currently being cared for in the facility. Some volunteer work—fundraising, mailings, etc.—can even be done at home with Volunteer meetings and training workshops are held outside of "baby season."
Q: How do volunteers assist with animal care?
A: The basic duties involve feeding animals and cage-cleaning. Daily assignments are provided to guide volunteers. Experienced volunteers may also administer medications, treatments and other basic veterinary care.  Q: Will someone teach me what I need to know?
A: Our Volunteer Trainers supervise and assist volunteers. New volunteers work with one species at a time until they are fully trained. Workshops are available in basic rehabilitation and advanced care. Volunteers are given clear guidelines for handling calls from the public and admitting rescued animals. We maintain an extensive library of manuals and other resources on-site.
Q: Is help available in case of emergency?
A: Help is as close as the telephone. Volunteers have emergency phone numbers for the Director, veterinary assistance, animal welfare offices, and fire and medical assistance. Q: Is it dangerous to work with the animals?
A: Personnel safety is our first priority. Volunteers are instructed in basic first aid and safety, including steps to take in the event of an animal bite or other injury. New volunteers are not permitted to work with predators. Only a limited number of experienced, certified volunteers are allowed to work within the secured large carnivore enclosure area. Those volunteers have received special training in restraint and immobilization techniques. Q: Are there other ways to volunteer besides working with animals?
A: Yes! We especially need experienced fundraisers and grant-writers; this type of task could be ideal for a volunteer who prefers to work at home. Other areas of need include construction (carpentry, roofing, welding, handyman work), groundskeeping and gardening, and light janitorial (mopping, cleaning). Volunteers often assist with the transportation of animals to and from veterinary visits, and also assist with releases. (Note: Safe Haven never releases big cats. Our large predators are all permanent-placement residents.) Q: I don't have time to volunteer, but I have materials or equipment you might be able to use. What do you need?
A: We always need clean, unfrayed towels, baby blankets, cloth diapers, and fleece squares. Occasionally we can use equipment such as aquariums and animal carriers—if you have such items, please call to see if there is a need for them. Q: Whom do I contact if I want to volunteer, or if I have more questions?
A: For further information, you may contact us by e-mail or phone (775-538-7093). Be sure to mention that you are responding to the Web site—thanks!  Q: What else can I do to help?
A: Perhaps you have property suitable for a release site. We prefer sites away from heavy traffic, feral cats, and unleashed dogs. Permission from the owner is required to release animals on private property. If you have a release site to offer, please e-mail us or call 775-538-7093.
Note: Under no circumstances do we release big cats. We accept them on a permanent-placement basis only. |