Volunteer Application – Lycoming County SPCA

Before you begin your application...

To be a volunteer with the Lycoming County SPCA, you must meet the following basic requirements.

Required Skills and Abilities for Lycoming County SPCA Volunteers
Volunteering to support homeless animals is a fulfilling experience, but it also comes with challenges. Below are the key skills and abilities necessary for safely participating in our volunteer program. While some roles may be available to those who meet only certain criteria, volunteers may be reassigned to a different area or may not be able to participate if their abilities do not align with their chosen activities.

Physical Requirements

Ability to navigate safely through the facility, recognize animal body language, and read instructions.
Capability to move independently on various surfaces, both indoors and outdoors.
Ability to bend and squat to leash, harness, or lift animals.
High level of dexterity for handling leashes and harnesses.
Ability to stand for extended periods while walking dogs, assisting visitors, or cleaning enclosures.
Ability to hear animal vocalizations that indicate fear, pain, or aggression.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Capacity to work in a loud environment due to animal sounds.
Comfort with exposure to peanut butter, pet dander, and cleaning chemicals.
Ability to push laundry carts, operate washers and dryers, and manage clean laundry.
Capable of washing dishes, following sanitation procedures, and reading necessary instructions.

Cognitive Requirements

Ability to comprehend, retain, and follow both verbal and written instructions.
Basic reading, writing, spelling, and communication skills.
Problem-solving ability.
Awareness of potential safety risks and the ability to recognize dangerous situations.
Understanding of precautions against zoonotic diseases, such as ringworm, and the risk of animal bites.

Emotional Requirements

Willingness to accept constructive feedback.
Ability to remain calm and maintain a positive attitude.
Capacity to handle emotionally challenging situations, including working with homeless, abandoned, or abused animals and understanding that some animals in our care may be euthanized.
Understanding and willingness to uphold Lycoming County SPCA policies on animal welfare and accurately represent them when engaging with the public.

Supervision and Independence
Once trained, must be able to work with minimal supervision while recognizing personal limitations and seeking assistance when needed.

Volunteers unable to work independently must be accompanied by a trained parent or guardian in a suitable role as determined by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Ability to work independently for extended periods, as well as collaboratively with staff and fellow volunteers.

Do you meet the above requirements? *YesNoIf you have questions, please contact Kailey Krozter via email: Community@lycomingspca.org

Thank you for reaching out and for your willingness to volunteer with us.

We truly appreciate your interest in supporting our mission.

We understand that due to disabilities or concerns about potential injury, volunteering in certain capacities may not be feasible. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. If you are still interested in contributing in a way that aligns with your abilities and comfort, we would love to explore alternative opportunities that may be a better fit for you. There are often ways to support our efforts remotely, through advocacy, or in lower-impact roles.

Please let us know if you’d like to discuss these options, and we would be happy to find a way for you to get involved in a way that works best for you.

Thank you again for your support and understanding. We appreciate you!

Best Regards,
Lycoming County SPCA

Today's date *

First name *

Last name *

Applicant's Date of Birth *

Nickname *

Pronouns *

Street Address *

Apartment, suite, etc

City

State/Province

ZIP / Postal Code

Phone *

Email Address

If under the age of 18: Name of Parent of Legal Guardian *

If under the age of 18: Parent or legal guardian's phone number *

Volunteering Experience & the Lycoming County SPCA

Please tell us how you heard about our organization. *

Please tell us about yourself and why you wish to volunteer at the Lycoming County SPCA. *

Please list any strengths, skills, certifications, education, etc. *

What is your experience with animal care handling? *

Do you have volunteer experience? If so, where/with what organization(s)? *

Are you related to/a friend of a current or former Lycoming County SPCA employee or volunteer? *YesNo

Employee or volunteer's name(s) *

Their relationship to you? *

Do you understand that the Lycoming County SPCA may need to turn animals away due to overwhelming need and lack of resources. *YesNo

Do you understand that the Lycoming County SPCA does euthanize animals for medical, behavioral, or quality of life reasons that are unresolvable in a shelter environment and may pose risk to employees, volunteers, potential adoptive families, and the public? *YesNo

Do you understand that the Lycoming County SPCA does offer low-cost owner-requested euthanasia services, but reserves the right to deny that service without sufficient reason. *YesNo

Consent for Understanding

In checking the following boxes or signing this document, I agree to the above contracts and confirm that the information submitted information is true, accurate, and does not contain any intentional misrepresentations in regard to my personal situation, professional situation, viewpoints, etc.

NON-SOLICITATION / CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT WHEREAS, Lycoming County SPCA (the “Organization”) has invited the undersigned individual (the “Volunteer”) (together with the Organization, the “Parties”) to join the Organization; and WHEREAS, Lycoming County SPCA will or may grant Volunteer access to the Organization's confidential and proprietary information, which may include, but is not limited to: customer lists, pricing lists, trade secrets, business forecasts and other proprietary information. NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows: 1. CONFIDENTIALITY: Volunteer acknowledges that the Organization shall or may, in reliance upon this Agreement, grant Volunteer access to the Organization’s confidential and proprietary information. Volunteer agrees to not disclose to any other person or on any platform (unless required by law) or use for personal gain or create discreditation any such confidential or proprietary information at any time during or after the termination of volunteer status, unless the Organization grants express, written consent of such a disclosure. Any violation of confidentiality seriously injures Lycoming County SPCA’s, reputation and effectiveness. Therefore, do not discuss business with anyone who does not work for Lycoming County SPCA and never discuss business transactions with anyone who does not have a direct association with the transaction. No one is permitted to remove or make copies of any of Lycoming County SPCA 's records, reports or documents without the prior consent of the management. Because of the seriousness, disclosure of confidential information could lead to dismissal. 2. CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS: Notwithstanding the termination of Volunteer for any reason, Sections 1 of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect following such termination. 3. BINDING EFFECT: The covenants and conditions contained in the Agreement shall apply to and bind the Parties and the heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns of the Parties. 4. WAIVER: The failure of either party to enforce any provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver or limitation of that party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement. 5. SEVERABILITY: If any part or parts of this Agreement shall be held unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, and if limiting such provision would make the provision valid, then such provision shall be deemed to be construed as so limited. 6. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement. There are no other promises, conditions, understandings or other agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be modified in writing and must be signed by both Volunteer and the Organization. 7. GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. *

VOLUNTEER WAIVER Volunteers are an important and vital part of our mission at the Lycoming County SPCA. The safety and well-being of our animals, staff, and volunteers is very important to us, and we want to make sure our volunteers understand the inherent risks that caring for animals and participating in activities associated with caring for these animals (the “Activities”), especially animals who may have experienced trauma or neglect, may present to volunteers. The Volunteer is to be legally bound, hereby agrees to serve as a volunteer to the Lycoming County SPCA and commit to the following: 1) To perform my duties to the best of my ability, without any monetary or other compensation for my service. 2) To adhere to Lycoming County SPCA confidentiality of agency and client information. In particular, I affirm that all information I learn about the people and animals that the Lycoming County SPCA services (including name, address, work or other affiliation) that is not already publicly shared by the Lycoming County SPCA is deemed to be strictly confidential. I shall disclose no confidential information about the Lycoming County SPCA clients and animals to any other individual or organization. 3) I am physically, emotionally, and mentally able to participate in the Activities and agree that I will immediately remove myself from participation and notify the nearest Lycoming County SPCA staff member (excluding kennel attendant staff) if at any time I sense or observe any hazard or unsafe condition, or if I feel that I am impaired or unable to safely, responsibly, and respectfully participate in any Activities. 4) I understand and acknowledge that the behavior of animals is sometimes unpredictable and that some animals are capable of causing disease, serious personal injury, and even death, as well as extensive property damage. I also understand and acknowledge that I will be voluntarily engaging in activities that involve internal and external Lycoming County SPCA sanctioned events, vehicle transportation, shelter and grounds organizing/cleaning/repair, animal walking/running/exercising, participating in animal photography shoots/sessions, and all other animal enrichments activities which may result in the risk of serious injury, bites, scratches, scarring, loss of an important bodily function, permanent disability, or death, and may cause severe social or economic losses due to not only my own actions, inaction or negligence, but also the actions, inaction or negligence of others, or conditions of the animals, premises, or equipment. Furthermore, I acknowledge that there may be other risks not known to me or not reasonably foreseeable at this time. Knowing these risks, I agree to voluntarily assume those risks and to release, waive liability against, indemnify and hold harmless the Lycoming County SPCA, and its agents, officers, directors, and employees, for any and all claims, demands, liability, fines, losses, damages, penalties, judgments, or expenses including attorney fees I would otherwise bring for any and all injury and/or damages, including property damages, I experience arising from my volunteer work at the Lycoming County SPCA. 5) Refrain from engaging in any of these activities: Harassment, abusive language or actions, disparaging commentary or inaccurate information being publicized on social media, discourtesy or behavior to or about staff, animals, potential adopters or volunteers, theft, negligence or intentional destruction of Lycoming County SPCA 's property. 6) I understand that I am not permitted to contact or speak to the media regarding any Lycoming County SPCA matter unless explicitly requested or given permission to do so by the active Executive Director, Development Director, Community Coordinator, or an active member of the Board of Directors. 7) I agree to immediately report to the Lycoming County SPCA 's professional staff if I am bitten or receive a scratch that draws blood or am otherwise injured in a manner or to a degree that requires medical attention. 8) I agree that if I am injured in any way while volunteering for the Lycoming County SPCA, I will notify a supervisor or staff person to get the appropriate first aid treatment, and complete an injury report form, as soon as possible. 9) I affirm that I will not get preferential treatment with regards to animal adoptions and cannot question or otherwise make untruthful and/or disparaging remarks regarding euthanasia decisions made by the Lycoming County SPCA staff. 10) My health insurance will be maintained. I will notify the Community Coordinator if my license or insurance is revoked or is not renewed at expiration. 11) I understand and agree that the Lycoming County SPCA may terminate its use of me as a volunteer at any time for any or no reason. The undersigned volunteer has read the above agreement, waiver, release, and indemnification form and signs it voluntarily knowing that he or she has given up substantial rights by signing it. CONFIRMATION In checking the following box or signing this document, I agree to the above contracts and confirm that the information submitted above is true, accurate, and does not contain any intentional misrepresentations in regard to my personal situation, professional situation, viewpoints, etc. *

I understand I will need to sign these waivers in-person and if under the age of 18 will need my legal parent or guardian present to sign. *Yes

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