Firstly, please note:
Even when you are approved as an HCRS driver, HCRS may not need your volunteered time very often. For instance, we may be able to do driving on our own or simply don't have rescue driving to do on your 'on call' or available volunteer days. Please don't get discouraged if you do not receive calls on a regular basis, or for long periods of time. Simply know you are on the list for the times you've offered, and if your volunteer availability changes, just email us with the update - no need to check in with us - you are on the list until you ask to be taken off. Volunteer drivers will be called upon when core volunteers are overwhelmed or unavailable, which may not be as often as you assume. You will be contacted before going on the list in the first place as well!
Even when you are approved as an HCRS driver, HCRS may not need your volunteered time very often. For instance, we may be able to do driving on our own or simply don't have rescue driving to do on your 'on call' or available volunteer days. Please don't get discouraged if you do not receive calls on a regular basis, or for long periods of time. Simply know you are on the list for the times you've offered, and if your volunteer availability changes, just email us with the update - no need to check in with us - you are on the list until you ask to be taken off. Volunteer drivers will be called upon when core volunteers are overwhelmed or unavailable, which may not be as often as you assume. You will be contacted before going on the list in the first place as well!
Volunteer to be a driver for HCRS: Information
Drivers are often needed 'on the fly'. Examples of when we would need volunteer drivers might be:
1. A cat needs transport from rescue to a vet appointment.
2. A cat needs transport from our vet to a foster home.
3. A foster home needs delivery of food, litter or medication.
4. A cat needs transport from one foster home to another.
5. A cat needs transport from rescue site to vet or another location (pre-vet temporary lodgings; cat may be in a trap).
6. Other rescue situations when a core volunteer cannot attend for whatever reason.
A volunteer driver would assume the following responsiblities during their volunteer time:
1. Transport of the cat in a low stress (quiet/covered with blanket) environment.
2. Assessment and checking of cat carrier's structure - is it in good shape, locked properly, sound for travel?
3. Gas and mileage and use of own car: volunteer cannot be reinbursed by HCRS, nor is a tax receipt possible for these.
4. Have a reliable, safe, and inspected automobile.
5. Be a courteous, knowledgeable representative for HCRS during their volunteer time.
6. Transport of cat is from point A to point B - at no time must the cat be alone in the car for any reason. (hot weather, possible stress, etc)
7.Clean driving abstract.
8. Having a cell phone readily available during trips/in transit and have volumes on so no calls/texts are missed.
Typical driving routes include:
1. Clayton Park to Dartmouth or downtown Halifax.
2. Dartmouth to Clayton Park.
3. Downtown Halifax or Dartmouth to Burnside (emergency clinic).
4. Foster homes (various locations around HRM).
Drivers are not expected to have to travel outside of HRM, and typical drive times (one way) may range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. Ideally we'd have several drivers in each of these three areas to save drive times for everyone.
More Details:
Our goal is to have a group of available drivers added to a weekly schedule that works for everyone involved. There would be time slots that you are available each week, and times when you can consider youself 'on call' when HCRS needs a driver on short notice. These schedules would be respected and can be altered when necessary, but would be treated as concrete within reason (emergencies are exceptions!).
The bottom line? If you have ok'ed a schedule, unless you have notified us that something has changed, we expect you to be available to volunteer during your scheduled times. Makes sense, right!? This doesn't mean you have to sit at home waiting for a call ,but it does mean that you are ready and willing unless you've given us notice that you aren't.
HCRS volunteer driver applications will be considered by the board and contacted about the positions. This will take some organizing, so once we have met we'll be in touch to work on schedules!
After a driver list has been worked out, we will have a gathering to talk about things you might run into during your volunteering, and give you some education and information to ensure you are a happy, efficient and knowledgable volunteer!
The bottom line? If you have ok'ed a schedule, unless you have notified us that something has changed, we expect you to be available to volunteer during your scheduled times. Makes sense, right!? This doesn't mean you have to sit at home waiting for a call ,but it does mean that you are ready and willing unless you've given us notice that you aren't.
HCRS volunteer driver applications will be considered by the board and contacted about the positions. This will take some organizing, so once we have met we'll be in touch to work on schedules!
After a driver list has been worked out, we will have a gathering to talk about things you might run into during your volunteering, and give you some education and information to ensure you are a happy, efficient and knowledgable volunteer!
Wait, there's more!
When you drive for HCRS, more is necessary than just transport. Sometimes, we need you to stay at the vet to check the cat in. Depending on how busy the vet is, you might wait 30 minutes before they can take you at the counter.
When you take a cat to a foster, we will need you to help the foster out by telling them any quirks or medication needs for the cat. This would all be documented and you'd be briefed so you'd know what to do and say.
You may need to help 'wrangle' a cat into a carrier. This takes patience and sometimes, guts! We always ask the foster to get the cat inside a carrier before we arrive simply because it's less stressful for the cat and easier to do when a new 'stranger' isn't looming. However, if you are the one bringing the carrier, you might need to help get the cat into a carrier. We can give you some tips, and it isn't usually a chore!
Carrier stability is paramount! One of your biggest concerns should be the soundness of the carrier. Does it lock properly? Are all the screws in properly. We all carry plastic zip ties for just this sort of thing. Oh, the things you'll learn as a volunteer!
In the event that you have to bring a cat to the emergency clinic in Burnside or the 4 Paws 24 hour vet location, a core HCRS volunteer is always available by phone to guide you and let you know what you need to do. We will never leave you hanging to make decisions, payments or handle other difficult situations!
When you take a cat to a foster, we will need you to help the foster out by telling them any quirks or medication needs for the cat. This would all be documented and you'd be briefed so you'd know what to do and say.
You may need to help 'wrangle' a cat into a carrier. This takes patience and sometimes, guts! We always ask the foster to get the cat inside a carrier before we arrive simply because it's less stressful for the cat and easier to do when a new 'stranger' isn't looming. However, if you are the one bringing the carrier, you might need to help get the cat into a carrier. We can give you some tips, and it isn't usually a chore!
Carrier stability is paramount! One of your biggest concerns should be the soundness of the carrier. Does it lock properly? Are all the screws in properly. We all carry plastic zip ties for just this sort of thing. Oh, the things you'll learn as a volunteer!
In the event that you have to bring a cat to the emergency clinic in Burnside or the 4 Paws 24 hour vet location, a core HCRS volunteer is always available by phone to guide you and let you know what you need to do. We will never leave you hanging to make decisions, payments or handle other difficult situations!
