Volunteer Newsletter
December 2021
The People & Pet Innovation Center
Our partner, Paws For Life K-9 Rescue, has opened the People & Pet Innovation Center on the Best Friends campus in Mission Hills. The mission of the Center is two fold:

  1. Provide free training for pet dogs in Los Angeles to create more happy families, and more successful adoptions.
  2. Provide enrichment through extended sleepovers and playgroups for LA Animal Services dogs (like Hanna from Chesterfield Square, on the right, still available for adoption)
This amazing opportunity is available to any dog family in Los Angeles, and flyers or signs are available at all Centers, so be sure to spread the word when you assist with adoptions!
Volunteer Heidi's Continuing Education
Heidi has been an LA Animal Services volunteer for 14 years, mostly at West Valley. During the pandemic, she helped with the East Valley Pet Food Pantry and dog fostering. She also has been attending virtual conferences, and says, *One of the few good things about Covid is that you can attend conferences you probably wouldn't have been able to, due to distance and cost." She agreed to share some of what she has learned. Here are her main takeaways of the big issues in the current national discussion of animal welfare:
*Sentient beings need to be able to make choices. We're too quick to take this away from dogs because we're in a hurry to get the behavior we want. That often leads to using negative training methods. The use of punishment can have fallout for the dog and the owner. These methods are 'quick fixes' that punish the dog for doing something the person doesn't like. Dogs are sentient beings and we don't give them enough credit for their ability to learn and understand. And it's not only dogs that have been shown to be able to learn new behaviors without using punishment. Zoo animals and sea mammals learn husbandry techniques for nail trims, taking medications, etc, without using punishment to train these behaviors. Ask me about training wild elephants to change their migration route to avoid being killed by poachers!"
*Dogs can be taught to relax. Laura Donaldson gave a talk called 'Slow Thinking is Lifesaving for Dogs' at three separate conferences. This tells you how important this concept is to a lot of organizations. You teach the dog to self-interrupt when they start to lose control. She teaches a deep breathing protocol that can be used for the dog to learn to stop when it's getting aroused, as well as the person to calm themselves. You can learn more about it on her Facebook page, ADogDay. Similar to Dr. Donaldson's technique, Suzanne Clothier has the Really Real Relaxation Protocol. She says it can work for shelters, can be taught in one session, and that the dog can generalize it. You can learn more about her by searching by her name or the program name on Youtube.
*Feral and under-socialized cats can become friendly with humans. Melissa Taylor has a program at Friends for Life in Houston, Texas. It takes time, but cats can change from unsocial to social. You can learn more and watch videos at friends4life.org

Interested in attending a conference in 2022? Most offer early-bird discounts, or shelter staff and volunteer discounts. Although all the talks are recorded and made available for at least a few weeks after the conference, Heidi recommends attending 'live' so you can ask questions. Here are some upcoming opportunities to learn and connect with like-minded people in 2022:

*ClickerExpo (sponsored by the Karen Pryor Academy) Multi-species virtual conference about clicker training. January 29-30, in person conference in Washington DC, March 25-27.
*The Lemonade Conference (sponsored by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) Multi-species conference targeted to trainers and behaviorists, but also containing topics a pet guardian can understand. Virtual conference February 11-13.
*The Dog Behavior Conference (sponsored by Victoria Stilwell Academy) Victoria Stilwell has become an outspoken proponent for positive training methods for dogs. Virtual conference April 1-3.
*Aggression in Dogs Conference (sponsored by the Loose Leash Academy) Dogs only virtual conference September 30 - October 2.
*The APDT Conference (sponsored by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers) Multi-species conference on the human-animal relationship - also covers behavior research, training, and business practices for pet professionals. Virtual conference October 19-21.
The Latest on the Canine Flu
As you know, our County has been experiencing an outbreak of the canine flu. Two of our Centers, at West LA and West Valley, have been affected.

The good news is, the County has cleared all West Valley dogs through the quarantine process, and every outside kennel is now open for the public to view dogs, and for volunteers to walk dogs, clean, and provide bedding and enrichment.

At West LA, the outside kennels are divided between dogs who have been cleared and who can be walked, and dogs who are still under a quarantine per LA County, but who will be cleared soon.  As we receive permission from the County, dogs will be moved to the "clear" section of the shelter where volunteers and the public can access them for enrichment and adoptions. Newly arriving dogs who show no symptoms of Canine Influenza are still being diverted to North Central.  

For your own dogs, since there is an outbreak in our County, you may want to consider getting them vaccinated for Canine Influenza, and while the risk of you taking it home to them is very low, you can change your clothes and shoes before returning home as an extra precaution.
What's New
The laundry room and kitchen (with the big Boredom Busters freezer) at Chesterfield Square are now accessible to volunteers. Patty (on the right) was busy making cozy beds on November 29.

The City of Los Angeles has is requiring all volunteers in the City to be fully-vaccinated for Covid-19. Earlier this year, volunteers could request information about applying for an exemption, but the City has decided not to grant any exemptions to volunteers at this time. If you have recently lost access to the portal, it's probably because we have not been able to verify your vaccination status. Please contact ani.volunteers@lacity.org to make arrangements to show us your card or code. If you have not yet attended your First Day Virtual Classroom training, you do not need to make special arrangements to verify your vaccination status, as your Volunteer Liaison will check your card during the virtual training.

To keep up with all the changes, take a look at the updated FAQs
WHAT WE NEED HELP WITH RIGHT NOW

ADOPTION COUNSELING You must be able to handle at least one species of animal, and complete a short online training. Access the training here.
MAKE COZY BEDS FOR DOGS
It's starting to get cold at night! Our dogs' cubbies do have radiant-heated floors, but the beds and blankets are an added comfort. There are shifts on the schedule at every location every day - sign up with a partner and it will be a more efficient process of one volunteer getting dogs into their runs and shutting the door, while the other volunteer checks the cubby for cleanliness and makes sure they have a nice bed (remember, if the bedding is not wet or heavily soiled, let them keep it because it has their own smell). The volunteer at the front of the run can pass the time with a Boredom Buster like Bubbly, or Treat for Quiet with small pieces of treats.
PET FOOD PANTRIES
We now have three Pantries to staff, at Chesterfield Square, East Valley and North Central. We will especially need help around the holidays, so if you are in town, consider signing up for a Sunday shift - if you need to add any of these locations to your record so you can see the shifts, ask Victoria.
EXERCISE & ENRICHMENT PLUS PHOTOS & VIDEOS for CATS & RABBITS
We currently have more dog volunteers than cat or rabbit, so we especially need help in our cat and rabbit rooms. Our goal is to get every dog and rabbit out for exercise in the playpen or yard every day, and for every cat who will enjoy it to have TLC and play every day. When you work with animals, be sure to take photos and videos and upload them to the AdoptMeApp, or to the shared Google folder for other volunteers to use. If you need access or directions, ask Carolyn.

Other available shifts that are also a big help:
BOREDOM BUSTERS DAILY MENTAL STIMULATION for EVERY ANIMAL
When you do Boredom Busters, remember to write what you did on the BB calendar! There are choices that require contact, and choices that require no contact, so anyone can help with Boredom Busters! Prepping toys like frozen Kongs or treats like Pupsicles is also a great way to help!
SHELTER SUPPORT
It's a little different at every location, but may include laundry, sorting donations, cleaning and tidying, updating the kennel map and stocking supplies.
INFORMATION TABLES
This month, we're attending some special events, like the Pet Wellness Fair on the 11th, and the Chatsworth Christmas Parade on the 12th, that will require volunteers to staff information tables. At the Centers, we need help every weekend with information tables that also serve as vaccine verification checkpoints for our visitors.
EAST VALLEY INSTAGRAM
Volunteer Andrei has started a new Instagram account called East Valley Animals. If you would like to help or contribute content, please email Andrei.
SPECIAL ADOPTION & COMMUNITY EVENTS- SEE THIS MONTH'S EVENTS BELOW'
S
Ready to help? Sign up on the portal!
Helping From Home
FOSTER A CAT, A KITTEN, OR A LARGE DOG
We have a lot of animals staying with us right now, so if you can foster, it's a huge help, and a wonderful opportunity for one of our animals to decompress in a home, while being seen by more potential adopters in your neighborhood and social media feed. As a volunteer, you are pre-approved to foster.
PROMOTE ANIMALS ONLINE
Improve kennel photos with the Adoptimize Photo Editor, or add additional photos and info to the very basic Pet Harbor listing for an animal through the AdoptMeApp. See 'Online Tools' and the top article above for more information.
LOOKING TO DONATE?
*The Pet Food Pantries run low on dry cat food and wet dog food most often
*If you know a person or business who would like to sponsor the Pet Food Pantry at one or both locations for a week, please tell Carolyn . It's tax deductible!
When you help offsite, be sure we know about it to credit your hours!
ONLINE TOOLS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Make sure you are connected to these tools if you need them to complete your volunteer assignment
Mandatory Fear Free Training
All LA Animal Services staff and volunteers are required to complete online Fear Free training, so we can recognize and reduce fear, anxiety and stress for the animals in our care. Access the training here. You'll be asked to verify that you are a volunteer - contact Victoria for a pre-signed form for you to upload on the Fear Free site. When you complete the training, you'll receive a certificate. Send it to Victoria so she can update your record and file, and credit you for your volunteer hours.

Download free from the App Store (the logo is a white paw print on a purple background) Once you're in, you'll see a listing of all our animals, and all you need to do is add a photo from your phone and a sentence about the animal. It takes seconds and makes their PetHarbor listing, seen all over the world, much more special!

Adoptimize Photo Editor
Click here for a link to a training from the creator of Adoptimize. . Those improved photos can be uploaded to the animal's record through the Volunteer Notes Form. Studies have shown that the colorful neutral backgrounds of 'Adoptimized' photos increase adoptions and redemptions, and help families recognize their lost pet. If you need login access, ask Carolyn.

We have a new online system for reporting medical concerns to the veterinary staff at most locations (at Chesterfield Square, continue to use the paper slips). Here is a training on how to use the online form.

Shared Google Photo/Video Folders
If you are working a photo/video shift for animals, you are expected to upload your photos and videos to a shared folder so everyone can use them to network. If you need access to the folder for your location, contact Carolyn or your Volunteer Liaison. Here are directions on how to upload to the folders.

Volunteer Notes Form
The notes form enables volunteers who are working with animals to enter their behavioral observation notes directly into the animal's record, and to update the kennel photo. To access the notes form, you must complete this training and pass a quiz.

The Portal is located on our website, laanimalservices.com, under the 'volunteer tab'. The Portal is where you go to sign up for all shifts and events. You will only see shifts you are approved for, so you can sign up for anything you see.
Do you want to get e-blasts?
E-blasts are frequent emails for volunteers who want to see which animals need priority promotion.
If you want them, please contact your Lifesaving Liaison to opt-in. Chesterfield Square East Valley Harbor North Central West LA West Valley
Special Events this Month
Click on the event to RSVP

Saturday, December 4th
10 - 11: 30 am

Monday, December 6th
6 - 7:30 pm
Virtual volunteer and staff advice panel for adopters & fosters. This is a fantastic opportunity for continuing education about cats.

Tuesday, December 7th
Fear Free Webinar - Helping our Feline Friends Feel Fear Free
5 pm
Register using this link and if you attend, let us know so we can credit your time! This is NOT the same as the mandatory Fear Free Training - this is just a continuing education opportunity.

Thursday, December 9th
5:30 - 7 pm
Twice-yearly virtual communication meeting for Harbor volunteers and LAAS leadership, to share ideas, questions and concerns

Saturday, December 11th
10 - 2 pm
Information table at event sponsored by Found Animals at Homeboy Industries in downtown Los Angeles. We need a volunteer to work in partnership with a staff member to share resources and advice with pet families.

Saturday, December 12th
12 - 4 pm
Adoption event at the Bob's by Skechers store in Manhattan Beach. Harbor ACT Aimee will be staff lead, and we will be taking multiple species.

Saturday, December 12th
12-4 pm
Info table and possible LAAS dogs walking in parade - step off at 1 pm

Saturday, December 12th
12 - 3 pm
Volunteer-run mobile adoption event at Rosie Bunny Bean in Highland Park.

Wednesday, December 15th
6-7 pm
Virtual volunteer and staff advice panel for adopters. This is a great opportunity for continuing education about rabbits.

City-Wide Holidays
Friday, December 24th, Saturday, December 25th & Friday, December 31st are holidays for the City of Los Angeles, and our facilities will be closed to the public. Staff will be on-site to care for our animals
Volunteer Service in November
At West Valley, Maggie, Erin & Stephanie ended their First Day Training On-Site by assembling treat-filled Kongs for the dogs. Once the Kongs were frozen, Rocky and his friends got to enjoy them.
The Pet Food Pantry at North Central launched on November 7th, and Krista and Cat were there to assist Volunteer Liaison Marissa. Demand from the public has increased week by week, and any volunteer is invited to help! (if you are not a North Central volunteer, contact Victoria to be able to see NOC Pantry shifts)
Alex gave a tour to Girl Scout Troop 71405 at Chesterfield Square on November 21st. The Scouts were able to meet hamsters, toss treats to dogs, and share homemade cat toys for our kitties. Many hope to be volunteers when they're older!
Alison was one of the West LA cat volunteers to help with the Annenberg Petspace's Young at Heart adoption event for senior pets
At East Valley, Ira and Browny shared a gentle visit
Christen and Dory at East Valley (Dory is still waiting to be adopted, and has a best buddy, Nemo)
North Central volunteers attended the Harvest Fest at Elysian Heights Elementary. Holly showed a kitten to a small visitor. In total, two kittens, a guinea pig and a rabbit went home with new families.
New cat volunteer Pardis visits with Nestor (adopted) at Chesterfield Square
STAY CONNECTED:
Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States with six services centers serving approximately 60,000 animals annually and responding to 20,000 emergency calls involving an animal or person in danger. LA Animal Services promotes and protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals and people. LA Animal Services also is part of the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) national coalition as a Tier 1 animal organization offering pet owners with access to resources to keep their pets home; helping to get lost pets home quickly without having to enter the shelter system; providing food and medical assistance; and continuing to build on a strong foster program to house more pets in foster homes. Visit our link.tree for helpful links to the services and resources available to you and your companion animals. Connect with LA Animal Services and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
LA Animal Services | 888-452-7381 | LAAnimalServices.com