Animal Resource Center

We are a municipal non-profit animal shelter.

It is Oxford Animal Resource Center’s mission to provide ethical and humane care for animals while prioritizing live outcome.  Our primary goal is to promote quality care and compassion through education, protection, and community outreach.

Please review our Volunteer Policy below before signing up.  By signing up for a volunteer slot, you are agreeing that you have read and understand all of the following:

OARC Volunteer Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for volunteers supporting the operations of OARC. Volunteers assist staff in providing humane care to animals while supporting the shelter’s mission to protect public health, ensure animal welfare, and serve the community.

 Authority & Oversight

The volunteer program operates under the authority of the City of Oxford and is managed by the OARC Director or designated staff. All volunteers must comply with:

• City policies and procedures
• Local and state animal welfare laws
• Shelter rules and staff direction

3. Eligibility Requirements

To participate, volunteers must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Sign all required liability waivers and agreements

4. Volunteer Roles

Volunteers may assist with:

• Animal socialization and enrichment
• Dog walking and exercise
• Cleaning kennels and common areas
• Laundry and supply organization
• Adoption events and community outreach
• Administrative support (as assigned)

Note: Duties are assigned based on training, experience, and shelter needs.

5. Standards of Conduct

As representatives of the City, volunteers must:

• Act in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner
• Follow all instructions from shelter staff and city officials
• Avoid conflicts of interest or misuse of city resources
• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior
• Not accept gifts, payments, or favors in connection with volunteer duties
• Apply by city dress code: no cut off shirts, crop tops, or shorts that are above finger tip length.  All mid sections must be covered. Closed toe shoes must be worn at all times.

6. Safety & Risk Management

Due to the public safety role of a municipal shelter:

• Volunteers may only handle animals they are trained and approved to work with. If there is a sign on a kennel stating to not touch that animal- it means DO NOT touch that animal
• Animals under quarantine, involved in legal cases, or deemed dangerous are off-limits unless authorized
• All injuries, bites, or incidents must be reported immediately
• Volunteers must follow all posted safety protocols and use required equipment

7. Animal Handling Rules

• Dogs must always be leashed; cats and small animals must be properly contained
• Volunteers may not feed animals outside approved schedules
• No animal may leave the facility without staff authorization and proper documentation

8. Attendance & Reliability

• Volunteers must adhere to scheduled shifts
• Absences should be reported as early as possible
• Repeated no-shows or failure to meet minimum participation requirements may result in removal

9. Confidentiality & Public Records

Because this is a city-operated facility:

• Certain records may be subject to public records laws
• Volunteers must not disclose:
• Personal information of adopters or owners
• Details of ongoing investigations or legal cases
• All media or public inquiries must be referred to authorized city personnel

10. Social Media & Public Representation

• Volunteers represent the City and must not post content that could harm public trust
• Photos/videos inside the shelter require staff approval
• Volunteers may not speak to media on behalf of the shelter unless authorized
• All pictures, videos, and audio recordings are considered physical property of OARC

11. Supervision

• Shelter staff supervise all volunteer activities

12. Discipline & Termination

Volunteer status may be suspended or terminated for:

• Violating city or shelter policies
• Unsafe handling of animals
• Misconduct or unprofessional behavior
• Breach of confidentiality
• Failure to follow staff direction

The City reserves the right to terminate volunteer participation at any time.

13. Acknowledgment

• Have read and understood this policy
• Agree to follow all city and shelter rules
• Understand the risks associated with working with animals

By signing up for a volunteer spot at OARC I am acknowledging that I have read this agreement. 

We are a local animal shelter for the City of Oxford, MS.  We house stray and surrendered animals at our facility.  It is our priority to enrich, care for, and adopt out these animals to lasting and loving homes.