Volunteer Programs

Volunteer Programs

The volunteer program grew out of a desire to provide opportunities for those interested in the veterinary profession, who can in turn help the AMC. The AMC has unique resources and is in a position to provide clinical, hands-on experience to students and potential students of veterinary medicine. Thus, we feel an obligation to provide, when possible, the opportunity for as many volunteers as possible.
 
Many veterinary colleges require small and large animal experience as a prerequisite for acceptance into their program. Therefore, a formal program at the AMC is of great benefit to students needing to comply with this qualification. We endeavor to provide the best experience possible to our volunteers. However, its benefit to the hospital will be the primary factor in decisions regarding the program.
 
The Animal Medical Center receives many inquiries from interested individuals regarding volunteer work. Although we appreciate the interest and dedication of these individuals, it is not possible for us to accept the services of all the volunteers who contact us. Guidelines have been developed in order to effectively incorporate our volunteers into the life of the AMC.
 
Applicants should fill out an application obtained from the Department of Human Resources and mail it to the department. The only volunteers this hospital shall recognize and accommodate are those applying through proper administrative channels as set forth in this policy.
 

Policy:

  1. Volunteers work in areas of service and support to the veterinary staff. They report to the supervisor of the area of their assignment and receive all direction from him or her.
  2. Acceptable educational levels of candidates include seniors in high school or high school graduate, undergraduate college students, graduate college students, and veterinary college students (except 4th year).
  3. All volunteers must apply through the Human Resources Department.
  4. Openings for volunteers are determined by requisition. Supervisors and service heads may request a volunteer by submitting a volunteer requisition form to the Human Resources Department. A volunteer application will not be considered unless the Human Resources Department has an open volunteer requisition. If an application is received when no opening exists, it will be kept in an active file for one year.
  5. Selection of volunteers from the applicants is made on the basis of experience and qualifications for the job.
  6. All volunteers must sign a volunteer release form with The Animal Medical Center. The release form states that the volunteer is neither an employee nor agent of the AMC and is not associated with the AMC in any other capacity other than as a volunteer.
  7. All recommendations submitted on behalf of volunteers are processed through the Human Resources Department. Volunteers must fulfill their entire time commitment to the program (established at the time of the initial interview and confirmed at the time of acceptance into the program) in order to receive a recommendation. Recommendations will not be issued to any volunteer who leaves the program early.
  8. Termination: The AMC reserves the option to cancel any volunteer commitment if the commitment is judged to be detrimental to the AMC or to any individual or group of individuals. This decision shall be made by the Human Resources Manager.
Thank you for you interest in our volunteer program. If you have any further questions, please call (212) 329-8695.