Basic Guidelines for All Volunteers

The following information and guidelines are applicable to all volunteers. All Volunteers must comply with the rules and requirements for volunteering for Pet Rescue. Pet Rescue reserves the right to terminate any volunteer who does not comply with the rules and requirements set forth in this application.

Dress Code: There is no enforced dress code at Pet Rescue with the exception of closed-toe shoes for dog walkers. However, it is suggested that volunteers wear clothes that can get dirty. Sweatshirts are better than sweaters. Closed-toe shoes are required for dog walkers and are recommended for all other volunteers. Dangling jewelry should be avoided.

Proof of Volunteer Activity: If a Volunteer needs a letter stating that he/she has volunteered, the Volunteer must get that when he/she is actively volunteering. No records are kept for later access and it is the Volunteer’s own responsibility to keep a signed record of activity as long as necessary. A letter confirming volunteer activity can be obtained by request.

Volunteer Hold Harmless Agreement - I fully understand and agree to assume all risks involved in any and all duties that I perform for Pet Rescue in my volunteer capacity and I agree to hold Pet Rescue harmless for any injury(s) which I might sustain during the course of my volunteer duties.  This waiver does include myself, all of my family members and descendants forever from seeking any legal action whatsoever against Pet Rescue or its representatives.

Kitty Cottage Rules

Access to the Kitty Cottage is limited to the following times:

• Scheduled Open Houses as posted on the website calendar
• Those volunteers scheduled to feed cats
• Those volunteers scheduled to medicate cats in the afternoon or evening
• Cleaning staff at designated times

NOTE: Entry may to the Kitty Cottage ONLY occur between 8:30 am and 8:00 pm.  No one is permitted in the Kitty Cottage outside of those hours

Open Houses are run by experienced volunteers (hosts) who are responsible for the well being of the cats and volunteers during those times.  Open house hosts have the sole authority to make decisions regarding the safety of the animals and the duties of volunteers at the open houses. 

All Kitty Cottage volunteers are responsible to help keep the Kitty Cottage as clean as possible. In addition to socializing the cats, light cleaning duties may be assigned to volunteers.

Code of Conduct

This written Code of Conduct aims to ensure that all Pet Rescue staff and volunteers understand the standard of conduct required by Pet Rescue. If you volunteer, work or foster with Pet Rescue, you agree to uphold this Code of Conduct at all times when carrying out your duties and interactions with animals and other staff or volunteers. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in your dismissal as an employee or volunteer.

Volunteers/Staff are expected at all times to:

BE RESPONSIBLE AND SAFE - Follow this Code of Conduct and Pet Rescue policies at all times. If you volunteer or take on work, own it and follow through.

BE RESPECTFUL - Always be respectful and courteous to staff, volunteers, fostering families, and prospective adopters

BE CARING AND PATIENT - Show care and patience when working with the animals and other humans.

BE COLLABORATIVE AND INCLUSIVE - Share your knowledge and expertise with others. Seek out feedback and input in decision making. Be open to other points of view.

As a Pet Rescue volunteer and/or staff it is also understood you agree to abide by the following:

Duties:

• Carry out any duties you have been assigned responsibly, safely and in a competent manner, and in accordance with policies and procedures implemented by Pet Rescue. 
• If working directly with animals, their safety and physical and emotional care should at all times be paramount. 
• Promise to be dependable, and if unable to keep a commitment, find a replacement and/or notify the appropriate oversight volunteer or staff on a timely basis, so they can arrange for a replacement. 
• While completing assigned duties, behave in the most appropriate manner that will not create liability or bring disrepute to Pet Rescue. 
• Avoid engaging in activities or actions that will bring any harm (physical or mental) to an animal, person, or property. 
• The possession or use of alcohol or illegal drug in Pet Rescue’s facilities or while engaged in Pet Rescue activities such as transport and adoptions, is strictly forbidden. Any violation should be immediately reported to a PR supervisor or Board Member. 
• Exercise judgment in extending help, beyond the scope of duties, or seek/accept rewards, benefits or gifts without authorization. 
• Avoid any conflict of interest between Pet Rescue and roles at other organizations or personal commitments. If you become aware of a conflict of interest, promptly report it to the Board. 
• Report any concerns or issues with other volunteers or about the operations of the organization directly to the Board.

Communications and Behavior:

• All interactions and communications, whether in person, by telephone, written or on-line, shall be carried out in a fair, courteous and respectful manner, whether between fellow volunteers, staff, potential adoptees, or members of the public, with the united goal to enhance the mission of Pet Rescue. 
• Avoid gossip. Report any concerns to the Board for investigation and resolution. 
• Staff or volunteers will not make critical commentary or disparaging statements about other Pet Rescue staff or volunteers or about the operations or management of the organization to the public, especially in public forums or publications. 
• Communications, whether verbal or written, will be in a civilized tone and manner. Rude, unkind comments and criticisms, raised voices, shouting or other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 
• Language or conduct considered discriminatory or derogatory as to an individual’s age, gender, race, sexual orientation or other protected status will not be tolerated. Pet Rescue does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Please see our anti-discrimination and harassment policy posted at the Pet Rescue facility. 
• Please note that any volunteer or member engaging in uncivilized, disrespectful or derogatory communications or behavior will receive one warning; thereafter, should this continue, it will be considered grounds for immediate suspension or removal of that staff/volunteer from the premises, and from his/her affiliation with Pet rescue.

Confidentiality:

• All information confidential to Pet Rescue, especially personal data of potential adoptees, donors, and volunteers must not be disclosed or used for any other purposes except as reasonably necessary to enable the volunteer to fulfill his/her voluntary responsibilities with Pet Rescue. 
• Photographs and videos of animals at Pet Rescue taken within the duties of the staff/volunteer are considered the property of the organization. Such photographs should not be distributed except under the accepted use of the organization.