HSBC Volunteer Code of Ethics

As a volunteer representing HSBC, you are making a commitment to our team and our supporters to carry out, to the best of your abilities, the tasks you have agreed to perform.

This Code of Ethics clarifies the expectations and principles for HSBC volunteers.

As a HSBC volunteer, I pledge to adhere to the following:

Respect

• Respect others even when I may not agree with them.
• Display compassion for people and animals.
• Conduct myself with dignity, courtesy and consideration for others. I will not commit any act that would bring reproach or discredit upon HSBC.
• Refrain from using confidential information for personal gain or any purpose other than my volunteer role at HSBC. Take precaution to prevent disclosure of confidential information.

Safety

• Keep safety at the forefront of all volunteer activities.
• Follow the guidelines presented to me during training and mentoring.
• Respect and use equipment and supply as they are intended.
• Report all injuries immediately to a team member.
• Understand and agree to assume all risks involved in any and all duties that I perform.

Quality

• Perform all tasks to the best of my ability.
• Ask for help when needed.
• Recognize training is essential to maintain a safe work environment and attend trainings and meetings as they are offered.
• Carry out volunteer duties in accordance with HSBC training and procedures.

Self-Discipline

• Recognize my limitations and those of others
• Set boundaries for myself – know my limits both physically and otherwise.

Communication

• Direct questions, comments, and concerns to the appropriate party.
• Listen to the needs of others.
• Read all communications from staff which may include are not limited to signage and email communications which include up to twice per month volunteer updates.
• Be available to communicate with the HSBC staff via email or phone or in person. This includes providing a cell phone for contact with me if I have an HSBC owned animal outside of the shelter.

Commitment

• Hold myself accountable for the commitments I make.
• Provide the minimum service hours, as agreed for my position. (Fosters, please note N/A)
• Cancel my shift with the front desk if I am unable to work a scheduled shift or continue to foster.
• Adhere to sign-in and scheduling procedures or recording per my position. (Fosters, please note N/A)
• Notify the Volunteer Manager or Shelter Manager if I choose to leave the volunteer program.

Welfare

• Value my role in the maintenance and growth of the organization
• Strive to promote a positive environment
• Uphold high standards of moral and ethical treatment of animals under HSBC’s care. I will never handle an animal in any way that would be considered rough or abusive. I will treat all animals with compassion and care.
• Support and abide by the mission, policies, procedures, and programs of HSBC.

Termination

I understand that HSBC reserves the right to terminate a volunteer at any time, with or without notice. Reasons for termination include, but are not limited to:

• Animal abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
• Poor performance, misconduct, or excessive absences
• Gossip, threats, harassment, intimidation, coercion, or interference with employees or volunteers at HSBC.
• Misuse of confidential information.
• Failure to report an accident.
• Other company policy violations.

I have read the HSBC Volunteer Code of Ethics and understand the expectations of volunteering with the Humane Society of Barron County, Inc.

Philosophy and Animal Handling

The Humane Society of Barron County is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and improving the lives of homeless animals through quality care, adoption, education, and advocacy.

Animals in the shelter may be stressed by their unfamiliar environment. Volunteers are expected to treat all animals with compassion, patience, and respect, using only positive and appropriate handling techniques. Rough handling or negative training methods are not permitted.

I understand that the Humane Society of Barron County requires training for any volunteers who will work with or interact with animals. I acknowledge that I will not handle or interact with animals unless I have completed the required training.

By signing this document, I agree to follow these expectations and support the safety and wellbeing of the animals in the shelter.

I understand that by signing this document I will comply with the proper techniques for animal handling.

Essential Capabilities of HSBC Volunteers

To have a successful volunteer experience at HSBC, volunteers need to possess the following physical, mental, and emotional capabilities.

At the end of this document, please indicate any reasonable accommodation you may need in order to meet the essential capabilities of your volunteer position at HSBC. Full disclosure is appreciated.

Foster Volunteers; HSBC acknowledges that not all of the following will apply to your position if it refers to the shelter, however much of the following is applicable to in-home care.

The volunteer’s signature on this form indicates they believe they possess the following:

Essential Physical Capabilities of HSBC Volunteers

• Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously (example: open kennel door while handling animal).
• High level of manual dexterity to leash/harness animals, handle small tools, and properly care for animals if necessary.
• Average vision to move safely around the building, observe animal body language without difficulty, and read notes on animals’ paperwork.
• Average sense of smell and touch in order to assess the body condition of animals, and to note signs of illness or injury.
• Ability to:
• Walk unaided on unpaved, uneven, rugged, and sometimes muddy and slippery exercise yard and lawn areas (when walking dogs outdoors) and on rocky trails, if walking dogs.
• Bend and squat in order to leash/harness and pick up an animal.
• Stand for significant periods of time while walking dogs, assisting the public with visits, or cleaning cages/kennels.
• Hear if an animal is growling or making sounds indicating fear or pain.
• Speak and effectively communicate verbally as well as in written form.
• Maneuver well in tight spaces and react and move quickly in order to prevent dogs or cats from escaping (example: the ability to quickly pursue and retrieve any cats or dogs who have escaped from a kennel).
• Handle animals of small to large size (up to 150 pounds) with extreme caution and care. This requires average vision, hearing, steadiness of hands and body, quick reflexes, physical strength, and mental alertness.
• Deal with strong and unpleasant odors, fleas, feces, and possible wounds or injuries to animals in our care.
• Cope with a very loud environment due to animal noises.
• Must have the ability to judge an animal’s reaction and react appropriately.
• Must not have strong allergies to dogs, cats, or other companion animals that can’t be managed by medication, nor to chemicals used in cleaning or disinfecting.
• Individuals should not have a compromised immune system because of the potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.

Essential Mental Capabilities

• Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures.
• High-level reading, writing, spelling, and communication skills (example: understand words such as quarantine, euthanize, and other common industry-related terms), and a mastery of the English language.
• Possess problem-solving capability.
• Ability to observe and evaluate response to animal handling, for health and behavioral problems that are revealed during socialization.
• Must be aware of potentially dangerous situations when working with the animals; remain calm with animals who are upset; behave sensitively and confidently; show good judgment and act appropriately in these situations.

Essential Emotional Capabilities of HSBC Volunteers

• Ability to:
• Cope with unexpected animal behavior without assistance.
• Cope with a highly emotionally charged environment with some animals that are homeless, abandoned and/or abused, as well as the reality that some of the animals in our care may be euthanized.
• Understand HSBC policies and positions regarding companion animals, animal control, and other key animal welfare issues.
• Appropriately and accurately represent HSBC policies when interacting with the public or otherwise representing HSBC.
• Maintain a high level of self-awareness for when a break is needed from volunteering due to the emotional stressors (Ex. abandoned and sick animals) of volunteering in an animal sheltering environment, also known as compassion fatigue.

Level of Supervision

• Must be able to work with minimal supervision, yet recognize limitations in knowledge and abilities, and ask for help when needed.
• Should be able to work independently for long periods of time, as well as work within a team atmosphere with other volunteers or staff.
• Ability to take directions and corrections from HSBC staff to ensure protocols are being followed.

Other

• A fairly high level of experience and familiarity with cats and dogs and their anatomy is desirable.
• All animal care volunteer positions involve some cleaning and can involve the use of hazardous or toxic chemicals. Volunteers will receive training on handling such chemicals before they are asked to use them.

Accommodations

Please indicate any reasonable accommodation you may need in order to meet the essential capabilities of your volunteer position at HSBC.

Volunteer Acknowledgment

As a volunteer with the Humane Society of Barron County, I realize the Humane Society does occasionally come into contact with animals that may be rabid or diseased. Instances of bites or other transfers of disease from animals to humans are rare; however they are possible.

While the Humane Society of Barron County may take precautions to insulate its volunteers from exposure to injury or disease, all volunteers are advised by the Humane Society to seek anti-rabies and anti-tetanus treatment from their own private physicians.

The decision to seek such treatment is entirely within the discretion of the volunteer and need not be reported or disclosed to the Humane Society. In addition, should such treatment be requested and administered, any and all expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the volunteer.

If there are any medical conditions that we should be aware of at the Shelter, please describe below:

My signature indicates that I understand that in handling animals for the Humane Society of Barron County Inc, in a volunteer capacity there exists a risk of injury or sickness, including personal injury or harm. On behalf of myself, my heirs, personal representatives and executors, I hereby release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless HSBC Inc, its agents, officers and directors from any and all claims, causes of actions or demands, of any nature or cause connected with my Volunteer Agreement. This might include connection with my volunteer services based on damages that may be incurred or sustained by me in any way. Such damages might include, but are not limited to animal bites, accidents, injuries and personal property damage.

I, as a volunteer, have read the foregoing and do understand its contents.