Volunteer Code of Conduct
& Expectations
To ensure a safe, respectful, and effective environment for our animals, volunteers, staff, and visitors, all Hope 4 Paws Humane Society volunteers are expected to follow these guidelines at all times.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteer tasks may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Volunteer Attire & Appearance
Volunteers must wear appropriate attire for their assigned position, as outlined in the position description and training materials.
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Long pants and closed-toe, appropriate footwear are required.
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Hats are not permitted while working inside the shelter, as they may obscure identification and could frighten some animals.
2. Volunteer Responsibilities & Performance
Volunteers are expected to:
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Perform all essential duties as described in the position description
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Follow instructions provided during training
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Adhere to guidance from the Team Leader or Volunteer Staff during each shift
3. Facility Access & Guest Policy
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Volunteers may not bring friends, family members, or pets into non-public or restricted areas during scheduled volunteer shifts.
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Only individuals 18 years or older who are trained and approved volunteers may access restricted areas of the facility.
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Volunteers may accompany friends and family in adoption rooms outside of scheduled volunteer shifts during normal shelter adoption hours.
4. Use of Cell Phones & Electronic Devices
For the safety of both animals and volunteers:
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Cell phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited while handling animals.
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Devices may only be used when you are not interacting with or handling an animal.
5. Confidentiality & Professional Conduct
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary, sensitive, or privileged information encountered while volunteering. This includes information related to:
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Staff members
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Other volunteers
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Clients or adopters
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Animals
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Internal Hope 4 Paws Humane Society operations
Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in corrective action or removal from the volunteer program.
All volunteers must sign a Confidentiality Agreement as a condition of participation.
6. Volunteer Photography & Media Policy
Volunteer photographers agree that any materials created while volunteering (including photos and videos) are considered “works made for hire.”
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Hope 4 Paws Humane Society retains all proprietary rights, including copyright and trademark ownership.
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Photographers may not use, sell, distribute, or publish images for personal or commercial use without prior written approval from the Director of Development and Communications.
7. Prohibited Conduct
While volunteering with Hope 4 Paws Humane Society, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
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Discriminatory or racist statements or actions
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Sexual harassment, including jokes, innuendos, insults, sexist remarks, or the display of derogatory or pornographic materials
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Inappropriate physical contact, including leering, touching, or kissing
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Use of alcohol or illegal drugs
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Any unlawful, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior
