Volunteer Code of Conduct
Treatment of Pets and the People Who Love Them
At Little Traverse Bay Humane Society (LTBHS), our mission is to sustainably and respectfully serve pets and the people who love them with compassionate, comprehensive, and exemplary care. As volunteers of the LTBHS, we expect that volunteers will treat everyone with kindness, adhering to the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) and Fear Free methods of handling when possible and speaking to other volunteers, staff members, or visitors with respect. Volunteers will be asked to complete the Fear Free Shelters training module, available online at www.fearfreeshelters.com at no cost. This module can be completed on a smart phone, tablet, or computer and volunteers may do so at the shelter.
Appearance
LTBHS requires that all staff and volunteers wear closed toe shoes and long pants when volunteering. Shirts are required to cover midriffs and tank tops are not advised. Changes to these guidelines may be made for special events and volunteers are encouraged to ask questions regarding appropriate attire when in doubt. LTBHS requires that volunteers present themselves in a kind and professional manner while on site or volunteering at offsite events. As representatives of the LTBHS, it is critical that you treat others with respect and conduct yourself in a manner which embodies our mission and values, meeting people where they are without judgement.
Attendance
LTBHS does not require prior notice of volunteering at the shelter during normal business hours, Monday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. Volunteers are asked to notify staff members and seek prior approval if they wish to volunteer outside of normal business hours to ensure availability of staff onsite. LTBHS volunteers may also be asked to attend off site events including fundraisers, meet and greets, or adoption events. LTBHS kindly requests that if a volunteer is unable to make a previously assigned shift for one of these events that they let LTBHS staff know as soon as possible to ensure that alternative coverage may be found.
Report of Incidents
LTBHS requires that any incident or injury which occurs while on site or working with LTBHS be reported to a staff member immediately regardless of whether the incident includes an animal or not. This is to protect your safety and the safety of others on our campus and volunteering with LTBHS. All individuals are encouraged to reach out to any LTBHS staff member if they feel as though an animal or another individual is making them uncomfortable or feel unsafe in their experience with LTBHS. Safety is our utmost priority, and complaints will be addressed in a timely fashion.