PURPOSE
This Dress Code Policy promotes safety, professionalism, and comfort for all individuals representing or working at Henry's Home, Horse, and Human Sanctuary. It ensures that your attire supports our mission while addressing the unique demands of our environment. Volunteers, staff members, vendors, and independent contractors must adhere to these guidelines.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
All individuals must follow these general guidelines to maintain safety, respect, and professionalism while on-site:
- Logos and Branding: Political or logoed apparel and headwear are prohibited to keep the focus on Henry's Home's mission and values.
- Clothing Condition: Clothing must be clean, intact, and free from offensive imagery or language.
- Modesty: Attire should maintain a respectful environment and avoid being overly revealing or inappropriate.
- Personal Accessories: Necklaces, bracelets, and dangling earrings must not be worn on-site to prevent safety hazards.
- Personal Hygiene: Proper hygiene is essential for a healthy and welcoming environment.
ROLE-SPECIFIC ATTIRE
Volunteers, Staff, and Independent Contractors:
Working with Animals:
- Wear durable clothing that withstands dirt, mud, and wear and tear.
- Footwear: Boots are mandatory for all tasks involving animals. Steel-toed boots are not recommended due to safety concerns with horses, as they may cause additional harm if stepped on.
- Long pants are required for protection while working in barns or fields unless knee-length shorts are used during the summer.
- Shirts must have adequate arm and shoulder coverage; sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
- Due to safety concerns, jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and dangling earrings, is not permitted while working with animals.
Office Work or Event Support:
- Henry’s Home-branded shirts are required for all office work and event support roles to ensure a professional and unified appearance.
- Pants or neat knee-length shorts are acceptable for seasonal comfort. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
- Footwear should be practical and closed-toe for outdoor event locations.
Vendors and Independent Contractors
Outdoor Tasks or Projects:
- Vendors and contractors must adhere to the same attire standards as volunteers working with animals.
- Footwear: Boots are required for protection while working on-site.
Safety glasses are mandatory for wood or hay projects or debris or dust-related tasks.
Outdoor or Fieldwork Attire (All Roles)
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing, including hats, gloves, or rain gear during inclement weather.
- Avoid bright or overly patterned clothing that may startle animals.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are encouraged for sun protection during outdoor activities.
- Safety glasses must be worn when required for tasks involving wood or hay projects to protect your eyes.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Steel-toed boots, as they may pose safety concerns when interacting with horses.
- Open-toed shoes, high heels, or any footwear unsuited for animal care or outdoor terrain demands.
- Clothing with offensive language, imagery, or distracting patterns.
- Political or logoed apparel and headwear.
- Sleeveless shirts.
- Jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and dangling earrings, could pose a safety risk.
ENFORCEMENT & COMPLIANCE
Monitoring Compliance:
Supervisors or designated staff members ensure all volunteers, staff, vendors, and independent contractors comply with the Dress Code Policy.
Addressing Non-Compliance:
Individuals violating this policy will be asked to leave the property until they are dressed appropriately. If needed, temporary alternative attire (e.g., provided coveralls) may be issued on-site.
Continued non-compliance will result in severed relationships, including terminating volunteer privileges, staff employment, or vendor/contractor agreements.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Personal or cultural needs influencing dress choices will be accommodated case-by-case. Requests should be discussed in advance with supervisors or leadership.