Oshkosh Area Humane Society (OAHS) Volunteer Code of Conduct

The Oshkosh Area Humane Society’s mission is to provide compassionate care and comfort to animal in need and to build a community that promotes humane treatment of all animals.

Volunteers are an integral extension of staff’s ability to fulfill the mission and as such are held to the same high standards as our staff. Volunteers agree to conduct themselves in a professional manner while representing OAHS during all volunteer activities - physically at OAHS, off-site at other related activities, or on social media. I understand that the OAHS Volunteers have varying degrees of expertise and may be assigned varying levels of responsibility.  I agree to respect authority of staff and more experienced volunteers and allow them to serve as mentors to strengthen our team.

As an OAHS Volunteer, I agree to adhere to the following code of conduct:

• I will treat the OAHS animals with compassion and according to animal handling guidelines and training. Mistreatment of animals will not be tolerated.
• I will treat fellow volunteers, staff, OAHS administration and board of directors, other shelters, potential adopters and the visiting public with respect and courtesy. Disrespect will not be tolerated.
• I will treat OAHS facilities and equipment with respect and care and will not tamper with any equipment setup unless directed by staff.
• I will abide by all shelter policies and procedures. Concerns regarding policies, procedures, or incidents will be directed to appropriate manager or supervisory staff.
• I will refer all inquiries about animals, surrenders, intake, adoption procedures, stray animals or other procedure-related items to appropriate staff.  Staff is solely responsible for adoption decisions.
• I will respect personal/professional boundaries for all staff.  I will utilize only work email/phone to communicate any volunteer issues. I will not text/call or email non-emergent issues to personal devices.
• I will sign in to the volunteer database each time I volunteer at OAHS unless directed to use downtime procedure.
• I will secure permission from OAHS staff or management prior to removing or moving any animals or equipment from the OAHS premises. In case of emergency, permission may be waived.
• I will immediately report all injuries, animal bites, fire, theft, or other unusual incidents to appropriate authorities and/or OAHS management. Misconduct, inappropriate behavior, or other serious incidents should be reported to senior management immediately.
• I will serve as a positive influence for OAHS/Oshkosh community relations.  I will refrain from spreading inappropriate or false information regarding OAHS to fellow volunteers, staff or the general public.
• I will deal fairly with everyone I encounter at OAHS without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap or disability.
• I will refrain from bringing onto OAHS’s property any dangerous materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons, or similar items.
• I will refrain from handling or care of OAHS animals while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or any other intoxicating substance.