I understand that the goal of the volunteer program at RABAS is to engage and educate the public on the mission & philosophy of RABAS, to support shelter activities, and to provide supplemental care and enrichment for the lives of shelter animals and that my actions and attitudes should always further these goals.
I understand that I can and should always seek guidance if I am ever unclear about the mission, philosophy or practices of RABAS.
I agree to conduct myself in an appropriate and professional manner while volunteering for RABAS, following and publicly supporting the RABAS program, policies, practices, code of conduct.
In my capacity as a volunteer, I agree to consistently conduct myself in a manner consistent with the humane treatment of RABAS animals and professional interaction with RABAS employees, patrons, other volunteers, and members of the public.
I understand that RABAS welcomes and relies upon volunteer feedback. If I am ever in disagreement with any philosophy, policy or practice of RABAS, I agree to use the grievance policy as stated.
I understand that I am responsible for reviewing all the materials given to me at orientations and training, including this Volunteer Manual.
If I have any questions or do not understand anything in the materials, I agree to ask the Office Manager.
I know that as a RABAS volunteer, Board member or employee, I represent Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter, and I promise not to engage in any activity or communication that may cause harm to the reputation of RABAS.
I agree to be a role model for the humane treatment of animals, at home and in all places as well as while working with the shelter animals.
I agree to accept supervision, direction, and support from the RABAS staff and understand that they will provide me with feedback to help me perform my volunteer duties most effectively and safely, and in the best interest of the animals I am volunteering for.
I understand that I may not come to the shelter if not scheduled during closed hours. I may come to shelter as a visitor during open hours but will not fulfill any volunteer activities during my time as a visitor.
As a volunteer, you should feel empowered to address any other volunteers’ misconduct.
If, at any time, a volunteer violates RABAS policies or is deemed unfit for volunteering for any of the actions listed but not limited to:
Harassment or assault of fellow volunteers, customers, employees or anyone else.
Coercion, intimidation, or threatening any person on shelter property.
Discourteous treatment to or the use of inappropriate language toward a shelter employee, customer, volunteer or anyone else.
Physical abuse to animals or any intentional act to harm an animal.
Possession of weapons or firearms on shelter premises or in shelter vehicles.
Conduct undermining to the shelter and its objectives.
Making a slanderous or libelous statement(s) concerning fellow volunteers, customers, volunteers, the organization or the animals it shelters.
Immoral conduct or indecency on shelter property.
Posting or removal of notices, signs or writing in any form on bulletin boards without specific approval by a supervisor or manager.
Excessive tardiness or absenteeism.
Unsatisfactory job performance.
Improper use of confidential information about RABAS.
Conducting personal business on shelter time or engaging in excessive, unnecessary or unauthorized use of shelter equipment, supplies or resources (including personal use of shelter property without proper authorization).
The use of Alcohol and Drugs on the property.
Theft or unauthorized removal of property belonging to others or to RABAS.
Malicious damaging of shelter property or that of fellow volunteers, customers, employees, or anyone else.
Failure to report an accident or personal injury immediately.
Refusing to give information to a supervisor or manager.
Violation of any safety procedure, program, or rule; causing unsafe conditions or carelessness with regards to your own safety or the safety of others.
Failure to properly use safety devices, tampering with safety equipment and/or attempting to bypass or defeat a machine’s safety feature(s).
Smoking on shelter property is prohibited.
Littering or causing unsanitary or unsightly conditions.
Unauthorized solicitations or distributions.
Unauthorized entrance to the shelter during shelter closed hours when not scheduled.
Any other conduct which RABAS deems to be grounds for disciplinary action or discharge.

Disciplinary Actions
The Managers and/or Board of Directors reserve the right to immediately request that any individual violating RABAS policies leave the shelter premises immediately.
A volunteer may also be suspended from his/her volunteer activities as necessary until a final determination can be made on the action to be taken.
Depending on the nature of the violation, the volunteer may be suspended for a period of 14 days for the initial violation. A written apology to the shelter and affected individual(s) will be required prior to the reinstatement of volunteer privileges.
Any further violation of the RABAS code of conduct will result in the termination of volunteer privileges.
All disciplinary issues will be reviewed by the Office Manager and escalated to the Board of Directors as needed.