Southeast Volusia Humane Society promotes respectful and honest communication. We always require ethical communication, expect professional and compassionate behavior toward people and animals.  

• We believe all animals are entitled to be free from suffering, abuse and exploitation
• We believe we have an obligation to provide animals humane treatment and stewardship
• We honor the Five Freedoms:
  • Freedom for hunger and thirst
  • Freedom from discomfort
  • Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
  • Freedom to express normal behavior
  • Freedom from fear and distress 
• We have a duty to protect animals from suffering, homelessness, and cruelty
• We believe that our values, decisions, conduct and behavior must set the tone and be a model for others in their care and treatment of animals
• The commitment, care and attention we afford to human beings and animals is only differentiated by degree and not by kind
• We believe we have an obligation to alleviate suffering
• We believe we have an obligation to prevent cruelty
• We abide by state and local laws
• We abide by SEVHS’s policy and procedures, including reporting bites and injuries

I.  HONESTY

• Communicate consistently, truthfully and with integrity inside and outside of the organization. 
• Accept responsibility for our actions. 
• Provide honest and accurate information regarding animal behavior, animal health, agency policies, procedures and programs like fund raising and the disposition of animals.  

II. RESPECT

• Treat all living creatures with respect and dignity. 
• Create an open environment which encourages and solicits input from all stakeholders. 
• Recognize the value of each individual or group. 
• Acknowledge socio-economic, cultural, ethnic and philosophical differences. 
• Advocate and model respectful behavior through individual and organizational example. 

III. RESPONSIBILITY

• Apply all applicable laws impartially with organizational guidelines. 
• Provide humane treatment and care for animals. 
• Seek ways to improve the operation and delivery of services. Pursue excellence. 
• Share information and seek input from, educate, and cooperate with others.  
• Use good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority.

IV. BE FAIR and JUST

• Use good judgment instead of being judgmental.
• Listen to and consider opposing viewpoints. 
• Make informed decisions without personal bias. 
• Apply consistent principles in decision-making while allowing for flexibility. 

V. CARING and COMPASSION

• Strive to provide for the physical and psychological needs of people and animals. 
• Encourage and support board and staff development. 
• Provide a humane and dignified death for animals using recommended and approved methods. 
• Extend the principles of caring and compassion to the public. 
• Provide a supportive environment in which to deal with issues of euthanasia and grief. 

VI. CITIZENSHIP

• Represent the organization in a professional manner. 
• Strive to promote positive and collaborative relationships with other agencies, organizations, and individuals.
• Recognize the euthanasia is a difficult decision for all, and no verbal or nonverbal insinuations or attacks on staff will be tolerated.
• Respect that people and animals count on me to honor my commitments
• Work together with staff and other volunteers to meet SEVHS’s goals.
• Value my role in the maintenance and growth of the organization.
• Strive to promote a positive environment. 

SAFETY:

• Follow the policies and procedures put forth in volunteer training.
• Keep safety at the forefront of all volunteer activities.
• Respect and use equipment and supplies, as they are intended.
• Report all injuries immediately to a staff member. 
• I acknowledge that working with animals may involve exposure to cleaning chemicals and zoonotic disease.
• I carry my own health insurance
• I release the Southeast Volusia Humane Society from all liability while performing my duties as a volunteer in any capacity.

Failure to abide by this code of conduct and behavior in a humane, compassionate, professional manner towards the public, clients, volunteers, staff and animals will result in disciplinary action, up to an including termination.