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Code of Ethics


FLR volunteers shall agree to abide by the FLR Code of Ethics as a condition of their association with FLR.  The Code of Ethics covers the following areas:  rules of conduct, care of our animals, legal compliance, and process.   

Rules of Conduct

FLR recognizes that the behavior and reputation of each rescue group can impact the success of animal rescue in general.  At FLR, we place high importance on qualities such as honesty, integrity, transparency, confidentiality, consistency, fairness, and courtesy.  We want to be advocates for, and raise the reputation of, the animal rescue field.  

FLR will make every effort to be fair, polite, and professional with other rescue groups and organizations with which we interact. We will respect existing rules (ours and theirs) and treat others as as we would like to be treated.

As an FLR volunteer I agree to:

  • Be courteous and professional with individuals and other organizations involved in my rescue work.
  • Respect the privacy of donors and other contributors (per the FLR Privacy Policy and the FLR Non-Disclosure Agreement), and not solicit contributions from them for the benefit of groups or individuals outside of FLR.
  • Disclose to FLR any potential conflict of interest, per the FLR Conflict of Interest Policy.  These include any affiliations I have with other rescue groups, other non-profit organizations, and professionals in the pet care industry (where I am employed).
  • Not use my affiliation/membership with FLR to acquire personal, financial or professional gain.
  • Never intake animals for which FLR does not have the legal authority or resources needed to care for those animals.
  • Inform potential adopters about foster animals in my care, including any issues related to temperament, health, training, and care.

Care of Our Animals

As an animal advocate, I shall:
  • Treat all animals with compassion, kindness and respect.
  • Ensure that our animals have food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.
  • Exercise, play with, and love our animals in ways that are appropriate to the species. 
  • Ensure that all animals in our care (including our personal pets and animals fostered for other rescues not associated with FLR) are up-to-date on vaccinations, heartworm preventative, fle and tick preventative, and are spayed or neutered.
  • Ensure that our animals are not allowed to roam free or be physically restrained (to trees, cable run, etc.).
  • Provide transportation for veterinary care for fostered animals. If I am unable to personally provide transportation, I will notify the Foster Coordinator so transportation can be arranged.
  • Increase the fostered animal's visibility by providing updates, pictures, and transportation to area events held by FLR.
  • Notify FLR of aggression, other characteristics, or risk factors that might impact a potential adoption.
  • Contact FLR immediately if the foster animal is lost or stolen, or if it dies.
 

Legal Compliance

I agree to:
  • Comply with applicable federal, state and local laws focused on animal welfare when transporting and/or fostering animals.  
  • House animals in my care in sanitary conditions, which meet or exceed all minimum standards as defined by local health and sanitation authorities.
  • Contact the Foster or Volunteer Coordinator if I have any questions about applicable laws and regulations.
As an organization, FLR agrees to:
  • Secure appropriate licensure for FLR in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
  • Require a signed, legal release form from the individual responsible for an animal to be surrendered to FLR.
 

Process

I agree to:
  • Adhere to all FLR policies.
  • Support FLR's structured, well-defined, procedural approach to animal rescue and adoption.
  • Gain prior authorization from FLR for all non-emergency, veterinary care while the animal is in my care.  In case of a medical emergency, the animal will receive necessary care and FLR will be notified immediately afterward.
In addition, I will:
  • Not allow any foster animal in my care to be removed from my address or disposed of in any way without prior approval of FLR.
  • Not hold FLR or its volunteers responsible for injury or illness contracted by any animal not belonging to FLR, or for any liability or damages, should a foster animal become a problem to myself or others.
As an organization, FLR agrees to:
  • Require an application form and adoption contract.
  • Screen prospective adopters through reference checks and a home visit before a decision is reached on suitability of the placement.
  • Obtain landlord approval for prospective adopters who rent or lease their residence.
  • Work carefully to match the animal with the "right" forever home.
  • Turn down a potential adopter if the situation is not optimal for the animal in consideration.
  • Provide up-to-date veterinary records to the adopter upon final adoption.
  • Follow up on the adopted animal and it's adoptive family.
  • Spay or neuter all animals, as appropriate to the species per FLR's Spay/Neuter Policy.  Exceptions to this requirement will only be considered by the Board of Directors when a veterinarian provides written certification that sterilization poses a significant risk to the animal.
  • Permanently identify/microchip each animal.
  • Guarantee to accept the animal's return, should the adoptive family's situation change.  (Typically, adoption fees will not be refunded, but this is at the discretion of the Board of Directors.)
In addition, should FLR receive a written grievance regarding a FLR volunteer, FLR will:
  • Notify the volunteer and provide a forum for responding to the grievance.  Note that violation of the FLR Code of Ethics is grounds for hearing and/or action by FLR.