Pet Haven Code of Conduct

Purpose: To set behavior and communication expectations for all members of Pet Haven (board members, staff, and volunteers). This will ensure proper conduct, communications, and respect for all members of Pet Haven and our community. This code relates to person-to-person interactions as well as person-to-animal interactions.

Vision statement:
“A Minnesota where all pets live in safe, loving homes.”

Mission:
“Pet Haven improves the lives of pets and the people who love them by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats; reducing pet overpopulation by supporting spay and neuter efforts; and providing resources to people that help strengthen the human-animal bond through compassion, kindness, and respect.”

Core Values:
Compassion, Kindness, Respect- Every pet and human deserves no less. We strive to do what is best for each individual, whether a dog, cat, or person.

Quality over Quantity- We pursue growth not for its own sake but to better serve at-risk animals and the people who love them.

Honesty Always- We value transparency and openly share our successes, hopes, and challenges with each other and our community.

Community & Family First- We support those closest to us, both animal and human. We are dedicated to Minnesota's pets and caregivers and are proud to serve as a local community resource.

Future-Focused—As Minnesota's oldest foster-based rescue, we are committed to building a lasting legacy through sustainable, innovative, and long-term strategies.

Pet Haven is a business. Pet Haven expects its staff and volunteers to act professionally. We take in revenue from adoption fees, pay bills for supplies and salaries, and file taxes with a 501(c)3 non-profit status. This makes us a business. We also inject passion into this business by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming companion animals—without passion, we would be less effective. Do not mistake passion for the right to disrespectful or unprofessional emotional behavior.

Respect: All members of Pet Haven will act honestly and ethically and treat each other and our “customers” (adopters, owners, community members) with courtesy, respect, and dignity. This includes spoken and written communications in all forms—electronic, telephonic, paper, and person–to–person dialog.
A “best intentions” position at all times is expected. We are all here for the same purpose: to save and change the lives of pets at risk for the better.
Disagreements should be resolved amicably or with a neutral third party.
Pet Haven members will not discriminate and will be respectful of ethnic, national, political, and cultural differences.

Safe Environment: Pet Haven is proud to be a welcoming and diverse organization. We value our volunteers and staff, and want to cultivate an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe.

Name-calling, negativity, and nasty comments won’t be tolerated.

Honesty: All Pet Haven members will behave honestly with each other, members of the community and our partners.

Zero tolerance: Because of the diverse nature of Pet Haven Members, there is zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior.
-Sexual Harassment
-Discrimination based on race, religion, gender or sexual identity, or other personal characteristics
-Animal abuse or neglect
-Actual or threatened violence toward staff or volunteers
-Bullying of staff or volunteers
-Inability to act accordingly with local, state, and federal law

Internal and external communication standards:
Pet Haven staff and volunteers commit themselves to respectful communication. Our communication standards are as follows;

-Give Grace: Animal Rescue is challenging, emotional, and can be fragile. In a frustrating scenario, assume BEST INTENTIONS and the person you are speaking to is doing their best. Everyone will get overwhelmed or frustrated at some point, and giving grace to the folks around us will make this journey easier for everyone.

-Respect each other's time; Pet Haven is primarily volunteer-based, and our staff and volunteers have their hands full. Please give 48 hours between communications. If you have an urgent need, please contact a staff member.

-Use "I" Statements: When frustrated or upset, focus on how you are feeling and how your actions may be perceived. Avoid using accusatory statements, and invite your conversation partner to share their experience as well.

-Meet people where they are at: Everyone has a different experience with rescue and animal ownership- we are all learning. Approach conversations with the mindset of education and not judgment.

-Be aware of your position and privilege: Our position in the organization, identities, and background give us different levels of power and privilege. Approaching conversations from a perspective of equity and understanding that the individual you are speaking to has a different, unique experience that is valued will lay a pathway for an open, respectful, and successful conversation.

If a staff member or volunteer does not follow the code of conduct, the first action is to receive notification from Pet Haven Leadership or a board member if appropriate, and an opportunity is given for the individual to take responsibility and make proper amends, giving them a chance to improve. The second incident will produce documentation of the incident and a written warning; however, depending on the severity of the second incident, it may result in being removed from the organization.
A third incident of misconduct will result in being removed from the organization.

By signing this document, I agree to act honestly and ethically while performing my staff or volunteer duties. I agree to treat all Pet Haven employees, volunteers, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity. I will not discriminate, and I will be respectful of ethnic, national, and cultural differences. I understand that if I act outside these code of conduct expectations, I may be asked to leave the organization.