It is the mission of the Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the “RVSPCA”) to create a community where there are no homeless cats or dogs. We appreciate your interest in helping us with this worthy endeavor. We could not do all we do with out the dedication of our many volunteers. Below is the Statement of Volunteer Principles for you to read and sign.
- I agree to conduct myself in a courteous and professional manner as a foster volunteer and as a representative of the RVSPCA.
- I understand the importance of honoring my commitment to foster with the RVSPCA. I will notify the Foster Coordinator if I am unable to fulfill my commitment for any reason.
- I agree that my services are provided on a volunteer basis without pay or compensation of any kind and all services are to be performed at my own risk.
- I understand that as a foster volunteer, I am responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information I am exposed to as a foster volunteer. This includes information that may involve a paid employee, volunteer, client, or other person.
- I hereby allow the RVSPCA to use any photographs taken of me on property or at a special event for public relation purposes.
- I understand that my foster volunteer assignment with the RVSPCA may be terminated at any time.
- I certify that I have never been convicted of a felony; charged with or convicted of domestic abuse or neglect; charged with or convicted of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment; or subject to a civil proceeding to terminate ownership rights in a dog, cat or other companion animal.
- I understand and am able to abide by the following pledge adopted by the Humane Society for the United States to encourage humane discourse and conduct within the animal welfare community:
In conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States, I reject and condemn verbal abuse, threats, and acts of violence directed against animal welfare personnel. There is no place in the humane movement for physical or verbal intimidation, violence, or acts of terrorism. Such behavior is wholly inconsistent with a core ethic of promoting compassion and respect, and undermines the credibility of the entire animal welfare movement. Our goal must be to affirm the value and integrity of all life, whether animal or human, and to encourage others to do likewise. Verbal attacks, threats, harassment, defamation, and acts of violence, moreover, do not ultimately help animals. Instead, they eliminate opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and cooperation, making our shared goals, including that of ending the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals, harder to achieve. A free and respectful exchange of views in the ongoing national conversation about animal welfare practices, including animal sheltering practices, is the standard to which humane organizations and communities should aspire and adhere.
I will do my best to represent this organization as a volunteer. I will take ideas, constructive comments, suggestions, and criticisms directly to the Volunteer Coordinator and agree to be supervised by the Volunteer Coordinator or assigned team leader. If communication concerns develop between employees and me, I will report them to the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible.