Volunteer Code of Conduct

If you are visiting our sanctuary for the first time, please take a few moments to read these guidelines and sign at the bottom to indicate you have read & understood them.

This code of conduct serves as a guideline for expected behaviour when attending A Better Life Animal Sanctuary (ABLAS) for voluntary work activities or any other purpose. 

The goal of these guidelines is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all parties involved (yourself, the animals, other volunteers and sanctuary personnel), and to uphold our organisational values. We expect you will read and follow them to the best of your ability while visiting ABLAS. 

The guidelines and standards for behaviour when visiting A Better Life Animal Sanctuary (ABLAS) are as follows:

When working on tasks:

  • Take reasonable precaution to ensure my own safety & that of others, including: 

    • Following the instructions given to me by busy bee supervisors and sanctuary staff (Fiona, Em, Cooper or Brad)

    • Seeking guidance from one of the above persons if uncertain about anything, including how to complete tasks properly and safely.

    • Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when doing tasks - gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, respirator etc. (these will be provided by us, but you are also very welcome to bring your own).

  • While working on tasks, be mindful of the animals' space and needs. Avoid disrupting their habitat or routines where possible.

  • Alert sanctuary staff as soon as possible in the case of any incident, including injury to self, others, animals or any other emergency.

  • Don't wear steel cap shoes inside the enclosures/while near cows or horses (risk of toes being cut off if they were to step on your feet)!

  • Put all tools and supplies away back where you found them after you are finished using them. If you are unsure where something belongs, ask one of the sanctuary staff.

Interaction with Animals:

  • Respect animals’ space and autonomy - let them approach you if and when they choose to.

  • Do not enter animal enclosures without checking with one of the sanctuary staff first and receiving a briefing (this is in the interest of both your own safety and that of the resident animals).

  • Avoid unpredictable, loud or boisterous behaviour around animals to avoid startling them, which along with being stressful for them, can also put your own safety at risk.

  • Never attempt to handle an animal without explicit permission and guidance from sanctuary staff.

  • Respect for animals extends to wild or native animals that inhabit the property. Take care to avoid disturbing or harming them wherever possible.

  • You may pet animals through the fences if they approach you and choose to engage.

  • Never feed the animals anything unless given explicit permission or instruction by one of the sanctuary staff.

Household:

  • Take reasonable care to make sure cats are not let outside - check your surroundings before opening doors and ensure you close them behind yourself.

  • Do not let cats into bedrooms/guest accommodation areas. If they get in, make sure you get them all out again (they like to run in and hide!).

  • Conserve water where possible; when showering, turn water off when not actively rinsing yourself. This is especially important in summer months, as we can often run out of water completely (we rely on a rainwater tank).

  • ABLAS is a vegan space. We ask that you refrain from bringing animal-derived products onto the premises where possible, out of respect for the resident animals for whom ABLAS is their home*. *(with exception to medically necessary items).

  • Clean up after yourself when using the kitchen (doesn't need to be super thorough, just keep kitchen counter spaces clear and usable for everyone), and put all used dishes in the kitchen sink (someone will pack the dishwasher later).

General:

  • Take regular breaks to hydrate, eat and rest - especially in hot weather (take as many as you need - listen to your body!).

  • If you are feeling unwell or injured, inform someone and refrain from working until you are fit to do so.

  • Always ensure animal enclosure gates are properly closed and secured behind you when entering and exiting. 

  • Stay on designated driveways/roads when driving motor vehicles (avoid driving on grass as this is a fire risk).

  • Treat other volunteers and personnel with mutual respect and kindness.

  • ABLAS is a diverse & inclusive space, and our community is made up of many different types of people (including disabled people, LGBTQI+ folks, and people from many different cultures & ethnicities). We aim for ABLAS to be a space that feels safe & welcoming for everyone. Hateful or discriminatory language & behaviour of any kind is not welcome here, and we have zero tolerance for bullying & harrassment. 

  • If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any time for any reason, please let one of the staff or busy bee supervisors know. It is important to us that everyone feels safe and supported.

  • Please let sanctuary staff/organizers know beforehand about any accommodations you may require while visiting ABLAS, or if you have any questions about accessibility. You can do this by emailing Em (emma.bouwer@liberationcooperative.org) or sending us a message on Facebook or Instagram.

  • There may be photography and videography taken during these events, which may be retained and used for publicity, archival or news purposes. If you do not want your pictures to be taken or published, please let us know beforehand and we will do our best to respect your wishes.

By signing below, I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understood this code of conduct, and agree to follow it to the best of my ability: