In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue (RMDR) Code of Conduct

RMDR is a community built on compassion. We are here for the dogs, and for one another. Rescue work can be emotional and difficult, so we commit to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for our volunteers, fosters, adopters, donors, and the broader community.

At RMDR, we’re all volunteers, and we don’t have an HR department to step in if things go sideways — so how we communicate with each other matters. Disagreements will happen, and that’s normal. We don’t have to share the same view, but we do need to speak with patience, kindness, and respect. We trust the experience and care each person brings, and we expect conversations to stay constructive and free of personal attacks.

Kindness is our baseline. Patience is part of the work. What’s not acceptable is unkind or disrespectful behavior. Harassment, bullying, threats, intimidation, abusive language, or any behavior that creates a hostile or unsafe environment will not be tolerated in any context — whether in person, at events, during transport, in meetings, or through Slack, text, social media, or any other digital communication. Disagreement is fine; disrespect is not.

Mistreatment of animals will not be tolerated under any circumstances. All RMDR dogs must be handled with care, compassion, and attentiveness. Volunteers must not participate in animal handling while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or any intoxicating substance.

Volunteers represent RMDR to the public. Professional, considerate behavior is expected at all times. Speaking on behalf of the organization is limited to those assigned or invited to do so. Volunteers must follow RMDR guidelines/policies and procedures and instructions at events, during transport, and when using RMDR tools and systems (including Slack, Petfinder, PawPlacer, Google Workspace, and all digital platforms). RMDR equipment and systems may not be tampered with.

We respect the independence and authority of volunteers working within their assigned roles. Volunteers should not interfere with or undermine another volunteer’s work. Concerns should be addressed through appropriate leadership channels.

Volunteers must refrain from spreading false, harmful, or inappropriate information about RMDR, its volunteers, fosters, adopters, partners, or other animal organizations while representing RMDR.

Reporting & Safety: Volunteers must immediately report incidents such as injuries, animal bites, harassment, theft, misconduct, or other serious concerns to RMDR Leadership. Any suspected financial or organizational misconduct must be reported to the RMDR Board or Leadership promptly.

Confidentiality & Conflict of Interest: Volunteers will not use or disclose confidential information obtained through RMDR during or after their involvement. Any real or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed to the RMDR Board or Leadership. All intellectual property, documentation, and any physical or digital tools or materials created for RMDR remain the property of RMDR.

Not Allowed
• Threats
• Harassment, intimidation, or bullying
• Abusive or hostile language
• Violence of any kind
• Mistreatment of animals
• Spreading false or harmful information
• Interfering in another volunteer’s assigned work
• Tampering with RMDR systems or equipment
• Handling animals while impaired