Code of Ethics

Volunteers will fulfill their commitment to PeTS and to their assignment to facilities, programs, etc. in the community to the best of their ability.

Volunteers will not accept remuneration for their visits. Volunteers may provide information about PeTS to individuals, families or groups interested in making a donation to the Society.

Volunteers cannot be under the influence of illict drugs or alcohol while participating in PeTS events or visits.

Volunteers will not use ‘therapy animals’ status to gain access to areas or special treatment designated for ‘service animals.’ This includes access to public buildings and flying on commercial airlines.

Only companion animals that are active in animal-assisted therapy or activities are to be represented as a ‘therapy animals.’ Ratified pet therapy animals who have not served as therapy animals for one year are consideredto be retired therapy animals.

Completion of PeTS’ Pet Education Program (PEP) does not imply that a companion animal is a ‘therapy animal.’ Completion of PEP does not entitle an individual to use a ‘therapy animal’ designation in advertising for breeding purposes or promotion of an individual animal, breed or kennel.

Volunteers conduct that adversely affects the interests of PeTS, any of its members and the interests and/or the people we are visiting could result in disciplinary action, even expulsion from Pet Therapy.

Should any volunteers conduct reasonably results in valid allegations or criticism from a PeTS member or facility contact, then the conduct is questionable and may be improper.

Volunteers are expected to respect the rights of others be they other PeTS volunteers, patients, residents, Youth under protection, the general public or others with whom you have direct or indirect contact or dealings with as a result of your volunteering  with PeTS.

Discrimination or harassment (unwelcome behavior of a sexual or personal nature), whether against an individual or a group on the basis of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical or mental disability, material status, age, sexual orientation, ancestry, place of origin or in the case of an animal, the breed of said animal, is neither appropriate nor acceptable and could result in expulsion from PeTS.