Our Policies

Code of Ethics

1. Introduction

The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue (referred to as “the Organization”) is dedicated to promoting the welfare and well-being of animals. Our Code of Ethics establishes the ethical principles and standards that guide our organization, staff, volunteers, board members, and representatives in carrying out our mission.

2. Integrity and Professionalism

2.1. Honesty and Transparency

• We are committed to acting with honesty, transparency, and integrity in all our interactions with animals, the public, donors, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• We will provide accurate and truthful information about our organization, programs, and the animals in our care.

2.2. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

• We will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards related to animal welfare, non-profit governance, fundraising, and volunteer management.

2.3. Confidentiality

• We will respect the confidentiality of sensitive information obtained in the course of our work and will handle such information with the utmost care and professionalism.

3. Ethical Treatment of Animals

3.1. Animal Welfare

• We prioritize the welfare and well-being of animals in our care.
• We will provide appropriate and humane treatment, including but not limited to proper nutrition, veterinary care, housing, and socialization, based on recognized animal welfare principles and best practices.

3.2. No Kill Philosophy

• We are committed to the No Kill philosophy, striving to save and find loving homes for all adoptable animals under our care.
• We will make decisions regarding euthanasia only when it is determined to be the most compassionate option for an animal due to untreatable medical conditions or severe behavioral issues.

3.3. Ethical Decision-Making

• We will make decisions regarding animal care, adoptions, and related matters based on ethical considerations, placing the best interests of the animals as our primary concern.

4. Professional Conduct

4.1. Respect and Compassion

• We will treat all animals, individuals, and stakeholders with respect, compassion, and empathy, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

4.2. Non-Discrimination and Fair Treatment

• We will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic in our interactions with staff, volunteers, adopters, or the public.

4.3. Conflict of Interest

• We will avoid conflicts of interest and will act in the best interests of the Organization and the animals we serve, disclosing any potential conflicts promptly and transparently.

5. Reporting and Accountability

5.1. Reporting Violations

• Any individual associated with the Organization who becomes aware of a potential violation of this Code of Ethics has an obligation to report it promptly to the appropriate authority within the organization.

5.2. Non-Retaliation

• We will not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report in good faith suspected violations of this Code of Ethics.

5.3. Accountability and Consequences

• Violations of this Code of Ethics may result in appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include counseling, training, termination of involvement/employment, or legal action, depending on the severity and nature of the violation.

6. Review and Updates

• This Code of Ethics will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in guiding the ethical conduct of our organization.

By adhering to this Code of Ethics, we demonstrate our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical treatment of animals.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 05/01/2023

1. Introduction:

At The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of personal information we collect and how we use, store, and protect your information. By accessing or using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect:

1.1 Personal Information:

We strive to collect as little personally identifiable information (PII) as possible. The types of personal information we may collect include:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Address
• Date of Birth (to verify age)
• Employment related information (status, history, phone number, address, etc), for both employment with us and to confirm financial capabilities of adopters
• Any additional information voluntarily provided by you through our forms or email communications.

1.2 Usage Data:

• We may collect non-personally identifiable information automatically when you visit our website. This may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages visited, and other browsing information. This information is used for website analytics and improving our services.

2. Use of Information:

2.1 Personal Information:

We collect and use your personal information to:

• Respond to your inquiries and provide the requested information or services.
• Process adoption applications.
• Consider you for employment.
• Communicate with you regarding our products, services, and promotions, if you have provided your consent.
• Comply with legal obligations and requests, including fulfilling GDPR requirements upon request by email.

2.2 Usage Data:

• We may use non-personally identifiable information for analytical purposes to improve our website’s functionality, performance, and user experience.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

• We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device. They allow us to remember your preferences, provide customized content, and analyze website traffic. We only use cookies when necessary for the functioning of forms, login authentication, and similar essential purposes.
• You can control cookies through your browser settings and choose whether to accept or decline them. Please note that disabling cookies may limit certain features and functionality of our website.

4. Data Security:

• We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
• However, please be aware that no data transmission over the internet or storage system can guarantee 100% security.

5. Third-Party Disclosure:

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except for the following limited purposes:

• Trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting business, or providing services to you, as long as they agree to keep the information confidential.
• Compliance with legal obligations, enforcement of our policies, or protection of our rights, property, or safety.

6. Your Rights:

• You have the right to request access to, correction, or deletion of your personal information.
• If you wish to exercise any of these rights or have any concerns regarding your privacy, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Changes to this Privacy Policy:

We reserve the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time.

The updated version will be indicated by an updated “Effective Date” at the beginning of this Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

8. Contact Us:

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us at:

• The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue
• Email: contact@bridgehome.org
• Phone: 423-239-5237
• Address: 2061 HWY 75 Blountville, TN 37617

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions of this Privacy Policy.

Adoption Policy

Effective Date: 12/19/2023

1. Introduction:

The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue is committed to finding loving and permanent homes for the animals in our care. This Adoption Policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for adopting animals from our shelter. By adopting an animal, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in this policy.

2. Eligibility:

2.1 Age Requirement:

• Adopters must be at least 21 years old. If the adopter is under 21, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the adoption process and assume all responsibility for the adopted animal.

2.2 Residence:

• Adopters must have a suitable and secure living environment appropriate for the type of animal they wish to adopt.
• We may conduct a home visit to assess the suitability of the living conditions, or to confirm the presence of an adequate fence for animals that are prone to jumping a fence. A fence is usually not required for adoption, but some of our animals do require a fence.

3. Adoption Process:
   

3.1 Meet and Greets:

• Our team will review the application and conduct a Meet and Greet session to discuss the adopter’s expectations, responsibilities, and needs of the specific animal of interest
• Have the adopter and the animal interact with each other, along with any potential animals that the adopter already has.
• The Meet and Greet session aims to ensure a good match between the adopter, the adopter’s current pets(if applicable), and the animal.

3.2 Application:

• Prospective adopters are required to complete an adoption application form.
• The application collects relevant information about the adopter, including contact details, living situation, experience with animals, and preferences.

3.3 Veterinary References:

• We will request references from the adopter’s veterinarian, to verify the adopter’s history of responsible pet ownership and veterinary care.

3.4 Adoption Fee:

• An adoption fee is required to help cover the cost of caring for the animals in our shelter.
• The fee amount varies depending on the type/breed of the animal but does include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping, and other necessary veterinary treatments.

3.5 Landlord Allowance Verification:

• We will call and require permission from the landlord to adopt an animal to an adopter that rents their home, landlord allowance is required to proceed with the adoption.

3.6 Adoption Contract:

• Upon approval of the adoption application, the adopter will be required to sign an Adoption Contract.
• The Adoption Contract outlines the terms and conditions of the adoption, including the adopter’s responsibilities, our policies on animal care and return, and our right to follow up on the welfare of the adopted animal.

4. Post-Adoption Support:

4.1 Veterinary Care:

• Adopters are responsible for providing necessary veterinary care, including vaccinations, routine check-ups, and preventive treatments, as recommended by a licensed veterinarian.

4.2 Animal Care and Welfare:

• Adopters must provide proper and humane care to the adopted animal, including appropriate nutrition, shelter, socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation.
• Animals should be kept indoors or in a secure and safe environment when outdoors.

4.3 Return Policy:

• In the event that an adopter can no longer care for the adopted animal, we would prefer that the animal is returned to us, once a TBHNKAR animal, always a TBHNKAR animal.
• We will strive to make room to take the animal back, please contact us before surrendering the animal to another shelter.
• We have a return policy in place to ensure the well-being and appropriate rehoming of the animal.

5. Adoption Discretion/Requirements:

• We reserve the right to refuse or deny any adoption application if we determine, at our sole discretion, that it is not in the best interest of the animal or if the adopter does not meet our adoption criteria.
• In the event it should become impossible to keep the animal, the animal must be returned to the Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue.
• The adopter agrees to provide the proper food, water, shelter, and restraint in accordance with the city and county leash laws.
• If a veterinarian determines within 10 days of adoption that the animal has an illness or injury that may reduce the animal’s ability to have a normal or healthy life, the adopter can have it treated at their own expense or return it to TBHNKAR immediately with the veterinarian stating the animal’s condition.
• Adopter agrees to have the animal examined by a vet within the first 5 days from the date of adoption including all required vaccinations.
• Adopters agree not to dock the animal’s tail or crop their ears for any reason, nor declaw their paws.
• The Adopter has not previously surrendered an animal to TBHNKAR.

6. Disclaimer:

• While we make every effort to provide accurate and complete information about the animals available for adoption, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the previous owner’s records or the previous owner’s stated animal history and behavior (if applicable). Unfortunately, in some cases, we have limited information about the animals we rescue.
• However, it’s important to note that we keep extensive records of all medical incidents for animals in our care, from intake to adoption. Despite our diligent efforts, we cannot guarantee the future health, behavior, or medical conditions of the adopted animals.
• Adopters assume all responsibilities and liabilities associated with the adopted animal.

7. Contact Information:

If you have any questions or require further information about our Adoption Policy, please contact us at:

• The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue
• Email: contact@bridgehome.org
• Phone: 423-239-5237
• Address: 2061 HWY 75 Blountville, TN 37617

By adopting an animal from our shelter, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions of this Adoption Policy.

Donor Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 05/01/2023

1. Introduction:

At The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our donors’ personal information. This Donor Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect the personal information provided by our donors. By donating to our organization, you agree to the terms of this policy.

1. Collection of Personal Information:

We collect the following personal information from our donors:

• Full Name
• Mailing Address
• Email Address
• Phone Number

2. Use of Personal Information:

We use the personal information provided by donors for the following purposes:

• Processing and acknowledging donations
• Sending donation receipts and tax-related documentation
• Communicating with donors about our programs, activities, and events
• Providing updates on the impact of donations
• Requesting further support when appropriate

3. Disclosure of Personal Information:

We do not sell, trade, or disclose our donors’ personal information to third parties, except as outlined below:

• Trusted service providers who assist us in conducting our operations and providing services to our donors (e.g., payment processors, mailing houses), provided they agree to keep the information confidential.
• Compliance with legal obligations, such as responding to lawful requests or court orders, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of our organization, staff, volunteers, or the public.

4. Donor Consent:

• By providing your personal information to us, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information as described in this policy.

5. Data Security:

• We implement reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect donors’ personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.
• However, please be aware that no data transmission or storage system can guarantee 100% security.

6. Donor Rights:

Donors have the right to:

• Access their personal information held by our organization
• Update or correct their personal information
• Opt-out of receiving communications from us
• Request the deletion of their personal information from our records

To exercise any of these rights or make inquiries regarding your personal information, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Changes to this Policy:

We reserve the right to modify or update this Donor Privacy Policy at any time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated “Effective Date” at the beginning of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any changes.

8. Contact Us:

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Donor Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us at:

• The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue
• Email: contact@bridgehome.org
• Phone: 423-239-5237
• Address: 2061 HWY 75, Blountville, 37617

By donating to The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions of this Donor Privacy Policy.

Volunteer Policy

Effective Date: 05/01/2023

1. Introduction:

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue (hereinafter referred to as “the Organization”). This Volunteer Policy outlines the guidelines and expectations for individuals who volunteer their time and services to support our mission of animal rescue and welfare.

2. Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities:

2.1 Eligibility:

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, at all times.
• Volunteers should have a genuine interest in animal welfare and a willingness to support the Organization’s goals and objectives.

2.2 Volunteer Opportunities:

The Organization offers various volunteer opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Animal care and socialization
• Adoption events and outreach programs
• Fundraising and special events
• Administrative support
• Facility maintenance
• Other tasks as assigned by the Organization

2.3 Commitment and Availability:

• Volunteers are expected to commit to the agreed-upon schedule and fulfill their assigned duties reliably. If unable to fulfill a commitment, volunteers should provide reasonable notice to the Organization.

2.4 Code of Conduct:

Volunteers are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct:

• Treat animals with kindness, compassion, and respect.
• Follow the Organization’s policies, procedures, and instructions provided by staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information related to the Organization, its animals, and stakeholders.
• Interact with fellow volunteers, staff, and the public in a respectful and professional manner.
• Follow safety guidelines and procedures to ensure the well-being of animals, volunteers, and visitors.
• Report any concerns or incidents promptly to the designated staff member.

3. Volunteer Screening and Training:

3.1 Application Process:

• Prospective volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application form.

3.2 Orientation and Training:

• All volunteers are required to attend an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the Organization’s policies, procedures, safety protocols, and their specific volunteer role before they are able to be on their own.
• Additional training may be provided as needed to ensure volunteers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

4. Volunteer-Organization Relationship:

4.1 Supervision and Support:

• Volunteers will be supervised and supported by designated staff members or experienced volunteers.
• They will provide guidance, answer questions, and address any concerns that may arise during the volunteer’s tenure.

4.2 Volunteer-Animal Interaction:

• Volunteers must follow the Organization’s protocols for interacting with animals, including proper handling techniques, exercise, and socialization practices.
• Volunteers must report any observed changes in an animal’s behavior or health to the appropriate staff member.

4.3 Volunteer-Staff Collaboration:

• Volunteers are encouraged to collaborate and communicate effectively with staff members and fellow volunteers. This includes sharing relevant information, providing feedback or suggestions, and working as a team to accomplish shared goals.

5. Volunteer Benefits and Recognition:

5.1 Volunteer Benefits:

As a volunteer, you may receive benefits such as:

• Personal fulfillment and the satisfaction of making a positive impact on animals’ lives.
• Opportunities to gain experience, knowledge, and skills in animal care and welfare.
• Recognition and appreciation for your dedicated service.

5.2 Volunteer Recognition:

• The Organization acknowledges the valuable contributions of volunteers through various forms of recognition, such as certificates of appreciation, volunteer appreciation events, and public acknowledgment (with consent).

6. Volunteer Agreement:

By volunteering with The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the policies and guidelines outlined in this Volunteer Policy. I understand that the Organization reserves the right to terminate my volunteer involvement if I fail to adhere to these policies or engage in conduct that is inconsistent with the Organization’s mission, values, or code of conduct.