Code of Conduct for Organizations to Participate in Pilot 3
“Organization”, a (shelter/rescue]/sanctuary) has read, understood, and agrees to adhere to this Code of Conduct as a volunteer in a pilot project offered by Giving Animals Voice (“GAV”), a Michigan, U.S.A. non-profit.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
All participants in Giving Animals Voice studies are expected to act in the best interest of the organization and research and its mission to give animals a voice and advocate for their welfare. Any situation in which personal, financial, or other interests may conflict with the organization’s mission or best interests should be promptly disclosed to Denise Nestel (denise@givinganimalsvoice.org).
PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE
Surveys should be completed within the specified time frame. Attendance and punctuality are expected for online animal communication sessions. If the communicator or shelter/rescue representative is not able to fulfill these commitments, they should notify Denise Nestel (denise@givinganimalsvoice.org ) as soon as possible and preferably at least 24 hours in advance of the animal communication session so another communicator can be located or the meeting can be rescheduled.
MEDICAL ADVICE
Communicators cannot legally diagnose any medical conditions; however, organizations may ask communicators to ask the animal questions about their physical body/health, any pain/discomfort and its location and intensity, and what the animal would find healing/comforting. Animal communicators do not offer medical or treatment suggestions or offer to provide healing or other modalities during or after the animal communication session to ensure the integrity of this pilot study.
CONTACT BETWEEN COMMUNICATORS AND SHELTERS/RESCUES
Excepting the recorded communication session, animal communicators and shelters/rescues participating in studies conducted by Giving Animals Voice are expected to refrain from contacting or communicating during the study. This protocol maintains the integrity and impartiality of the research process, preventing any potential bias or interference with the study’s outcomes. If either party needs to contact the other during the study, please get in touch with Denise Nestel by email (denise@givinganimalsvoice.org). After the study, both parties are free to contact each other.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY POLICY
Animal communicators and shelters/rescues agree to adhere to this policy regarding animal communication sessions. All animal communications with participating shelters/rescues are private and confidential and may not be shared during the study to ensure the integrity of the study. Pilot data will be aggregated, analyzed, and reported to participants and may be share with interested others.
PARTICIPATION IN THE STUDY IS VOLUNTARY
Taking part in this study is entirely voluntary. The animal communicator, shelter/rescue, or their representative may stop participating anytime by emailing Denise Nestel (denise@givinganimalsvoice.org).
TERMINATION OF STUDY PARTICIPATION
If the animal communicator, shelter/rescue, or representative violates any of GAV’s codes of conduct, GAV reserves the right to terminate their participation in the study.
