Last updated: 15 January 2026
Website: www.broometherapydogs.au
Operator: Broome Therapy Dogs Pty Ltd (ABN 50 690 041 804), Broome, Western Australia (“Broome Therapy Dogs” / "organisation")
Purpose
Broome Therapy Dogs volunteers represent the organisation in the community. This Code sets the standards expected to protect clients, volunteers, host facilities, and therapy dogs.
1. Respect and professionalism
- Treat every person with dignity, patience, and respect.
- Be reliable and punctual. If you cannot attend a shift/visit, notify the coordinator as early as possible.
- Follow reasonable directions from Broome Therapy Dogs coordinators, assessors, and host facility staff.
2. Safety first
- Prioritise safety at all times. If something feels unsafe, pause and seek guidance.
- Follow all risk controls required for the setting (e.g., client approach, spacing, supervision, mobility hazards, noise levels).
- Immediately report hazards, near misses, incidents, or injuries.
3. Animal welfare and humane handling
- Your dog’s welfare is non-negotiable.
- Only participate when your dog is healthy, clean, well-groomed, and emotionally fit for the environment.
- Use humane handling at all times. No intimidation, harsh corrections, or punishment-based methods.
- Monitor your dog for stress signals and remove the dog from interaction when needed.
- Never force interactions between a dog and any person.
4. Boundaries with clients and staff
- Maintain appropriate boundaries, particularly with vulnerable people.
- Do not provide medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice.
- Do not promise outcomes, make diagnoses, or provide “therapy” beyond the scope of your volunteer role.
- Avoid physical contact unless appropriate, invited, and consistent with site rules and safeguarding expectations.
5. Consent and dignity
- Seek consent before approaching, before allowing a dog to greet, and before any dog-client interaction continues.
- Respect “no” immediately and without pressure.
- Be mindful of cultural, personal, and trauma-related sensitivities.
6. Confidentiality and privacy
- Keep client and facility information confidential.
- Do not share names, personal stories, photos, or identifying details of clients or staff without explicit written permission and organisational approval.
- Follow privacy requirements for any records, forms, or notes.
7. Infection control and hygiene
- Follow hygiene rules required by the facility and Broome Therapy Dogs.
- Use hand hygiene before/after interactions as required.
- Do not attend visits if you are unwell or contagious, or if your dog is unwell.
8. Social media and public communication
- Do not post photos/videos from visits without explicit written approval and consent.
- Do not represent personal opinions as organisational positions.
- Refer media enquiries to the nominated Broome Therapy Dogs contact.
9. Drugs, alcohol, and impairment
- Attend volunteering free from alcohol, illicit drugs, and impairment that may affect judgement or safety.
- Use prescription medication responsibly and notify the coordinator if it may affect your ability to volunteer safely.
10. Conflicts of interest and integrity
- Declare conflicts of interest if they arise (e.g., personal relationships, business dealings with a host).
- Do not accept gifts or money from clients. Token items may be accepted only if appropriate and declared per policy.
11. Reporting and cooperation
- Report incidents, concerns, or safeguarding issues promptly.
- Cooperate with any review, debrief, or follow-up actions required.
12. Breaches of this Code
Breaches may result in:
- retraining or supervision requirements
- temporary stand-down
- removal from the volunteer role
This is to protect clients, dogs, volunteers, and the organisation.
Volunteer acknowledgement
By volunteering with Broome Therapy Dogs, the volunteer agrees to follow this Code of Conduct and all related safety, welfare, and conduct guidelines.
Contact Us
Broome Therapy Dogs Pty Ltd
Email: enquiry@broometherapydogs.au
Phone: +61 412 100 515
Postal: PO Box 7485, Broome WA 6725