Welcome to the Verified & Partnered Professionals Program!

Congratulations on achieving Verified or Partnered status in the /r/AnimalRescue Community. This flair isn't just a label; it’s a signal to our more than 12k community members that your voice is one of authority, experience, and trust.

Partnered and Verified members are at the forefront of the r/AnimalRescue community. To maintain the integrity of this program and the safety of the animals we serve, all members are expected to understand the distinction between our two statuses and to follow the expanded guidelines below.

A Message from the Community Manager

Thank you for being a part of the r/AnimalRescue community. We are more than just a place on the internet; we are a collective of compassionate individuals united by a single, powerful mission: to save and improve the lives of animals in need.

Our dedication extends beyond a simple "like" or "share." It is a commitment to action, which is why we have established these professional verification and partnership policies. We understand that in rescue, advice is an act of trust. Whether it is medical triage or behavioral intervention, our community deserves a system that ensures the guidance they receive comes from verified expertise. We are here to support your vital work by ensuring that every professional voice is held to a high standard of transparency and accountability.

We recognize that the verification process may seem rigorous, but it is a necessary step to safeguard our community from misinformation and unverified claims. By doing this, we create a secure environment where rescuers can seek help with confidence and where your hard work and expertise can truly shine. We are continuously working to improve our policies and processes to be as fair and efficient as possible, always with the well-being of the animals and the integrity of our community at the forefront of our minds.

Your passion fuels this community, and your professional efforts make a tangible difference every day. We are proud to stand alongside you in this mission and are committed to helping you succeed. Thank you for your unwavering dedication.

Sincerely,

u/Aspect-Infinity — Community Manager & Lead Administrator

Let’s understand Verified vs. Partnered

We distinguish between these two statuses based on the nature of your relationship with the subreddit and our team. One confirms who you are, and the other confirms what we are doing together.

Both tiers have the same perks associated with them. An individual or organization can hold a verified status and a partnership at the same time, but can’t hold a partnership without also holding a verification status. If a partnered individual or organization loses its verification status, it will also lose its partnered status until the verification status is restored.

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:verified_professional: Verified Professional / Organization

Verification confirms who you are. This status is awarded to individuals and groups who have provided the Moderation Team with documented proof of their real-world experience and professional credentials. When a user sees the Verified Professional badge, they know they are receiving guidance backed by formal training and field experience.

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:partnered_professionals: Partnered Professional / Organization

Partnership is a specialized status reserved for those who work directly with the r/AnimalRescue moderation team on specific community-facing projects. While Partners are also verified, their role is more geared towards the growth of the subreddit. This includes hosting regularly scheduled AMAs, co-creating educational wikis, providing exclusive resources, or participating in subreddit-wide rescue initiatives and advocacy campaigns.

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Code of Conduct & Community Standards

The /r/AnimalRescue moderator team maintains a substantial interest and, through its scope and authority regarding the conduct of partnered and verified individuals and organizations, the moderation team will enforce its community policies and verification guidelines for the program.

Jurisdiction of Community Standards

The rules, policies, and community guidelines created by the /r/AnimalRescue moderator team apply solely and exclusively to user behavior, content submission, and application processes within the confines of the r/AnimalRescue subreddit.

Our jurisdiction is limited to the administration, moderation, and operation of this Reddit community, including content removal, user bans, and the management of our verification systems (such as Cardinal+).
We do not claim jurisdiction or authority over the external, real-world operations, finances, or legal status of any organization, charity, or individual outside of their participation within this subreddit.

I. BEHAVIOR AND ENGAGEMENT

As a Partner or Verified member, always consider how others perceive your statements. You are always held to a higher standard of conversation and moderation.

Do not engage in Harassment and "Rescue Shaming."

Do not shame others for lack of knowledge
Do not engage in Gatekeeping behaviors
Do not engage in Bullying or Verbal Abuse

Discrimination and Hate Speech

Do not discriminate against others
Do not advocate for harm or mistreatment

Dangerous or Unverified Advice

Do not advise based on unproven remedies or irregular treatments
Do not attempt to diagnose an animal or prescribe medications
Do not engage in Plagiarism

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