This document should only be completed by a legal adult who is legally competent to enter into a binding agreement.

If you are under 18 years of age or cannot legally enter into an agreement of this kind, the person (a legal adult) who will be responsible for your safety and who will stay with you the entire time you are at the shelter should complete this application and attend the Volunteer Orientation with you. Information regarding Orientation will be sent to the email address on this application.

We regret that we are not able to provide support for court ordered community service at this facility.

We regret that we are not able to accept those who have convictions of this type as volunteers at this time.

We regret that we are not able to accept those who have convictions of this type as volunteers at this time.

We regret that we are not able to accept those who have convictions of this type as volunteers at this time.

We regret that we are not able to accept those who have convictions of this type as volunteers at this time.

Volunteer Opportunities

Our animals love for people to come visit and spend some extra time with them. In our Volunteer Program these are many things that can make a difference in the lives of these animals:

- SOCIALIZING DOGS: Help the dogs get outside of their kennels for exercise and people playtime. This does help expel some of the anxiety from being cooped up.

- TEACHING DOGS: Train dogs for good manners and basic obedience such as sit, stay and/or walking on a leash. We only allow positive reinforcement training. If you have any questions or need any tips, meet with the shelter's Assistant Director for input and resources.

- DOG GROOMING: Make dogs more presentable and/or prepare them for events. Give baths, brush them or trim nails.

- ADOPTION EVENTS: Take a dog to adoption events and bring them back to the shelter. Speak for the dog to tell his/her story to potential applicants. It is helpful if you have some dog experience and can read a dog's behavior.

- READ TO A CAT OR DOG: Do you love to read? Bring along a foldable chair and a book and set up just outside of the dog's kennel. Or just sit on the floor with the cat(s). Many dogs and cats like to hear people's voice, which can be soothing to them and therefore help them to relax.

- SOCIALIZING CATS: Help cats socialize with human interaction by petting and playing with them. Having them follow (and occasionally catch) a toy uses their natural instinct to mimic hunting, which actually helps them to relax.

- CAT GROOMING: This can be a part of socializing since you do spend quality time with them. Combing, Clipping Nail and occasionally bathing (rare, but necessary at times).

- PHOTOGRAPHY: If you love to take pictures of animals and have patience, this may be right up your ally! It can be a challenge to get great pictures of shelter animals, but with patience and persistence you can learn how gratifying this can be. Meet with the shelter's Staff to learn the in's and out's and get some great resources for successful photos.

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Volunteer Agreement

As a volunteer of Springdale Animal Service (SAS), I acknowledge and agree to:

* Never strike, Handle or treat an animal in such a way that it could be construed as rough or abusive. I will always exercise compassion and care with the animals.

* Hold absolutely confidential all information that I may obtain, directly or indirectly, concerning clients, animals, volunteers and staff. I agree not to seek to obtain confidential information from a client. I understand that intentional or unintentional violation of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, including termination of SAS and/or possible legal action by others (e.g. clients, customers).

* Become familiar with SAS policies and procedures and uphold their philosophy and standards. I will seek clarification from staff whenever necessary.

* Adhere to SAS policy of not taking pictures on SAS property unless approved by the Animal Services Director and only for purposes of Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com or for use by SAS.

* Direct members of the media to the Animal Services Director unless otherwise instructed by SAS Director. * Be punctual to events and conscientious, conduct myself with dignity, courtesy and consideration for others and strive to make my work professional in quality.

* Maintain respect for Staff members who must perform euthanasia by avoiding questioning and condemnation concerning individual animals or making negative remarks. This behavior is extremely detrimental, both to the morale of the staff and to the reputation of the shelter. Shelter staff members are asked to take the utmost care of the animals and then are asked to euthanize. This stress is unlike any stress found in other environments. Guilt from performing this task should not be placed upon our staff members, but upon our society for allowing the animal overpopulation that creates this necessity.

* Carry out my assignments in accordance with SAS training and seek assistance from the staff whenever necessary.

* Limit my activity to my assigned work area unless otherwise directed by Animal Services staff.

* Adhere to the policies stated in Volunteer Orientation and other instructional documents provided by SAS.

* Communicate any job related problems, concerns, differences of opinion, conflicts or suggestions only to the Animal Services Director.

* Adhere to sign-in procedures and wear SAS nametag at all times when at the shelter or otherwise representing SAS.

* Notify the Volunteer Coordinator when and if I choose to discontinue my volunteer service with SAS.


I understand that Springdale Animal Services reserves the right to terminate my volunteer status as a result of any of the following:

* Failure to adhere to items above.
* Failure to comply with organizational policies, rules and other regulations.
* Unsatisfactory attitude, work or appearance
* Disrespecting SAS staff or volunteers.
* Any other circumstances which, in the judgement of the Director, would make my continued service as a volunteer contrary to the best interest of SAS.

I have read and understand each of the above conditions. My name below indicates that I agree to comply with these conditions.

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RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of being permitted to enter, for any purpose, the Springdale Animal Shelter (herein defined as including but not limited to: the buildings, grounds, parking and driveway area and all walkways and other areas appurtenant to any area where any activity related to the day-to-day operations of the Springdale Animal Shelter take place), or being permitted to observe, work for, or for any purpose participate in any way in the day-to-day operations of Springdale Animal Services, THE UNDERSIGNED, for himself, his personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin:

1. HEREBY RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE the City of Springdale or any subdivision thereof, elected and non-elected officials, employees and lessees of premises used to conduct the day-to-day operations of Springdale Animal Services and each of them, their officers and employees, all for the purposes herein referred to as “RELEASEES” from all liability to the undersigned, his personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefore on account of injury to the person or property or resulting In death of the undersigned, whether caused by the negligence of the RELEASEES or otherwise while the undersigned is in or upon the premises of Springdale Animal Services, and/or observing, working for or for any purpose participating in the day-to-day operations of Springdale Animal Services.

2. HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMESS RELEASEES and each of them from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur do the presence of the undersigned in or upon the premises of Springdale Animal Services or in any way observing, working for or for any purpose participating in the day-to-day operations of Springdale Animal Services and whether caused by the negligence of the RELEASEES or otherwise; and agreed and understand that nothing herein should be construed to alter, limit, or otherwise compromise that immunity afforded to the City of Springdale under the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Arkansas.

3. HEREBY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSBILITY FOR AND RISK OF BODILY INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE due to the negligence of RELEASEES or otherwise while in or upon the premises of the Springdale Animal Shelter and/or while observing, working for or for any purpose participating in the day-to-day operations of Springdale Animal Services.

THE UNDERSIGNED expressly acknowledges and agrees that the activities of the day-to-day operations of Springdale Animal Services are very dangerous and involve risk of serious injury and/or death and/or property damage. THE UNDERSIGNED further expressly agrees that the forgoing release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Arkansas, and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND VOLUNTARILY SIGNS THE RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, and further agrees that no oral representations, statements or inducements apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made.