Newnan-Coweta Humane Society Volunteer Agreement

In signing this agreement, I understand and agree to the following:

• I will treat all animals, people, and property I come in contact with at any animal shelter, or other public venue with respect.
• I will refrain from using profanity and conduct myself with courtesy at all times.
• I will be on time for my scheduled shift.
• I will sign in and sign out for my shift with the Volunteer Coordinator or their designee and report via email or phone any additional time I spend for NCHS-related activities offsite.
• If asked to foster a pet, I am responsible for transporting that pet to adoption events, or in the event I am unable to be there, I will make arrangements for the pet to be transported to the event.
• If unable to attend an adoption event, or any other activity, I will notify a board member or the Volunteer Coordinator by phone in advance of the event.
• I will come appropriately dressed to any animal control or other shelter facility, wearing close-toed shoes, pants, and clothing appropriate for my position. If I am wearing open toed shoes I may be asked to leave due to safety risks.
• For safety reasons, we ask that volunteers cover or refrain from wearing visible body piercings, except for ears.
• I agree to be supervised by the Volunteer Coordinator or a designated staff person.
• If I feel that a communication problem exists between any NCHS board member or other volunteer and myself, I will report the problem to the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible.
• I give permission to the NCHS to use photographs or video footage of my volunteer activities.
• I understand that as a volunteer I may gain access to information about NCHS, donors, adopters, or staff that is confidential. I agree to maintain confidentiality and to refuse disclosure of any information that is either private or personal.
• Volunteering at NCHS is at-will. Active volunteer status at NCHS may be terminated for any reason, with or without cause or notice, at any time by either party — the volunteer or NCHS.
• I understand that if I have no reported hours for six (6) months, my active status as a volunteer will be removed.

This agreement is entered into with Newnan-Coweta Humane Society (NCHS) jointly by the undersigned volunteer, in order to permit the Volunteer to participate in the volunteer program. This agreement is for the benefit of NCHS and each of its staff members, employees, officers, directors, agents, and representatives (known individually as an "Indemnitee" and collectively as "Indemnitees").

Volunteers have been advised that the activity of working with the shelter animals is hazardous and involves contact with animals that are unpredictable. As such, NCHS cannot be held liable for injuries or accidents that may occur as a result of working with the animals.

Volunteers understand that the following are some, but not all, of the risks associated with working with shelter animals:

• Bites or scratches from dogs, cats
• Being knocked down or pulled excessively by a dog
• Injuries relating to wrist/hand/fingers from a dog leash
• Slips/trips/falls resulting from wet floors/kennels or equipment
• Hitting heads on objects such as cage doors/kennel walls/hose boxes, etc.
• Water or cleaners sprayed in eyes
• Injuries resulting from cage doors, equipment, etc.
• Flea/tick bites or ringworm infestation
• Internal or external parasites
• Zoonotic illnesses (human illness contracted from animals)
• Animal illness exposure to animals at home
• Injuries related to lifting animals, food, litter, or equipment
• Injuries caused from grooming equipment — such as clipper blades, shears, driers
• Exposure to cleaners, latex gloves, bleach, parasite control products
• Exposure to or incidents relating to the public (outbursts, inappropriate contact)
• Exposure to or incidents relating to the volunteers (outbursts, inappropriateness)
• Loss of personal property
• Any type of damage to car while involved in any NCHS event
• Damage to clothing from animals, cages, chemicals, etc.

Volunteers are aware that injuries, loss of or damage to personal property, and death may occur as a result of Volunteer's participation at the shelter. Volunteers agree that NCHS and indemnities shall not be held responsible or liable for any personal injury or other injury, including death; damage, loss, or expense to Volunteer or his/her property, whether or not such injury, death, damage, loss, or expense is caused by negligence of NCHS, any indemnities, or a third party.

Volunteers and their heirs, executors, and administrators agree to hold harmless indemnities against any and all manner of legal actions, such as suits, debts, claims, or liability of any kind incurred while the Volunteer participates at the shelter.

Volunteers fully, completely, and unconditionally waive and release each indemnities from all rights, liabilities, duties, claims, charges, demands, actions, damages, costs, attorney fees, or expenses of any kind that Volunteers may have now or in the future against NCHS or any indemnity relating to participation at the shelter.

Volunteers represent and warrant that he/she is physically and mentally fit to safely work with animals and the public at the shelter.

Should an accident or other medical emergency occur while participating at the shelter or while Volunteer is en route to or from NCHS-sponsored events and NCHS board members are unable to timely reach Emergency Contacts for medical authorizations, then Volunteer hereby gives consent for NCHS board members or their designees to authorize medical treatment. Volunteer represents and warrants that Volunteer has current medical insurance coverage and/or agrees to be responsible for any and all billings and debts incurred with respect to such medical treatment or services.

Volunteers represent and warrant that each of them has the authority to enter into this agreement. If any provision of this agreement is found to be unenforceable in any way, it shall be enforced to the maximum extent possible and all other provisions of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect.