Volunteer Liability Waiver

This release and waiver of liability (the "Release") is executed on {date} in favor of Humane Society of Washington County, a Maryland non-profit, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents (collectively, "HSWC"). I, {printedName}, (the "Participant"), desire to volunteer with HSWC to provide personal services related to the operations of HSWC. I understand that these services may include, but are not limited to, shelter work; relocating and/or transporting animals; working with, handling, feeding, and grooming animals; kennel cleaning and maintenance; providing necessary care to ensure the animals' safety and/or well-being; and working with HSWC staff to provide for the organization's general operations. I hereby freely and voluntarily, without duress, execute the Release under the following terms:

Waiver, Indemnity, and Release

In exchange for being able to volunteer with HSWC and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, I agree to indemnify, release, and hold harmless HSWC from any and all costs, liabilities, expenses, claims, compensation, demands, and causes of action on account of any loss or personal injury to me that might result from participation in volunteer activities, whether arising through my own negligence, omission, default, or that of HSWC. I understand that HSWC does not assume any responsibility or obligation to provide financial or other assistance, including, but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance, in the event of injury, illness, death, or property damage. Participant also agrees to indemnify HSWC for any injury or loss caused to any third party by Participant.

Insurance

I am aware of all of my personal medical needs and have arranged for adequate hospitalization insurance to meet any and all needs for payment of hospital costs that may arise during or as a result of my participation in HSWC activities. HSWC does not carry or maintain, and expressly disclaims responsibility for providing, any health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for the Participant. Each participant is encouraged to carry personal liability and/or health insurance before volunteering with hswc. if the participant is using his or her personal automobile for transporting animals or supplies on behalf of hswc, the participant must maintain personal automobile liability insurance.

Medical Treatment

Should I require emergency medical treatment as a result of illness or accident arising during my volunteering with HSWC, I consent to such treatment. I agree to inform HSWC of any medical conditions (e.g., allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bee sting reactions, etc.) I have of which I am aware that may limit the extent of my physical abilities/participation and about which emergency personnel should be informed. I hereby agree to accept and assume any and all risks of injury, illness, or death. I hereby release and forever discharge HSWC from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise as a result of any emergency medical treatment rendered in connection with any volunteer activity, and I agree to be solely responsible for any medical costs which may arise therefrom or with respect thereto.

Assumption of Risk

I understand that volunteering with HSWC may expose me to hazardous activities, including, but not limited to, animal rescue, handling of and providing care for animals, and transporting animals. I also understand that volunteering with HSWC may expose me to hazardous substances and/or pathogens, including, but not limited to, animal illnesses, parasites, and/or diseases that also infect humans (e.g., rabies, parvovirus, cat scratch disease, etc.) and chemicals and substances used in the care of animals and/or in the cleaning and maintenance of kennels and shelter facilities. I hereby expressly assume the risk of any injury or harm that may arise and release HSWC from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from same. In addition, I understand that HSWC does not offer any formal training for its volunteers, and HSWC therefore expressly disclaims the adequacy of any pointers or methodologies that I may learn while volunteering.

Specific Parvovirus Risk Acknowledgement

I understand that during my participation in HSWC activities, I may be exposed to Parvovirus, a virus that affects canines (dogs) only. The virus may be dangerous to other canines and it could potentially be carried away from the shelter site on clothing or shoes to locations where other animals may become infected. It is suggested that Participants bring a change of clothing and shoes and that the items worn during volunteer activities be washed in bleach. I acknowledge the significance of the risks associated with Parvovirus to myself and to my and others' pets.

Broad Form of Release

I understand and agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Maryland, that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland without reference to choice of laws principles, and that any suit arising out of my involvement in activities of HSWC shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the State of Maryland located in Washington County, Maryland, to which jurisdiction I hereby irrevocably consent. I agree that in the event that any clause, sentence, or provision of this Release is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions herein, which shall continue to be enforceable.

Other

I represent that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age, or if I am not, that I have secured the signature of my parent or legal guardian in addition to my own, and I acknowledge that I shall perform all volunteer services without compensation and, in performing such services, that I am not acting as an employee of HSWC. I have carefully read this assumption of risk and release of liability agreement, and I fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a full release of liability and a legal contract between HSWC and myself and that it affects my legal rights. I am signing this document of my own free will. I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to review this document and to seek legal advice if I have any questions.

Signature of Participant I, the undersigned, represent and warrant to HSWC that I am the parent or legal guardian of the above-named Participant, and that I have full legal authority to execute this release on his or her behalf.