Volunteer Agreement
I hereby request that Ellijay Paws in Need ("EPIN") and/or Gilmer County Animal Control (aka Gilmer County Animal Shelter) (the "Shelter.") approve my application to provide volunteer services in accordance with this Agreement.
I understand that the volunteer relationship contemplated herein presents potential risks and costs to EPIN and the Shelter. Accordingly, I hereby agree to the following terms:
A. Voluntary Service - Not Employment:
I wish to provide voluntary services for EPIN and/or the Shelter for purely altruistic reasons. I understand I will not be entitled to compensation for the services rendered pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable employment.
I understand that the volunteer relationship contemplated in this agreement can terminate at any time for any reason with or without prior notice. I further acknowledge and understand that this volunteer relationship does not give rise to an employer/employee relationship between me and EPIN or the Shelter. In consideration for approving my request to volunteer, I hereby promise not to take the position in any future litigation that I was an "employee" of EPIN or the Shelter while I performed volunteer services under this agreement.
B. Scope of Authorized Volunteer Service:
I understand that I am only authorized to perform volunteer services in accordance with the "Essential Functions" of Volunteer Job Description shown below. I further agree not to exceed the scope of these authorized volunteer services and affirm that I meet the "Physical Qualifications" listed therein.
Volunteer Job Description
Physical Qualifications
- Ability to work around dogs in varying temperatures.
- Ability to work around loud noises and strong smells.
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions including, but not limited to, heat, cold and light rain.
- Ability to walk, bend and stand for extended periods of time.
- Possess physical strength and agility sufficient to handle and maintain control of large and/or small dogs, as assigned.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Essential Functions (Volunteers must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.)
- Understand and follow EPIN and/or Shelter protocols and team lead or supervisor instructions related to volunteer assignment including, but not limited to, leash/harness use, dog walking, dog training, “Dogs Playing for Life” and EPIN Play Group Guidelines, etc.
- Learn the “tools of the trade” relevant to volunteer assignment, including, but not limited to use of collars, leashes, harnesses, muzzles, toys, treats, etc.
- Interact safely with animals and report any abnormalities, dangers, errors, oversights, and bite incidents, to appropriate team lead or supervisor.
- Use personal smartphone to send/receive text messages as part of EPIN’s primary communication tool for volunteer teams.
- Respond to communications and follow up on requests, as needed, in a reasonably timely manner.
- Show up when scheduled and notify your team lead or supervisor with reasonable notice when unable to work an assigned shift.
- Work both independently with little to no staff supervision and as a reliable and productive member of team.
- Demonstrate general good initiative, courtesy and team player skills.
- Limit use of smart phones when handling dogs to remain focused on the assigned dog and activity at hand.
- Keep work areas clean, neat, organized and safe. Spot clean kennels, as needed and remove animal waste, food/treats, etc. from work areas at end of shift.
- Exercise good judgment in performing all essential functions.
- Assist with other tasks as needed and assigned.
C. Assumption of Risk & Hold Harmless Waiver:
I understand that volunteering under the terms of this Agreement presents risk of harm and injury including, but not limited to, heat related stress, dehydration, and animal bites, as well as exposure to feces, urine, or other animal bodily fluids, various cleaning chemicals, and animals with various behavior issues. I further understand that I may be dealing with animals that may be sick and will not hold EPIN or the Shelter responsible if personal pets become sick after volunteering.
I understand that volunteers may not operate Gilmer County Animal Shelter vehicles without going through the proper chain of command to obtain such permission.
I realize that my participation in any activity through under this Agreement is completely voluntary, and that I assume the risks associated with any and all activities I voluntarily undertake.
I release EPIN and the Shelter, its governing authority and all of its directors, officers, members, employees, agents and officials ("Releasees") from all actions or claims of any kind that relate to my volunteer service. I understand and acknowledge that this waiver binds my heirs, administrators, executors, personal representatives and assigns.
I hold the Releasees harmless and indemnify them against all actions or claims (including reasonable attorney's fees, judgements, and costs) with respect to any injuries, deaths, or other damages or losses (including my own injury, death, damage, or loss), resulting from or arising during my volunteer service.
D. Medical Treatment:
If injured or suffering from a medical condition while performing volunteer service, it is my responsibility to seek appropriate medical care and to notify an EPIN volunteer supervisor and/or the Shelter staff.
To the extent that I am unable to seek appropriate medical care, Releasees or another entity at the request of EPIN or the Shelter may render medical services on my behalf in connection with any injury or medical condition occurring while performing volunteer services under this Agreement. I agree that those medical services shall not be deemed an acknowledgement or admission of liability by Releasees, shall not be deemed a waiver of any rights afforded to Releasees by this Agreement, and shall not legally obligate Releasees to continue to provide or pay for any such services.
I understand and agree that I am financially responsible for any transport to a medical facility that is required as a result of an injury or medical condition arising while performing volunteer services under this Agreement.
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I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Agreement and agree to be bound by its terms by signing below.
This application shall be deemed "accepted" upon your being contacted and scheduled for a volunteer assignment by an EPIN or Shelter representative.