ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Chester County Animal Control appreciates the hard work, love, and commitment of our volunteers. To become part of our team, volunteers must:

• Be 18 years of age. For safety and liability purposes, we do require that all volunteers be at least 18 years of age.
• If you are not yet 18, must be supervised by your legal guardian.
• A 3-month trial period applies to all volunteers

Please note if you need mandated Community Service hours, please email jroof@chestercountysc.gov. Be sure to include your contact information, hours needed, (minimum 20 hours required) date due, and organization requesting, and someone will be in touch.

As a volunteer for Chester County Animal Control (CCAC) you will be required to abide by the terms of this Volunteer Agreement. Not every volunteer application will be accepted by CCAC. If accepted as an CCAS volunteer and in consideration of becoming a volunteer, my signature below indicates that I understand and agree to the following:

• I serve in an entirely voluntary capacity, without receiving any compensation or employment benefits available to the Chester County employees.
• If I am injured while acting as an unpaid member of the volunteer team, I acknowledge that I am not covered by Chester county insurance.
• I agree that I will not come to the Shelter under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drugs. I understand that I may be escorted out of the Shelter if I am under the influence of such substances.
• I understand that I am strongly urged to obtain a current tetanus vaccination to protect myself should I be cut, scratched, or otherwise injured in such a way that a tetanus infection could threaten my health.
• I understand that animals(s) at the Shelter may have health problem and that some diseases can be passed to other household pets, or to humans and that Chester County cannot provide medical treatment for my own pets, myself or other family member for such diseases if contracted during or after my visit because of that visit. 

• Make an ongoing commitment to volunteer services and will notify Director or Supervisor should I choose to discontinue my volunteer services.
• Adhere to check-in, training, and safety procedures while carrying out my volunteer duties in accordance with CCAC policies and procedures and seek assistance from shelter staff when necessary.
• Conduct myself with dignity, courtesy and consideration for others, both two and four legged, and strive to make my volunteer duties professional in quality.
• Wear any volunteer attire at all times while working as a volunteer and other appropriate clothing, to include undergarments, for the duties I am performing. Absolutely no open-toe shoes allowed.
• ALWAYS exercise compassion and care with animals, never treating an animal in a way that could be considered abusive or disrespectful.
• NOT discuss animals housed in the stray kennels, quarantine kennels with any outside party. Accept the guidance and decisions of the professional staff of CCAC regarding animal care decisions and volunteer procedures. Any problems or disagreements should be discussed with the Director or Supervisor.
• If I fail to abide by the terms of this Agreement or otherwise unable to meet the program requirements, I may be excused from the program.
• I am over 18 years of age and have disclosed any reasonable accommodations needed.
• I understand that any false statements in this application or failure to abide by this volunteer agreement will be grounds for my removal as a volunteer.
• I agree to maintain confidentiality of all information I may receive while at the Shelter, whether written or verbal, pertaining to the Shelter.
• I further understand that I am prohibited from using any confidential information I may be exposed to while at the Shelter, including without limitation, posting this information on Facebook or other forms of social media without the express permission of Chester County.
• I am aware the CCAC utilizes Trustees in its day-to-day operations and am aware of the policies that

I understand and agree that submitting this application form does not automatically register me as a Chester County Animal Services volunteer, and there may be certain qualifications I must meet, including the acceptance of established volunteer policies and procedures and training before I may begin volunteering.

By my signature below, I execute this Release, Waiver and Assumption under the following terms:

hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress

Release and Waiver: I hereby waive all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action against the County of Chester and its elected officials, officers, agents, and employees of whatever kind or nature including, but not limited to, those arising out of personal injury, death, and property damage, which may arise from or relate in any way, directly or indirectly, to my activities as a volunteer. I understand that the County of Chester does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness. Each volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain their own medical or health insurance. Assumption of Risk. I understand that the volunteer activities in which I may participate are potentially hazardous and carry with them inherent risks that cannot be eliminated completely ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic injuries including death. I understand and accept that there are certain risks involved with working in a kennel environment, handling animals, and other activities in which I may engage as a volunteer for Chester County Animal Services Division.

Such risks may include, but are not limited to, animal bites, scratches and illnesses that may be transferred from animalsto

people. Furthermore, I understand that certain illnesses may be transmitted to my own animals, and it is solely my responsibility to ensure that proper preventative measures are taken to ensure their health. I understand and agree that in consideration of being permitted to volunteer, I do hereby release waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the County of Chester, as well as its elected officials, officers, agents, and employees for any and all liability from any and all claims arising from participation as an Animal Services Volunteer by myself or any registered party. Miscellaneous. In the event any provision of this Waiver and Release of Liability is found to be legally invalid or unenforceable for any reason, all remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. This Waiver and Release of Liability is binding upon me as well as my heirs, children, assigns, personal representatives, or anyone else entitled to act on my behalf. Use of Image. I acknowledge that photographs, films, and recordings may be made of me for publications, promotional flyers, educational materials, news releases, documentaries, or for other similar purposes. I hereby authorize Chester County to use, without charge or payment, any and all images of me, whether photo, video or otherwise and my personal story, and/or artwork and written work product, whether provided by me or obtained otherwise, in any way that the County deems appropriate without my prior consent or approval, but consistent with the County's objective to educate County officials and the general public about the County's programs, services and initiatives. I further acknowledge that all such photographs, films, and recordings are and shall remain the property of Chester County. I further declare that I have read

and understand the terms of the foregoing, understand that it constitutes a formal and binding legal document, that I am of lawful age and legally competent to sign this Agreement and Release; that I have signed this document on my own free act; and no promise, inducement or agreement not herein expressed has been made to me.