Shelter Buddies Reading Program Waiver and Release

Please complete the waiver and chaperone agreement below. Once submitted, our Community Coordinator will be in touch to schedule a time. Spots are limited and registrations are on a first come, first served basis until spots are filled. Then registrants will be added to a waitlist. Questions? Please reach out to community@whsadopt.org

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

In what city do you reside?

First Name* Last Name* parent/legal guardian of, First Name* Last Name* (child's name), age Type a label ,understand that said child will be participating in activities at Watertown Humane Society and in the course of such activities said child and I may have direct contact with domestic animals.
I understand that if I or my child have allergies, we may experience increased symptoms from participating in this program. I further understand that the behavior of domestic animals is sometimes unpredictable and that some domestic animals are capable of inflicting serious personal injury as well as extensive property damage. I also understand that there are zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted between animals and people. If I have questions/concerns about these, I will ask my pediatrician or my primary healthcare provider. Knowing the risks of handling domestic animals on behalf of the minor and myself, I agree to assume those risks and to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the Watertown Humane Society and/or any of its Administrators, Employees, Agents, or Contractors for any and all personal injury and property damages resulting from said child’s participation in activities.
I grant the right to photograph, reproduce, and use said child’s artwork, written work, picture, silhouette, and other reproductions of physical likeness in connection with Watertown Humane Society Reading Program promotions.
I also understand that during participation in the Reading Program, I am expected to be with my child at all times and supervising his/her behavior and agree that we will follow all the rules of the Reading Program.

Signature

Relationship to child

As the chaperone of First Name* Last Name* (child’s name), a participant in the WHS Reading Program, I First Name* Last Name* (adult’s name) understand that I will be participating in activities at Watertown Humane Society and in the course of such activities may have direct contact with domestic animals. I and my child/student agree to:

Stay with child at all times while he/she reads to the animals and only read during shelter approved reading times.

Be responsible for child and his/her actions while on Watertown Humane Society grounds

Help child remember and follow the rules/agreements of the Watertown Humane Society Reading Program.

Document your reading hours by signing in and out on the clipboard at the front desk.

Report any injury that may occur immediately to the Front Desk, Volunteer Coordinator, or other shelter staff.

Always wash or sanitize hands before and after touching an animal to avoid spread of germs.

Find another animal to read to in the event a potential adopter is interested in the one currently being read to.

Be a quiet, encouraging observer while child reads to the animals.

Be mindful of your scheduled time. Reading sessions are 20 minutes in length. Space and participation are limited, so we want to make sure everyone who signed up can enjoy the entirety of their reserved time.

Keep animals comfortable by using a quiet voice and remaining calm and responsive to their needs and wishes. Learn to read and properly respond to the animal’s body language. Ask a staff member if you are unsure how to respond to an animal’s body language.

Follow directions given by WHS staff and volunteers.

Have fun making a positive difference in the lives of shelter animals.

Teach friends and family what you’ve learned.

I agree to have my child photographed as part of promoting this program including the use of photos on the Watertown Humane Society social media pages and/or print

I agree to notify the Community Coordinator in advance if my child cannot attend a scheduled reading session. I understand that because there is a waitlist for this program, only one no call/no show will be allowed. Upon the second no call/no show, participant will be removed from the schedule to allow a waitlist student to participate.

I agree to limit the number of family members that accompany my child to their session. I understand that due to space limitations, no more than one additional family member may attend with the reader and parent/chaperone (max. 3).

Signature of Chaperone

Keep the cats comfortable by being quiet, calm, and responsive to their needs and wishes.

Attend orientation at the start of first reading session and be accompanied by a parent or teacher during orientation and each reading session.

Wear closed-toe and rubber-sole shoes, long pants or leggings, and their nametag at all times.

Document hours by signing in and out.

Take turns reading to the cats.

When reading to a cat in a cage, never put fingers inside the cage.

When reading to a cat in a colony room, never approach the cats. Sit down, begin reading, and allow cats to approach them.

Learn to properly read and respond to the cats’ body language.

Read only during shelter-approved reading times.

Report any injury that may occur immediately to the Community Coordinator or Shelter Manager.

Find another cat to read to in the event a potential adopter is interested in the one currently being read to.

Have fun making a positive difference in the lives of shelter animals!

Teach friends and family what they have learned!

I agree that I have read and understand the rules of the Shelter Buddies Reading program.

Signature of Child/Participant

Signature of Chaperone

Shelter Buddies Reading Program

Waiver and Release of Liability

Chaperone Agreement

Child/Participant Agreement