Ontario SPCA Dog Day Out Participant Release and Waiver of Liability
This Release and Waiver of Liability (“Agreement”) is entered into by the Volunteer and, where applicable, the Volunteer’s parent/legal guardian (“Guardian”), in favour of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society (“Ontario SPCA”), including its directors, officers, employees, agents, independent contractors, partner families, sponsors, and individuals or organizations providing goods or services to the Ontario SPCA (collectively, the “Released Parties”).
The Volunteer wishes to participate in Ontario SPCA volunteer activities and programs (“Activities”), which may include, but are not limited to, dog walking, animal transportation, animal socialization and training, cleaning animal enclosures, fundraising, promotions, entertainment, media activities, and other activities related to Ontario SPCA operations.
By signing this Agreement, the Volunteer and Guardian, where applicable, acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Volunteer Status
The Volunteer understands that the position is voluntary and unpaid. No wages, benefits, or other compensation will be provided. Either the Volunteer or Ontario SPCA may terminate the volunteer relationship at any time, without notice.
2. Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability
The Volunteer understands that participating in the Activities may involve risks, including but not limited to animal-related injuries, illness, property damage or loss, accidents, and exposure to potentially dangerous or unpredictable animals or equipment.
The Volunteer voluntarily assumes all risks associated with the Activities and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, releases and forever discharges the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or related to the Volunteer’s participation in the Activities, including personal injury, illness, death, or property damage, whether caused by negligence, carelessness, recklessness, breach of contract, breach of statutory duty or duty of care, including under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, or otherwise.
The Volunteer further agrees to release the Ontario SPCA from any claims arising from the Volunteer’s involvement with any rabies-vector species. Volunteers who are not vaccinated against rabies agree to make every reasonable effort to avoid contact with rabies-vector species and acknowledge the risks associated with such contact.
3. Supervision and Participation
The Volunteer agrees to follow all instructions provided by the on-site Manager, Supervisor, or other authorized Ontario SPCA representative. The Ontario SPCA reserves the right to restrict, suspend, or prohibit a Volunteer’s participation in any Activity where it determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Volunteer, the animals, or the Ontario SPCA.
4. Medical Treatment and Insurance
In the event of an accident or emergency, the Volunteer authorizes the Ontario SPCA to obtain first aid, emergency care, hospitalization, or other appropriate medical treatment on the Volunteer’s behalf.
The Volunteer understands that the Ontario SPCA does not provide health, medical, disability, or other insurance coverage for Volunteers and is not responsible for related medical or other expenses. Volunteers are encouraged to maintain their own appropriate insurance coverage.
The Volunteer releases the Ontario SPCA from any claims arising from first aid, medical treatment, or emergency services arranged in connection with the Activities.
5. Publicity and Media
The Volunteer understands that photographs and/or video may be taken during Ontario SPCA activities. The Volunteer will not be identified in public relations or promotional materials unless specific authorization has been provided. Any applicable media consent will be addressed through the Ontario SPCA’s separate media consent process.
6. Third-Party Claims and Indemnification
The Volunteer agrees to release and hold harmless the Ontario SPCA from claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising from the Volunteer’s participation in the Activities, including claims involving injury, death, or property damage to another person or their property resulting from the Volunteer’s actions or participation.
7. General Terms
This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of Ontario and shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with those laws. If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Volunteer and Ontario SPCA regarding the subject matter and supersedes all prior written or verbal agreements or understandings.
This Agreement is binding upon the Volunteer and, where applicable, their Guardian, family, beneficiaries, heirs, executors, estate trustees, administrators, successors, assigns, and next-of-kin.
By selecting I agree below, the Volunteer and Guardian, where applicable, confirm that they have read and understood this Agreement, voluntarily accept its terms, and have had the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice regarding this Agreement and have either obtained such advice or freely chosen not to do so.