New Membership Application

HANDLER-CANINE APPLICANTS MUST HAVE A THERAPY DOG CERTIFICATION FROM A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATION BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION.
Thank you for your interest in CRC (Crisis Response Canines). CRC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of members throughout the United States that have dedicated thousands of hours comforting individuals that have been impacted by personal or community crisis events with their certified K-9 partners. CRC offers volunteer services that are provided by the handlers and their canine partners, offering a level of comfort and calmness that only a canine can.

Crisis Response Canine (CRC) is dedicated to delivering professional canine-handler teams that play a pivotal role in supporting communities, individuals, and workplaces affected by crises and disasters. The organization focuses on using evidence-based animal-assisted interventions to promote resilience and offer comfort to those impacted by traumatic events.

Once your application is accepted and your background check is completed, you will be responsible for completing the next steps of the application which includes the following:

o A Handling/Temperament Video (instructions & examples will be provided)
o C-BARQ questionnaire (instructions will be provided)
o Membership Packet (few last forms to sign and uniform order)

Once you have become a member of CRC, you and your dog will be responsible for completing the following training in order to qualify for visits or deployments beyond the comfort team. Many of these certifications can completed online, but some must be completed in person. After you have become a member, you will receive access to our member website where links to these trainings are available. Also, please note that you are responsible for paying a new member fee of $250 which covers the cost of insurance, uniforms, and materials. Our renewal fee is $50 per year, per team. If you join with two canines, your renewal fee is $100, three canines, your renewal fee is $150.

o HIPAA
o Mental Health First Aid
o Psychological First Aid
o Suicide Prevention (QPR or Equivalent)
o Canine 1st Aid & CPR
o Human 1st Aid & CPR
o Must complete specified National Incident Management System (NIMS)
training:
o 100 Intro to Incident Command
o 288.A The role of voluntary organizations in Emergency Management
o 700 An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
o DRCC Course: Cross Cultural Issues in Disaster Response (Suggested)
o CISM Individual & Group
o AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing
o Canine Good Citizen
o Canine Good Citizen Urban
o Canine Good Citizen Advanced
o Temperament Test

In the event you have completed any of the above courses, please attach the certificates as indicated in this application.

We look forward to working with you.

Electronic Signature Agreement

Please review the Electronic Signature Agreement. If you agree to the terms set forth, this agreement applies to all forms in the CRC New Member Application Packet that require a signature.
By selecting "I Accept" you are signing the agreement electronically. You agree your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual/handwritten signature on this agreement. By selecting "I Accept" using any device, means, or action, you consent to the legally binding terms and conditions of this agreement and all forms within this New Member Application Packet. You further agree that your signature on this document (hereafter referred to as your "E-signature") is as valid as if you signed the document in writing. You also agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is necesary to validate your E-Signature, and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification will not in any way affect the enforceability of your E-Signature or any resulting agreement between you and CRC.
I AcceptI DO NOT Accept and do not agree to sign this form electronically.
Please contact blanger@crisiscanines.org if you do not agree to the terms stated in Electronic Signature Agreement.
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CRC Code of Ethics

The CRC Code of Ethics was established by the Founders of CRC to serve as the foundation for members of CRC to adhere in the performance of their duties. This would include interactions with the community we hope to serve and with fellow CRC members. CRC members will become familiar with and adhere to the code of ethics. CRC members will be accountable for their performance of their duties while representing CRC.
The CRC Code of Ethics applies to all volunteers of the organization. This includes those with canine partners and those who are members that may not have canine partners.

CRC Members:
1. Those selected to serve as members of CRC were chosen due to their qualities of being reliable, honest, respectful and able to maintain confidentiality in matters associated with CRC.
2. Will maintain positive attitudes and be committed to the opportunity to serve those who benefit from our CRC organizational mission.
3. Will ensure all CRC personnel are working in a safe and secure environment.
4. Will be able to access the CRC handbook for real-time guidance via the website portal.
5. Will adhere to the policies and procedures established in CRC guidelines.
6. Will ensure the privacy and confidentiality of those we interact with. Appropriate release information must be secured prior to the taking of or sharing of any photographs.
7. CRC members will adhere to the procedures associated with CRC guidelines during the performance of their assignments.
8. CRC members will provide deployment information and essential review of their deployment to the CRC recording secretary. The information serves as a review for those who sponsor the CRC organization as well as for the insurance coverage established on behalf of our members.
9. CRC members will be conscious of their performance during all deployments and be accountable for all activities related to their conduct while serving CRC.
10. CRC members are encouraged to solicit assistance and support from leadership and other CRC members to ensure optimal performance in their duties.
11. CRC members will be courteous to those in the community whom we hope to serve. CRC members will also value and respect other CRC volunteers to whom we are fortunate to be associated.
12. CRC Leadership will assist and support CRC volunteers with deployments and provide periodic training to best aid our volunteers with their deployments.
13. CRC will perform their duties free of personal bias or favoritism. CRC will not discriminate during the performance of their duties. CRC members will never be associated with sexual harassment in any form. CRC members will always be courteous and considerate to those in the community we are serving. Any deviation from the expected code of conduct must be reported.
14. CRC members will notify CRC Leadership and/or the CRC Marketing Officer when opportunities to interact with the media should present. The CRC guidelines will serve as the foundation for any interaction with media.
15. CRC members are exceptional people who have volunteered their time to aid others through our CRC mission. Members will maintain a respect commensurate with that of those whom we serve in the community with other volunteers. During the performance of our CRC duties, we will always cooperate with other members and preserve a high level of professionalism toward other CRC personnel.
16. CRC will maintain a level of professionalism toward other canine organizations with whom we may interact with during a deployment.
17. CRC will be cognizant of the organization with whom we are all associated and will be respectful to the mission of CRC. CRC members will perform in a manner that will not discredit or disparage the core fundamentals of CRC. CRC members will not assist with deployments if consuming alcohol or drugs.
18. CRC members will report inappropriate conduct or behavior so that same can be reviewed by those appointed by the CRC leadership.
19. CRC members will not exploit their position within CRC in a manner that may misrepresent them for personal gain.
20. CRC will not solicit in a manner that would bring them economic gain, directly or indirectly.
21. CRC is fortunate to have sponsors who support our mission to serve those in the community who benefit from our services. CRC members are to secure the endorsement of leadership prior to utilizing our branded CRC logo or other associated brandings. Leadership has a responsibility to report to our sponsors our various deployments to include both Comfort and Crisis Response operations. Additionally, CRC leadership intends on supporting our volunteers by pursuing accolades associated with the volunteer performance demonstrated by our volunteers. All deployments are to be reported via the CRC provided After Action Report (AAR) AAR should be completed within 5 days of the deployment. This includes Comfort Team and Crisis Response Team operational deployments.
22. CRC members will ensure the safety of their canines. As such, CRC handlers will:
a. Keep their canine partners free from abuse, discomfort and distress.
b. Provide their canine partners appropriate breaks and appropriate downtime.
c. Continually assess their canine partners and consider signs of stress. If at any
time the canine partner appears stressed by the ongoing interactions or
environment, the handler will immediately provide the appropriate outlet to
minimize if not completely eliminate the stress.
d. Handlers will maintain appropriate healthcare for their canine partner to include proper grooming of the canine.
e. Handlers will maintain the environment which we endeavor by cleaning any solid
waste eliminated by our canines.
23. A CRC designation will represent to those whom we serve that members of CRC have achieved a higher level of certification than other canine handlers. As such, CRC members will display their CRC identification at all times and provide other documentation as requested. CRC Administration will support our members with such items as needed. 26. CRC Leadership is committed to supporting our esteemed volunteers. CRC members are to utilize the appropriate CRC Chain of Command to ensure optimal performance of the handlers and organization.
24. CRC Leadership is committed to supporting our esteemed volunteers. CRC members are to utilize the appropriate CRC Chain of Command to ensure optimal performance of the handlers and organization.
25. The Incident Command System (ICS) is the nationally accepted standard of practice. CRC members will familiarize themselves with the ICS through the Essential Required ICS courses assigned by CRC leadership. These courses are necessary to become valued members of CRC. Adhering to the ICS information will aid CRC in being acclimated to ongoing events.
26. CRC members must be 18 years of age to serve. Only with the approval of the President & CEO or COO may a member under the age of 18 participate with CRC details. Appropriate attire and conduct would be applied to the individual following the information provided through this handbook. CRC members must be cognizant of the necessity to follow elements of the insurance carrier secured for CRC.
27. Unfortunately, a CRC member may develop a disability that may impact their ability to serve If such a disability should develop for a handler or canine, same is to be reported to leadership so that an appropriate evaluation can be completed to ensure the safety of the handler and canine. Appropriate provisions may be provided to help assist the handler or canine through the support and assistance of CRC leadership.

Foundation Standards for our Canine Partners:
Our canines are what make CRC. We as handlers are blessed to have such great canines. The importance of obedience cannot be emphasized enough with our roles in CRC. We will have but one opportunity to demonstrate the performance of our CRC canines. As such, each handler should be cognizant of sound obedience training with our canine partners. Additionally, our canines will be in environments where multiple canines will most likely be present. This includes not only our comfort and operational deployments but also our travel. Many times our canines must be in extremely close proximity to other canines. As such, our CRC Certified Training Officers will be assessing the control of the canine by our CRC handlers and the conduct of the canine under unusual environments. The following are minimal standards established to best represent the CRC organization. CRC members are encouraged to pursue advanced obedience titles to best support their canines.
1. CRC Canines must be at least 1 year of age. Canines must achieve and maintain appropriate national therapy dog certification (i.e. Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Bright & Beautiful, Therapy Dogs International).
2. CRC Canines will be tested by Certified CRC Canine Training Officers to ensure the canines demonstrate sound obedience foundation. Handlers must demonstrate sound oversight of their canines during varied exercises. Canines must be able to respond appropriately to their handlers during varied exercises.
a. Handlers and their Canine partners must demonstrate the ability to perform
specific task during training exercises.
b. During canine testing, varied distractions will be introduced. Handlers must
demonstrate their ability to maintain control of their canines during such
distractions. Be able to turn their attention to their handler during distractions
and allow the handler to redirect them when necessary.
c. Handlers and their canines will be tested under stressful situations to ensure
their ability to cope with varied environments and ongoing events.
d. CRC Canines cannot display unacceptable behavior to include lunging, jumping,
incessant barking, aggressive growling or threatening posture.
e. Canines cannot demonstrate disruptive behavior that would negatively impact a
CRC deployment.
f. CRC canines will not be eligible for deployment if in heat; have open wounds;
have uncontrolled bowel movements to include diarrhea; be injured to the
extent that it would negatively impact the welfare of the canine, handler or CRC
operation. Pregnant dogs may not work within 30 days of whelping. Bitches in
season may not participate on responses. Canines who have any fresh wounds,
recent surgery, injuries or infections may not do visits until recovered and
healed. Canines must also be free of any drugs or substances that might affect
performance.
3. CRC Canines must achieve the minimal AKC standard of Canine Good Citizen Certification. (CGC). CRC Canines will be assisted with achieving Canine Good Citizen Advanced and Canine Good Citizen Urban. (CGCA - CGCU)
4. CRC Canines will be in good health, clean and groomed appropriately. This includes trimmed/filed nails, clean teeth and be free of internal and external parasites. Annual veterinary examinations will be necessary to maintain good standing within CRC. This includes all up-to-date vaccinations.
5. CRC welcomes all canines who are able to meet the minimal standards established by CRC. During deployments, handlers must respect that some environments or facilities may deny entry of one of our canines. CRC members will respect the decision of those whom we serve and not challenge same.
6. CRC members must have a minimum of at least 6 months with the canine prior to any testing process.
7. Liability insurance is provided by the organization the team is registered with for claims of injury to others, illness and property damage resulting from therapeutic visitation with your dog. This coverage does not protect you or your dog from injury or illness as a result of participation in this program. Coverage applies only when the certified handler/dog team is attending a board approved event, and is functioning as a working dog team, wearing approved attire/vest with CRC member ID. Failure to comply or follow handbook guidelines will negate insurance coverage for that team.
8. If a CRC canine should develop any disability that could impact the canine's capabilities during Comfort or Crisis Response deployments, same will be reported so that an appropriate assessment can be completed. This is done for the safety and security of the handler and the canine.
9. Unfortunately, a canine's demeanor or behavior may modify over time. We trust our CRC members to continually assess their canines and report any deviation in behavior so that same can be reviewed. This is done to safeguard the handler, the canine and the organization. If a dog's behavior changes over time CRC has the right to reevaluate the membership status of the team.
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General Liability Release & Assumption of Risk Agreement
By signing this document, you will waive certain legal rights. Please read carefully.

Crisis Response Canines, Inc., hereinafter referred to as Crisis Response Canines, operates as an all-volunteer non-profit corporation for the purpose of providing comfort and encouragement to people affected by crises and disasters. The activities that Crisis Response Canines, Inc., members participate in may involve some level of risk to themselves and their canines.

I understand that participating in Crisis Response Canines, Inc., activities involves inherent risks that may include risk of injury or death to myself and/or my canine(s), and damages to personal property I may have and/or use while volunteering with Crisis Response Canines, Inc.

I also acknowledge that I am a volunteer member, and that I will not be compensated for any service I may provide to Crisis Response Canines, Inc., its members, or any other individual or organization I work with as a volunteer of Crisis Response Canines, Inc.

As a volunteer member of Crisis Response Canines, Inc., I understand that I will not be entitled to, nor will I receive any form of worker’s compensation benefits in the event I am injured while volunteering with Crisis Response Canines, Inc. Any and all monies raised for sponsorship on behalf of being a team member is forfeited upon dismissal from Crisis Response Canines, Inc.

By signing this agreement, I agree to the terms and conditions as stated by this document, and that I shall be legally bound by these terms and conditions for myself, my heirs and assigns, executors or administrators. I further agree to hold harmless, waive and release forever, all claims for damages against Crisis Response Canines, Inc., and do hereby indemnify Crisis Response Canine, Inc., its Board of Directors and officers, members and its agents. In the event the validity and/or enforceability of this document must be adjudicated in any court or tribunal, I hereby acknowledge that the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all fees and costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees.

I attest that I am at least 18 years of age and am competent to enter into this agreement. Before signing this agreement, I read it in its entirety and fully understand the contents, meaning, and impact of this document.
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Non-Disclosure Agreement
I. The Parties. This Unilateral Non-Disclosure Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement,” effective as of October 24 2022, hereinafter referred to as the “Effective Date,” is by and between:

Releasor described as a business entity known as CRC ("Releasor")

AND
Recipient described as 1 individual(s) known as First Name* Last Name* ("Recipient")
II. Confidential Information. The term "Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to, all information owned by the Releasor and not generally known to the public or in the relevant trade or industry that is communicated orally, written, printed, electronically or any other form or medium, or which was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated, or prepared by the Recipient in the scope and course of their relationship with the Releasor, relating directly or indirectly to business processes, technical data, trade secrets, know-how, advice, consultations, proprietary information, client lists, client instructions, assets, business operations, specifications, designs, plans, drawings, hardware, software, data, prototypes or other business and technical information belonging to any client of the Releasor, operational methods, economic and business analyses, models, strategies, and projections, promotion methods, trade show information and contacts, and other proprietary information relating to the business of the Releasor and any and all other concepts, as such Confidential Information pertains personally to principals or other information that has independent economic value.

III. Non-Disclosure. The Recipient agrees that it shall have the obligation to:

(a) hold the Confidential Information in the strictest of confidence;

(b) not use the Confidential Information for any personal gain or detrimentally to the Releasor;

(c) take all steps necessary to protect the Confidential Information from disclosure and to implement internal procedures to guard against such disclosure;

(d) not disclose the fact that the Confidential Information has been made available or that discussions and negotiations are taking place or have taken place or any of its terms, conditions or other facts with respect to the transaction; and

(e) not disclose or make available all or any part of the Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation, association, or any other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, directly or indirectly, unless and until such Confidential Information becomes publicly available other than as a consequence of the breach by the Recipient of their confidentiality obligations hereunder.

This Section shall survive and continue after any expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall bind Recipient, its employees, agents, representatives, successors, heirs and assigns.

IV. Exceptions to Confidential Information. The Recipient shall not be restricted from disclosing or using Confidential Information that:

(a) was freely available in the public domain at the time it was communicated to the Recipient by the Releasor;

(b) subsequently came to the public domain through no fault of the Recipient;

(c) is in the Recipient's possession free of any obligation of confidence at the time it was communicated to the Recipient by the Releasor;

(d) is independently developed by the Recipient or its representatives without reference to any information communicated to the Recipient by the Releasor;

(e) is provided by Recipient in response to a valid order by a court or other governmental body, as otherwise required by law; or

(f) is approved for release by written authorization of an officer or representative of the Releasor;

V. Use or Disclosure of Confidential Information. Recipient shall only use the Confidential Information as directed by the Releasor and not for its own purposes or the purposes of any other party. Recipient shall disclose the Confidential Information received under this Agreement to any person within its organization only if such persons are on a "need to know" basis. Recipient shall advise each person to whom disclosure is permitted that such information is the confidential and proprietary property of the Releasor and may not be disclosed to others or used for their own purpose. This Section shall survive and continue after any expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall bind Recipient, its employees, agents, representatives, successors, heirs and assigns.

VI. Notice of Disclosure. In the event that the Recipient receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information, the Recipient agrees, if legally permissible, to (a) promptly notify the Releasor of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement, (b) consult with the Releasor on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement and (c) assist the Releasor in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy; provided, however, that the Recipient shall not be required to take any action in violation of applicable laws. In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Releasor waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Recipient shall not be liable for such disclosure unless disclosure to any such tribunal was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Recipient not permitted by this Agreement.

VII. Term. This Agreement, with respect to Confidential Information, will remain in effect for perpetuity.

VIII. Return of Confidential Information. Upon request from the Releasor or upon the termination of negotiations and evaluations between the Parties, Recipient will promptly deliver to Releasor all originals and copies of all documents, records, software programs, media and other materials containing any Confidential Information. Recipient shall also return to Releasor all equipment, files, and other personal property belonging to Releasor. Recipient shall not be permitted to make, retain, or

distribute copies of any Confidential Information and shall not create any other documents, records, or materials in any form whatsoever that includes the Confidential Information.

IX. Indemnification. The Parties agree to indemnify and keep each other, at all times, fully and effectively indemnified in respect of any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and or expenses of any kind whatsoever incurred by the Releasor which arise out of or in connection with any breach of this Agreement by the Recipient.

X. Notice. Any notice provided in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the Parties at the addresses below indicated:

Releasor’s Address: 184 White Cedar Dr, Sicklerville, New Jersey, 08081
Recipient’s Address: Street Address* City* State* Zip*
If the above-stated addresses should change, the Parties shall specify by certified mail with return receipt, to one another.

XI. Covenants. The parties hereto agree that the covenants, agreements, and restrictions (hereinafter "this covenant") contained herein are necessary to protect the business goodwill, business interests, and proprietary rights of the Releasor and that the parties hereto have independently discussed, reviewed, and had the opportunity of legal counsel to consider this Agreement.

XII. Authority. This Agreement sets forth the entire Agreement and understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified or discharged, in whole or part, except by consent in writing signed by the Parties.

XIII. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned or otherwise transferred by either party without the prior written consent of the non-transferring party.

XIV. Binding Arrangement. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and each Party’s respective successors and assigns.

XV. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it is invalid or in conflict with any law of any relevant jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular provision(s) held to be unenforceable.

XVI. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws in the State of New Jersey.

XVII. Authority. Each party hereto represents and warrants that it has the full power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement, and each party knows of no law, rule, regulations, order, agreement, promise, undertaking, or other fact or circumstance which would prevent its full execution and performance of this Agreement.

XVIII. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

XIX. Execution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the undersigned date.
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Releasor's Signature
Printed Name: Andrea Hering
President & CEO
Crisis Response Canines
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Statement of Truth
I affirm and certify that:

1) All the information and answers to questions herein are complete, true, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
2) That the information contained in the application packet, in the curriculum vitae and in the enclosed documents is true and I undertake to provide documentary evidence, if required.
3) That all the copies enclosed are true to the original documents. I understand that any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of any facts called for in the application my render this application void and may be cause for termination, whenever discovered.

The information provided in this application will be maintained in a confidential manner and will be shared only in the context of legitimate credentialing and peer review activities.
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New Membership Application

Handler Information

Canine Information

Electronic Signature Agreement

Non-Disclosure Agreement

Statement of Truth