PARTICIPANT RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING)

In consideration of executing this Participant Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement (this “Release and Waiver”) and participating in any way at the PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Pet Adoption & Wellness Center(“PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY”) Foster Volunteer Program, Humane Society store now or at any time in the future (each participation an “Event” or “Events”), I, for myself, my personal representatives, heirs and next of kin agree to the following.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES *I acknowledge and represent that: (1) I am at least 18 years of age; (2) I have agreed to participate in one or more Events after careful consideration of the risks that may be associated with the Events and have agreed to undergo all of the training necessary and associated with fostering an animal from PENNINGTONCOUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY; (3) I understand that animals, even under the best of circumstances, may be unpredictable, may bite or scratch and may transmit zoonotic disease and I certify that I am in good health and I have no conditions or impairments which would preclude my safe participation in volunteering at an Event, including that I am current on all medical vaccinations, including but not limited to tetanus, or that I have made the decision to not vaccinate myself and understand the risks associated with that decision; (4) I understand that I, family, visitors, and other persons exposed to the foster animal (collectively, “Exposed Persons”) may be interacting with the foster animal and this could present certain risks to those Exposed Persons; (5) I understand that if I have existing pet(s) in my home and even if I quarantine or separate a foster animal from my pet(s) that illnesses may spread to my pet(s) despite my best efforts; (6) I warrant that I will agree to assume full financial responsibility for any and all damages to, or losses of, the real or personal property of PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY or any third party caused directly or indirectly, in whole or in party, whether or not foreseeable, by myself, as determined by PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY in its sole and absolute discretion, and I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any third-party claims related thereto; and (7) I understand that my participation in any Events may be revoked or suspended at any time for non-compliance or safety issues, as may be determined by PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY in its sole discretion. I agree ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK *I acknowledge and I fully understand that my participation may involve risk of serious injury or death to myself or Exposed Persons, including losses which may result not only from my own actions, inactions or negligence but also from the actions and inactions, or negligence of others, the condition of the facilities, equipment, or areas where the Event or activity is being conducted, and/or the rules of play of this type of Event or activity. Such risks include but are in no way limited to (1) slips, trips, and falls, (2) dog, cat, or other animal bites or scratches, (3) athletic injuries; and (4) illness, including exposure to and infection with viruses or bacteria. I further acknowledge that the preceding list does not include all possible risks associated with volunteer participation and that said the list does not limit the operation of this Release and Waiver. Such risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions. I also acknowledge that any injuries I may sustain may be compounded or increased by negligent or delayed rescue operations or procedures of the Released Parties (as hereinafter defined). I further acknowledge there may be other risks and economic losses, which may be known to me or may be unforeseeable, that are presented by my participation in any Event held by PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY. I understand that if I have any risk concerns, I should discuss the risks associated with my participation with the activity coordinators and Event staff, before I sign this document and before any activity or Event begins. 

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19WARNING & DISCLAIMER *Coronavirus, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a means to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participating in an Event could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY in no way warrants that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in an Event or accessing PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANESOCIETY’s facilities. I agree WAIVER, RELEASE, INDEMNIFICATION & COVENANT NOT TO SUE *I further agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, and insurers (the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, causes of action, demands, losses, damages and liabilities for indemnities, contribution or otherwise arising from my participation in an Event, which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, and assigns may have, now or in the future, with respect to any personal injury, property damage, death or accident of any kind, arising out of or in any way related to an Event, whether that participation is supervised or unsupervised, however, the injury or damage occurs, including but not limited to the negligence of the Released Parties. I further agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all claims, causes of action, demands, losses, damages, and liabilities for indemnities, contribution or otherwise arising from an Exposed Person. I acknowledge and agree that this Release and Waiver is intended to be, and is, a complete release of any responsibility of the Released Parties for any and all personal injuries, temporary or permanent disability, death, and/or property damage sustained by myself while on the property or in any way related to the Event activities, including those of an Exposed Person, and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State of Minnesota and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. I agree

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

In the event that I or an emergency contact provided in writing to PENNINGTON COUNTYHUMANE SOCIETY cannot be reached in the event of an emergency, I authorize PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY and its representatives to act on my behalf with respect to the provision of such care in the event I cannot do so, and I consent for any and all treatment. I further agree to use my personal medica insurance as a primary medical coverage payment if accident or injury occurs and agree to pay all costs and expenses incurred in connection with any medical care provided, including the cost of transportation.

 

I agree RIGHT TO USE PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEO, AND IMAGES *I understand that public relations are an important part of the activities conducted at PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY. I hereby authorize PENNINGTONCOUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY to use, without notice or compensation, the likeness of myself in any and all social media, photographs, video and images, and to further include my name in any materials that promote PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANESOCIETY's services and programs, or to publicize any event, or for any other lawful purpose (including but not limited to, the right to edit, alter, copy, publish or distribute). I understand and agree that all film, prints and negatives become the sole property of PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY and maybe used by PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY without payment or royalties or any other consideration or prior notification.

 I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS AND ACCEPT AND SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL. If I am under 18 years of age at the time of registration, my parent or legal guardian has completely reviewed this Waiver and Release of Liability, understands and consents to its terms, and authorizes my participation.

This Release and Waiver will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. I agree that any action arising out of this an Event or this Release and Waiver must be brought exclusively in any state or federal court located in Minnesota. If any provision of this Release and Waiver is deemed invalid, void or unenforceable, such provision shall be considered severed from this Release and Waiver, and the remaining provisions shall be given full force and effect. No change, modification, amendment, or addition of or to this Release and Waiver shall be valid unless in writing and signed by PENNINGTON COUNTY HUMANESOCIETY’s President and Chief Executive Officer. This Release shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors, assigns, and legal representatives of the parties.

As a volunteer for the Pennington County Humane Society, I understand and agree to the following.

I agree to hold absolutely confidential all information that I may obtain concerning patrons or animals. I understand that an intentional or unintentional violation of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, including termination of volunteer services and/or possible legal action by others (i.e. patrons).

I fully understand that the Pennington County Humane Society expects high standards of moral and ethical treatment of animals under its care. I agree to adhere strictly to these standards in my voluntary capacity and exercise compassion, care, and positive training methods with all animals.

I agree to treat patrons and other guests of the Pennington County Humane Society with courtesy, sensitivity, and professionalism. I will seek management help for any questions or situations beyond my knowledge or training.

I agree to advise my supervisor of relevant information regarding an animal or patron in a timely manner. I will communicate job-related problems, concerns, differences of opinion, conflicts, or suggestions to the Manager of Volunteer Programs.

I agree to limit my activity to my assigned work area unless otherwise directed by the Manager of Volunteer Programs or Director of Shelter Operations.

I understand that the Pennington County Humane Society reserves the right to terminate my volunteer status at any time, for any circumstances which, in the judgment of the Manager of Volunteer Programs, Director of Shelter Operations or Executive Director, would make my continued service as a volunteer contrary to the best interest of the agency. I have read and understand each of the above conditions. By signing below, I agree to adhere to the stated volunteer agreement.