Volunteer Program!

Name *

First

Last

Parent or guardian, If under the age of 18

First

Last

Age *

Must be at least 13 years old to volunteer!

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Phone *

Statement of Awareness, Assumption of Risks, and Release of Liability *

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS I am aware that in signing this document on my behalf, or on behalf of my minor child and/or ward for participation (hereinafter referred to as “Activity”) as a volunteer for the New Albany Animal Shelter in general that certain elements of the Activity are physically, mentally, socially and emotionally demanding. The term “Activity” includes working with animals at the New Albany Animal Shelter or at other locations. Furthermore, I understand that certain risks and dangers exist in this Activity which may result in serious injury. I further understand that as a volunteer, I and/or my child/ward may come into contact and have to deal with animals of many types and species which may not be tame, may be dangerous and unpredictable in nature. I further understand that the New Albany Animal Shelter, the Civil City of New Albany, Indiana is NOT responsible for total or partial acts, occurrences or elements of nature that can scare an animal, cause it to fall or bite or react in some other unsafe way. SOME EXAMPLES ARE: loud noises, thunder, lightning, rain, wind, water, other wild and/or domestic animals, insects, reptiles, which may walk, run or fly near or bite or sting an animal or person. EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY I further understand that there may be other risks associated with the Activity, both known and unknown. I confirm that I, and/or my child/ward, are physically and mentally capable of participating in the Activity. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of the New Albany Animal Shelter, or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation. RELEASE OF LIABILITY In consideration for allowing my, and/or my child/ward’s, participation in the New Albany Animal Shelter volunteer program and facilities provided, I, for myself, and/or for my minor child, do hereby release, waive, and discharge the New Albany Animal Shelter, their officers, employees, principals, directors, agents, and volunteers, all of whom for the purposes of this release are referred to as “Releasees”, from any and all liability to the undersigned and the undersigned’s personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin, for ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or damage to personal property, whether caused by animals, the negligence of the Releasees, or otherwise. PHOTO RELEASE The New Albany Animal Shelter has my permission to use my or my child/ward’s photograph publicly. I understand that the images and video may be used in print publications, online publications, websites, and social media. INDEMNIFICATION The undersigned hereby agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless the Releasees aforementioned and each of them for any loss, liability, damage or cost Releasees incur due to the undersigned’s participation in the above-described Activity, and whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, including but not limited to costs and attorney fees incurred as a result of defending any claim or demand made by the undersigned against Releasees. SCOPE OF RELEASE AND INDEMNITY The undersigned expressly acknowledges and agrees that the Activity may be very dangerous and involves the risk of serious injury and/or death and/or property damage. The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the State of Indiana and other applicable law, and that if any portion of it is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. ACCIDENT/MEDICAL INSURANCE I agree that should emergency medical treatment be required, my own accident/medical insurance company will pay or I shall pay for All such incurred expenses. THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ, UNDERSTANDS, AND VOLUNTARILY SIGNS THE RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY AN INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, AND FURTHER AGREES THAT NO ORAL REPRESENTATIONS, STATEMENTS OR INDUCEMENTS APART FROM THE FOREGOING WRITTEN AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN MADE.

Volunteer Rules and Guidelines *

• Volunteers are only allowed to handle and work with animals that have been approved for each individual program. • Volunteers are not allowed to be in rooms marked "Staff Only" unless a staff member remains with them at all times. • Volunteers are to allow time for clean-up of their programs before they leave. This may include sweeping and mopping, washing tools, returning items to their proper areas, etc. • All concerns about an animal's health status or behavior concerns need to be expressed to an Animal Care Aid or Animal Care Manager • Volunteers are not to discuss animals that are not available for adoption with the public. Animals still going through evaluations do not have guaranteed outcomes. Some may get returned to their owners, transferred to rescue, etc. • Each program will have very specific cleaning and sanitizing protocols to ensure the safety of our animals. If you do not understand a step, ask a staff member to clarify. Many chemicals may be used. It is important that you know the proper use. • You are to be polite, humane, and respectful to every animal, staff member, customers, and other volunteers. • Dress Code: Volunteers are to wear volunteer landyards during their volunteer shift. Clothing bottoms need to be at least knee length. Leggings and thin pants are not allowed. No sandals or shoes that do not cover the whole foot. Do not wear strong perfumes or colognes. • If at any time, you are uncomfortable with a given task or a particular animal, that is fine. Be sure to let a staff member know so they can ensure the animal still receives what it needs. • Do not interact with an animal that Animal Control, staff, or the public is bringing in, as we do not know their background, health status, or how they will handle the stress of the shelter. • Volunteers are not allowed to hold leashes or animals when staff is administering vaccinations or medications as animals can be very unpredictable in these situations. • Volunteers are only to be in the shelter during their scheduled times. We ask that volunteers’ rides arrive early for pick up to allow for delays. If you are unable to make your volunteer shift, please contact the shelter and let them know so that another volunteer can be notified. • Home pets should be up to date on vet recommended vaccinations to help protect them from possible exposures. Volunteers should change clothes before interacting with their own pet after volunteering. • Volunteers must sign in when arriving, and out when leaving on the volunteer clipboard. • If at any point, with any program, an animal appears to be stressed of uncomfortable, quit activities and let a staff member know. If a staff member or senior volunteer asks you to do something contrary to any of these rules, alert a supervisory staff member. • If you do not know an answer or how to respond to the public, ask a staff member for help. Never make up answers. • No profanity, smoking, or drinking. • If you receive any type of injury, including bites and scratches, report it to a staff member immediately. • Rules may be changed, modified, or added per individual cases and situations. • If a volunteer is not fulfilling duties accordingly and resolutions cannot be made, the volunteer/shelter relationship will be dissolved. • Staff, supervisors, and veterinarians are the ones who will determine an animals outcome including adoption, rescue, and euthanasia. These are decisions that are not taken lightly and are very hard on staff. Once a decision is made, please do not question the outcome. • Social Media Guidelines: Animals that are not available for adoption may not be posted to any social media source. Animals under evaluation may have alternative outcomes, be part of court cases, etc. Anything posted about the shelter, staff, volunteers, or animals, should be done in good taste with the person's consent. Always remember, once something is posted online, it can never truly be removed. Volunteers can be permanently dismissed for inappropriate social media post, whether intentional or not. It is always best to ask a supervisor for permission first.

Date *

Signature *

New Albany Animal Shelter

🐶 Volunteer Tasks Include:

📅 Volunteer Shifts:

📌 Requirements: