Volunteer Application

VOLUNTEER LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE FORM

Standish Humane Society and agents thereof (hereafter referred to as “SHS”) and the Volunteer do hereby enter into this Volunteer Waiver and Release of Liability, Medical Release, and Indemnification Agreement, freely, willfully, and upon their own accord.

In consideration of my desire to serve as a volunteer with respect to various duties carried out by, on behalf of, or for SHS, I hereby assume all responsibility for any and all risk of property damage or bodily injury that I may sustain while participating in any voluntary relief effort or other activity of any nature, including the use of equipment and facilities and the handling of animals. If I choose to transport animals with my own vehicle, I understand that any damage to or caused by my vehicle is my sole responsibility and not that of SHS.

I currently have no known mental or physical condition that would impair my capability for full participation as intended or expected of me. Further, I have carefully read the foregoing release and indemnification and understand the contents thereof and I sign this release as my own, free act. I understand that I have a right to have an independent Counsel review this agreement before I sign, and acknowledge the full understanding of this agreement upon my signature below.

SHS is a non-profit animal rescue. In this capacity, SHS actively assists our local community with low-cost spays and neuters to reduce the overpopulation of felines on the South Shore of MA.   SHS actively traps, neuters/spays, feeds and assesses feral community cat colonies to further reduce the overpopulation and suffering of outdoor felines.  SHS provides adoption services to actively rehome adoptable cats and kittens to safe loving forever homes and whenever possible, SHS will, with the help of volunteers who choose to sign up for those tasks, transport cats and kittens from high kill shelters to areas within SHS's own geography. Some of the kittens and cats have been neglected, are victims of abuse or are under-socialized. In some cases, the history of the cat may have led to special behavioral issues and require cautious interaction. I, as a Volunteer, acknowledge and agree that if I choose to sign up for volunteer assignments with direct interactions, I assume any and all risks associated with handling a feral cat, including but not limited to scratches, cuts, scrapes, and bites. I will handle my own medical care, including any care that requires insurance, as SHS is not responsible for any potential injuries.

As a volunteer, I agree that I would like to gain rescue, cat-handling and non-profit experience and volunteer with the cats that are currently in SHS’s possession within the volunteer job functions, which I specifically sign up for. Some volunteer positions do not handle the care of the cats directly. As a volunteer, I understand that all activities at SHS are completely voluntary, and I may opt out of participation in any of the activities. I understand that I need to inform SHS of any activities that I do not want to participate in.

As a volunteer, I agree to abide by all SHS’s rules and protocols and will contact staff immediately regarding any urgent matter. 
 

ACTIVITIES RELATED TO CATS:

I understand that various activities involving cats and/or kittens can be considered hazardous in nature and involve the possibility of being bitten, scratched, jumped on, scraped, knocked over or other similar occurrences. The possibility of serious accidents and/or injury can occur during participation in volunteer activities where direct involvement and contact with the cats are required. Knowing the risks involved, nevertheless, I agree and voluntarily apply to participate if I choose any of the direct interaction tasks.

I understand the potential safety risks of working with any animal and that I may not bring friends or family members with me while volunteering for SHS, unless they have also submitted a Volunteer Waiver and Release Form, or prior arrangements have been made in advance with SHS Directors. I also understand that if I choose to bring a minor, whom I am a legal guardian of, while volunteering, I am responsible for that minor and will take all precautions necessary for the protection of them and SHS staff, animals, and other volunteers. The stipulations concerning injuries and waivers that I agreed to within will also apply to any minor child brought with me during volunteer services. If I am 16 or younger, I must be accompanied by an adult at all volunteer events I participate in for SHS.

I, for and on behalf of myself and my children, heirs, executors, administrators, and representative, agree to release, indemnify and defend SHS, its officers, employees, and representatives with respect to all claims, liabilities, losses, suits, or expenses (including costs and reasonable attorney’s fees) made or brought by anyone, arising out of any injury, damage, death, or other loss in any way connected with my participation as a volunteer whether with direct or indirect care, including as a transportation driver for SHS. This agreement includes any losses claimed to be caused, in whole or in part, by the negligence of SHS. I understand, and I agree here, to waive all claims against SHS and agree that neither I nor anyone acting on my behalf, will make a claim or file a lawsuit of any kind against SHS, as a result of any injury, damage, death, or other loss suffered by me.

FOR VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ONLY: “I state that I am an adult over the age of 21 with a valid driver’s license and that I have at least the minimum amount of liability insurance specified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I will notify SHS in writing if there is a change in the status of my driver’s license or vehicle liability insurance. I understand that any cause of action arising out of my voluntary participation is my sole responsibility, and agree to solely pursue my personal vehicle liability insurance for any causes of action for personal injury, property damage, or death arising from my actions, and agree not to sue Standish Humane, as well as agree to indemnify SHS and Defendant SHS from any claims made as a result of my actions.

In the event that I shall be driving an organization-owned vehicle, I allow SHS to release my information to SHS’s auto insurance company. Annual Motor Vehicle Record reports may be run by the insurance company to ensure coverage and all legal compliances.”

I agree that this and all aspects of my relationship with SHS are governed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State law. Further, any claim being made, whether mediation, suit, or other proceeding arising out of or relating to my participation in SHS activities, must be filed exclusively in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, under Massachusetts State laws only shall apply. 

I agree that any claim I may have against SHS that is not covered under this waiver MUST be sent to Arbitration, and not filed within the Court system. I also agree that if I assert a claim or file a suit against SHS for issues not covered under this release, I will pay all costs and attorney’s fees incurred by SHS in defending that claim, if the claim is withdrawn or dismissed, or to the extent an arbitrator determines that SHS is not responsible or liable for the nature of the claims made.

Any portion of this document deemed unlawful or unenforceable shall not affect the remaining portions of the Document, and those remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

I have carefully read, understand, and voluntarily sign this Document and acknowledge that it shall be effective and binding upon myself, my family, heirs, executors, representatives, and estate.