Volunteer Waiver
By signing up to foster or volunteer with SFC, I agree to and understand the following:
1. I agree that the SFC Virginia animal(s) will at all times remain in the sole property of SFC Virginia, and that I am providing my services in a volunteer capacity without any expressed or implied promise of salary or employment benefits.
2. I agree to provide the animal(s) with good loving care, including but not limited to companionship, food, water, shelter, and medication when required. As a volunteer working with animals, I am expected to treat all animals with kindness and respect, report animal injuries, illnesses, or behavioral concerns to an appropriate SFC staff member, and not to handle an animal that makes me feel uncomfortable.
3. I understand that medicines and other supplies provided by SFC Virginia are for use with SFC Virginia animals only, and are not administered to pets that are not the property of SFC Virginia.
4. I understand that SFC Virginia must authorize all veterinary care in advance. I agree to personally incur the cost for any treatment that has not been authorized.
5. I understand and acknowledge that I do not have any right or authority to transfer or place foster animal(s) in other homes or with other individuals without involvement of an appropriate SFC staff member.
6. I agree that every animal I provide foster care for must be physically returned to SFC by the date set at the time of pickup, or at any time upon the request of SFC Volunteer staff. I also agree to contact SFC and return the animal(s) immediately if I am no longer able to provide adequate care.
7. I agree to provide reliable transportation of the animal(s) to and from the SFC or to any necessary appointments or adoption events. I agree to assume all liability while transporting the animal(s).
8. I agree to hold SFC Virginia harmless from any direct or consequential damages arising out of this foster care and/or volunteer arrangement including, but not limited to, property damage and personal injury. Working with animals may be dangerous and can involve physical risk. As a volunteer and/or foster parent, I understand and agree to assume any and all liability and risk associated with volunteering and/or fostering for SFC, and agree to hold harmless SFC, its directors, officers, agents, employees, and other volunteers from any responsibility and liability for any illness, injury, or death related to volunteering/fostering for SFC.
9. I acknowledge and agree that the SFC may terminate this foster care and/or volunteer arrangement at any time with or without cause.
10. I agree to conduct myself in a positive, professional manner at all times when involved in SFC activities or representing the organization in public, and to report any abusive behavior to an appropriate staff or board member.
11. I agree to receive text messages and emails from the SFC VA programs department regarding volunteer and foster needs and scheduling.
12. I have never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment.
Dress Code
While volunteering, we request but do not require that you wear clothing with the SFC logo (this is more important for adoption events than daily operations). For your safety, you should wear closed-toed and non-slip shoes and should not wear dangling jewelry. By signing this I am acknowledging that my clothing may become damaged and/or dirty while volunteering.
Euthanasia
SFC is a no-kill organization, and no animal will be euthanized purely for space or time considerations. However, at times, SFC may elect humane euthanasia due to obvious suffering, behavioral concerns not responding to rehabilitation, or if an animal is so aggressive as to put staff, public or volunteers at serious risk due to its behavior.
Property
Anything donated on behalf of SFC becomes the property of SFC. No compensation should be expected by any volunteer. SFC is not responsible for damage or loss of any personal property belonging to a volunteer.
I understand that as a volunteer I am responsible for understanding and abiding by the information contained within these volunteer guidelines and any subsequent information or training given to me by SFC Virginia.
I certify that I am 18 years of age or older. If I am younger than 18 years old, a parent/guardian must fill out this form and sign a waiver in person on my behalf. I certify that I have never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect.
