Volunteer Waiver
I am aware that participation in the Animal Services volunteer program involves working directly with animals and may involve using equipment. I am voluntarily participating in these activities with knowledge of the danger involved. These dangers, while unlikely to occur, may include but are not limited to (1) being bitten or attacked by an animal, (2) the presence of physical hazards including but not limited to equipment used to control, contain, and treat animals, (3) potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, and (4) similar risks arising out of my volunteer duties. I agree to accept any and all of these risks of personal injury.
As consideration for participating in the animal shelter volunteer program, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, heirs, guardians, and legal representatives will not make claim against or sue the City of Berkeley or its employees, agents or contractors for injury or damage resulting from the negligence, whether active or passive, or other acts, however caused, by any employee, agent, or contractor of the City of Berkeley as a result of my participation in the Animal Services volunteer program. I HEREBY RELEASE AND DISCHARGE THE CITY OF BERKELEY AND ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS FROM ALL ACTIONS, CLAIMS OR DEMANDS THAT I, MY HEIRS, GUARDIANS, AND LEGAL REPRESETATIVES NOW HAVE OR MAY HAVE IN THE FUTURE FOR INJURY OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM MY PARTICIPATION IN THE ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEER PROGRAM.
I understand that if I am injured in the course of this volunteer activity, that I am not covered by the City of Berkeley Worker’s Compensation Program.
I authorize the City of Berkeley Animal Services to seek emergency medical treatment in case of injury, accident or illness. I understand that I will be responsible for medical costs incurred by such injury, accident or illness.
I agree to abide by volunteer policies and procedures provided to me by the Animal Services volunteer orientation and trainings and to abide by additional policies and procedures as they are provided to me.
I understand that the City of Berkeley Animal Services records are to be kept confidential. I understand that access to these records will be allowed only with the prior approval of a City of Berkeley Animal Services employee.
The City of Berkeley has my permission to use any photos or videos taken during my volunteer activities in order to promote the City of Berkeley Animal Services organization, its programs, or events.
I understand that I may terminate my volunteer activities at any time for any reason. I understand that my volunteer activities may be terminated by City of Berkeley Animal Services at any time for any reason.
I understand that I am not authorized to represent the City of Berkeley Animal Services in any official capacity (in the media or to the general public) without prior permission of the management of the City of Berkeley Animal Services.
Berkeley Animal Care Services believes that it is important for volunteers to be current on their tetanus vaccinations if they will be handling animals. I understand that if I want to receive a tetanus vaccination or have questions about tetanus vaccinations, I should consult a physician at my own expense.
Berkeley Animal Care Services encourages volunteers to discuss obtaining a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series with their physician.
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS. I AM AWARE THAT THIS INCLUDES A RELEASE OF LIBILITY AND SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.
