Application Form - DuPage County Animal Services

Waiver:

I, the volunteer, desire to do voluntary work for the Animal Services Division of the County of DuPage subject to the rules of the Animal Services Division, as modified from time to time, and under the direction and control of the Animal Services Division staff.

In consideration of the opportunity afforded me to participate in the actual animal services problems and situations, the educational and other benefits received by me, and in recognition of the possible danger that I may voluntarily subject myself to, I hereby knowingly, freely, and voluntarily assume all reasonable and foreseeable risks related to the animal services volunteer program, and do hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the County of DuPage and its agents, employees, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, suits, actions, damages, expenses, judgments, and costs, including reasonable attorney fees, which may arise out of any injury or death of the undersigned’s participation in the program and any activities related thereto. Further, I waive and release any and all rights against the County of DuPage and its agents, employees, and volunteers which may arise out of any injury or death of the undersigned which is in any manner connected with the undersigned’s participation in the program and any activities related thereto.

I understand that at no time am I an employee or agent of the County, its agents, employees, and volunteers and that this agreement does not apply to the negligent acts of a third party.

Volunteer Code of Conduct:

* I will support the mission of DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS).
* As a volunteer, I am a representative of the shelter and will treat the public, staff, contracted professionals, and other volunteers with respect. I understand that rude, combative, and/or gossipy conduct contributes to a toxic environment. I also understand that this conduct will not be tolerated and is grounds for a volunteer to be terminated. I acknowledge that volunteers are permitted and encouraged to ask questions, make recommendations and/or share any concerns either in a respectful, productive fashion with a staff member directly.

* I am responsible for tracking and reporting my volunteer hours to the Volunteer Coordinator. On-site volunteers will log in and log out of the volunteer computer every time they volunteer at the shelter. Off-site volunteers will manually track and report volunteer hours to the Volunteer Coordinator.
* I will follow the rules, policies and procedures established by DCAS. The rules, policies and procedures can be found in the volunteer handbook. If you require a replacement copy of the Volunteer Handbook please email dina.schubert@dupagecounty.gov.
* I understand that DCAS uses low-stress, positive handling techniques. I agree to interact with the animals using approved methodology and techniques. Dog handling techniques are reviewed in the Dog Handling Manual and are presented in the Dog Handling training that all dog walking volunteers attend. Cat, rabbit and other animal handling methods are also reviewed during volunteer training.
* I understand that DCAS has a zero tolerance policy on rough handling. Yelling at, jerking, leash “popping”, hitting, kicking, jabbing, or any other form(s) of rough handling of any animal is unacceptable, fosters fear and aggression, can undo hours of socialization and training, and is grounds for a volunteer to be immediately terminated. I agree to always ask a staff if ever I am unsure how to handle an individual animal.
* I agree to abide by the direction given by DCAS staff and/or lead trainer(s) who are acting as an agent of DCAS. This includes direction provided verbally, in written form, communicated electronically, or as included in an animal’s behavior/treatment plan. If I have any questions or concerns about the direction provided to me I will bring them to a staff member directly.
* As a volunteer, I may come in contact with personal information of patrons of DCAS. I understand that this information is confidential, is protected by law, and is not to be shared or discussed outside of the shelter or in front of members of the public. All owner or previous owner information is confidential. Volunteers should never disclose confidential information regarding an individual who surrendered, reclaimed, fostered or adopted an animal, including the circumstances of an animal’s surrender, reclaim, adoption, or disposition, unless permitted by a senior staff member to do so.
* As a volunteer, I give of my time willingly and freely. I understand that at no time can DCAS compensate volunteers for their time or services.
* As a volunteer, I am responsible for the assignment or job that I agreed to and signed-up for. I agree that I am responsible for communicating as directed when I am unable to fulfill my responsibility and am responsible for finding my own replacement coverage.
* As a volunteer and representative of DCAS, I will not spread inaccurate, untruthful or derogatory information about DCAS. If I am unsure of the accuracy of any information I receive, I will ask a staff member for clarification before repeating.
* I will not gossip. This includes gossiping with or about DCAS, a staff member, DAF member, a member of the public, contracted professionals, and fellow volunteers. Due to its potentially damaging effects, DCAS takes gossiping VERY seriously. I understand that if I am subjected to gossip by another volunteer, I will report that volunteer to a staff member immediately so that corrective action can be taken. Volunteers responsible for perpetuating gossip may result in having one’s volunteer status terminated.
* I agree to seek clarification directly from a staff member when I have questions or concerns about an animal’s status or disposition, or if I am unclear on the specifics of a DCAS program, service, policy or procedure.
* I agree to only interact with the animal(s) that I am allowed to work with. If ever I am unsure or need clarification, I understand that I am able to ask a staff member. But I also agree not to request those exceptions to be made for me.
* I agree to be truthful and forthcoming about the behavior I witness of an animal and recognize the importance of not withholding important information that may jeopardize public safety, volunteer/staff safety, and/or DCAS’ programs. Failure to communicate observed behavior may result in having one’s Orange Paw or STAR status revoked and/or having one’s volunteer status terminated.
* I agree to follow DCAS’ policies and procedures for reporting volunteer injuries and animal bites. I understand that I am responsible for staying current with any updates that staff communicates via signs on cages, posts on volunteer social media pages and/or emails to volunteers.