Volunteer Agreement for Short Term Volunteers

Volunteer Agreement

In consideration for this opportunity to volunteer for Austin Pets Alive! ("APA!"), I agree to the following terms and conditions and understand that I may be released from volunteering should I violate any of the below:

1. I will abide by the mission, rules, regulations, policies and programs of APA! while I am a volunteer.

2. I agree to be supervised by an APA! Manager or designee and will work as a team member with all volunteers.

3. I will treat all animals, other volunteers, APA! staff, and the general public with dignity and respect.

4. As a volunteer or foster, I understand I am considered a designated caretaker of all animals owned and cared for by Austin Pets Alive

5. If I will be sheltering or providing foster care or boarding for any of the APA! animals in my home, I consent to an APA! representative visiting my home from time to time to observe the animals and their living quarters.

6. I will accurately and truthfully complete the Volunteer Application and Agreement.

7. I understand that APA volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. Volunteers aged 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Volunteers aged 16-17 may obtain a signed parental waiver in order to volunteer without parental supervision. If I am currently 12-17 years old, my parent or guardian must also complete this online application and attend volunteer orientation.

8. I will attend volunteer orientation prior to volunteering. I understand that:

• there is a nonrefundable orientation registration fee which includes a volunteer t-shirt;

• orientations are only available online

• refunds of the orientation fee are not available;

• I have 90 days to complete the online orientation, after 90 days I will need to re-register.

9. I certify that I have not been convicted of, nor am I currently charged with, any of the following crimes:

• any felony within the past five (5) years;

• an offense against the person (Tex. Penal Code Title 5) or an out-of-state equivalent at any time;

• an offense against the family (Tex. Penal Code Title 6) or an out-of-state equivalent at any time;

• cruelty to animals (Tex. Penal Code Sections 42.09, 42.091, 42.092, 42.10, 42.105) or an out-of-state equivalent at any time;

• robbery (Tex. Penal Code Chapter 29) or an out-of-state equivalent within the past five (5) years;

• burglary (Tex. Penal Code Chapter 30) or an out-of-state equivalent within the past five (5) years;

• theft (Tex. Penal Code Chapter 31) or an out-of-state equivalent within the past five (5) years;

• fraud (Tex. Penal Code Chapters 32, 35, 35A) or an out-of-state equivalent within the past five (5) years; or

• money laundering (Tex. Penal Code Chapter 34) or an out-of-state equivalent within the past five (5) years.

10.  I will not conduct or participate in illegal activity on any APA! property or at an APA! sponsored event.  

Volunteer Release & Waiver

I understand and agree that as a volunteer for Austin Pets Alive! (herein after referred to as "APA!"), I assume all risks of loss or injury, including death to myself or damage to my property while on the property of APA! and elsewhere, while participating in the volunteer program.

I understand and agree that all services performed by me will be performed on a strictly voluntary basis, and that I will receive no remuneration, pay or compensation of any kind.

I understand and agree that I will not be an employee of APA! and will not receive any benefits normally available to employees of APA! and that the relationship is terminable at will. I understand and agree that APA! shall incur no liability of any nature as result of my volunteering for APA!

I understand that in handling animals and performing other volunteer tasks there is a risk of injury, including physical harm or death, and that all services performed by me will be done at my own risk. I understand APA! strongly recommends that I keep current my tetanus immunization. I further understand that APA! recommends that any dogs and cats that I live with should be immunized by my veterinarian, if not already done so.

Therefore, on behalf of myself, my heirs and personal representatives, I hereby release, discharge and indemnify and hold harmless APA! and its assigns, successors, agents, staff, officers, board of directors, employees, contractors and representatives from any and all claims, causes of action or demands of any nature of cause whatsoever, including costs and legal fees arising out of, or relating to, my volunteering with APA!, including, but not limited to, animal bites, disease, accidents, property damage, or injuries.