LBACS Volunteer Policy Form and Release Agreement
The City of Long Beach Animal Care Services Volunteer Agreement and Release
I agree that prior to participation as a Volunteer with the Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS), I acknowledge and fully understand that my participation may involve risk of serious injury or death, including economic losses, which may result not only from my own actions, inactions, or negligence, but also from the actions, inactions, or negligence of others, the condition of the facilities, equipment, or areas where the volunteering is being conducted.
I assume the risks and accept personal liability for any damages that might occur because of my volunteer activities with Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS). I assume any and all risks of bodily injuries to myself, including medical or hospital bills, permanent or partial disability, death, and damages to my property, caused by or arising from my participation in volunteering with LBACS.
I understand that volunteering at LBACS may require me to come in contact with animals, and that there are risks associated with my volunteer activities, including but not limited to dog or cat bites and/or scratches, and working in environments where floors and grounds are wet and slippery.
I hereby agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless The City of Long Beach, their officers, directors, employees, agents, and volunteers, (Released Parties) from and against all claims and demands against them arising from or attributable to my participation in volunteering whether same shall arise by their negligence or otherwise.
I covenant not to sue, or present any claim for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death against City of Long Beach, its officers, employees and agents for damages attributable to my participation in volunteering.
I agree that if I volunteer to transport any LBACS animal(s) in my personal vehicle for any purpose, I will 1) maintain at least the State-required minimum amounts of automobile insurance on the vehicle, and 2) release, indemnify and hold the City of Long Beach harmless from any claims arising from and/or related in any way to any LBACS animal’s presence in my vehicle.
I acknowledge and understand that as a volunteer of LBACS, I am not covered by the City of Long Beach's Workers’ Compensation or any other insurance policy for any damages or injuries I may sustain during my volunteer activities. (If I am an employee of LBACS, I understand that fostering is a voluntary activity and not part of my work-related duties. Therefore, I am not covered by the City of Long Beach’s Workers’ Compensation insurance policy for fostering activities). I hereby authorize LBACS to seek emergency medical treatment for me in case of accident, injury, or illness during my volunteer activities.
I hereby agree that the photographs and/or video images taken of me and my pet (or shelter animal) may be used in perpetuity by the City of Long Beach for the purposes of publicity, education, fundraising, or otherwise promoting the mission and activities of the City of Long Beach.
I understand that I will receive no name recognition or monetary compensation for the use of said photograph(s) and/or video footage, to be used either in print or on the LBACS website and that this agreement will remain binding and have legal effect regardless of whether my association with the LBACS continues.
Further, I specifically agree as follows:
1. That all shelter animals are the property of LBACS and shall not be sold, given away, or adopted out without prior approval of authorized personnel.
2. To keep all LBACS information concerning other volunteers, animals, customers, donors, adoptive families, staff and anyone having business with LBACS in strict confidence always and to not create a third-party web site or social media platform that mimics any portion of LBACS site and/or platforms. Any social media posts containing information from LBACS records, or photos or videos taken of animals during volunteer activities must be approved by the LBACS Community Outreach Coordinator prior to posting.
3. To fulfill the duties listed on my Volunteer Job Description promptly, professionally, and reliably.
4. To not bring friends or relatives or any other person with me while working at a function or a facility without prior authorization from the Volunteer Coordinator or staff in charge.
5. To arrive promptly for scheduled volunteer assignments and to provide notice to my department supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator if I will be late or absent.
6. To adhere to the LBACS policies and procedures pertaining to cleaning, feeding, handling, and treatment of animals, and to follow instructions on all posted signs, including specific signage for animals in LBACS care.
7. To accept the guidance, evaluation, and decisions of LBACS staff, Volunteer Coordinator, and/or department supervisor and to treat LBACS personnel and other volunteers professionally, politely, honestly, respectfully, and with self-discipline always while serving as an LBACS volunteer.
8. To report in writing to my immediate supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator any conditions which I feel are unsafe, such as slipping and tripping hazards, inadequate lighting, vehicles in poor conditions, frayed electrical cords, broken equipment, structural/equipment damage, etc.
9. To report to my immediate supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator any injury that occurs during volunteer service, and to complete an Incident Report describing the injury or incident, whether I witnessed or experienced it during my volunteer service.
10. To keep an accurate record of all my volunteer hours worked in sign in sheets and in computerized databases
11. To use LBACS location and equipment appropriately and only at authorized times.
12. To provide the Volunteer Coordinator any change of my personal information, such as name, address, phone, or employer.
13. To participate in all mandatory volunteer meetings, trainings, and agency meetings as approved by the Volunteer Coordinator.
14. To provide the Volunteer Coordinator with at least two weeks’ notice should I decide to suspend or discontinue my volunteer service.
I understand that this Volunteer Agreement and Release is binding on my heirs, assigns and legal representatives. This Volunteer Agreement and Release form is executed by me voluntarily and without reliance upon any representation by any person.
If I fail to abide by the terms of this Agreement or am otherwise unable to meet the requirements of the volunteer program, which are subject to change by LBACS from time to time, I understand that I will be terminated from the program. I also understand that I may at any time be removed from my position as a volunteer at the sole discretion of the Animal Services Director.
THIS DOCUMENT RELIEVES THE CITY AND OTHERS FROM LIABILITY FOR BODILY INJURY, WRONGFUL DEATH, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE BY NEGLIGENCE. I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT, UNDERSTAND THAT I GIVE UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS, AND ASSUME ALL RISKS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN VOLUNTARILY.