Application Form - Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary

Voluntary Participation:  I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to work as a volunteer for the Hermitage Cat Shelter, a 501(c) 3 organization, that provides care and shelter for the homeless cats. By signing this form, I agree to have a criminal background check run and I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for Volunteers, as part of the approval process to volunteer at the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter.

Assumption of Risk: As a volunteer staff member for the Hermitage, I will be participating in a variety of general support activities and services. I understand that during the course of these activities, there are various health risks and dangers. I am voluntarily participating in the activities with full knowledge and hereby accept any and all risks of injury, death or damage to myself and/or my personal property.

Release: As consideration for being permitted to participate in the activities and provide services, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, heirs, guardians and legal representatives will not make a claim against, sue or attach the property of the non-profit organization for injury or damage resulting from any act or negligence, howsoever caused by any employee, or representative of the organization as a result of my participation in the activities and performance of services. It is expressly understood and agreed that I am here by waiving and surrounding my rights pursuant to any state regulations. 

Responsibility for My Own Acts and Omissions: I hereby agree to be legally and financially responsible for my own acts and omissions relating to the activities and services.

Knowing and Voluntary Execution of this Agreement: I declare that I have read this agreement and fully understand it to be a release of all claims, known or unknown, present or future, that I have or may have against the parties released, arising, or of the matters described. I confirm that I am of legal age and legally competent to execute this agreement on my own accord. 

Hermitage Code of Conduct for Staff, board, and volunteers:

 Support the mission, goals, and efforts of The Hermitage with a positive, cooperative attitude.

 Bring your best skills and abilities to your volunteer work.

 Exercise caution and common sense when dealing with the animals.

 Treat all animals with kindness and respect.

 Treat others as you wish to treated.

 Promote goodwill by handling contact with shelter staff/volunteers, and visitors, in a spirit of respect, courtesy, and cooperation.

 Be an ambassador and correct, when possible, misleading or inaccurate information and representations made by others concerning The Hermitage’s policies, practices, and procedures.

 Maintain confidentiality of all information received while at The Hermitage, written or verbal, pertaining to animals or people.

 Observe all safety and security rules in the performance of volunteer duties.

 Avoid engaging in any conduct that could be perceived as a conflict of interest.

 Engaging in the following conduct could result in dismissal from The Hermitage as a volunteer:

 Uncooperativeness with other volunteers, shelter management, or the Board of Directors.

 Theft of Hermitage property or funds.

 Negligent or intentional destruction of The Hermitage property.

 Violation of any safety or endangering the health or safety of any person or shelter animal.

 Participation as a shelter volunteer while under the influence; this includes alcohol, prescription drugs (narcotics), and illegal drugs.

 Harassment, intimidation, discourtesy, abusive language or behavior to fellow volunteers, the public, staff, and The Hermitage shelter itself will not be tolerated under any circumstances.