Veterinary Services Surgical Volunteer Application

Volunteer Agreement, Certification, Release, and Waiver

In consideration for this opportunity to volunteer for Manatee County Animal Welfare ("MCAW"), I understand and agree to the following terms and conditions: 

1. All services performed by me will be performed on a strictly voluntary basis, and I will receive no remuneration, pay or compensation of any kind.
2. I will not be an employee of MCAW, will not receive any benefits normally available to employees of MCAW, and that the relationship is terminable at will. 
3. I will abide by the mission, rules, regulations, policies and programs of MCAW while I am a volunteer.
4. I will volunteer a minimum of once a month for MCAW.
5. I will be supervised by an MCAW Manager or designee and will work as a team member with all other volunteers and employees.
6. I will treat all animals, other volunteers, MCAW staff, and the general public with dignity and respect.
7. I understand that I am considered a designated caretaker of any animal I remove from the shelter with permission.
8. If I will be sheltering or providing foster care or boarding for any of the MCAW animals in my home, I consent to an MCAW representative visiting my home from time to time to observe the animals and their living quarters.
9. I have and will continue to accurately and truthfully complete my Volunteer Application and this agreement, release, and waiver.
10. I will attend volunteer orientation prior to volunteering. I understand that:
• orientations are only available online;
• after registration, I have 30 days to complete the online orientation, and if I fail to complete the online registration within 30 days I will need to re-register.
11. I will not conduct or participate in illegal activity on any MCAW property or at an MCAW-sponsored event.  
12. MCAW volunteers in this role must be at least 18 years of age. 
13. MCAW strongly recommends: (1) that I keep my tetanus immunization current; and (2) that I ensure that any dogs and/or cats that live with me are immunized.

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 any person at any time;
• cruelty to animals at any time;
• robbery within the past five (5) years;
• burglary within the past five (5) years;
• theft within the past five (5) years;
• fraud within the past five (5) years; or
• money laundering within the past five (5) years.

I understand and agree that as a volunteer for MCAW: (1) I assume all risks of loss or injury, including death to myself or damage to my property while on the property of MCAW and elsewhere, while participating in the volunteer program; (2) MCAW shall incur no liability of any nature as a result of my volunteering for MCAW; (3) 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.

On behalf of myself, my heirs and personal representatives, I hereby release, discharge and indemnify and hold harmless MCAW 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 MCAW, including, but not limited to, animal bites, disease, accidents, property damage, or injuries. 

I agree that as a volunteer of MCAW, any violation of this agreement may subject me to action, up to and including termination of my volunteer relationship with MCAW.