1. INTRODUCTION

- 1.1 Volunteers are to fill out this electronic waiver and submit it before their first visit to Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary.

- 1.2 These terms and conditions are an agreement between Possumwood Acres and you, so please carefully read the terms and conditions before signing this waiver.

- 1.3 By signing this waiver, you certify that you have read and agree to all the terms and conditions.

- 1.4 If you do not wish to agree to any part of the document, do not sign and submit this waiver.

- 1.5 Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to sign this waiver; by signing this waiver you are signifying to us that you are at least 18 years of age.

2. RELEASE, WAIVER, AND INDEMNIFICATION

- 2.1 The participant and his/her parent or legal guardian (if under the age of 18 years) does hereby execute this release, waiver and indemnification and hereby agrees and represents as follows: To release Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary, its members, officers, employees, agents, representatives, partners, volunteers and independent contractors from any and all liability, loss, damage arising out of participating in any function, class, or event offered by Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary.

- 2.2 They further agree to indemnify Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary, its employees, members, officers, agents, representatives, partners, volunteers, and independent contractors and hold them harmless for any liability, loss, damage cost, claim, judgment, or settlement, which may be brought or entered against them as a result of their participation in classes, functions or shifts at Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary.

- 2.3 This indemnification shall include attorneys’ fees incurred in defending against any claim or judgment incurred in negotiating any settlement, provided however, that such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

- 2.4 It is further agreed and understood that he/she shall maintain in full force and effect, a policy of insurance covering medical treatment and all related costs in the event of an injury to him/her as a result of his/her participation in any and all activities at Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary as aforesaid.

- 2.5 He/she also agrees that if they do not maintain in full force and effect a policy of insurance, they are still liable for medical treatment and all related costs in the event of an injury as a result of their participation in any and all activities involving Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary.

- 2.6 By signing this document, it is understood that the volunteer has an up-to- date tetanus immunization prior to beginning work at Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary. It is recommended to be within the past 5 years.

- 2.6.1 If you have not been vaccinated against tetanus and are not willing or cannot be vaccinated, by signing this agreement you acknowledge that Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary is not liable or any illnesses that may occur due to being exposed to materials or injured by materials that may transmit tetanus. You also acknowledge that working with wildlife exposes you to tetanus and we, the sanctuary, are not responsible for any illnesses that may be related transmitted

- 2.7 Additionally, any immuno-compromised or pregnant individual must have written clearance from a physician prior to commencing work on said premises.

3. AGE AGREEMENTS

- 3.1 Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian electronically sign the forms.

- 3.2 Junior volunteers (under 16 years) must have a parent or guardian work with them.

- 3.3 It will be the decision of the Director to determine if children over the age of 16 are allowed to work without a parent or guardian, based on the maturity of the child and ability of the child to follow directions.

4. WILDLIFE CONTACT

- 4.1 Volunteers have been advised that the activity of working with the WILD animals is hazardous and involves contact with animals that are unpredictable. As such, Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary cannot be held liable for injuries or accidents that may occur as a result of working with the animals.

- 4.2 Volunteers understand that the following are some, but not all, of the risks associated with working with wild animals (dead or alive):

- 4.2.1 Bites or scratches from small mammals, reptiles, raptors, shore birds, waterfowl, sea birds, or other bird species

- 4.2.2 Slips/trips/falls resulting from wet floors, kennels, or equipment

- 4.2.3 Hitting head on objects such as cage doors, kennel, walls, hose boxes.

- 4.2.4 Zoonotic illnesses (human illness contracted from animals), flea/tick bites, ring worm, or other internal/external parasite infestations.

- 4.2.5 Nuts are abundant throughout the sanctuary grounds. Volunteers with nut allergies must be aware of the dangers this poses.

- 4.2.6 Encountering venomous snakes or insects on the premise.

5. CLOTHING

- 5.1 Volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing when working on premises.

- 5.2 Volunteers should be prepared to get wet, muddy, and dirty.

- 5.3 Volunteers are aware that injuries, loss of or damage to personal property, and death may occur as a result of Volunteer’s participation in this program.

- 5.4 Protective gear is provided for all shifts and classes. If volunteers choose not to wear gear or do not follow instructions for wearing it properly, this will increase the risk of above said illness, injury or death.

- 5.5 Volunteers accept all responsibility for knowing how to use equipment or protective gear before beginning any activities.

6. ANIMAL HANDLING

- 6.1 I understand that I will not, under any circumstances, enter Watson's (Fox Squirrel) cage. Unless given permeation by Staff/director. I am aware that my volunteer services at PAWS will be terminated if I am seen in his cage.

- 6.2 I understand that I may not handle (pick up, groom, feed) rehabilitating and resident animals at any time unless I have first been authorized by Kelsey Gaylor. This directive applies to any friend or family member who may be on the sanctuary grounds with me.

- 6.3 I understand I must have express permission from Kelsey Gaylor before I can learn to feed and care for all raptors.

- 6.4 I am aware that my volunteer services at PAWS will be terminated if I gain unauthorized entry into any enclosure or allow any one not associated with or granted prior permission to enter any cage or handle any animal on the premises.

- 6.5 I understand that I may not pursue legal action against PAWS for any reason at any time. This applies to any friend or family member that accompanies me to the sanctuary grounds.

7. PHOTOGRAPHY/Videos/Social Media

- 7.1 I consent that photographs and/or videotapes may be taken of me under the following conditions:

- 7.1.1 The photographs/videotapes may be taken only with my consent (or the consent of a direct parent/guardian if the subject is under 18 years of age).

- 7.1.2 The photographs/videotapes shall be taken by a photographer or videographer approved by Possumwood Acres.

- 7.1.3 The photographs/videos shall be used for publicity or education. Such photographs/videos and information relating to my involvement may be published and republished for any purpose deemed proper in the interest or promotion of Possumwood Acres, including website and social media.

- 7.1.4 I grant this consent as a voluntary contribution in the interest of Possumwood Acres and acknowledge and waive all rights I may have to any claims for payment in connection with the use of photographs/videotapes taken under this consent

8. RULES OF CONDUCT

- 8.1 I understand that I will be asked to leave immediately for violating any rules, regulations, or policies of Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary.

- 8.2 I understand that the use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited during working hours and is not allowed on the premises.

- 8.3 I understand that the use of any illegal substances or drugs, or just having illegal substances or drugs in your possession on Possumwood Acres property is grounds for immediate termination of services.

- 8.4 I understand that the use of violence or threat of violence in any situation against a fellow volunteer or staff member is grounds for immediate termination of services.

- 8.5 I understand that the use of violence, threat of violence, or rough/abusive/unsafe handling in any situation used against any animal or bird is grounds for immediate termination of services.

- 8.6 I understand that bringing a firearm or other weapon onto Possumwood Acres property is grounds for immediate termination of services.

- 8.7 I understand that I may be asked to leave immediately if the Director of Possumwood Acres feels it is in the best interest of the sanctuary or for the safety of the other volunteers, staff, or animals.