All new volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application (this form) and attend a volunteer orientation class (roughly one hour).

This Waiver and Release of Liability, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement (“Agreement”) is between the Volunteer and Walker County Animal Shelter (WCAS), 5488 North Marble Top Road, Chickamauga, Georgia 30707 and its directors, officers, members, employees, agents, assigns, legal representatives and successors.

As a volunteer that is 18 years old or older, I hereby understand and agree to the following: I agree to WAIVE and RELEASE WCAS from all liability, manner of actions, causes of action, debts, contracts, claims and demands for or by reason of any illness, death, damage, loss or injury to person and property, which has been or may be sustained as a direct or indirect consequence of the Volunteer’s volunteering at or for WCAS and notwithstanding that such damage, death, illness, loss or injury may have been caused partly by the negligence of WCAS. I agree to INDEMNIFY and HOLD HARMLESS WCAS for any costs or liabilities which they may incur as a result of my volunteering at or for WCAS.

I understand that because I may handle and/or come in contact with animals, it is important to discuss being vaccinated against tetanus with my physician. I release WCAS from all responsibility that may occur because of my not pursuing this matter further and I understand whatever decision I make is at my own risk. I have read, understand and agree to the above tetanus information.

I acknowledge and understand that as a volunteer of WCAS, I am not covered by workers' compensation or any other insurance policy through WCAS, for any damages or injuries I may sustain during volunteer activities. I understand that I am responsible for obtaining health insurance coverage through an independent health insurance company.

I fully understand that as a part of my volunteer work for WCAS, I will come into contact with animals either by directly handling them, fostering or through assisting in their care and adoption. Further, I understand that working with animals carries a risk of injury, and that it is possible that I may be bitten, scratched, and/or otherwise injured.

I am also aware that I may come in contact with animals recovering from illness and disease, and some diseases may be transmittable to my animals at home.

I fully understand that as a volunteer and/or foster home for WCAS, my family may come in contact with animals at WCAS events, and I and my family and/or guests may come into contact with animals in my home if I am fostering an animal. I understand that working with animals carries a risk of injury, and it is possible that my family and/or guests may be bitten, scratched and/or otherwise injured.

I acknowledge and agree that I have carefully read this agreement, that I fully understand the agreement, and that I freely and voluntarily execute the same. I understand that I may seek independent advice prior to signing this agreement. I understand that this agreement is binding on me, my spouse, my executors, administrators, personal representatives and assigns and that this agreement has important legal consequences. The terms of this agreement are contractual and not mere recitals. This agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.