VOLUNTEER POLICIES, EXPECTATIONS & LIABILITY WAIVER
Why We Ask So Much of Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are trusted with lives. That trust matters.
Clear guidelines, training, and expectations protect not only the animals, but also the volunteers themselves. When everyone understands their role and responsibilities, the sanctuary becomes a safe, calm place where animals can relax and people can do meaningful work with confidence.
Volunteering with us means becoming part of a mission rooted in compassion, respect, and accountability.
The Last Resort Animal Sanctuary EIN: 39-2967090
Volunteers are essential to our mission, and we are grateful for your interest in supporting the animals in our care. Because the safety of our animals, volunteers, and sanctuary operations is our top priority, all volunteers must agree to the following policies.
VOLUNTEER RULES
1. Approval Required
- All volunteers must complete an application and be approved before volunteering.
- Volunteers must sign this agreement and liability waiver prior to participation.
2. Animal Safety Comes First
- Follow all instructions provided by sanctuary staff.
- Do not handle animals unless authorized.
- Never remove an animal from the property without permission.
3. Respect & Conduct
- Volunteers must act respectfully toward staff, other volunteers, visitors, and animals.
- Harassment, inappropriate behavior, or disregard for rules will result in dismissal.
4. No Unauthorized Actions
- No medical treatment, feeding changes, training, or discipline without approval.
- No photography, video, or social media posting without permission.
5. Confidentiality
- All information regarding animals, adopters, surrenders, donors, and operations is confidential.
6. Zero Tolerance
- Abuse, neglect, intoxication, or unsafe behavior will result in immediate removal.
- The sanctuary reserves the right to terminate volunteer participation at any time.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are expected to:
- Arrive on time and communicate if unable to attend
- Follow safety and hygiene protocols
- Use humane, positive handling methods
- Maintain a calm, respectful environment
- Understand that animal welfare decisions are made solely by the sanctuary
Volunteering is a privilege, not a right.
VOLUNTEER LIABILITY WAIVER & RELEASE
I acknowledge that volunteering with animals involves inherent risks, including bites, scratches, falls, and exposure to allergens or zoonotic illnesses.
I voluntarily assume all risks associated with volunteering and hereby release and hold harmless The Last Resort Animal Sanctuary, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents from any liability, injury, loss, or damage that may occur during my volunteer service.
I agree to follow all sanctuary rules and understand that failure to do so may result in immediate termination of my volunteer privileges.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
- Full Name: _________________________________
- Address: ___________________________________
- Phone: ____________________________________
- Email: _____________________________________
- Emergency Contact Name: ____________________
- Emergency Contact Phone: ___________________
DAYS & TIMES OF AVAILABILITY
(Please check all that apply)
Days:
- ☐ Monday
- ☐ Tuesday
- ☐ Wednesday
- ☐ Thursday
- ☐ Friday
- ☐ Saturday
- ☐ Sunday
Preferred Time Blocks:
- ☐ Morning
- ☐ Afternoon
- ☐ Evening
AREAS OF INTEREST
(Please check all that apply)
- ☐ Dog care & enrichment
- ☐ Cat care & socialization
- ☐ Cleaning & sanitation
- ☐ Feeding & preparation
- ☐ Administrative support
- ☐ Fundraising & events
- ☐ Transport assistance
- ☐ Other: ____________________________
ACKNOWLEDGMENT & SIGNATURE
I have read, understand, and agree to all volunteer rules, expectations, and the liability waiver above. I understand that volunteering does not create an employment relationship.
Volunteer Signature: ____________________________ Date: ________________________________________