Volunteer: Support Handler Agreement

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THIS AGREEMENT IS BETWEEN PACIFIC ASSISTANCE DOGS SOCIETY (HEREINAFTER, "PADS") AND THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL REGARDING THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL (HEREINAFTER, "THE SUPPORT HANDLER")










WHEREAS:
PADS is a not-for-profit organization which trains dogs to assist people with disabilities or to match them with community care professionals; and 

The Support Handler agrees to participate in the care and socialization of the puppies/dogs in the PADS training program; 

In consideration of the mutual undertakings in this agreement, PADS and the Support Handler agree as follows.








Guidelines and Limitations of the Support Handler Role

Public Access: The Support Handler has no public access rights with the puppy, and typically should be handling the puppy out of cape, with the exception of within the workplace of the Puppy-Raiser.
Outdoor Activities: The puppy-in-training must be on leash at all times while under the care of the Support Handler unless they are in a private fenced yard.  While short on leash walks are allowed, off leash parks are not.
Duration of Care: The intent of this policy is not to replace the raiser or PADS sitters, and the care of the Support Handler should never exceed 1 hour except in extraordinary circumstances (health emergency, etc). Crating and securing a PADS approved sitter should remain the primary go to’s for care.
Taking on Additional Responsibilities: Support Handlers who would like to upgrade their skills and volunteer involvement are encouraged to do so, however, they will still need to go through the full volunteer onboarding process for the PADS volunteer role that they are interested in.

Ownership & Access

  • PADS owns the puppy; at all times, the puppy is the property of PADS.
  • The Support Handler acknowledges that PADS employees, and their duly authorized representatives must be provided access to the puppy at reasonable times to facilitate and protect the health, safety, well-being, and training of the puppy.

Health Care Commitment

The Support Handler must comply with:
  • Any/all medical or veterinary advice as instructed by the PADS medical team &/or authorized veterinary professionals
  • The PADS Medical Protocol for Illness and Injury (available online at hydrant.pads.ca/health/illness-and-injury/)

  • Notification: If at any time the puppy is injured or shows signs of illness, the Support Handler must notify PADS in accordance with the PADS Medical Protocol for illness and injury.
  • Duty to Provide Care: If PADS does not promptly instruct the Support Handler about the steps to take, or if the state of the puppy’s health requires immediate action, then the Support Handler may call a veterinarian for medical care.
  • The veterinarian’s expenses will be paid by PADS.

Clauses

  • Survival: PADS’ waiver of any breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver by PADS of any subsequent breach or violation.
  • Termination of Agreement: PADS may terminate the Agreement at any time without notice if PADS has determined that the puppy’s care and socialization will benefit by terminating the agreement. The Support Handler may also terminate this agreement at any time. If the Support Handler would like to terminate the agreement, they should contact volunteer@pads.ca. 

Acknowledgement & Signature

We look forward to creating a successful and enjoyable relationship with you as a volunteer at the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. If these preceding terms are acceptable to you, please indicate this by signing below. A copy of the signed agreement will be distributed to all parties. I, the Support Handler, have read, understood, and accept the terms and conditions of this agreement, including any referenced policies/documents.

After submitting this form, you will be prompted to review your entry and provide a signature.

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