Indemnity & Release From Liability
I, the Participant, acknowledge that I have requested to volunteer my time and effort to Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) a Burnaby, BC, based charity registered under the Societies Act. As a volunteer, I may be present for and/or perform various dog care, dog training, community outreach, facility maintenance, or other related activities, at PADS, or at an offsite location (collectively, the “Volunteer Activities”). As consideration for being allowed to participate in the Volunteer Activities, I agree to be bound by the terms of this Volunteer Agreement and Liability Release (this “Volunteer Agreement and Release”) as follows:
11. ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I understand and acknowledge that dogs are unpredictable animals, and that even the most well-trained or docile dogs may occasionally behave in a way that could cause injury to humans, other animals, or property. I acknowledge that the site where the Volunteer Activities are performed may have defects, and that working with and around dogs, and performing the Volunteer Activities, are inherently dangerous. I also acknowledge that there are no warranties, express or implied concerning the facilities, equipment, dogs or Volunteer Activities. I am voluntarily participating in the Volunteer Activities with full knowledge of the risks and dangers involved, and hereby agree to accept and assume any and all risks of injury, death, or damage to myself and/or my property.
12. RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I hereby agree that neither I, nor my heirs, assigns or legal representatives, will make any claim against, sue, or attach the property of PADS, the owners or lessors of any property or facility where PADS operates, or any of their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and other affiliated persons or entities, for any injury or damage however caused, arising out of or related to my participation in the Volunteer Activities. I hereby release PADS, the owners or lessors of any property or facility where PADS operates, and any of their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and other affiliated persons or entities, from any and all actions, claims, damages, or demands that I, my heirs, assigns, or legal representatives now have or may hereafter have for any injury, death, or damage arising out of or related to my participation in the Volunteer Activities.
I further agree to waive any rights I may have under statutes or regulations which provide that a general release does not extend to claims which are not known or suspected to exist at the time of executing the release. This release shall be effective upon signing of this Volunteer Agreement and Release by the Participant or the Participant’s Parent or Guardian, and shall be irrevocable and binding on all parties, subject to the terms hereof.
13. RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY OWN ACTS AND OMISSIONS; INDEMNITY
I hereby agree to be legally and financially responsible for my own acts and omissions relating to my participation in the Volunteer Activities, and will indemnify and hold harmless PADS, the owners or lessors of any property or facility where PADS operates, and any of their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and other affiliated persons or entities, from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, expenses, including attorney’s fees and costs, arising out of or related to my participation in the Volunteer Activities. I acknowledge that I am responsible for providing my own medical, liability, and auto insurance during my volunteer service. I understand that I am not covered by workers’ compensation nor insured by PADS during the performance of my Volunteer Activities, including when driving a vehicle or transporting an animal. Since I may be interacting with animals, and may be lifting, carrying, moving, or otherwise engaging in physical labor, I will be respectful of my own limitations and will inform appropriate staff or other representative immediately of any such limitations.
14. GOVERNING LAW & SEVERABILITY
This Volunteer Agreement and Release shall be governed by the laws of the province of British Columbia (and/or any province in which the volunteer is participating in volunteer activities). If any provision of this Volunteer Agreement and Release is found by a court to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.