Dogwood Volunteer Release of Liability

I hereby agree that if I am permitted as a volunteer with Dogwood Animal Rescue Project (DARP), I agree to comply with all rules and regulations established by DARP during my tenure. I understand that failure to comply may result in my immediate dismissal as a volunteer. I understand and agree that if accepted as a volunteer, all services performed by me will be performed on a strictly volunteer basis, and that I will receive no remuneration, pay or compensation of any kind; that I will not be an employee of DARP nor otherwise derive any benefits normally available to employees of DARP, and that DARP shall incur no liability of any nature as a result of my volunteering for DARP. I acknowledge that interacting with animals involves inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, animal bites, or other unpredictable behavior. I accept full responsibility for any such risks. I further represent that I am in adequate physical and mental health to visit DARP’s premises, and that I am solely responsible for any pre-existing medical conditions that may be affected by animal interaction or the visit environment. In the event of a medical emergency in which I am unable to act on my own behalf, I authorize DARP to contact emergency services and consent to emergency medical treatment, the costs of which shall be my sole responsibility. On behalf of myself, my heirs, and personal representatives, I release, discharge, indemnify, and hold harmless DARP, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and representatives from any and all claims arising out of or relating to my presence or visit, including claims arising from the active or passive negligence of DARP or its representatives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless DARP from any claims, demands, or causes of action asserted by third parties arising out of or related to my conduct or actions during my volunteer time. VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES – Follow all instructions given by staff or authorized representatives. – Do not handle animals unless expressly permitted. – Move calmly and avoid loud noises that may startle animals. – Children must be supervised at all times. – Do not feed animals unless authorized. – Report any bites, scratches, or incidents immediately. – Respect all property and boundaries of the premises. I grant permission for DARP to use photographs or videos taken of me during my volunteer time for educational, promotional, or social media purposes. I understand that I may withhold or revoke this consent by providing written notice to a DARP representative prior to or at the commencement of my visit. Where I am signing this Release on behalf of a minor visitor, I grant this photo/video consent on behalf of such minor as well. This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of California, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any dispute arising out of or related to this Release shall first be submitted to good-faith mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, and the parties expressly waive any right to a jury trial in connection with any such dispute. I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS VOLUNTEER RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES, AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE CONTENTS THEREOF. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND A CONTRACT BETWEEN ME AND DOGWOOD ANIMAL RESCUE PROJECT AND I SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.