Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability and Waiver

In consideration of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, Inc. (“WFAS”) furnishing services and/or equipment and permitting me the opportunity to derive experience working with handling, feeding and caring for farmed animals including, without limitation, walking, bathing, brushing, feeding such animals and cleaning their stalls, pens and similar facilities, as well as permitting me to work on and in non-animal related areas around the property (herein, the “Activities”), I agree, on behalf of myself and my successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives, as follows:

I fully understand and acknowledge that (a) the Activities involve interaction with animals and the use of associated equipment and have inherent foreseeable and unforeseeable risks, dangers and hazards; (b) my participation in the Activities with animals and my use of associated equipment may result in injury or illness including but not limited to bodily injury, disease, bites, scratches, kicks, attacks, strains, fractures, partial and/or total paralysis, death, or other ailments that could cause illness, death or disability, (c) I am responsible for my personal hygienic practices (including thoroughly washing my hands and cleaning the bottom of my shoes with antibacterial agents, and changing my clothes prior to resuming non-volunteer/intern activities) to prevent the possible transmission of zoonotic diseases to myself or any other humans or animals I come into contact with, and; (d) the risks, dangers and hazards of the Activities and the use of associated equipment may arise from foreseeable or unforeseeable causes including but not limited to the nature of the animals, the negligence of others, accidents, breaches of contract, weather, the forces of nature, negligent rescue operations or first aid, and such other risks, hazards and dangers as are integral to activities with wild animals, or other causes. I acknowledge that this experience and resultant knowledge will result in my attaining skills that could later be commercialized.

As a condition of my participation in the Activities, I represent and warrant that I am in good physical and mental health, that I am fully capable of participating in the Activities, and that I have not nor will not in the future consume any alcoholic beverages or other substances that would impair my senses or abilities prior to engaging in the Activities. If I consume substances prescribed by a physician that are known to or can impair my senses or abilities, I will consult with my physician prior to starting Activities at the sanctuary so that my physician can confirm or confute that the prescribed substances are compatible with those Activities.

I hereby accept and assume all risks, dangers and hazards of my participation in the Activities and use of equipment, whether disclosed or undisclosed, foreseeable or unforeseeable, and accept and assume all responsibility for any liability, claims, demands, losses, expenses or damages whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence or other conduct of the officers, directors, members, managers, agents, employees, successor or assigns of WFAS, or by any other person.

I hereby release and discharge, waive, on behalf of myself, heirs, successors and assigns, any right, covenant not to sue, and agree to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify WFAS and its past, present and future officers, directors, members, managers, agents, employees, interns, volunteers, successors, affiliates, landlords, lessors and assigns, from any and all liability, claims, demands, losses, expenses or damages for or arising out of any bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services or otherwise which may arise out of my participation in the Activities or use of equipment.

This is a legal instrument, the signing of which will result in the permanent loss and creation of legal rights and forbearances. Only your attorney can advise you as to its content and significance. You do not have to sign this legal instrument and may choose to forego functioning as a Volunteer or Intern for WFAS. Thank you for your consideration.

Volunteer Protocol for All Wildlife

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is located in the woods and there are many wild animals on the property. We try to minimize interactions with wildlife for their safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers and residents. When wildlife gets used to humans or interacts with humans, they are often harmed and it can be a risk to the people and animal residents here.

All Animals

All volunteers should assume there is risk with all wild animal interactions and when in doubt, notify a staff person of any concerns directly and immediately. They should not intervene to remove, relocate, or help wild animals of every species. Occasionally, volunteers may receive specific instructions from a staff person about how to engage with a specific species or individual in a situation but that instruction should be limited to that specific situation. No wild animals should at any point be relocated, moved, or fed by volunteers onsite unless under specific instruction from a staff person. If a wild animal is in perceived distress or if there is any concern about their wellbeing, volunteers should immediately notify Woodstock Sanctuary staff who will provide further instructions and help.

Mammals

Due to rabies risk and potential harm to the both the person and wild animal, volunteers should at no point directly handle any wild mammals (e.g. bats, groundhogs, squirrels, deer) onsite at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary grounds or while doing the business of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary offsite. If a wild mammal is in perceived distress or if there is any concern about their wellbeing, volunteers should immediately notify Woodstock Sanctuary staff who will provide further instructions and help. If a volunteer is bit or otherwise hurt by a wild animal, please notify a staff person immediately. If bit or scratched by a wild mammal onsite, the individual must receive medical attention immediately. The medical provider must be notified of the circumstances of the bite.

This policy will be enforced and any concerns with proper engagement with wild animals including but not limited to mammals, reptiles, and birds can result in the volunteer being asked not to return.

In order to participate you must agree to the terms described above and to adhering to our Harassment and Discrimination Policy

Loading Group...

{{act.activity.title}}