I, (please print first and last name) _______________________________________ in
consideration of being allowed to participate in an activity/event/volunteer program of Cherokee
County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue and the County of Cherokee, SC do hereby agree that:
1. Age of majority and commitment to perform.
I am eighteen (18) years of age or older, or I am having a parent or guardian sign the consent and
release provided below. I understand if I am under 18 I cannot walk large dogs. I understand if I
am under 16 a parent or guardian is responsible for coming to volunteer with me and being the
main pet handler.
I agree to complete any and all required training for my volunteer/event activities and agree to
abide by all policies and procedures set forth by Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue
and the County of Cherokee, SC.
2. Professionalism and representation.
I agree to treat the animals, staff members, other volunteers, and members of the public with
kindness and empathy. I understand engaging in behavior that knowingly causes harm to myself,
other volunteers, staff, or the pets under Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue’s care
cannot be tolerated. I understand participating in such behaviors may result in disciplinary action
including but not limited to extra training, coaching, verbal and/or written warnings, and
dismissal from volunteering and/or activity participation if deemed necessary. I understand that
as a volunteer/event participant, I represent an important link to our community. I agree to
represent Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue fairly and accurately.
I agree to work in support of the mission and goals of the organization and will work
harmoniously with Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue, the County of Cherokee,SC, its employees and volunteers to help animals and people in a proactive, professional, and
positive way. I understand Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue values diversity,
equity, and inclusion. I agree to do my part in creating an environment where all animal lovers
are treated with compassion, dignity, and equality. I understand there is a zero-tolerance policy
towards racist, sexist, or bigoted language.
3. Volunteer/Event/Activity Participant not Employee
I understand and agree that my volunteer/activity/event participation service is in no way an offer
of or employment by the County of Cherokee, SC, and that I shall not receive, nor be entitled to
receive, any compensation, reimbursement or remuneration related to my community
service/participation. I understand and agree that at no time will I be considered or deemed to be
an employee of the County, nor am I an agent for anything other than my assigned volunteer
service/activity participation.
4. Health and safety
I certify that I am – and in the case of parents or guardians of minor children, my child is – in
good health, has had no recent known or suspected exposure to a contagious disease, and has had
no recent operation or serious illness that would interfere with his/her/my responsibilities as a
Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue volunteer/activity participant. I agree it is my
responsibility to ensure I am fit for my volunteer/activity/event participation duties and not under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that may delay my reaction time and/or
cognizant abilities. I understand that working with pets and with public can be unpredictable. I
agree that I am responsible for making sure I complete any required or suggested safety or
handling training offered by Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue. I understand there
may or may not be clothing requirements such as closed-toe shoes and/or long pants, as would be
advertised in specific event/activity details.
5. Medical Treatment
I give consent and authority to Cherokee County, SC to obtain medical treatment for me or my
child or both if we are injured or require medical attention while participating in an
event/activity/volunteer program hosted by Cherokee County, SC and/or the Cherokee County,
SC Animal Shelter & Rescue. I understand and agree that I or my child or both shall be solely
responsible for all costs related to any medical treatment or transportation. On behalf of myself
or my child or both, I release, forever discharge, and hold harmless Cherokee County, SC from
any claim whatsoever in connection with such treatment or other medical services.
6. Services refused and resignation
I understand and agree that Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue may refuse to accept
my volunteer service/activity event participation at any time, whether with justification or not,
and at that point I must stop participating in volunteering and/or activity participation and stop
representing myself as a Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue volunteer/. I understand
I am able to resign as a volunteer/activity participant at any time. I agree to provide notice
whether verbal or written to the Animal Shelter Manager of my intent to resign from volunteer
activities/event activities. I understand I am welcome to rejoin the program/event/activity after
resigning, but may have to reapply depending on the length of time I was inactive.7. Confidential information.
I understand that during my participation in volunteer activities/events, I may have access to, or
may observe, certain information that is proprietary to the County and I hereby agree not to
disclose, discuss, or reveal any such information to parties outside of the County and to keep any
County records or files, confidential. I also agree to keep any information about persons or
businesses that I may observe confidential and not to disclose, discuss, or reveal any such
information to anyone other than those involved in volunteer service with me.
8. Videos and Photographing.
I hereby allow Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue and the County of Cherokee, SC
to use any videos/photographs taken of me on property or at a special event for public relations,
training, or recruiting purposes.
9. Weapons.
I understand no weapons are allowed on Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue
property or at off-site events where I am a volunteer/activity participant.
Release from Liability
In consideration of being allowed to participate as a volunteer/activity/event participant, I agree
to release, and hold harmless Cherokee County, SC Animal Shelter & Rescue, the County of
Cherokee, SC, including its officials, employees and agents from and against any and all losses,
expenses, claims, actions, liabilities and judgments (including attorney fees through the appellate
levels), which I, may sustain or suffer as a result of or arising out of my participation in the
volunteer program/event activity, whether caused by the negligence, action, or inaction of the
County of Cherokee, SC or persons acting on its behalf or otherwise. I also agree that I shall be
fully and solely responsible for any and all loss or damage that I inflict upon any person or upon
the County and/or rented facilities during my participation in the volunteer program, and I will
indemnify the County for any loss it sustains as a consequence of my negligent or reckless acts
or omissions.
