I make the following statements and voluntarily enter into this Youth Volunteer Agreement (hereinafter “Agreement”) to volunteer in approved capacities at the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society (hereinafter “GMHS”). I understand that, because I am participating in the GMHS Youth Volunteer Program, my duties and access may be more limited than those of adult volunteers. I understand that the Youth Volunteer Program primarily consists of cleaning and support duties, including laundry, washing dishes and animal bowls, sweeping and mopping floors, organizing supplies, assisting with approved events and camps, and completing other age-appropriate duties assigned by GMHS staff. I understand that participation in the Youth Volunteer Program does not include regular or independent animal handling, dog walking, entering animal kennels, removing animals from enclosures, or otherwise handling animals unless specifically authorized and directly supervised by GMHS staff. I understand that I must follow GMHS staff instructions and remain in approved volunteer areas at all times. I understand that volunteering in an animal shelter environment may involve exposure to animals, animal hair and dander, odors, noise, cleaning products, wet floors, animal waste, and other conditions associated with shelter operations. I have never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. I agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws pertaining to companion animals and animal welfare. I understand and agree that my services to GMHS are provided strictly in a voluntary capacity and without any express or implied promise of salary, compensation, benefits, or other payment of any kind. I understand that nothing in this Agreement creates an employment relationship between GMHS, Gloucester County, Mathews County, Middlesex County, or me. I understand that GMHS expects high standards of humane, ethical, and respectful treatment of all animals in its care, and I agree to follow those standards at all times. I agree that I will not tease, frighten, mistreat, feed, handle, enter an enclosure with, or otherwise interact with an animal unless specifically authorized by GMHS staff. I agree to comply with all requests, directives, guidance, policies, procedures, and written or oral instructions provided by GMHS staff. I understand that any concerns regarding staff, volunteers, animals, or shelter operations should be reported to the Volunteer Coordinator or appropriate GMHS management. I agree to immediately notify a GMHS staff member if I am scratched, bitten, injured, or exposed to another safety concern while volunteering. I understand that I should seek appropriate medical attention if I am bitten, scratched, or otherwise injured while volunteering at GMHS. I agree to immediately notify GMHS staff if I am bitten by an animal, regardless of the severity of the injury. I will refrain from giving medical, veterinary, behavioral, or other “expert” advice to shelter visitors. I will not recommend one veterinarian, trainer, business, or service provider over another while representing GMHS unless specifically authorized to do so. I understand that I am representing GMHS while volunteering at the shelter, at community events, camps, programs, or other approved activities. I agree to conduct myself in a respectful, appropriate, and professional manner. I will not represent my personal views as those of GMHS and will not speak to the media on behalf of GMHS unless specifically authorized. I agree not to knowingly make false or misleading statements about GMHS, its employees, volunteers, programs, animals, donors, adopters, or operations. I will not remove any GMHS property, including food, leashes, supplies, equipment, documents, or other materials, from GMHS property without permission from authorized GMHS staff. I understand and agree that GMHS may terminate this Agreement and my participation in the Youth Volunteer Program at any time, for any lawful reason, and without prior notice. I agree to return any equipment, identification, materials, keys, supplies, or other property issued to me by GMHS upon request or upon the conclusion of my participation in the volunteer program. Confidentiality I understand that while volunteering with GMHS, I may come into contact with or have access to confidential or private information. Confidential information may include, but is not limited to: Contact information for staff, volunteers, donors, adopters, foster families, or members of the public Animal medical or behavioral information that has not been made public Personnel matters Donor information Administrative or legal matters Internal communications Financial information Information specifically identified as confidential by GMHS staff I agree not to disclose, photograph, share, post, or otherwise distribute confidential information without authorization from GMHS. I understand that improper disclosure of confidential information may result in immediate termination from the GMHS Youth Volunteer Program. Animal & Shelter Safety I understand that while GMHS staff carefully monitors the animals in its care, GMHS may have limited knowledge of an animal’s complete behavioral or medical history. I understand that animals may behave unpredictably and that shelter animals may have experienced abandonment, neglect, abuse, illness, injury, fear, stress, or other circumstances that may affect their behavior. Although Youth Volunteers are not permitted to independently handle animals, I understand that animals may still be present throughout the shelter or at events and that incidental exposure may occur. I understand that volunteering at GMHS may involve certain risks, including but not limited to: Scratches or bites Slips, trips, or falls Exposure to animal hair, dander, waste, or bodily fluids Exposure to cleaning products Exposure to illnesses or diseases that may be transmissible between animals or, in some cases, to humans Noise, odors, and other conditions commonly associated with an animal shelter Injuries that may occur while performing cleaning, organizing, event, or other volunteer tasks I agree to follow all safety instructions provided by GMHS staff and to immediately report any injury, accident, unsafe condition, or concern. Release & Acknowledgment of Risk I understand that participation in volunteer activities involves inherent risks. To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I acknowledge and voluntarily assume the risks reasonably associated with participating in the GMHS Youth Volunteer Program. I understand and agree that GMHS, its officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, and Board members shall not be responsible for injuries or damages resulting from the ordinary and inherent risks associated with participation in approved volunteer activities, except to the extent otherwise required by law. I understand that this provision is intended to be interpreted as broadly as permitted by Virginia law. If any portion of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in effect.

I am the parent or legal guardian of the Youth Volunteer named above. I have reviewed this Agreement, understand the nature of the Youth Volunteer Program, and give permission for my child to participate in approved volunteer activities at GMHS. I understand that Youth Volunteers ages 14–16 primarily perform cleaning, organizational, event, camp, and support duties and are not authorized to independently handle shelter animals. I acknowledge the risks described in this Agreement and agree that my child must comply with all GMHS rules, policies, and staff instructions while volunteering. I certify that the emergency contact and other information provided to GMHS is accurate and current.