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Rescue & Transport Volunteers - Important Information

Many people calling about injured animals do not have access to a vehicle, can't leave work, don't drive, are afraid of the animal they are trying to help, and so on. The longer any animal waits for treatment, the less likely a rehab will be able to help it. The more volunteers we have, the more animals we can help. Transport volunteers fall into the two categories listed below.

First Responders

First responders help wildlife and rehab centers by driving to where the animal is, containing it, and getting it to an appropriate rehab or relay station. First responders may have to climb up or under things in order to get animals out of tricky situations. Calls come in randomly, and each situation is unique. Rescuers use their own equipment such as pet carriers, towels, nets, and protective clothing.

Relay Support Driver

Relay support volunteers help animals that are already in pet carriers and need a lift. This is a perfect position for people who live in rural areas and commute to larger cities or just don't mind taking a drive. Calls are not as random or urgent as a first responder's, however the sooner an animal is transported, the sooner it can start treatment.

Volunteer Liability Waiver and Agreement

By signing below, I, the volunteer (or volunteer’s legal guardian), acknowledge that entry into this agreement (“Agreement”) is in consideration of my participation as a volunteer, and confirm my understanding and agreement to the following:

Policies and Safety Rules

I will comply with Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC's volunteer policies, safety rules, conduct expectations, and other directions. I understand that Arizona Wildlife Resource does not tolerate bullying, harassment, threatening behavior, or violence of any kind. I understand that noncompliance may result in termination of my volunteer status.

Volunteer Not an Employee

I understand that (a) I am not an employee of Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC (b) I will not be paid for my participation, and (c) I am not covered by or eligible for any Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC insurance, health care, worker’s compensation, or other benefits. I understand that Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC may terminate my volunteer status at any time, for any or no reason.

Risks Associated with Volunteering

Volunteering with Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC involves inherent risks due to the nature of wildlife rescue, habitat work, and field-based activities. These risks may arise in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

Handling wildlife, including birds, mammals, and other species that may bite, scratch, carry disease, or behave unpredictably; exposure to injured, stressed, or wild animals; lifting heavy objects such as habitat materials, equipment, feed, water containers, or construction supplies; use of tools and equipment including sharp, hot, motorized, or manual tools; working around barbed wire and fencing materials; working in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, holes, burrows, farm fields, construction sites, rooftops, or industrial areas; exposure to extreme weather conditions including heat, sun, wind, and dust; exposure to allergens, animal waste, parasites, insects, and environmental contaminants; working around loud noises, machinery, or vehicles; and interacting with other volunteers, staff, property owners, and members of the public.

Additional risks may include travel to and from project sites, working at heights or in confined spaces, and participation in activities such as habitat installation, wildlife transport, trapping, and site assessments.

I understand that Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC does not provide equipment, safety gear, fuel, or personal supplies. Volunteers are responsible for providing their own appropriate gear and materials, including but not limited to gloves (including welding or handling gloves), protective equipment, transportation and fuel, food, water, sun protection, and any other items necessary for safe participation.

I understand that these risks include the possibility of serious injury, illness, disease exposure, death, and/or damage to or loss of personal property. These risks may result from my own actions, the actions of others, environmental conditions, or the unpredictable nature of wildlife.

Awareness and Assumption of Risk

I understand the information above, and confirm and acknowledge that these are risks associated with volunteering. With such information and awareness, and with the recognition that other factors may create additional such risks, I knowingly, freely, and voluntarily: (a) sign up to volunteer for Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC; (b) engage in volunteer activities; and (c) assume and accept the risks of all injury, death, property damage or loss, financial obligation, loss of privacy, loss of reputation, and all other injuries and other consequences, whether known or unknown, whether foreseen or unforeseeable, and whether incurred at Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC facilities or elsewhere, that may result, directly or indirectly, from my presence at Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC facilities or participation as a Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC volunteer, regardless of the cause.

Waiver and Release of Claims

I waive and release Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC and its directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, and affiliates (collectively, “Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, costs, and expenses of any kind and of whatever nature which I or my heirs, next of kin, or legal representatives may have or which may later accrue, caused by or arising directly or indirectly from my presence at Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC facilities or participation in Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC activities. This release and waiver includes, in each such case, all claims in respect of the risks noted above, known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseeable, regardless of the cause or whether such claims arise from tort, contract, or otherwise, and even if caused by negligence, whether passive or active. I will not sue any of the Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC Parties on the basis of these waived and released claims. I waive the protections of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code.

Medical

I represent that I am in sufficient physical and mental health to safely participate. I assume full responsibility for any and all risks of illness, injury, or death that may arise from my participation, including risks arising from my own pre-existing medical conditions, and interactions between those conditions and the tasks I perform.

In the event of a medical emergency, I authorize Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC’s to secure medical treatment on my behalf. I agree to be solely responsible for all costs related to such medical treatment, transportation, and emergency services.

I authorize Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC to provide me with first aid if needed. I understand that Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC is not obligated to provide this care and that Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC does not provide health, medical, disability, or other insurance coverage for me.

Confidentiality

I may have access to Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC’s confidential information. At all times during and after my participation, I agree to hold any such confidential information in confidence and not disclose or use it except as Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC expressly authorizes.

Assignment of Work Product

I grant full rights to Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC in any reports, brochures, website content, photos, images, videos, or other materials or works I may create in the course of volunteer activities, and any intellectual property rights in or derivatives of such materials.

Use by Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC of My Name and Image

I understand that Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC may take photos or videos of me. I consent to use by Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC of my image, voice, name, and story, and of images of any works I may create as a volunteer (collectively, “Materials”), in Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC’s digital and print promotional, fundraising, educational, and other communications. Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC may use the Materials without obtaining my approval or paying me for such use. I grant Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC all copyrights in and waive any legal claims relating to the Materials, including those relating to copyright, rights of publicity or privacy, or defamation, or arising from any distortion, blurring, or alteration that may occur in the making, editing, or use of the Materials.

General Provisions

I understand that this Agreement will be binding for so long as I am a volunteer at Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC. This Agreement will run in favor of, and may be enforced by Arizona Wildlife Resource, LLC and each of its Parties (directors, officers, owners, employees, contractors, staff, volunteers, agents, and representatives) and will bind my heirs, next of kin, and legal representatives. This Agreement will be binding to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the other terms remain effective.