Peach State Rescue, Inc.
Volunteer Agreement – Terms and Conditions
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our rescue! Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, helping us provide quality care to animals in need. Please review these terms and conditions for joining our volunteer program.
This Volunteer Agreement (“Agreement”) outlines the terms and conditions under which the undersigned (“Volunteer”) agrees to perform volunteer services for Peach State Rescue, Inc. (“the Rescue”), a Georgia-based non-profit animal rescue organization.
1. Role & Expectations
1.1 The Volunteer agrees to perform services in a supportive, unpaid capacity. Volunteer roles may include, but are not limited to, animal care, fostering, transportation, adoption events, fundraising, administrative support, and community outreach.
1.2 The Volunteer understands they are not an employee, agent, or contractor of the Rescue and will receive no wages, benefits, or compensation for services provided.
1.3 The Volunteer agrees to follow all Rescue policies, procedures, and safety guidelines and to perform duties as directed by Rescue staff or coordinators.
2. Eligibility and Commitment
2.1 Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age or 12–15 with a supervising adult present at all times.
2.2 Volunteers agree to complete all required orientation and training sessions before beginning volunteer activities.
2.3 A minimum number of volunteer hours or ongoing commitment may be required as discussed during orientation.
2.4 Volunteers must provide reliable notice of availability and communicate schedule changes promptly to the volunteer coordinator.
3. Animal Care & Handling
3.1 The Volunteer acknowledges that working with animals carries inherent risks including, but not limited to, bites, scratches, and zoonotic disease.
3.2 Volunteers agree to handle animals only after appropriate training and to follow all instructions regarding care, handling, and safety.
3.3 Volunteers shall immediately report any injuries, illnesses, escapes, or behavioral concerns involving animals or people to Rescue staff.
3.4 Volunteers must not make independent medical, behavioral, or placement decisions regarding any animal without approval.
4. Training Requirements
4.1 Volunteers must complete general orientation and role-specific training before beginning assignments.
4.2 Additional or refresher training may be required for specialized roles (e.g., medical, transport, or behavioral assistance).
4.3 Volunteers agree to follow all protocols as outlined during training and in the Volunteer Handbook.
5. Conduct & Representation
5.1 The Volunteer agrees to act respectfully and professionally while representing Peach State Rescue, Inc.
5.2 Volunteers must refrain from language or behavior that is discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate.
5.3 Volunteers must not speak to the media or represent the Rescue publicly without prior authorization.
5.4 Social media content related to the Rescue must align with official messaging and protect the privacy of staff, fosters, adopters, and animals.
6. Confidentiality
6.1 Volunteers may have access to confidential information, including adopter/foster personal details, animal medical records, or Rescue operations.
6.2 Volunteers agree not to disclose, share, or post such information outside the Rescue without explicit authorization.
6.3 This obligation continues even after volunteer service ends.
7. Safety & Liability
7.1 The Volunteer understands and accepts all inherent risks associated with animal rescue work, including contact with animals, transportation, and public activities.
7.2 Volunteers agree to follow all safety protocols and report any accidents or hazards immediately.
7.3 The Volunteer releases and holds harmless Peach State Rescue, Inc., its officers, employees, agents, and other volunteers from any and all liability, claims, or damages arising from volunteer activities, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Rescue.
8. Transportation & Property Use
8.1 Volunteers using personal vehicles for Rescue business must maintain a valid driver’s license, insurance, and comply with traffic laws.
8.2 The Rescue is not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft involving a Volunteer’s personal vehicle or property.
8.3 All Rescue equipment and supplies must be used responsibly and returned in good condition. Personal use of Rescue property is prohibited.
9. Media and Likeness Rights
9.1 The Volunteer consents to being photographed, recorded, or filmed during volunteer activities. Such media may be used for Rescue promotional, educational, or training purposes without compensation.
9.2 Volunteers may take and share photos of animals for approved Rescue purposes but agree to follow all social media and branding guidelines.
I, the undersigned, hereby grant Peach State Rescue, Inc., its representatives, employees, volunteers, and agents, the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, or otherwise record me, my likeness, voice, or image, as well as any animals in my care or participating in organizational activities.
I understand that these photographs, videos, or recordings may be used by Peach State Rescue, Inc. for educational, promotional, or informational purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, newsletters, printed materials, fundraising campaigns, public relations, or other communications that support and promote the organization’s mission.
I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written or digital materials that may accompany such media. I further waive any right to compensation, royalties, or other remuneration arising from or related to the use of these images or recordings.
I release and hold harmless Peach State Rescue, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action that I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf may have by reason of this authorization.
I understand that participation is voluntary, and that I may request in writing at any time that Peach State Rescue refrain from using my image or likeness in future materials, though this does not apply to materials already produced or distributed prior to such notice.
10. Time Tracking & Communication
10.1 Volunteers agree to accurately record hours using the Rescue’s designated tracking system.
10.2 Regular communication with the volunteer coordinator is required for scheduling, updates, and check-ins.
10.3 Extended absences must be communicated in advance to maintain active volunteer status.
11. Conflict Resolution
11.1 Volunteers agree to raise concerns respectfully and follow the Rescue’s chain of command.
11.2 The Volunteer Coordinator or management will work to resolve conflicts promptly and professionally.
11.3 Volunteers agree to cooperate with grievance procedures as outlined in the Volunteer Handbook.
12. Representation and Authority
12.1 Volunteers are not authorized to make commitments, promises, or statements on behalf of the Rescue without prior written approval.
12.2 All inquiries from the media, government, or other organizations must be referred to Rescue management.
13. Termination of Volunteer Service
13.1 Either the Volunteer or Peach State Rescue, Inc. may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause or notice.
13.2 The Rescue reserves the right to remove a Volunteer for noncompliance with policies, unsafe behavior, or inappropriate conduct.
13.3 Upon termination, the Volunteer must return all Rescue property and materials.
14. Governing Law and Entire Agreement
14.1 This Agreement is governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Georgia.
14.2 If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable.
14.3 This document constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes any prior agreements, written or verbal.
14.4 Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.
15. Acknowledgement & Signature
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by all terms and conditions in this Volunteer Agreement. I understand that volunteering with Peach State Rescue, Inc. is a privilege, not an entitlement, and that my actions directly reflect the Rescue’s mission to save, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need.
