Great News!
Our insurance company allows persons age 13 and up to volunteer!
Adult Volunteers and/or Parents/Guardians of persons under age 18 must fill out form below.
THANK YOU for volunteering at Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO)! Your volunteer work is much needed and appreciated!
The volunteer work that you do (or your child does) is vital to the well-being of the shelter pets in our care.
Please be aware that some risks and hazards exist in the shelter environment, such as bites, scratches, falling, and other dangers associated with working with animals. Volunteering for shelter off-site activities, such as adoption or fundraising events, may present other types of risks, including traveling to or from HSO events, as well as during the time spent while volunteering at an HSO event.
We trust your time spent volunteering for HSO is rewarding!
The following items are a few things volunteers should know and agree with:
- You (or your child) are NOT required to perform any volunteer work that you (or your child) do not feel comfortable performing. Just tell staff. Your (or your child’s) safety is your responsibility.
- You (or your child) agree to volunteer with no compensation. You determine the amount of time and the schedule that you (or your child) will follow (with staff’s final approval).
- When using your personally owned vehicle (POV) while traveling to or from the shelter, or while traveling to and from a shelter-sponsored event, you guarantee that you have lawful liability insurance coverage (for you and your child) and you indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Humane Society of the Ouachitas from any and all liability for injuries, or any other loss incurred as a result of driving your POV or any other vehicle, to and from HSO or an HSO event.
- Minor children volunteers must be a minimum of 13 years of age. All child volunteers, if under the age of 18 must have written consent to volunteer signed by parent or guardian, as described below. Children aged 16 to 17 will be supervised by an HSO staff member. Children aged 13-15 must have a parent present during their volunteer time. Parents agree to drop off and pick up their children, according to the pre-planned schedule, developed with HSO staff.
- You understand that Humane Society of the Ouachitas has Video Cameras recording all activity at the shelter location. You agree that any photos and/or videos may be taken of you (or your child) and used on Facebook or other social media sites for advertising/promotion purposes.
- You agree that you (or your child) may be required to attend training in person or online.
- You agree that if you (or your child) are asked to leave the shelter premises by a staff member at any time, for any reason including no reason, you agree to leave immediately, and a time will be given for you, or your emergency contact person, to pick up your child.
This form has no expiration date, until it’s replaced with an update.
This electronic form has the same validity as a signed paper copy.
