HAT Application & Waiver

a Dogs Day Out program

with support of the Banfield Foundation & VCA Charities

Hounds Around Towns (HAT) Application & Waiver
READ & SIGN BELOW

(NOTE: A link to choose your pickup time slot will be included in your confirmation email.)

This agreement is entered into with Humane Society of the Ochocos (HSO) and jointly by the undersigned, in order to permit the Volunteer to participate in the Hounds Around Town program. This Agreement is for the benefit of HSO and each of its staff members, employees, officers, directors, agents, and representatives (known individually as an “Indemnitee” and collectively as “Indemnitees”). Volunteers have been advised that the activity of working with shelter dogs is hazardous and involves contact with animals that are unpredictable. As such, HSO cannot be held liable for injuries or accidents that may occur as a result of working with the dogs. Volunteers understand that the following are some, but not all, of the risks associated with working with shelter dogs:

Bites or scratches
Being knocked down or pulled excessively by a dog
Injuries relating to wrist/hand/fingers from a dog leash
Slips/trips/falls
Hitting heads on objects
Flea/tick bites or ring worm infestation
Internal or external parasites
Zoonotic illnesses (human illness contracted from animals)
Animal illness exposure to animals at home
Injuries related to lifting animals
Exposure to or incidents relating to the public (outbursts, inappropriate contact)
Exposure to or incidents relating to the volunteers (outbursts, inappropriate contact)
Loss of personal property
Any type of damage to car while parked on HSO grounds
Damage to clothing from animals, etc.

Volunteers are aware that injuries, loss of or damage to personal property, and death may occur as a result of Volunteer’s participation and the shelter Volunteers agree that HSO and Indemnitees shall not be held responsible or liable for any personal injury or other injury, including death, damage, loss, or expense to Volunteer or his/her property, whether or not such injury, death, damage, loss, or expense is caused by negligence of HSO, any Indemnitee, or a third party.

Volunteers and their heirs, executors, and administrators agree to hold harmless each indemnitee against any and all manner of legal actions, such as suits, debts, claims, or liability of any kind incurred while the Volunteer participates at the shelter.

Volunteers fully, completely, and unconditionally waive and release each Indemnitee from all rights, liabilities, duties, claims, charges, demands, actions, damages, costs, attorney fees, or expenses of any kind that Volunteers may have now or in the future against HSO or any Indemnitee relating to participation at the shelter.

Volunteer represents and warrants that he/she is physically and mentally fit to safely work with animals and the public. Should an accident or other medical emergency occur while participating in Hounds Around Town, the Volunteer will contact HSO immediately at the emergency number(s) provided.

Volunteer represents and warrants that Volunteer has current medical insurance coverage and agrees to be responsible for any and all billings and debts incurred with respect to medical treatment or services required should an accident occur during your outing.

Volunteer(s) represents and warrants that each of them has the authority to enter into this agreement.

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable in any way, it shall be enforced to the maximum extent possible and all other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

In signing below, I hereby agree to all terms and conditions set forth in this agreement for all parties taking part in the Hounds Around Town program.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

You understand that your Hounds Around Town dog is the “property” of HSO and will be returned at the end of our outing no later than 3:30 pm the same day so they have time to have their dinner and settle into bed.
Wear appropriate clothing. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are suggested.
Children may accompany your outing but will not be the dog handler.
Always pay careful attention to your dog. Maintain control of the leash and NEVER let your dog off the leash for any reason. Please do not remove their harness, collar, or tag.
A walk is not only good exercise and a “natural thing” for dogs; it can be a valuable learning experience. Using positive reinforcement, working on reinforcing things like walking on a loose-leash, not jumping-up and basic things like “sit” and “come” can help them be more socialized, calm, confident and more adoptable. Please don’t hesitate to ask kennel staff for pointers on addressing some of these issues.
We don’t know how every dog will act with different people, dogs, and situations. In such encounters, it is best to step off to one side of the trail and stop, allowing others to pass. This can be a good opportunity to see if your dog knows some basic commands like “sit/stay”, as well as observing her/his reactions to the situation. (Use the Dog Report Card to note anything you learned about your dog).
Please don’t let dogs greet each other or engage in play, as dog aggression or rough play can result in a fight very quickly.
DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO DRINK FROM OR SWIM IN THE RIVER, CREEK, OR LAKE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE DOG TO BECOME ILL.
Please limit your dogs “off-trail” exploring. Of particular concern are patches of Poison Oak and Puncture vine at various spots next to the Riverfront Trail. Poison Oak resin can easily get on the dog, allowing spread to any person or thing they contact afterward. Puncture vine seeds have long, pointed spikes that can injure a dog’s paws. If you are unfamiliar with these plants, please ask us for pictures.
Please be a good steward and keep the trail clean for others. Always clean up after your dog. Plastic disposal bags are available in your backpack.
Please inform Kennel Staff of any potential health concerns, such as diarrhea, blood, limps, etc.
Take frequent water breaks and watch for overheating!
No dog parks, please!
Dogs must ride inside an enclosed vehicle. No open convertibles, open Jeeps, or truck beds.
Although we have selected dogs with appropriate temperaments for an outing, you must report any incidents of aggression or biting.
If any immediate concerns or EMERGENCIES arise while the dog is in my care, I will immediately contact HSO at 541-447-7178 or any emergency number provided

I have read, understand, and will abide by the guidelines set forth in this agreement.
(NOTE: A link to choose your pickup time slot will be included in your confirmation email.)