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VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT

I, agree to abide by the Chris Center PAWS team requirements, policies and follow all published procedures. I also agree to inform the staff immediately if my situation or my dog’s situation changes so that I no longer meet these criteria. I agree that my dog will need to pass the evaluation every two years to stay active in the Chris Center PAWS team.

My dog, meets all the Chris Center PAWS team criteria for participation:

  • My dog is at least one year old at the time of evaluation
  • My dog has lived in my home for at least six months. For dogs handled by a friend or family member not living in the owner’s home, the dog has been frequently in the company of the handler for at least 6 months.
  • My dog is reliably house trained in all settings.
  • My dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. Per Indiana law, titers are not accepted in lieu of vaccination.
  • My dog has NO history of aggression or seriously injuring either people or other animals. This includes animals who have been trained to aggressively protect and/or have been encouraged to bite, even if it is a component of dog sport, such as Schutzhund. If you have a rescue animal and do not know definitively that your dog meets this requirement, we suggest you not put your dog in a situation where he may be triggered unexpectedly.
  • My dog has good basic obedience skills. My dog walks with a lead with a loose leash with a basic collar or harness, the same equipment used for my evaluation. My dog responds reliably to common commands such as “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.”
  • My dog welcomes, not merely tolerates interactions with strangers.
  • My dog will wear the PAWS team vest on every visit with the Chris Center. And I agree my dog will never wear the vest for any other purpose.


TCC PAWS Team Policies and Procedures

1. I will abide by all Chris Center policies and procedures, and I will adhere to the guidelines that are set forth in the PAWS Team Handler Guide and in associated updates.

2. I will represent the program in a professional manner: for example, by observing rules of privacy and confidentiality, being on time for visits, not being under the influence of drugs/alcohol, and being well-groomed and professionally dressed in accordance with facility dress codes.

3. I will visit only with dogs that are registered with the Chris Center and with only one dog at a time. I understand that, for safety and liability reasons, visiting may not exceed two hours per team per day.

4. I will abide by all policies, procedures, and precautions of Chris Center and each facility I visit.

5. I will be responsible for my animal at all times, considering its needs and humane care first.

6. I will always stay with my animal and remain in control of the situation with the lead in my hand. I will never tie animals to people, equipment, or furniture while visiting.

7. I will clean up after my animal both inside and outside the facility, and I will abide by any facility-required cleanup rules.

8. For safety reasons, my animal must wear a collar or harness and be on its lead, and I will always hold the lead, including during breaks.

9. My dog will not wear a pinch collar, prong collar, electronic collar, or other “correctional” type devices while on a visit.

10. Before each visit, I will abide by the PAWS Team Grooming Guidelines (see below).

11. I understand that I am required to wear my Chris Center identification badge (in addition to any identification required by the facility) while participating as a registered PAWS Team.

12. I will not borrow money or personal items or receive any personal gratuity or gift, such as money or jewelry, from the people that I visit. Likewise, I understand that it isn’t routinely acceptable to give gifts to the people that I visit, even small gifts such as candy and cookies.

13. I will not charge a fee for services that I perform in my role as a support animal handler.

14. In the event of an incident, accident, or unusual occurrence, I will stop visiting immediately. I will report, without reservation, all details of the incident to the Chris Center and follow Chris Center’s direction, with the understanding that all information will be treated sensitively and with complete confidentiality.

15. I will not take photographs or videos of the people that I visit.

16. I understand that my animal must visit in the same type of equipment that it was evaluated in and that a change in equipment requires a re-evaluation.

17. I understand that any time that I must be re-evaluated as a qualified team every two years.

18. I understand that support animals can wear a seasonal or holiday scarf when making visits; however, for the safety of the clients and the animals, animals, and handlers may not be dressed in costumes when making visits.

Standards of Professional Conduct

I understand that the following types of unsatisfactory conduct are serious enough that violations might result in termination from the Chris Center PAWS Team Program:

1. Breach of client confidentiality.

2. Abuse of any client or animal or conduct that is detrimental to the Therapy Animal Program or the Chris Center.

3. Theft or removal from the premises, without proper authorization, of any property that belongs to a facility, a client, staff, or another team.

4. Unauthorized use or possession of intoxicants, narcotics, or other drugs while volunteering as a handler.

5. Being unfit to volunteer because of the influence of alcohol or drugs.

6. Harassment of any type.

7. Using the PAWS Team vest and/or badge to gain public access or otherwise misrepresenting your animal as an assistance animal.

Grooming Guidelines

Before your Team Evaluation and each visit, you’ll want your animal to be clean and ready to visit.

Bathing: Chris Center’s policy is that the animal should be bathed within 24 hours of the visit and kept clean until then. Note: If you visit frequently, it might be impractical or harmful for the animal to be bathed before each visit. Animals should always be clean-smelling with a clean coat, free of debris for any visit.

Coat: The animal must be clean and groomed. Knots, snags, and debris must be combed out of the coat.

Nails: Your animal’s nails must be clipped to a safe length, and so that they aren’t sharp or hooked. They should not pose a danger to the people that you visit, catch on clothing, or interfere with the animal’s ability to walk on various surfaces, such as tile or carpet. File rough edges.

Breath: If your animal’s breath isn’t agreeable, use toothpaste or oral rinse that’s specifically made for dogs.

Drooling: Some breeds of dogs are prone to drooling or slobbering. If you are visiting with an animal that drools excessively, carry a hand towel so that you can occasionally wipe your animal’s mouth to prevent the client from being drooled on. Practice excellent infection control by using hand sanitizer after wiping your animal’s mouth.

Eyes: Normal drainage from the eyes must be cleaned.

Ears: Ears should be clean and free of odor.

Feet: Make sure that the dog’s paws are clean. Clip back any excess hair that mud or feces might adhere to

I agree to abide by TCC PAWS Team Policies and Procedures, Standards of Professional Conduct, and Grooming Guidelines included above.

TCC Liability Insurance

TCC maintains insurance, up to certain dollar limits, for damage or injury to other persons or property caused by our volunteers or our volunteers’ animals while participating in TCC programs. Such insurance will only be available to the extent that (1) any such damage or injury directly results from a volunteer’s participation in TCC programs, and (2) any such damage or injury results from a volunteer’s actions taken consistent with TCC’s programs, policies, procedures, and instructions.

VOLUNTEER WAIVER, RELEASE, AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT;

THE CHRIS CENTER’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE RELATIONSHIP WITH VOLUNTEERS

The undersigned, a volunteer (“Volunteer”) assisting The Chris Center, Inc. (“TCC”) with its animal programs, understands and agrees that neither TCC nor any other party will be responsible for any accidents, injuries, damages, illnesses or damages, to Volunteer or Volunteer’s property (including Volunteer’s) animal(s)), that occur in connection with Volunteer’s activities and participation with TCC and its programs. Accordingly, Volunteer agrees that they will make no claim nor file suit for an injury to Volunteer’s person or property (including Volunteer’s animals), or for any injury, loss or destruction of any article of any kind or nature in connection with Volunteer’s activities and participation with TCC and its programs.

Volunteer understands that neither TCC nor TCC programs nor TCC’s respective officers, directors, employees, other volunteers, or agents (“Released Parties”) accept any responsibility for accidents, illness, damage, injury to Volunteer or Volunteer’s property (including Volunteer’s animals) in connection with the operation of TCC or its programs.

Volunteer hereby WAIVES all claims arising out of any act or omission of TCC and Released Parties, whether or not caused in whole or part by negligence or fault of TCC and/or Released Parties. Volunteer understands that there are inherent risks in any TCC program activities and those risks are assumed by Volunteer, and Volunteer fully assumes the responsibility for the risk of injury, death or damages to Volunteer or Volunteer’s animals resulting from or caused by Volunteer’s or Volunteer’s animals’ contact with any other animals or caused by participation in TCC programs, which could include but is not limited to being bitten, kicked, scratched, spit at, and/or knocked down or otherwise injured.

Volunteer completely RELEASES TCC and any programs of TCC and the Released Parties from any and all liability for any and all injuries, death or damages to Volunteer or Volunteer’s animals caused by (1) Volunteer’s contact with the animals and/or animal assisted activities, or (2) any other activities taking place in connection with TCC programs, whether such injuries, death or damages result from negligence or fault in whole or in part of TCC and/or Released Parties.

Volunteer agrees to HOLD HARMLESS TCC and Released Parties from and against any and all injuries, damages, liabilities, losses or claims, which arise during or result from participation in TCC programs, whether or not caused in whole or in or part by negligence or fault of TCC and/or Released Parties.

Volunteer understands during this COVID-19 pandemic, there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19 while participating in any programs or events held by TCC. As a condition of participation, Volunteer expressly agrees to comply with the rules and safety guidelines set forth by local, state, and federal governmental entities and TCC. Volunteer assumes all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 at any TCC programs or events.

Volunteer understands and agrees that TCC has the right to terminate the services or dismiss a Volunteer for any reason at any time.

Signing of this agreement binds Volunteer to this WAIVER, RELEASE, AND HOLD HARMLESS agreement, and signing of this agreement indicates Volunteer’s understanding that TCC may terminate Volunteer’s services at any time.

Date: March 12, 2025

First Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
First Participant's Age Acknowledgment*
First Participant's Date of Birth*
I certify that I am 18 years of age or older
First Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
First Participant's Signature*
Second Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Second Participant's Date of Birth*
Second Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Third Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Third Participant's Date of Birth*
Third Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Fourth Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Fourth Participant's Date of Birth*
Fourth Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Fifth Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Fifth Participant's Date of Birth*
Fifth Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Sixth Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Sixth Participant's Date of Birth*
Sixth Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Seventh Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Seventh Participant's Date of Birth*
Seventh Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Eighth Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Eighth Participant's Date of Birth*
Eighth Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Ninth Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Ninth Participant's Date of Birth*
Ninth Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Tenth Participant's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*
Tenth Participant's Date of Birth*
Tenth Participant's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Parent or Guardian's Email Address

Email*

Confirm Email*
Check to receive information, news, and discounts by e-mail.
Parent(s) or Court-Appointed Legal Guardian(s) must sign for any participating minor (those under 18 years of age) and agree that they and the minor are subject to all the terms of this document, as set forth above.


By signing below the Parent or Court-Appointed Legal Guardian agrees that they are also subject to all the terms of this document, as set forth above.
Parent or Guardian's Name

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*

Phone*
Parent or Guardian's Age Acknowledgment*
Parent or Guardian's Date of Birth*
I certify that I am 18 years of age or older
Parent or Guardian's Information

MEDIA WAIVER

I authorize The Chris Center, Inc. permission to use photos, videos, verbal, or written feedback about the program and experiences. I understand this information may be used in printed or electronic form including social media for publications, promotional literature, grant writing purposes, education, or any other use for the benefit of the program. *
I DO
I DO NOT
Parent or Guardian's Signature*
Electronic Signature Consent*
 By checking here, you are consenting to the use of your electronic signature in lieu of an original signature on paper. You have the right to request that you sign a paper copy instead. By checking here, you are waiving that right. After consent, you may, upon written request to us, obtain a paper copy of an electronic record. No fee will be charged for such copy and no special hardware or software is required to view it. Your agreement to use an electronic signature with us for any documents will continue until such time as you notify us in writing that you no longer wish to use an electronic signature. There is no penalty for withdrawing your consent. You should always make sure that we have a current email address in order to contact you regarding any changes, if necessary.


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