WCC Volunteer Application

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General Information














Emergency Contact Info




Each household member will receive their own information form and releases to sign. Please ensure you provide a correct and unique email for each member of your household interested in volunteering.



Volunteer Location


Volunteer Interests - Boyds, MD Healing Quarters

Please note that this section is only to indicate your volunteer preference. Additional requirements and training may be required for some volunteer positions.

Volunteer Interests

Please note that this section is only to indicate your volunteer preference. Additional requirements and training may be required for some volunteer positions.

Transportation Volunteer



Puppy Raiser/Sitter Information




Household Members
Please provide information below for each member of your household.



Please tell us about your current and previous pets












Volunteer Agreement and Liability Release

I, the Participant, acknowledge that I have requested to volunteer my time and effort to Warrior Canine Connection, a Maryland nonprofit organization. As a volunteer, I may be present for and/or perform various dog care, dog training, community outreach, facility maintenance, or other related activities, at Warrior Canine Connection, or at an offsite location (collectively, the "Volunteer Activities"). As consideration for being allowed to participate in the Volunteer Activities, I agree to be bound by the terms of this Volunteer Agreement and Liability Release (this "Volunteer Agreement and Release") as follows: 

Assumption of Risk.  I understand and acknowledge that dogs are unpredictable animals, and that even the most well-trained or docile dogs may occasionally behave in a way that could cause injury to humans, other animals, or property. I acknowledge that the site where the Volunteer Activities are performed may have defects, and that working with and around dogs, and performing the Volunteer Activities, are inherently dangerous. I also acknowledge that there are no warranties express or implied concerning the facilities, equipment, dogs or Volunteer Activities. I am voluntarily participating in the Volunteer Activities with full knowledge of the risks and dangers involved, and hereby agree to accept and assume any and all risks of injury, death, or damage to myself and/or my property. 

Consent to Medical Treatment.  If emergency care is required for myself, and if I am not able to convey permission in a timely manner, and an accompanying spouse or relative is unavailable, then I, the undersigned, authorize appropriate medical care as deemed necessary by emergency medical personnel, a physician or the medical facility providing treatment. 

Release of Liability.  I hereby agree that neither I, nor my heirs, assigns or legal representatives will make any claim against, sue, or attach the property of Warrior Canine Connection, the owners or lessors, of any property or facility where WCC operates, or any of their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and other affiliated persons or entities, for any injury or damage however caused, arising out of or related to my participation in the Volunteer Activities. 

I hereby release Warrior Canine Connection, the owners or lessors of any property or facility where WCC operates, and any of their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and other affiliated persons or entities, from any and all actions, claims, damages, or demands that I, my heirs, assigns, or legal representatives now have or may hereafter have for any injury, death, or damage arising out of or related to my participation in the Volunteer Activities. 

I further agree to waive any rights I may have under statutes or regulations which provide that a general release does not extend to claims which are not known or suspected to exist at the time of executing the release. 

This release shall be effective upon signing of this Volunteer Agreement and Release by the Participant or the Participant's Parent or Guardian, and shall be irrevocable and binding on all parties, subject to the terms hereof. 

Responsibility for My Own Acts and Omissions; Indemnity.  I hereby agree to be legally and financially responsible for my own acts and omissions relating to my participation in the Volunteer Activities, and will indemnify and hold harmless Warrior Canine Connection, the owners or lessors of any property or facility where WCC operates, and any of their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and other affiliated persons or entities, from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, expenses, including attorney's fees and costs, arising out of or related to my participation in the Volunteer Activities. 

I acknowledge that I am responsible for providing my own medical, liability, and auto insurance during my volunteer service. I understand that I am not covered by workers' compensation nor insured by Warrior Canine Connection during the performance of my Volunteer Activities, including when driving a vehicle or transporting an animal. Since I may be interacting with animals, and may be lifting, carrying, moving, or otherwise engaging in physical labor, I will be respectful of my own limitations and will inform appropriate staff or other representative immediately of any such limitations. 

Photo and Video Release.  I hereby consent to having my picture taken and/or recorded on film, audio, video, live webcam, or other electronic recording media (collectively "Images") while attending a WCC event or engaging in Volunteer Activities with WCC. I further irrevocably consent to the publication and use by WCC of all Images, in any medium and for any and all purposes, including, without limitation, advertising, promotions, websites, news media, social media, educational materials, fundraising, and other lawful purposes. I grant WCC exclusive ownership and rights to the Images, and a royalty-free, irrevocable and unrestricted right to use, copyright, edit, modify, publish, and republish the Images. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished Images or other content in which they may be used. I understand this Release applies to all current and future events and Volunteer Activities with WCC. I understand that some areas of WCC's Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland are on a LIVE webcam hosted by Explore.org and this Release applies equally in all respects to any Images captured thereby. I also understand that WCC will rely on this Release thus my agreement to its terms cannot be revoked. 

No Compensation.  I agree to perform the Volunteer Activities and I understand that I will not be compensated for my efforts, for the Images, or for anything else related to the Volunteer Activities. I agree that I am not, and will not become an employee, partner, agent, or contractor of Warrior Canine Connection upon execution of this Volunteer Agreement and Release or by the performance of the Volunteer Activities. I further agree that any work product I create in my capacity as a volunteer will be the exclusive property of Warrior Canine Connection. 

No impact on dog placement.  I understand and acknowledge that my participation in any Volunteer Activities is separate from any process related to my request, if any, to receive a service dog myself. I further acknowledge that, if I have requested or applied for a service dog from WCC, my participation in any Volunteer Activities will not affect the timing of any such placement, or the selection of a particular dog that may be placed with me. 

Rules and Safe Behavior.  As a volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection, I agree: 
  • to read and to obey all safety rules and other instructions related to the Volunteer Activities, including without limitation, those instructions related to dog behavior, care, and handling; 
  • to complete all required orientation, training, and paperwork relating to my Volunteer Activities;
  • to understand and respect my own physical and other limitations, and to inform WCC staff if any contemplated Volunteer Activity is beyond my ability or comfort level for any reason;
  • to treat all staff, volunteers, the animals, property, tools, and equipment with respect and kindness;
  • in the interest of the safety of the animals, staff, and volunteers, I acknowledge that Warrior Canine Connection has the right to revoke volunteer privileges if these rules are not followed; I will also return all Warrior Canine Connection property when my volunteer relationship ends.
Governing Law; Severability.  This Volunteer Agreement and Release shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland. If any provision of this Volunteer Agreement and Release is found by a court to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect. 

I have read this Volunteer Agreement and Release, I fully understand its contents, and agree to its terms. 




IF THE PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR
THE FOLLOWING MUST BE SIGNED BY THEIR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

Agreement to All Terms.
I, the undersigned, parent or legal guardian, wish to allow my minor child to volunteer with Warrior Canine Connection and participate in the Volunteer Activities described above. I have read this Volunteer Agreement and Release, I fully understand its contents, and I am aware that it is a legally binding release of liability, indemnity, and assumption of risk contract. As consideration for my child being allowed to be present for and/or participate in the Volunteer Activities, I agree that the terms of this Volunteer Agreement and Release shall apply to and be binding upon myself and my minor child. 

Medical Release for Minor.
 If emergency care is required for my child, and permission is not available from a parent or legal guardian in a timely manner, then I, the undersigned authorize appropriate emergency medical care as deemed necessary by emergency medical personnel, a physician, or the medical facility providing treatment. 




WCC Grievance Procedure

Warrior Canine Connection is committed to taking all reasonable steps to provide volunteers with a positive and engaging experience when volunteering with our organization. If a situation arises where a volunteer wishes to raise a concern or grievance, Warrior Canine Connection has an open-door policy and suggests that volunteers share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with the Volunteer Coordinator. If after speaking with the Volunteer Coordinator you are not satisfied with the response, volunteers are encouraged to fill out a Volunteer Complaint Form.

Resolution Procedure:
Warrior Canine Connection will make every reasonable effort to promptly and completely address and correct any grievance raised by a volunteer. The priority for Warrior Canine Connection is to assure that the rights of the individual volunteer are recognized and to provide formal ways for them to seek resolution. Every volunteer grievance will be investigated promptly and impartially by qualified personnel, with every effort to maintain volunteer confidentiality. 

Resolution Policies:
1. If a situation arises where a volunteer wishes to raise a concern or grievance, volunteers should share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with the Volunteer Coordinator.

2. The Volunteer Coordinator will investigate the grievance promptly and impartially with every effort to maintain volunteer confidentiality. The volunteer will be informed of the results of the investigation within 10 working days.

3. If the volunteer is not satisfied with the resolution of the grievance, they can submit a written request for appeal by filling out a Volunteer Grievance Form within 10 working days after receiving the response from the Volunteer Coordinator. 

4. Upon submission of the Volunteer Grievance Form to Human Resources, the grievance will be reviewed by the appropriate supervisor who will attempt resolution with the complainant. 

5. If the volunteer is not satisfied with the supervisor’s resolution, their concerns will be relayed to the Executive Director. At the Executive Director’s discretion, he/she may designate a different executive, board member or qualified third party to receive, investigate and provide a formal resolution to the grievance. 

6. If the volunteer is dissatisfied with the formal resolution, an appeal can be submitted, in writing, to the Board of Directors who will review the appeal at their next scheduled quarterly board meeting and issue a determination.




Contact Information