Volunteer Agreement, Risk Acknowledgement and Health & Safety Declaration

Thank you for volunteering with Helping Hounds Hampshire (“HHH”). As a volunteer-run dog rescue, the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers, dogs, visitors, fosterers, and members of the public is extremely important to us.

This agreement is intended to ensure that all volunteers understand the nature of rescue work, the risks involved, and the standards and procedures expected whilst volunteering with HHH.

By signing this document, I confirm and agree to the following:

1. Nature of Volunteer Work

I understand that volunteering with HHH may involve working with rescue dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, backgrounds, and behavioural needs. I acknowledge that rescue dogs may behave unpredictably and that there are inherent risks associated with handling, transporting, exercising, cleaning around, or caring for dogs.

These risks may include, but are not limited to:

• bites, scratches, knocks, falls, and other physical injuries;

• zoonotic diseases (diseases transmissible between animals and humans);

• allergic reactions;

• slips, trips, falls, and manual handling injuries;

• exposure to cleaning chemicals and disinfectants;

• risks associated with vehicle transport or outdoor activities

I understand that no environment involving animals can ever be entirely risk-free.

2. Acceptance of Risk

• I voluntarily choose to participate in volunteer activities with full understanding of the potential risks involved.

• I accept personal responsibility for my own actions and wellbeing whilst volunteering and agree to take reasonable care for my own safety and the safety of others.

• I understand that Helping Hounds Hampshire will take reasonable steps to provide a safe volunteering environment, including induction, guidance, supervision, and safety procedures.

3. Health & Safety Procedures

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with Helping Hounds Hampshire’s Health & Safety Policy, induction guidance, and any instructions or procedures given by authorised representatives of the rescue.

I agree to:

• follow handling instructions for individual dogs;

• use equipment appropriately;

• Report hazards, accidents, injuries, bites, scratches, or near misses promptly;

• ask for assistance where required;

• avoid undertaking tasks I do not feel competent or authorised to perform.

• I understand that failure to follow safety procedures may result in my volunteer duties being suspended or terminated.

4. Fitness to Volunteer

I confirm that I will not attend volunteer duties if I am:

• impaired by medication, illness, fatigue, injury, or any condition that may affect my judgement, coordination, reaction time, or ability to volunteer safely;

• under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;

• medically unfit to safely undertake the activities involved.

I understand that Helping Hounds Hampshire reserves the right to refuse participation or ask a volunteer to leave the premises where there are reasonable concerns regarding safety or fitness to volunteer.

5. Lone Working

I understand that I must not undertake volunteer duties alone unless specifically authorised to do so and appropriately trained. I will complete buddied shifts until agreed.

I agree to follow any lone working procedures, check-in requirements, or restrictions communicated by HHH.

7. Emergency Medical Assistance

In the event of an accident, injury, or medical emergency during volunteer activities, I consent to Helping Hounds Hampshire:

• seeking appropriate first aid or emergency medical assistance on my behalf;

• contacting my nominated emergency contacts.

I understand that HHH cannot administer medication unless specifically authorised and agreed in advance.

8. Emergency Contact Information

I agree to provide accurate emergency contact details and to notify HHH if those details change.