This Release and Waiver of liability is signed and delivered effective as of the date stated above by the person identified above (the “volunteer,” or the “guest,” as applicable) in favor of Humane Society of West Michigan and its directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, “HSWM”).
I, the volunteer or guest, acknowledge that I am a 2025 Paws Claws & Corks volunteer, general volunteer, or guest at HSWM. I am not an employee, agent, or independent contractor of HSWM. As a volunteer or guest, I acknowledge that I am not entitled to any remuneration or compensation, regardless of any services I may provide. I also acknowledge that certain hazards and dangers are inherent in activities involving interaction with animals, and that animals, by their very nature, can exhibit unexpected behavior and unpredictable behavior, especially when the animals have previously been exposed to abusive conditions. With these acknowledgements, I am freely and voluntarily delivering this Release and Waiver Agreement under the following terms:
Waiver and Release I hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless HSWM and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, demands and causes of action from my participation as a volunteer or guest at HSWM. I understand and acknowledge that this Release discharges HSWM from liability or claims that I may have with respect to bodily injury, including, without limitation, animal bites or scratches; illness; death; or property damage. I also understand that HSWM does not assume any responsibility or obligation to provide financial assistance, including, but not limited to, medical, health, or disability insurance, in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage.
Insurance As a volunteer or guest, I understand that HSWM does not provide worker’s compensation insurance on my behalf because I am not an employee. AS A VOLUNTEER OR GUEST, I AM EXPECTED AND ENCOURAGED BY HSWM TO MAINTAIN, MEDICAL, HEALTH AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE INSURANCE FOR MY OWN BENEFIT.
Medical Treatment I hereby release and discharge HSWM and its successors and assigns from any and all liability claims, demands, and causes of action on account of first aid or other medical treatment rendered during my participation as a volunteer or guest at HSWM.
Photographic Release I grant and convey to HSWM all rights, title and interest to any and all photographs, images, video and audio recordings made by HSWM during my activities with HSWM that include my image or likeness, including, without limitation, to any royalties, donations, proceeds or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings. I permit HSWM to publish any such images, recordings and videos at will on its website, social media sites, marketing materials and in other media for advertising and other use as HSWM deems appropriate in its sole discretion.
Other This Release and Waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law, and that this Release and Waiver is governed by and will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. In the event that any clause or provision of this Release and Waiver is determined to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision will not affect any other provisions of this Release.
I sign below to acknowledge that I have read and understand this Release and Waiver and agree to its provisions.
