Volunteer Terms of Service

The following Terms of Service are included in the Puppy Raising Volunteer Application and are agreed upon when each Application is completed and signed.

I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. If I am retained as a volunteer, I agree that the services I will provide will be for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons without any promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for the services rendered.  

I agree that my services will be provided freely, and without pressure or coercion. I agree that Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) may discontinue my volunteer relationship for any reason. I agree that in performing services to GDB as a volunteer, I will be, at all times, a volunteer in fact and law, and not an employee of GDB.

I agree to complete all the conditions related to my volunteer position as defined above. I hereby release GDB, employers, and other persons from all liability in responding to inquiries in connection with my application.

If I am retained as a volunteer, I realize that false or misleading information provided in my application or interview(s) may result in the discontinuation of my volunteer relationship with GDB.  

I give GDB the right and permission to use my, or my youth’s, photograph and/or likeness for publicity purposes or to otherwise promote GDB to the public in any manner that GDB wishes from the date signed and in perpetuity. 

I, the above-named volunteer, for myself, my heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, hereby waive and forever discharge claims for damages suffered in connection with GDB’s programs and sponsored activities that I may have or accrue against GDB, its representatives, agents, and volunteers. 
 
I, the above-named volunteer, for myself, my heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, hereby waive and forever agree in the event any claim for bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death arising out of my volunteer services shall be prosecuted against GDB, to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, GDB from and against any and all such claims or causes of action by whomever, wherever made or presented, to the fullest extent permitted by law. 
 
In case of emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact the person(s) listed in my application. In the event that they cannot be reached, I hereby give permission to a physician selected by a representative of GDB to hospitalize and secure proper treatment (including surgery) for me.  

I understand that as a volunteer, and in carrying out my volunteer responsibilities, for GDB, I will not be covered by worker’s compensation insurance and that I will be responsible for any and all costs of any medical service or treatment provided, including medical costs, insurance costs, and co-pays. In the event of an accident or injury, I will seek medical coverage under my own health plan and/or my own expense. 
 
I agree to abide by all instructions, guidelines, policies, and procedures presented to me by GDB staff, supervisory volunteers, written documents, and other means. I acknowledge and agree that the services I will provide as a volunteer will be for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons without any promise, expectation, or receipt of financial compensation, for any services rendered.   

In performing my services as a volunteer of GDB, I understand that I will be protected against personal liabilities by GDB’s general liability insurance and by the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.  

Only volunteers who are screened and registered as approved GDB volunteer drivers may drive a GDB vehicle as an approved volunteer service. All other volunteers who drive are doing so as a personal responsibility without GDB authorization or liability coverage. 

By completing a volunteer puppy raising application, you are agreeing to receive transactional and/or relationship-based email communications from Guide Dogs for the Blind as long as you are registered as a volunteer, even if you opt out of receiving GDB's marketing and/or fundraising emails. The emails you will receive are considered essential for coordination and communication and ensure that as a puppy raising volunteer you have the information you need to fulfill your role effectively.