Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Purrpose - It's About the Cats! Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, helping us provide quality care to cats in need, and the humans that care about them. Please review these terms and conditions for joining our volunteer team.
Eligibility and Commitment
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, or 12-15 with adult supervision. You agree to commit to a minimum number of volunteer hours or event types as specified in your orientation, maintaining reliable attendance and participation. All volunteers must complete required training sessions and pass a basic background check.
Training Requirements
Based on the type of volunteering that you may do, there may be specific training that is required. Whether it's cleaning standards, handling cats, or supporting at an event, you agree to follow all procedures and protocols as provided and that you are trained on.
Safety Protocols
You agree to follow all safety guidelines, including proper use of protective equipment, animal handling protocols, and cleaning procedures. Report any injuries, accidents, or safety concerns immediately to a board member. You understand that working with animals carries inherent risks and agree to follow all precautionary measures.
Confidentiality Agreement
You agree to maintain confidentiality regarding our operations, animal cases, adopter information, and any sensitive information you encounter while volunteering. This includes refraining from sharing detailed information on social media without explicit permission.
Professional Conduct
As a volunteer of The Purrpose - It's About the Cats, I will represent the organization with professionalism, integrity and respect. I will treat fellow volunteers, staff, community members, and animals with kindness and courtesy, follow established policies, procedures and safety protocols, communicate respectfully, and conduct myself in a manner that supports the mission and reputation of The Purrpose - It's About the Cats.
Time Tracking and Scheduling
Accurately record your volunteer hours using our designated system. Provide advance notice for schedule changes or absences. Extended absences must be communicated to the volunteer coordinator to maintain active volunteer status.
Animal Handling Guidelines
Only handle animals you are trained and approved to work with. Follow all specified handling protocols and animal behavior guidelines. Report any concerning behaviors or health issues to staff immediately. Do not make unauthorized decisions regarding animal care or placement.
Media and Likeness Rights
You consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded while volunteering. These materials may be used for promotions, training, or social media without compensation. Photography of rescue animals is permitted for rescue-approved purposes only. Follow social media guidelines when posting about the rescue or animals. All official posts and website content must be approved by the President or Vice-President in advance.
Equipment and Resource Use
Use rescue resources and equipment appropriately and only for intended purposes. Report any damage or maintenance needs promptly. Personal use of rescue facilities or resources is prohibited without explicit permission and result in the termination of current and future volunteer opportunities.
Conflict Resolution
Address any concerns or conflicts through appropriate channels, starting with the President or Vice-President. Maintain professional conduct and be open to feedback and resolution strategies.
Representation and Authority
You may not speak on behalf of The Purrpose - It's About the Cats or make commitments without proper authorization. Direct media inquiries and official requests to the President or Vice-President. Follow established protocols for community engagement and advocacy.
Termination Conditions
The Purrpose - It's About the Cats reserves the right to terminate volunteer status for violation of these terms, inappropriate behavior, or failure to meet commitments. You may also terminate your volunteer service with appropriate notice. Return any rescue property upon termination.
Liability Release
On behalf of myself and my guests, my family members, my invitees, and my pets, I hereby assume all risks and responsibilities in any way associated with our interaction with The Purrpose – It’s About the Cats, LLC, and I release The Purrpose – It’s About the Cats, LLC and its officers, members, employees, agents, volunteers and associates (together, the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims and actions that may arise from injury, harm, illness or death or any combination of these to me, my guests, my family members, my invitees, and my pets, or from any damage to or loss of any property, in connection with any interaction with The Purrpose - It’s About the Cats, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise. I understand that working with animals, including animals that are or may have been stray, is an inherently dangerous activity.
I further understand and agree that the terms of this Release and Express Assumption of Risk shall bind my guests, invitees, family members, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, as well as myself. If any term or provision of this Release and Express Assumption of Risk is held to be illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected.
Ringworm & Contagious Ailments Disclaimer:
Most cats that have been in any shelter environment, or were stray at some point in their life, or come from an otherwise unknown location (i.e., pet owner home), have likely been exposed to ringworm, lice, fleas, upper respiratory or other contagious cat related ailments. Specifically, ringworm, which is not a worm but a fungus – though primarily a nuisance – is transmittable from cats to other cats, to humans and to other pets such as dogs. Ringworm is also found in the soil and can be picked up while doing normal outdoor activities, such as gardening.
Those primarily susceptible to picking up ringworm are:
- Young children
- Elderly
- HIV+ individuals
- Individuals whose immune systems are temporarily or permanently weakened
- Young kittens and puppies
- FIV+, FeLV+ or FIP cats
- Other animals whose immune systems may be temporarily or permanently weakened.