COMPANION DOG HANDLER AGREEMENT SAVE OUR SHELTERS - PEN PALS

Transcription

1 COMPANION DOG HANDLER AGREEMENT SAVE OUR SHELTERS - PEN PALS INMATE'S NAME =3)0<,\5'0.. \=\aqx \S'Qf\ PRISON ID NUMBER Vi 0\0 \ 'O'\J CORRECTIONAL CENTER \- ~ ~ ~ I have requested and understand that I have been selected to participate in the Save Our Shelters (SOS) Pen Pals program (the "Program") as a dog handler ("Dog Handler").. I understand that this Program is voluntary and I accept full responsibility for the custody and safekeeping of the dog or puppy ("Dog") assigned to me. I agree to follow the written procedures and instructions governing the Program as well as the verbal instructions of my correctional center staff and of SOS with regard to the care, training and safekeeping of the Program Dog, its equipment, and supplies. I further understand that the Program is based on positive reinforcement and nurturing, which I will respect and follow during my participation with the Program. I also understand that I am to treat SOS staff, the Program trainer, and fellow Dog Handlers with respect at all times. Because of the presence of Program Dogs in the unit and institutional grounds, I further understand that I am representing the Program whenever I am involved with dog~related activities.. As a Dog Handler, I hereby agree to observe the following rules at all times: - ~--~..,..-, :... ~ : Training, Recreation. and Relief. It is the Dog Handler's responsibility to provid~ th;".~-- Program Dogs with adequate social interaction, exercise and recreation, opportunities for relief, 'and appropriate obedience training throughout the day. Dog handlers will provide such assistance to the Program Dogs on a cooperative basis. The Program trainer will notify Dog Handlers when new Program Dogs are permitted to have social interaction and recreation with other Program Dogs. a Program Dogs will remain on leash at all times, unless using the designated fenced-in area approved for the Program Dogs, or during training sessions. Off-leash recreational and training activities and relief are limited to these designated areas. b. It is understood that the Program Dogs must be kept WIder the primary or alternate Dog Handler's control at all times. When the Dog Handler must leave the Program Dog, it will be secured in the primary Dog Handler's assigned room. c. All Program Dogs will be exercised and allowed relief prior to any unit 10ck-do'l".'Il or count-time. The correctional center's staffwill use proper judgment in deciding when to give Program Dogs relief during any unit lock-down. During count-times, Program Dogs must be crated and will not be allowed outside for relief. Page I

2 : - 2. Daily Dog Handler Feeding Requirements. It is the Dog Handler's responsibility to provide the Program Dogs with adequate fresh food and water. a. Proper diet and feeding schedules will be followed.. Changes to the diet will be permitted only with the permission of SOS. Program Dogs will only be fed products that are made for dogs and provided by SOS. No human food is allowed! (Exceptions include peanut butter and hot dogs at designated correctional centers.) Dog Handlers who feed Program Dogs improper food may be dismissed immediately from the Program. Many common human foods, such as chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins can cause serious health problems in pets. ' 3. "-MerucationR.eqwemefftS-: IClStheDogtraDcllef's responsibility to followproper-m:edicattoii.. schedules. All medications, including prescriptions from the SOS veterinarian and preventatives for heartworm disease, and fleas and ticks, shall be given in the dosages and manner as directed by SOS, the Program trainer, and/or the assigned veterinarian. a. Dog Handlers will immediately notify appropriate correctional center staff in the event any Program Dogs require medical attention. 4. Program Supplies. SOS will provide all Program equipment and supplies including but not limited to food and treats, grooming supplies, medication, toys, books, training videos or DVD's, training equipment, etc. It is the Dog Handler' s responsibility to assist with inventory sheets so that SOS is aware of the quantities of supplies available at the correctional center. Dog Handlers will only use Program purchased items that are specifically provided for these purposes. Program equipment and supplies are subject to all aspects of security procedures, including searches. a. Program Dogs may play with or chew only Program purchased items that are specifically provided for these purposes. If a Program Dog chews or destroys property other than its own toys, the Dog Handler may be held responsible and may be required to monetarily reimburse any damages. b. Training equipment, toys, and other supplies will be stored in appropriate areas or storage units when not in use. 5. Designated Dog Housing. Program Dogs will live in the assigned primary Dog Handler's cell or dorm. It is understood that an alternate Dog Handler may be assigned to and share the same cell as the primary Dog Handler. a. In the event of any emergency, correctional center staff may facilitate moving the Program Dogs to a SeCure location with assistance from Dog Handlers as required. b_ Program Dogs are not allowed in any restricted areas.such as the infinnary, dining hall, library, visitation room when in use, or any other areas specified as "off limits" c. Program Dogs will not be swapped or traded to anyone other than the assigned Dog Handlers without prior approval from SOS or the Program trainer. However, Dog Handlers may assist with Page 2

3 "~ without prior approval from SOS or the Program trainer. However, Dog Handlers may assist with another Dog Handler's dog to facilitate training, care, and to provide relief for the Program Dog when the assigned Dog Handler is not available. Program Dogs will not be left in another Dog Handler's cell or dorm or in a non-dog Handler's cell or dorm. d. Program Dogs shall not be crated for more than four (4) hours at any given time, except for over-night. Program Dogs will be crated when their assigned Dog Handlers are not present in their cells or dorm. Crating will help prevent unwanted chewing of property and also protect the health and well being of Program Dogs. e. In order to prevent territorial behavior, at no time shall the Program Dogs be tied or tethered outside or inside the dorm or cell, or any outside designated recreation or relief areas, etc. f. Baby gates will be kept securely attached to the door frames, and are intended to promote the Program Dog's socialization in its environment. Providing the Dog Handlers are present in their cell, the Program Dogs need not be crated except during count-time. See section l(c). g. Program Dogs are not allowed to create a noise disturbance. Barking, whining, digging and other negative behaviors will be promptly corrected according to approved SOS Program obedience techniques and guidelines. h. Dog Handlers 'Will make reasonable efforts to "dog-proof' their living space to help ensure that Program Dogs will not eat or chew any Program supplies, the personal property of the Dog Handlers, or correctional center property. -."~.- "--.""---""-"'" _._... --""- 6. Interaction with Non - Program Participants. Dog handlers may allow other inmates to socialize with the Program Dogs when appropriate, However, the Dog Handler must maintain control at all times on leash. It is the Dog Handler's responsibility to establish limits regarding any attention from other inmates and he/she must employ appropriate measures to manage any inappropriate attention. Such measures include removing the Program Dog from the area, returning to his/her building, and advising the assigned officer of the incident. If it is not possible to remove the Program Dog from the area without further incident, then the assigned Dog Handler must call out to the closest Correctional Officer or other staff member for assistance. a. Inmates who are not participating in the Program are not allowed in or around the immediate area where training exercises are being conducted. 7. Sanitation Requirements. Crates will be kept clean and disinfected on a regular basis with products provided by SOS. Food dishes, water bowls, arid bedding will be-cleaned daily, or as appropriate. a. Program Dogs will be kept as clean and odor-free as possible, and groomed appropriately for their breed. Program Dogs shall be bathed on a regular basis, but no more than every two weeks unless special circumstances arise. Care shall be taken with other grooming activities such as Page 3

4 nail clipping. Such activities shall be conducted only when the Program Dog has had sufficient time to adjust to its new environment and/or as instructed by the Program trainer. b. Program Dogs are only permitted to relieve themselves in specially designated areas outside the living units, unless special circumstances dictate otherwise such as sickness. Dog Handlers will promptly clean up any waste, and properly dispose of it immediately in the designated containers provided. It is the Dog Handler's responsibility to ensure that the Program Dog has appropriate opportunities for relief throughout the day. See Section 5(c). c.. All DogI:I~I~rs ~l comply with_thecorrection~ center'~procedures ap.(le~ec~tions.. regarding personiii property and facility sanitation. Dog hair and tracings will be cleaned up promptly. Only cleaning products approved and/or provided by SOS may be used. The broom or mop utilized will be cleaned of dog hair prior to being stored. 8. Removal from the Program. Dog Handlers shall not use physical punishment or force at any time. Any Dog Handler who strikes or hurts a Program Dog in any way shall be immediately removed from the Program. Dog Handlers shall not tease any Program Dog with food or toys in an inappropriate or challenging manner. a. All Dog Handlers are required to attend scheduled training or educational classes, and to complete homework assigned by the Program trainer. Unexcused absences or tardiness to class will not be tolerated. b. Dog Handlers will participate in any meetings scheduled internally by the correctional center relating to the Program: The purposes of these meetings are to encoiitage the Dog Handlers to work cooperatively together; to share ideas and insight; encourage team work; and, to manage and attempt to reselve issues or preblems before bl'inging them te the attentien of the correctional center staff, SOS, or Program trainer. Meetings shall be conducted following guidelines contained in Robert's Rules of Order, a copy of which will be provided by SOS. Failure to attend these meetings will not be tolerated. c. Any Dog Handler who encourages or attempts to instill in any animal any aggressive or attack mode behavior towards any person or other Program Dog will be immediately removed from the Program. The Program Dog may be returned to SOS for evaluation. In addition, any such Dog Handler may be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the correctional center staff. d. Also see Section 2(a) 9. Record Keeping. Dog Handlers are required to maintain records and logs pertinent to the Program as instructed by SOS or the Program trainer. These logs may be reviewed by SOS staff or trainers at any given time. a. Dog Handlers shall provide written information to be included in adoption packets for the adopting families. This information shall include dates of heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, exercise and feeding requirements, favorite toys, special needs, etc. Page 4

5 10. Animal Bites. Any inmate, Dog Handler or staff member bitten by a Program Dog will be referred to the Medical Department for immediate medical attention. In the event of a dog bite, the Dog Handler will immediately place the Program Dog in the crate. The Dog Handler will immediately notify available correctional center staff and provide them the name of the person bitten, if known. I have read and understand the above rules. I understand that violations of any of these rules may result in the loss of dog handling privileges. Any infraction of my correctional center's rules; any mistreatment of the Program Dogs; negligence in the care or control of the Program Dogs; and/or confrontations with others about the Program Dogs or Program may also result in the loss of dog handling privileges. I further understand that the above list is not all inclusive and other reasons, at the discretion of the correctional center or SOS, may result in my removal from the Program. I fully understand that my participation with the Dog Program is for a period of time as determined by my correctional center staff I understand that I have no permanent or other claim to the Program Dogs. Date._L\..I...l\~8B~hlcL\ Printed Name of Correctional Center Represe em t Position Date,-,-Y_, 2_t_" '--L.-11 Signa SOS Pen Pals 2007 PageS

6 lnmateihandler-s RELEASE OF LIABll..ITY I agree to release, discharge, indtiranify and hold harmless, Save Our Shelters (ASOS@), and the officers, agents, employe!!s, and independent contractors thereof, from any and all claims, damages, costs, 'expenses, liability, actions at law or suits in equity, of any kind in nature, including any and all damages to my personal property while performing my volunteer services in a voluntary capacity with the SOS Pen Pals Program. I understand that I am volunteering to be an animal himdler for the SOS Pen Pals Program. I recognizeth~t.inliandling 31li.rnals rorsos jp a yolun}ary capacity, ti1~~.exists a risk of injury including personal physical harm. On behalf of myself, my heirs, personal representatives and executors, I hereby release, discharge, inderanify and hold harmless SOS, and the officers, agents, employees and independent contractors thereof, from any and all claims, cause of action or demands, damages or liability of any nature or cause connected with my volunteering. This might include court costs, litigation, expenses and reasonable attomey=s fees, arising out of or caused by my volunteer services based on damages or injuries, which may be incurred or sustained by me in any way. Such damages or injuries may include, but are limited to animal bites, scratches, accidents, injuries and personal property damage. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HA VB READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND THAT I WilL COMPLY WITH THE SAME, Signature of Volunteer Inmate HandlerL..J~z..L./,;LL~k::%...-'--.~U.<'l..Z}L!l Volunteer Inmate Handler=s Printed Name.-,-~",,-,t.y~--"<--\--\'>"""'~=-'-''''''''''''- Date L\ \ &"2>\ \ \. Signature ofdo~ Witness. -"'~'-<:'----7""1F_d_---t_-_t_- DOC Witness= Printed Name. -""'--_--'-..:; -L---t''+--~-- DOC Witness= 1'ositioD1- _ Date '-/ /2 V / { /... '" 7 I SOS Pen Pals 2007