Breeder Caretaker: These volunteers are responsible for caring for and maintaining the training of an ICAN breeder dog for the duration of their breeding career. The duration of their career will vary. Some breeders will be retired while others may move forward in training and go on to graduate.

• Those who are planning to help and host litters in their home are considered first for this role.
• This role also requires attending furlough foundations class.

Furlough Volunteer: These volunteers are responsible for hosting ICAN service dogs in-training, ranging in age from approximately 6 months to 2 years old. These volunteers do not train specific cues for these dogs but are responsible for providing necessary environmental experiences and reinforcing cues and behaviors the dog has already learned.

• Please read the Furlough Volunteer Prerequisites and Frequently Asked Questions section before selecting this to confirm this is an area you are interested in and you meet the requirements. This role requires additional training in order to begin.

Home Visit Team: These volunteers are responsible for conducting home visits for our incoming furlough volunteers and puppy raisers. Two volunteers are partnered together for each visit in order to access the environment and determine if the individuals are the right fit for this volunteer opportunity based on their home, lifestyle, and understanding of the position. Some home visit team members will help conduct dog introductions if the applicant has another dog in their home prior to them furloughing. 

• Only active furlough volunteers are eligible to participate in this role. If you think this is a role you may be interested in in the future, please feel free to select this role with the understanding that you will not be able to begin this role until after you have completed your furlough volunteer training. 

Litter Sitter: These volunteers are responsible for assisting a litter host in caring for our newest litters of puppies ranging from approximately 4-8 weeks old. These volunteers visit the host's home to assist in cleaning and activities with the puppies. 

• Volunteers in this role may have the opportunity to begin over the next few weeks if they are interested. It is highly recommended that litter sitters take the furlough foundations class prior to beginning as a litter sitter, even if it is not their intention to furlough in their home. This is so they can have a better understanding of our program and training foundation for when they assist with the training of the puppies while still in the litter. 
• Litter sitters will have to follow specific hygiene processes and will be required to view a virtual training video in advance. 

Outreach Volunteer: These volunteers are responsible for assisting with educational programs and outreach events at various locations. It is preferred that outreach volunteers are trained furlough volunteers as well and can bring a dog with them to an event in most cases. 

• This role will require additional training in order to begin. If you think this is a role you may be interested in in the future, please select this role with the understanding that you will not be able to begin this role until after you have completed your furlough volunteer training and/or outreach volunteer training.

Puppy Love Year Round (PLYR) Volunteer: These volunteers are responsible for assisting with Puppy Love Year Round deliveries. These volunteers visit various office locations to deliver a gift box and visit with a recipient. It is preferred PLYR volunteers are trained furlough volunteers and can bring a dog with them on these deliveries. 

Puppy Raising: These volunteers are responsible for working with an ICAN puppy in-training from approximately 8- 16  weeks of age. These volunteers provide environmental exposure and assist in basic training of beginner cues and house training, in addition to potty and crate training. 

• Puppy raisers must be trained furlough volunteers and are required to attend additional weekly meetings during the time they are actively raising a puppy. They must also view a puppy specific training recording prior to raising (following the completion of their furlough training).
• Puppy raisers must meet all of the requirements for furlough volunteers and attend furlough foundations class. 

Puppy Transport: These volunteers are responsible for assisting in transporting puppies, usually at approximately 8 weeks of age, to and from our program. This is often by car, but we have had volunteers fly a puppy out of state as well.

Special Events Help: These volunteers are responsible for assisting with various ICAN events such as fundraisers. Examples include, but are not limited to, selling items such as calendars at an off-site location, creating dog art for puppy love boxes, or working check-in at an event. Volunteers handling dogs at ICAN events count in this role as well. 

Transportation Team: These volunteers are responsible for assisting in transporting puppies or dogs in-training with ICAN to/from prisons, volunteers, or vet visits. 

• Due to the nature of our transports involving our Correction Facility partners, only active furlough volunteers are eligible to participate in this role. If you think this is a role you may be interested in, please select this role with the understanding that you will not be able to begin this role until after you have completed your furlough volunteer training. 

Litter Host: These volunteers are responsible for hosting a pregnant female in their home leading up to their delivery, whelping a litter of puppies in their home, and/or caring for puppies up until 8 weeks old. Housing a litter is often split in half, with some volunteers hosting the first 4 weeks while others host the second 4 weeks.

• Litter hosts, specifically the back-end (weeks 4-8 weeks old), are currently our largest volunteer need at this time due to our growing breeding program and increased number of expected litters. Litter hosts are required to assist with whelps and litters prior to hosting a litter in their home. We currently have openings for these shadowing opportunities over the next couple of months, with a potential to host a litter mid to late this year. 

Please read the following carefully before signing below and submitting your application. If the volunteer is under 18 years of age, all references to “I” “me” “the volunteer” or any similar phrase shall refer to such volunteer’s parent or legal guardian, on their own behalf and on behalf of the volunteer, as the context may require).

 

I desire to work as a volunteer for ICAN and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the “Activities”). I understand the Activities may include socializing and working with an ICAN dog directly or indirectly, working in the ICAN office(s), entering and volunteering within Indiana Department of Corrections facilities, working at special events, driving dogs in training and consuming food provided for volunteers of ICAN. In exchange for being allowed to participate in the Activities as a volunteer and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I acknowledge, I hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress to submit this application and agree and acknowledge, in doing so and by signing, to the following terms, conditions, policies and procedures, including the releases set forth herein:

1.    Application. I understand that this is an application for and not a commitment or promise made by ICAN to participate in a volunteer opportunity. I have and will continue to provide information throughout the process that is true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge and I have not and will not withhold any information that would unfavorably affect my application for a volunteer position. I understand that information contained on my application may be verified by ICAN and that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant for a volunteer position with ICAN or my termination as a volunteer. I am also aware that ICAN may review my publicly available social media information, such as posts and other content uploaded on the Internet, in connection with its determination pursuant to this application but in no way whatsoever will social media content (or the lack thereof) be used against a candidate in a discriminatory manner. I understand and agree that ICAN does not discriminate during the volunteer selection process based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or ethnic background. I understand that ICAN does not, and is under no obligation to, disclose reasons for non-acceptance of volunteers.

2.    Criminal Background Check Authorization. I understand that this volunteer position requires a background check in connection with the application and I consent to an investigation that may include, but not be limited to, criminal felony and misdemeanor convictions and sex offender registries, each at the county and federal levels of every jurisdiction where I currently reside or where I have previously resided. I authorize ICAN to conduct the criminal background check described above or otherwise consent that I will submit the information as directed to complete the background check. In connection with this, I also authorize the use of law enforcement agencies and/or private-third-party background check organizations in the collection of this information. I am aware that information obtained is not an absolute bar to volunteering, but that such information will be used in the volunteer selection process in ICAN’s sole discretion. I am aware that ICAN may request that I pay for the background check as described herein.

 

3.    Release and Waiver. I do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless ICAN and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind of nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from my Activities with ICAN. I understand that this Agreement discharges ICAN from any liability or claim that the I may have against ICAN with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from my Activities with ICAN, whether caused by the negligence of ICAN or its officers, directors, employees, or agents or otherwise. I also understand that ICAN does not assume any responsibility for, or obligation to, provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness. Furthermore, I understand that transporting animals may be dangerous and that accidents can happen. I assume all risks associated with transporting ICAN dogs and release ICAN from any liability for any injury, loss, or damage to my, the ICAN dogs, or any third party that may occur while transporting the Animals.

 

4.    Indemnification.  I agree to indemnify and hold ICAN harmless for any and all liability, losses, damages, judgments, or expenses, including attorney's fees, that it may incur or sustain arising out of my participation in the Activities.

 

5.    Medical Treatment. I hereby give consent and authority to ICAN to obtain medical treatment on my behalf if I am injured or require medical attention during my participation in the Activities. I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for all costs related to such medical treatment, medical transportation, and/or evacuation. I do hereby release and forever discharge ICAN from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Activities with ICAN.

 

6.    Transportation of Dogs. I agree to transport an ICAN dog only if I have automobile insurance in effect while transporting the dog. Upon ICAN’s request, I agree to provide a copy of my automobile insurance policy. I agree to notify the organization immediately if my insurance coverage lapses or is cancelled. I assume all liability and risk associated with transporting dogs and agree to indemnify and hold harmless ICAN from any and all claims, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or related to the transportation of dogs, including but not limited to any injury or damage caused by a dog during transportation.

 

7.    Assumption of the Risk. I understand that the Activities may include work that can be hazardous to me, including, but not limited to, working with an ICAN dog and entering and volunteering within Indiana Department of Corrections facilities, volunteering at special events, driving dogs to/from locations, and consuming food provided for volunteers of ICAN. I voluntarily assume the risk of all such hazards, whether or not specifically mentioned. Furthermore, I hereby expressly and specifically assume the risk of injury or harm in these Activities and release ICAN from all liability for injury, illness, death or property damage resulting from the Activities of my participation with ICAN.

 

8.    Insurance. I understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by ICAN in writing, ICAN is not obligated to and does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for me or any other volunteer. I am expected and encouraged to volunteer with medical or health insurance coverage in effect.

 

9.    Photographic Release. I do hereby grant and convey unto ICAN all right, title and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by ICAN during my Activities with ICAN, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.

 

10.    Confidentiality. I understand that as part of my participation in ICAN Activities I will be exposed to certain confidential information of ICAN (“Confidential Information”). I agree that in support of ICAN’s mission, and as part of my participation in any Activities, I will need to keep confidential certain information about ICAN and the Activities. I agree to use Confidential Information (as defined in this Section 8) solely in connection with my service to ICAN and will not disclose or permit access to Confidential Information other than to ICAN representatives who need to know such Confidential Information for valid purposes, or unless given express permission by ICAN’s president or chairman of the board to disclose Confidential Information to a third party. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” is defined as any and all ICAN training and programming methods, financial information, strategic, business, marketing, fundraising, and financial plans, names and/or any information that could lead to the disclosure of the identity of any program participants (volunteers, handlers, donors), program data, materials, products, technology, computer programs, specifications, manuals, or other information disclosed or submitted orally, in writing, or by other media to me by ICAN. I further agree that if am required by law to disclose Confidential Information, I will promptly notify ICAN prior to the disclosure of such information. I agree that my obligations under this Section 8 regarding Confidential Information remain in effect until three (3) years after I cease my affiliation with ICAN.

 

11.    Communication with Inmate Handlers. Participation in Activities may take place at any ICAN facility or third-party location, including, but not limited to, correctional facilities (individuals at such correctional facilities, “Inmate Handlers”). I agree that during participation in any Activities at a correctional facility, conversations with Inmate Handlers will relate only to the training of the ICAN Dog, including, but not limited to, locations where the dog will travel, home environment set up, and potential situations the dog will encounter. I agree that any conversation with Inmate Handlers will not include the exchange of any personal information including, but not limited to, phone numbers, physical address, electronic address, or any personal family matters. I agree to have no physical contact with Inmate Handlers. Hugging, handshakes, high-fives, or any other form of physical touching is prohibited. Inmate Handlers are not allowed to receive gifts of any kind. Upon completion of my volunteer work with ICAN, I understand that I must have no additional communication with the Inmate Handlers, their family members, or any inmate, including but not limited to, the following modes of communication: phone calls, mail, email or other electronic social media. I further understand that any follow up communication with Inmate Handlers can only occur during ICAN refresher classes, and that the discussions during such classes can only relate to the training of an ICAN Dog. If the Inmate Handler is still incarcerated at any correctional facility, but no longer a part of ICAN, I agree to refrain from making contact of any kind with that individual. All training questions will be directed to ICAN’s Director of Client Success. Violation of this Section 9 may result in my dismissal as a volunteer with ICAN, at ICAN’s sole discretion.

 

12.    Return of ICAN Property. I agree to return to ICAN all ICAN materials in my possession, including but not limited to, service dog vests/gear, dog food, crates, marketing materials, or identification badge. I must return ICAN materials within twenty-four (24) hours upon request by the President or Chairman of the Board, or within forty-eight (48) hours after I provide ICAN notice that I will no longer be serving as an ICAN volunteer.

 

13.    Other. I expressly agree that the releases under this Agreement are intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Indiana, and that this Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement which shall continue to be enforceable.

 

14.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including by means of facsimile, electronically transmitted portable document format (PDF) signature pages, or DocuSign), any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one Party, but all such counterparts taken together will constitute one and the same instrument and will have the same force and effect as an original fully executed version of this Agreement.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGANTURE:

BY SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION AND SIGNING BELOW, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS OF THESE TERMS, CONDITIONS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS. I UNDERSTAND THAT I MAY BE PERIODICIALLY ASKED TO RE-SIGN AND ACKNOWLEDGE THESE TERMS, CONDITIONS, POLICIESA ND PROCEDURES AND THAT MY CONTUINED ABILITY TO VOLUNTEER MAY RELY ON THE TRUTHFUL COMPLETION OF THE SAME.