Governance & Legal Documents:


1: Board Resolution – Approval of Animal Shelter Program
Approves the creation of the shelter as an official program under your 501(c)(3).

2: Animal Shelter Program Charter
Outlines the purpose, scope, structure, and alignment with the charity’s mission.

3: MOU – Animal Shelter Program Agreement
Main agreement between your charity and the individuals running the program. Covers governance, roles, finances, liabilities, termination, etc.

4: Program Lead Responsibility Acknowledgment
One-page document where the lead person accepts full accountability for the shelter’s actions and volunteers.

5: Volunteer Risk Waiver & Conduct Agreement
Signed by anyone working with the shelter. Waives liability and agrees to follow your standards and procedures.

6: Limited Authority & Representation Agreement
Confirms shelter volunteers cannot legally bind the charity, sign contracts, or use your name/logo without permission.

7: Exit & Wind-Down Plan Template
A pre-filled outline of what happens if the shelter program ends—including animal disposition and asset return.

8: Indemnification Agreement
States the shelter operators will cover any costs or damages caused by their actions, and protect the charity from liability.

Financial Accountability Documents:

9: Animal Shelter Program Budget Template
Used to create, submit, and manage an annual or quarterly budget for the shelter program.

10: Donation Policy – Shelter Program Donations
Clarifies that only donations made through official channels are recognized as tax-deductible and controlled by the charity.

11: Financial Responsibility Agreement – Shelter Operators
Confirms that the shelter team is responsible for any negative balances or overages, and that they cannot obligate the charity financially.

12: Monthly Financial Reporting Template
For regular submission of shelter income/expense tracking to the charity.

Program & Operations Documents:

13: Volunteer Roster & Access Control Form
Keeps track of who is allowed to act under the shelter program’s authority.

14: Animal Welfare Standards & Compliance Policy
Sets expectations for humane care, legal compliance, and internal accountability.

15: Incident Reporting Form & Policy
Used to report injuries, animal welfare violations, or other major issues to your board.

16: Animal Disposition Log Template
For tracking where animals go—adopted, transferred, fostered, etc.

17: Final Program Closure Report Template
A final wrap-up document if the shelter ends: includes financials, animal placements, and final status.