LIABILITY RELEASE AND TRAINING AGREEMENT
1. I agree that I have hired K9 Connection, as training professionals, to determine which tools and methods are necessary to help train my dog. I understand that I will obtain the best results by following the instructions of K9 Connection trainer(s). I further understand that I am solely responsible for my dog’s training and ongoing behavior.
2. I understand that all dogs are unique and that there are no warranties or guarantees that any training program will completely or permanently change or improve my dog’s behavior. I understand that I must actively participate in my dog’s training and complete all recommended off-site work. I further understand that after my training program ends, it is my responsibility to continue using the methods and skills taught in order to maintain any improvements achieved.
3. I certify that my dog is in good health; free from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites; and has received all required vaccinations, including canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, Bordetella, and rabies. I agree to promptly notify K9 Connection of any signs of illness or infection.
4. In the event my dog requires emergency veterinary treatment while boarding or participating in a Board and Train program, I authorize K9 Connection, in its sole discretion, to transport my dog to an appropriate veterinary facility and to attempt to contact me immediately. I assume full financial responsibility for all veterinary care.
5. K9 Connection strives to maintain a clean and sanitary environment; however, I understand that even in the cleanest environments, infections, diseases, and parasites may be transmitted between animals.
6. I understand and agree that dogs attending Board and Train, Day Training, or Enrichment Daycare may be placed in a kennel or other housing for periods of rest and downtime during the day and/or night.
7. I understand that dogs are animals and that even in controlled and well-supervised environments, inappropriate behaviors may occur, including rough play, nipping, aggression, or biting. I understand that while K9 Connection staff closely supervises dog interactions, minor injuries such as nicks or scratches may occur. I further agree that K9 Connection may use reasonable behavioral corrections to interrupt inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to spray bottles of water or compressed air.
8. I understand that my account must be paid in full prior to or at the first training session and that there will be no refunds. K9 Connection reserves the right to change rates at any time.
9. I understand that any unused training sessions or remaining balances expire one (1) year from the date of purchase.
10. I understand that in order to receive a refund of my deposit, I must cancel at least fourteen (14) days prior to the start of my program. Cancellations or rescheduling within fourteen days will result in the deposit becoming non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment. To cancel or reschedule, I must contact the office directly.
11. I understand that cancellation or rescheduling of any individual appointment or session, including Private Lessons, Board and Train go-home lessons, Day Training and Trainer Consultations require at least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice. Failure to provide proper notice will result in forfeiture of that session without a refund or credit.
12. I am responsible for reading and understanding all literature provided by K9 Connection or by manufacturers of any training products used.
13. I agree that training collars, including remote collars and prong/pinch collars, will not be left on my dog overnight or while my dog is unattended.
14. GROUP CLASSES: I understand that missed group classes may not be made up without express written consent from management. Group classes run for consecutive weeks and may or may not be rescheduled for holidays, weather, safety or other required closures. K9 Connection reserves the right to remove any participant from group classes at its sole discretion.
15. I understand that while K9 Connection has experience working with aggressive dogs, there is no guarantee that aggressive behavior will be eliminated. If my dog has exhibited or continues to exhibit aggression toward people or other dogs, I agree that it is my responsibility to manage my dog safely at all times, including use of a muzzle and avoidance of high-risk situations, not limited to training sessions.
16. I agree that if my dog engages in aggression toward a person or another dog during training, K9 Connection staff may, in their sole discretion, use reasonable physical force to interrupt and stop the behavior. I agree that I am solely responsible, financially and otherwise, for any injury, damage, or loss caused by my dog to persons, animals, or property.
17. I grant permission for K9 Connection to photograph and/or videotape my dog for use in print, digital media, or promotional materials.
18. I understand that a payment method on-file is required before services are provided and that any invoice or account balance not paid in full within five (7) days of its due date is considered past due. I agree that K9 Connection may assess a late payment fee of $25.00, plus interest on the unpaid balance at a rate of one percent (1%) per month (an annual rate of twelve percent (12%)), accruing until the balance is paid in full. I understand that this late fee and interest charge are intended to reasonably compensate K9 Connection for the administrative and collection costs associated with late payment, and are not intended as a penalty. I further understand that K9 Connection’s acceptance of a late or partial payment does not waive any of K9 Connection’s rights under this Agreement, including the right to suspend or refuse services until my account is brought current.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK
I understand that participation in K9 Connection dog training, daycare, or boarding involves inherent and unavoidable risks to myself, my dog(s), third parties, and the dog(s) of third parties. These risks include, but are not limited to, property damage, personal injury, dog bites, scratches, illness, infectious disease, parasites, or death. I voluntarily assume all such inherent risks with full knowledge that unforeseen risks may also exist.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I acknowledge that I have been informed of the risks associated with dog training, daycare, and boarding, including the unpredictable behavior of animals, and I voluntarily assume full responsibility for my dog’s participation in these activities.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
In consideration for my dog’s participation in K9 Connection dog training, daycare, or boarding, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless K9 Connection, its owners, employees, agents, officers, and volunteers from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, including personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other causes of action arising from my dog’s participation.
I understand and expressly agree that this release includes claims based on the ordinary negligence of K9 Connection, its owners, employees, agents, officers, and volunteers.
This release does not apply to claims arising from gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct, to the extent such claims cannot be waived under New York law.
I further agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless K9 Connection from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of or related to my dog’s actions or participation, including claims brought by third parties.
SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable under New York law, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of New York.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
I knowingly and voluntarily waive my right to a trial by jury in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or my dog’s participation.
