LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY WAIVER FOR LEHIGH VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY

1.              ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK

 

I, acknowledge and understand that participating in any activities, including but not limited to, engaging with or otherwise interacting with various animals on premise, including dog handling, at Lehigh Valley Humane Society (“LVHS”) may involve certain risks, including but not limited to animal bites, scratches, other injuries caused by animals; injuries resulting from slips, trips, falls, and other accidents that occur on the premises which includes inside the buildings, parking lots and other areas controlled by LVHS; exposure to zoonotic diseases or allergens; physical injury from lifting, cleaning, or other activities. I acknowledge that the behavior and temperament of animals can be unpredictable and that touching, handling, or other contact with animals may expose me to any of the forgoing injuries, illnesses, or damages to myself or property which includes any animal I voluntarily bring into the shelter premises at LVHS.

 

To the extent applicable, the above acknowledgement extents to fostering of any animal. I understand the forgoing risks may occur outside of the premises of LVHS but I nevertheless acknowledge those risks and understand fostering exposes me to those same risks outside the premises of LVHS.

 

I understand that while LVHS takes reasonable precautions, these risks cannot be entirely eliminated. I agree to follow all rules, regulations, and instructions provided by LVHS.

 

2.              ASSUMPTION OF RISK

 

I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage, or personal injury including death, that may be sustained by me while participating in the activities listed in this waiver, whether caused by LVHS or otherwise.

 

To the extent applicable, I, as owner or foster or adopter voluntarily assume full responsibility for any loss, property damage, or personal injury that arises from the actions or behavior of any animal I own or have under my control.

 

3.              RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

 

I hereby release, waive, and discharge LVHS, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that may arise that may be sustained by me, my spouse, my property, or any adult or minor within my control while engaged in any activity otherwise on the premises of LVHS. I agree to never bring a claim or suit against LVHS, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents and release LVHS, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents, from all liability arising out of the activities or actions described within this waiver.

 

I understand that this waiver discharges LVHS, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any liability to the undersigned with respect to any  and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that may arise that may be sustained by me, my property, or any minor within my control while volunteering or otherwise on the premises of LVHS.

 

4.              INDEMNIFICATION

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless LVHS its directors, offices, employees, and agents from any and all actions, outcomes or consequences as described in this waiver, all claims, liabilities, injuries, damages, costs, and expenses, including attorneys fees, arising out of my activities, or other activities while on the premises of LVHS, including but not limiting to injuries or damages caused by own negligent or willful conduct or any animal under my ownership or control.

 

5.              MEDICAL TREATMENT

I authorize LVHS to seek emergency medical treatment on my behalf in the case of injury or illness. I understand that I am responsible for any medical expenses incurred.  

 

6.              CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONDUCT

I agree to maintain confidentiality of all information related to the animals, staff, and operations of LVHS. I agree to act in a professional respectful manner at all times. I agree to follow all instructions provided to me, my spouse, or any adult or minor under my control.

 

7.               GOVERNING LAW AND SEVERABILITY

This waiver shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Lehigh County, without regard to any conflicts of law principles.

 

If any provision of the waiver is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

 

8.              CONSENT AND UNDERSTANDING

 

I have read and fully understand the terms and conditions of this waiver. I acknowledge that I am giving up legal rights, including but not limited to, my right to sue. I agree to these terms on behalf of myself, my spouse, any person who accompanies me, and any minor within my control. I sign this waiver freely and voluntarily. This is the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any other verbal or written statements not included in this waiver.