BT-WaiverContract — Alliance Service Dogs

Board and Train Terms and Conditions and Waiver

Agreement as of

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between

(hereinafter referred to as "Client") and Alliance Service Dogs (hereinafter referred to as "Alliance SD”). Adrian (Ari) Wichert is the Alliance Service Dogs instructor who operates the Board and Train program. For the purposes of this document, “Alliance SD” includes any Alliance Service Dog instructor involved in the care, training, and/or supervision of a dog in the Board and Train program, and “Adrian” is used in clauses specific to Adrian Wichert’s lifestyle and practices that may not be relevant to any other Alliance Service Dogs instructor.

Relationship and Responsibilities

Alliance SD will perform all dog Board and Train services with a responsible, professional, and caring attitude. Alliance SD will abide by the Standards of Practise and Code of Ethics set out by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, as well as the Trainer Policies outlined by Atlas Assistance Dogs®. Alliance SD will notify the Client of any incidents that occur while the Client’s dog is in Alliance SD’s care that may impact the health and well-being of the Client’s dog. Alliance SD reserves the right to board and/or train other well-suited dogs at the same time as the Client’s dog. Alliance SD will supply a flat buckle collar with Adrian’s phone number on it, as well as a harness, leashes, long lines, treats, and other training tools such as platforms and clickers. The Client must provide Alliance SD any extra gear, such as boots, head halters, muzzles, grooming tools, and/or clothes that are necessary to their dog’s safety and wellbeing.

Board and Train Structure

All dogs enrolled in Board and Train services (hereinafter referred to as “dogs”) will receive no less than 60 minutes of outdoor exercise per day, including, but not limited to: walks and hikes on or off leash, decompression/sniffing time, and/or playtime in the backyard or another enclosed space. All dogs will receive off-leash training and be given opportunities to run off-leash during hikes and other related activities. Longlines and GPS collars will be used during training to ensure the dog’s safety during off-leash activities. Dogs will receive training every day during their Board and Train. Training will be delivered both in focused sessions (ex. clicker training sessions, public access outings) and throughout the day as opportunities present themselves (ex. settle training in the home, threshold practise when going in and out of crate or house doors, emotional regulation work during exciting activities, conditioning emotional responses to stimuli in the environment as they occur, etc). Focused training sessions will focus on the topics outlined by the handler and Alliance SD during the Initial Consultation. The duration of focused training sessions will depend on the dog’s age, the training goals, the dog’s breed and stamina, and the amount of exercise the dog has had before training on any particular day. On average, young puppies will receive about 20-30 minutes of clicker training (spread out in short sessions throughout the day) in addition to socialization outings and exercise. Adult dogs will receive an average of 60 minutes of focused training per day. Outings and “field trips” outside of Adrian’s home make up a large portion of the training that happens at our Board and Train programs. These outings may include, but are not limited to, outdoor public spaces, public transportation, and/or dog-friendly or “service dog only” indoor buildings and businesses. Dogs may accompany Adrian on their personal daily excursions, including, but not limited to, visiting friends/family, running errands, meeting up with other dogs, attending doctors’ appointments and other meetings, traveling outside of the city for hikes, trials, events, camping, and other activities, and/or seeing other training clients. Adrian occasionally travels outside of the province of Ontario, usually for a camping trip or a dog sports trial or competition. These are uncommon, however, if Adrian has an out-of-province trip planned during the Client dog’s Board and Train stay, the Client will be notified in advance and may choose to discuss alternative options if the Client prefers their dog not to cross a provincial or national border while in the care of Alliance SD. Dogs will sleep (for naps and at night) in an appropriately sized crate in Adrian’s bedroom. If fully crate trained, dogs will be crated at night for as long as they sleep, and may be crated during the day as needed for no more than 5 hours at a time. If not fully crate trained, dogs will sleep in the crate with breaks (at the discretion of Alliance SD), or in an area fully enclosed with an ex-pen. If not fully crate trained, the Client can expect their dog to undergo active crate training while in the care of Alliance SD, with the goal of having the dog comfortable and relaxed in the crate overnight and for periods of up to 5 hours during the day. At the discretion of Alliance SD, dogs may be given full, limited, or no access to household furniture, the kitchen, and/or the bed. All dogs will have access to a crate and a comfy dog bed at all times in the home, regardless of their furniture privileges. All dogs will be tether trained and may be tethered as a form of training and/or management during meals, training sessions, or settle time.

Environmental Exposure and Exercise

Alliance SD operates under the belief that encouraging dogs to display normal canine behaviours whenever possible contributes to the enrichment and well-being of the dogs. Normal canine behaviours include, but are not limited to, being allowed to run, play with other dogs, sniff, roam, dig, roll, swim, and otherwise explore the natural environment. Alliance SD will make every reasonable effort to allow the Client’s dog(s) to experience the above listed outlets in a safe, supervised, and manageable way. Dogs will primarily be exercised via hikes on trails in natural forested and/or beach areas. All dogs, whether on or off leash, will be permitted to roam and engage in the above listed behaviours during hikes and/or other forms of exercise. Hikes are usually conducted in a group fashion with other suitable dogs. Interaction with other dogs and the natural environment, as well as engaging in physical activity itself, poses an inherent risk of exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, minor and major injuries, and/or other unwanted consequences. The amount of exercise the Client’s dog will receive during their Board and Train will be determined by Alliance SD based on the dog’s breed, age, behaviour during and outside of exercise sessions, and any other relevant information.

IMPORTANT: Adrian lives a very active lifestyle, and it is very likely that during their Board and Train your dog will receive more intensive and/or frequent exercise than they are used to. The success of your dog adapting to a potentially more physically rigorous lifestyle depends on many factors. If your dog is in poor physical health (ex. Body condition score, diet, strength) and/or if your dog is not receiving appropriate age- and breed-specific exercise at home on a regular basis, their risk of injury while in Adrian’s care is significantly increased. If you are concerned about your dog adjusting to a more physical lifestyle during their Board and Train, please contact Alliance Service Dogs and Adrian will be happy to work with you to try and optimize your dog’s physical health in preparation for your dog’s stay.

Dog Condition and Grooming

Dogs must be fully groomed and free of matting upon the start date of the Board and Train with Alliance SD. Dogs found with matting upon their arrival will be booked for a grooming appointment with Adrian’s groomer as soon as possible after arrival. Coated breeds must be clipped short upon the start date of the Board and Train, and will be booked in with a groomer on an as-needed basis to maintain a short and mat-free coat during their stay with Alliance SD. The cost of any and all grooming appointments for the Client’s dog booked by Alliance SD during the dog’s Board and Train stay are the full and sole responsibility of the Client. Alliance SD will make every reasonable effort to keep the Client’s dog(s) clean, dry, and free from burrs, ticks, and other natural debris caught in the fur. Alliance SD will inspect all dogs carefully after time spent outdoors and/or in contact with other dogs. Burrs and ticks will be removed to the best of Alliance SD’s ability. Clients will be notified via text message or another agreed upon means of communication of any cuts, scrapes, or other injuries found. Dogs are fully brushed on a regular basis, and any matts found will be removed gently. Dogs may be bathed after particularly muddy or sandy hikes, and/or if needed based on the discretion of Alliance SD. Alliance SD assumes no responsibility for ticks, burrs, mud, dirt, cuts, scrapes, or other injuries overlooked by Alliance SD after inspecting and cleaning the Client’s dog(s) to the best of Alliance SD’s ability before the dog returns to the Client’s home after services. Additional rinsing and/or cleaning may be required by the Client(s) in order to clean their dog to their own satisfaction after services provided.

Safety During Training

Alliance SD will make every reasonable effort to keep Client’s dog(s) safe and in good condition while in Alliance SD’s care. Alliance SD is a positive-reinforcement based training business and will not participate in the use of any of the following tools on dogs in their care: electronic shock or vibration collars (“e-collars”), prong, choke, or fur saver collars. Slip leashes may be used to transport dogs briefly from a vehicle to another location, during short potty breaks, or in emergency situations. Slip leashes will never be used to deliver leash corrections. All dogs in the care of Alliance SD during any service provided will be considered “in training” for the duration of that service. “In training” means that dogs may receive reasonable behaviour modification from Alliance SD during services provided, if such intervention is deemed necessary by Alliance SD for the safety and wellbeing of the dog(s) or Alliance SD during the service period. A dog under the care of Alliance SD may be allowed off-leash only if the following conditions are met: the dog’s recall and basic obedience has been tested by Alliance SD and the dog’s recall has proven to be strong; the dog is in a fenced area, or the dog(s) are at a distance deemed safe by Alliance SD from streets, large gatherings of people, schools, and other obvious environmental hazards; Alliance SD has thoroughly assessed the environment, including all dogs nearby, and determined that it is safe for the particular dog to be off-leash in that area; Alliance SD believes that off-leash exercise would greatly benefit the dog on that particular day. Dogs in training will be exposed to normal city elements such as large crowds, busy streets, unpredictable weather patterns, and the general public. Care is taken to ensure the safety of the dog and handler at all times when training, however, the Client should assume that the dog may come into contact with common risks associated with this environment.

Dog Behavioural History and Medical Conditions

The Client will include any and all relevant behavioural and medical information pertaining to their dog(s) in the Boarding Application Form. Bitches in heat are not allowed to attend Board and Train programs. If the Client’s dog goes into heat before their stay, the stay will be rescheduled to another time. If the Client’s dog goes into heat during their stay, the Client must be prepared to take their dog back for the duration of the heat, or arrange for alternative care for the dog for the duration of the heat. All dogs participating in Board and Train programs with Alliance SD must remain up to date on the following vaccinations and medications for the duration of the Board and Train: - Rabies, DA2PP (or DHPP), Leptospirosis, and Bortedella (Kennel Cough) vaccinations - A non-topical, veterinarian-prescribed flea and tick preventative (ex. Simparica Trio, Bravecto, NexGuard). Seresto collars, as well as any treatment containing the ingredient Permethrin (found in most topical flea treatments) are prohibited. If a Client’s dog has been treated with or otherwise come into contact with any products containing Permethrin within three days of the start date of their Board and Train the Client must inform Adrian of this, as Permethrin is extremely dangerous and can be lethal for cats. If the Client’s dog is due for a vaccination during the Board and Train period, the Client must inform Adrian of this in advance so a veterinarian appointment can be booked in accordance with Adrian’s work schedule. All vet appointments booked must be listed in the Boarding Information Form. The Client will ensure to the best of their knowledge that their dog(s) participating in services offered by Alliance SD is/are in good health and without signs of illness or injury. The Client will inform Alliance SD immediately if their dog shows any symptoms of Kennel Cough, parasites, worms, or other ailments so that alternative arrangements can be made if necessary. If the Client’s dog begins to show symptoms of illness and has participated in services with Alliance SD in the past 48 hours, the Client will inform Alliance SD immediately so that necessary safety precautions can be taken to protect the other dogs Alliance SD has contact with. Alliance SD reserves the right to contact the veterinarian/veterinary clinic listed by the Client in the Boarding Information Form in order to confirm medical and/or behavioural information provided by the client. Alliance SD reserves the right to temporarily suspend all services to a Client if the Client’s dog(s) are displaying symptoms of contagious illness.

Manageable Behaviour Policy

Due to the nature of Alliance SD’s Board and Train programs, certain behaviour from dogs is unacceptable and will exclude them from services. These behaviours include, but are not limited to: Unsafe predatory or other dangerous behaviour in relation to cats and/or other dogs. Unsafe behaviour towards humans. Excessive barking at any point. Severe separation (including confinement) anxiety. Moderate to severe resource guarding, reactivity, or other disruptive behaviour. Inability to tolerate riding in a vehicle for short or long periods of time. Moderate to severe distress at being left in Adrian’s care for an extended period of time.

Communications and Media

Alliance SD will provide training updates through Instagram and/or text messaging. Alliance SD will do their best to provide updates at least once per day. The Client is welcome to check in and/or request additional updates at any time, and although Alliance SD may not always be available to provide one, Alliance SD will do their best to accommodate the Client’s request at that time. If the Client would strongly prefer a different method of communication than text messaging, email updates can be arranged upon request. Board and Train photo and video updates are generally posted to Adrian’s training account on Instagram (@roamdogtraining) and may also be posted to the Alliance SD instagram (@alliance.service.dogs). If the Client chooses not to agree to the media release, please note that group photos with the Client’s dog in them may still appear on social media as Board and Train dogs are frequently hiked with other client dogs, and group photos are sent to all clients after hikes. If the Client gives consent to the media release, Alliance SD may post updates or highlights that include photos, videos, or other media containing the Client’s dog’s image or likeness to social media, the Alliance SD website and/or other outlets at the discretion of Alliance SD. Social media, website, and promotional content containing images of Client’s dog(s) may include, but is not limited to: photo and video updates from the dog(s)’ participation in Alliance SD services, educational content related to training and canine wellbeing, updates relating to the business operations of Alliance SD and its services, and/or recruitment material for prospective Clients.

Payments and Expenses

The Client will pay Alliance SD Board and Train fees according to what phase of training the dog is in. The dog’s current phase of training will be decided by Adrian, in consultation with relevant instructors. Alliance SD reserves the right to move a Client’s dog to a different phase of training at any point during the Board and Train program, according to the dog’s training progress and behaviour at that time. The Client will be notified of any changes to their dog’s training phase (and the associated fee changes) in advance of the changes. The Board and Train fee for the Started Puppy program is $12,350 for the 12-week program. The Board and Train fees for all other programs are as follows: Phase 1: Puppy Prospects - $192.00 + HST per day, or $1344.00 + HST per week Phases 2 & 3: Life Skills & Public Access Foundations - $168.00 + HST per day, or $1176.00 + HST per week Phases 4 & 5: Task Training & Advanced Concepts - $144.00 + HST per day, or $1008.00 + HST per week If a Client has opted for a Board and Train option that is less than 3 weeks in duration, the full fee amount will be due prior to the start date. If a Client has opted for a Board and Train option that is more than 3 weeks in duration, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the full Board and Train fee will be due prior to the start of the Board and Train program. The remaining 50% will be billed on a monthly basis starting halfway through the program’s timeline. The Client will pay fees no later than seven days after receiving an invoice, or the payment will be considered late. Non-payment or late payment of fees will be considered a breach of this agreement. In the case of late payment, the Client may incur a weekly administration charge until payment is received in full. If any fees or other charges are late and another service is scheduled, Alliance Service Dogs reserves the right to cancel the scheduled service without notice. Additional fees incurred during a dog’s Board and Train, including, but not limited to: veterinary, grooming, food and supplement, and other supplies fees, will be paid by the Client via e-transfer directly to Adrian upon request. Receipts for all additional fees will be provided by Adrian to the Client.

Cancellation Policy

For Respite Boarding: cancellations and/or changes can be made at any point, but payment is non-refundable. For all other programs: cancellations and/or changes during the first half of the Board and Train may be made at any time, however, the 50% deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation and/or changes made in the second half of the Board and Train program must be made at least one week (7 days) prior to the next monthly billing cycle in order to avoid fees for the next scheduled month of Board and Train services.

Termination of Service Agreement

The Client must be available or have an emergency contact (listed in the Boarding Information Form) available at all times during the Board and Train period who is able to assume care of the Client’s dog should the dog be discharged from Alliance SD’s services at any time. Should the Client’s dog become aggressive or dangerous to other animals or humans (see 9 and 9.1), Alliance SD reserves the right to terminate the service agreement with the Client if Alliance SD feels they do not have the resources or capacity to reasonably accommodate the dog for services. Any wrongful or misleading information given by the Client about their dog’s behavioural and/or medical history or condition may constitute a breach of terms of this agreement and be grounds for instant termination thereof. Harassment of any form, including, but not limited to: discriminatory remarks or behaviours, demands from the Client beyond what is described in the service agreement, and/or continued interference with Alliance SD’s ability to perform their services according to this agreement will not be tolerated and Alliance SD reserves the right to terminate the service agreement following harassment of any type from a Client. If at any point Alliance SD determines they do not have the resources or capacity to accommodate a given Client, or if they determine a Client to not be a good fit for their services, Alliance SD reserves the right to terminate the service agreement with the Client. Every effort will be made by Alliance SD to give the Client at least two weeks’ (ten business days) written notice of termination of the agreement. Under exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of Alliance SD, the service agreement may be terminated immediately or with less than two weeks’ notice given. Termination initiated by Alliance SD under any circumstance shall not entitle the client to any refunds nor relief of any outstanding payments due. Upon termination of the agreement, Alliance SD shall have no further obligation to provide Board and Train services to the Client.

Emergencies

By signing this agreement, the Client gives consent for Alliance SD to respond to and treat minor medical ailments the Client’s dog may experience, including, but not limited to: small cuts, scrapes, split nails, sore paw pads, tick removal, hot spot treatment, and more. In the event that the Client’s dog has a minor ailment that persists, or has a more serious medical concern, Alliance SD will seek veterinary treatment and the Client will assume responsibility for any and all expenses incurred as a result. All minor and major medical concerns will be reported to the Client. In the event that the Client’s dog experiences a medical emergency, Alliance SD shall contact the Client through the telephone number(s) provided on the Boarding Information Form to confirm the Client’s choice of action. If the Client cannot be reached in a timely manner then Alliance SD is authorised to take the following actions: transport the dog to the listed veterinarian on the Boarding Information Form, request on-site treatment from a veterinarian, or transport the dog to an emergency clinic if the previous two options are not feasible. Depending on the severity of the emergency, the dog may be transported to the nearest emergency hospital before the Client is contacted. In this case, the Client will be contacted as soon as physically possible. In the event that Adrian experiences a personal emergency and is unable to care for the Client’s dog, the Client will be contacted to pick up their dog at their earliest convenience. Should the Client be unreachable in a timely manner, the Emergency Contact will be contacted to assume care of the dog.

Confidentiality

Alliance SD will keep safe and confidential all medical and other information regarding the Client and their dog prior to, during, and after the Board and Train program. Information relevant to the training and progress of the Client’s dog may be shared with other Alliance SD instructors in order to develop and/or modify appropriate training plans for the Client’s dog.

I give consent for Alliance SD to use photos, videos, and/or other media containing images or the likeness of my dog(s) on social media, the Alliance SD website and/or for other promotional or advertising purposes.

I understand that during any Board and Train program, my dog may be walked and/or trained off-leash at the discretion of Alliance SD.

I confirm that my dog meets the vaccination and preventative medication requirements set out in the terms and conditions above.

I understand that Alliance SD cannot guarantee the training or behavioural outcomes of any of the dogs enrolled in Board and Train services. Every dog responds differently to training due to many factors, and the progress my dog makes while in the care of Alliance Service Dogs may exceed, meet, or fall short of my expectations. I understand this and wish to proceed with the Board and Train program nonetheless.

Waiver of Liability

I, the undersigned, have read, understood, and agreed to the Terms and Conditions set out above. By signing this waiver, I affirm that I understand thoroughly the risks associated with Board and Training services provided by Alliance Service Dogs. I understand that I am solely responsible for any harm caused by my dog(s) while my dog(s) is/are in the care of Alliance Service Dogs for the duration of the Board and Training services provided. I assume all related risks, both known or unknown to me, of my participation in this service. I also understand and agree that in releasing my dog(s) into Alliance Service Dog’s care, Alliance Service Dogs has relied upon my representation that my dog(s) is/are in good health and has/have not harmed any person or any dog. I further understand that due to the way that dogs interact with one another and the nature of the exercise and training my dog will receive while in the care of Alliance Service Dogs, minor cuts and scratches, as well as more serious injuries and illnesses, can occur even when the dogs are carefully supervised at all times. If I am unreachable in the event of an emergency while my dog(s) is/are in the care of Alliance Service Dogs I hereby authorize Alliance Service Dogs, its agents, and/or representatives to seek immediate veterinary care for my dog. I agree to be financially responsible for any and all costs incurred by Alliance Service Dogs in connection with any and all veterinary, medical, or other emergency treatment for my dog(s). I hereby release and agree to save and hold harmless, Alliance Service Dogs, its directors, officers, shareholders, employees, assistants, members, and agents from any and all liability or claims, including claims of Alliance Service Dogs negligence, suits, actions, loss, injury or damage of any nature or kind, or for any liability, claims, suits, actions, loss, injury or damage which I or my dog(s) may sustain or which may be caused in any way by my dog(s). I specifically, without limitation, agree to fully indemnify Alliance Service Dogs for any and all such liability, claims, suits, actions, losses, injury, or damage. Although Alliance Service Dogs carefully screens all applicants, occasionally it is discovered that Alliance Service Dogs is unable to provide appropriate services for a Client or dog(s) accepted into a Board and Train program. Alliance Service Dogs reserves the right to permanently remove a dog from its services at any time. I certify that I have read and understand the rules and regulations set forth herein and that I have read and understand this agreement. I agree to abide by the rules and regulations and accept all the terms, conditions, and statements of this agreement. I have read the Alliance Service Dogs Waiver of Liability, I agree to all of the terms set out herein, and I understand that this is a legally binding contract.

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