Legacy Paws Rescue
Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnification Agreement
Legacy Paws Rescue, a North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 33-2211382), operates a dog sanctuary on private property located at 1589 Conestoga Crossing, Catawba, North Carolina ("the Property").
Please read this entire agreement carefully. By signing it, you give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue Legacy Paws Rescue for injuries or losses caused by ordinary negligence.
1. Definitions
"Legacy Paws Rescue" or "the Rescue" includes Legacy Paws Rescue, its founder, officers, directors, board members, employees, volunteers, fosters, agents, event partners, sponsors, and the owners of the Property, and each of their successors and assigns (together, the "Released Parties").
"Activities" means any visit to or activity on the Property or at any off-site Legacy Paws Rescue event, including but not limited to: meet-the-dogs visits, adoption meetings, volunteering, volunteer orientation, community service hours, dog walking, feeding, bathing, training, and handling; sanctuary and Rainbow Bridge visits; trail walks and hikes; the Haunted Trail and other seasonal or after-dark events; Jeep, off-road, or vehicle-based dog experiences; corporate and group team-building events; pickups; photo and video sessions; fundraisers; and any other activity offered by the Rescue.
"Participant" means the person named on this agreement who is taking part in the Activities, whether as a visitor, guest, volunteer, community service participant, or event attendee.
2. About Our Dogs
I understand that Legacy Paws Rescue takes in dogs that are often traumatized, recovering, fearful, or have unknown histories. Many were facing euthanasia because of behavior. Even with careful assessment, training, and supervision, the Rescue cannot predict with certainty how any dog will behave. Any dog, including one that has shown no prior aggression, may bite, scratch, jump, lunge, pull, knock a person down, or react suddenly to people, children, other animals, noises, movement, or unfamiliar situations.
3. Known Risks
I understand that the Activities involve inherent and other risks that cannot be fully eliminated, including but not limited to:
Animal risks: dog bites, scratches, being jumped on, knocked over, or pulled while leash walking; injuries from dogs fighting or breaking up a dog fight; allergic reactions; and exposure to illnesses, parasites, or conditions that can pass from animals to people (such as ringworm, mange, fleas, ticks, worms, giardia, or bacterial infections).
Property and terrain risks: slips, trips, and falls on uneven, wet, muddy, rocky, or wooded ground; hills and slopes; a creek and moving or standing water; bridges and crossings; roots, holes, logs, and branches; fencing, gates, and structures; and weather including heat, cold, rain, and lightning.
Wildlife and outdoor risks: insect and tick bites, bee and wasp stings, snakes, poison ivy and other plants, and wild animals.
Haunted Trail and after-dark event risks: low light or darkness; walking at night over creek crossings and uneven woodland terrain; actors, props, and effects designed to startle and scare; fog, strobe, flashing, or theatrical lighting; loud or sudden sounds; crowds; and physical or emotional reactions to being frightened, including panic, fainting, anxiety, or aggravation of heart, breathing, seizure, or other medical conditions.
Vehicle and off-road risks: riding in or near Jeeps or other vehicles on unpaved or off-road trails, including sudden stops, bumps, rollovers, and being struck by a vehicle.
Volunteer, community service, and physical task risks: lifting, carrying, bending, cleaning kennels and yards, yard and property work, using tools or equipment, exposure to cleaning products, and strain or overexertion.
The actions or carelessness of other visitors, volunteers, or participants.
Delays in emergency medical care due to the rural location of the Property.
These risks can result in minor injuries, serious injuries, permanent disability, illness, emotional distress, property damage, or death.
4. Assumption of Risk
I am participating voluntarily. I have read and understand the risks described above, as well as other risks that may not be listed. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if they arise from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties, and I accept full responsibility for my participation.
5. Release of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by North Carolina law, I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives, and assigns, release, waive, and forever discharge the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, or causes of action of any kind arising out of or related to my participation in the Activities or my presence on the Property, including claims caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties. This release does not apply to gross negligence or willful or intentional misconduct.
6. Covenant Not to Sue
I agree not to file or bring any lawsuit or claim against any of the Released Parties for any matter released in this agreement.
7. Indemnification
I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any loss, liability, damage, or cost, including reasonable attorney fees, that they may incur because of my participation in the Activities, my conduct, my failure to follow rules or instructions, or any claim brought by or on behalf of any minor or guest I bring onto the Property or for whom I sign this agreement.
8. Rules and Instructions
I agree to:
Follow all rules, posted signs, and instructions from Legacy Paws Rescue staff and volunteers at all times.
Not approach, touch, feed, or give treats to any dog unless a Legacy Paws Rescue representative says it is okay.
Not enter fenced areas, kennels, dog runs, or restricted areas without permission and supervision.
Keep my hands and face away from dogs' mouths, and not hug, kiss, or put my face near any dog's face.
Keep children under my direct supervision at all times, unless they are approved to attend unaccompanied under Section 15.
Not bring my own pets onto the Property unless the Rescue has approved it in advance.
Stay on marked trails and paths, and wear closed-toe shoes appropriate for outdoor, uneven, and wet terrain.
Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on the Property, and not bring weapons onto the Property.
Stop an activity and tell a Rescue representative right away if I feel unsafe, unwell, or unable to continue.
Report any bite, scratch, fall, or injury, however minor, to a Rescue representative before leaving the Property.
I understand that Legacy Paws Rescue may ask me or any member of my group to leave the Property at any time, for any reason related to safety, the dogs' wellbeing, or failure to follow rules.
9. Health and Fitness
I confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate in the Activities I have chosen. I have told Legacy Paws Rescue about any medical condition, allergy, pregnancy, disability, or other concern that may affect my safety or the safety of others, including heart conditions, seizure disorders, sensitivity to strobe or flashing lights, anxiety or panic conditions, or dog allergies. I understand that the Haunted Trail is intentionally frightening and is not recommended for people with heart conditions, seizure disorders, anxiety or panic conditions, or who are pregnant.
10. Medical Treatment Authorization
If I am injured or become ill, I authorize Legacy Paws Rescue to call for emergency medical services and to arrange first aid or emergency medical treatment for me (or for any minor listed on this form) if I am unable to consent or cannot be reached. I understand that Legacy Paws Rescue representatives are not acting as medical providers, and I agree to be responsible for all costs of any medical care or transport. I understand that the Rescue does not provide medical insurance for visitors, volunteers, or community service participants.
11. Bites and Required Reporting
I understand that under North Carolina law, dog bites may be required to be reported to local animal control or the health department, and that the dog involved may be placed on quarantine. I agree to cooperate with any required reporting.
12. Personal Property
I understand that Legacy Paws Rescue is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property, including clothing, phones, cameras, jewelry, or vehicles, including damage caused by dogs.
13. Photo and Media Release
I give Legacy Paws Rescue permission to photograph and record video or audio of me (and any minor listed on this form) during the Activities, and to use these images and recordings, without payment, in its websites, social media, newsletters, fundraising, grant applications, publications, and promotional materials. If I check the box on this form stating that I do not want my photo or video used, the Rescue will make reasonable efforts to honor that request. The Rescue will not publicly identify community service participants as performing court-ordered service.
14. Minors (Under 18) Attending With a Parent or Guardian
Anyone under 18 must have this agreement signed by a parent or legal guardian. A minor cannot sign this agreement for themselves.
As the parent or legal guardian of the minor(s) named on this form, I have read this agreement and I consent to their participation. On behalf of myself and the minor(s), I agree to all terms of this agreement, including the assumption of risk, release, and medical authorization. I also personally agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim brought by or on behalf of the minor(s), to the fullest extent permitted by law.
15. Unaccompanied Minor Consent (Parent or Guardian Not Attending)
This section applies if a minor will attend any Activity without their parent or legal guardian present.
I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor named on this form. I understand that my child will be attending Legacy Paws Rescue Activities without me present, and I give my permission for them to participate. I understand and agree that:
My child must be at least [14] years old to attend without a parent or guardian. Children younger than this must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or approved adult at all times. Some Activities, including the Haunted Trail and Jeep or off-road experiences, may require every minor to be accompanied by an adult regardless of age.
If my child is attending with another adult, that adult is named on this form. I give that adult permission to supervise my child and to make decisions for my child's safety during the visit.
Legacy Paws Rescue staff and volunteers will provide general supervision during scheduled Activities only. They are not babysitters and are not responsible for my child before check-in, after check-out, or outside the scheduled Activity.
I am responsible for my child's transportation to and from the Property. I will arrange drop-off and pick-up at the agreed times. If my child will leave with anyone other than me, I have listed that person on this form, and I understand the Rescue may ask for identification.
My child has been told to follow all rules and instructions from Legacy Paws Rescue staff and volunteers. If my child does not follow the rules or acts in an unsafe way, the Rescue may end their visit, and I will pick them up promptly.
I, or the emergency contact listed, will be reachable by phone for the entire visit.
I authorize Legacy Paws Rescue to call for emergency medical services and arrange first aid or emergency treatment for my child if I cannot be reached, and I accept responsibility for all costs of that care.
I have told the Rescue about any medical conditions, allergies (including dog allergies), medications, or special needs my child has.
All other terms of this agreement apply to my child's participation, and I agree to them on my child's behalf and my own, including the indemnification in Section 14.
16. Volunteers
If I am participating as a volunteer, I understand that I am not an employee of Legacy Paws Rescue and am not entitled to wages, benefits, or workers' compensation. I will only perform tasks I have been trained and approved to do, and I will complete any required orientation before working with dogs.
17. Community Service Participants
This section applies if I am completing community service hours for a court, probation or diversion program, school, scouting group, church, club, or any other organization.
I understand and agree that:
Acceptance is at the Rescue's discretion. Legacy Paws Rescue is not required to accept me for community service, and may decline, limit, or end my placement at any time, for any reason related to safety, the dogs' wellbeing, my conduct, or the Rescue's needs.
No guarantee of hours. The Rescue does not guarantee that it will have enough work available for me to complete the number of hours I need, or that I will complete them by any deadline. Meeting my deadline is my responsibility.
Hours are verified only as actually worked. The Rescue will only sign off on hours I actually complete while checked in and supervised. Travel time, breaks, orientation reading done at home, and time spent off task do not count unless the Rescue agrees in writing. I will sign in and sign out every shift.
Honesty. Falsifying hours, signatures, or records will end my placement immediately, and the Rescue may report it to the organization that assigned my service.
Communication with my program. I give Legacy Paws Rescue permission to share my attendance, hours, conduct, and dismissal (if any) with the court, probation officer, school, or organization that assigned my community service, and to respond to their requests for verification.
Disclosure. I have answered the screening questions on this form truthfully, including whether my service is court-ordered and whether I have been convicted of any offense involving animal cruelty, violence, or harm to children. I understand that giving false answers will end my placement.
Assigned tasks. I will perform only the tasks assigned to me. Community service participants may be assigned property, cleaning, and support tasks and may not be permitted to handle dogs, especially dogs with behavior concerns, until the Rescue decides it is appropriate.
Not employment. Community service is unpaid. I am not an employee of the Rescue and am not entitled to wages, benefits, or workers' compensation.
Minors doing community service must also have Section 14 or Section 15 completed by a parent or guardian.
All other terms of this agreement, including the assumption of risk, release, and indemnification, apply fully to my community service.
18. Term of This Agreement
This agreement applies to my first visit and to every later visit, event, volunteer shift, and community service shift with Legacy Paws Rescue for twelve (12) months from the date I sign, unless the Rescue asks me to sign an updated version sooner. For one-time events such as the Haunted Trail, this agreement applies to the event date and any rescheduled date.
19. Governing Law and Severability
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Any legal action related to this agreement shall be brought in the courts of Catawba County, North Carolina. This agreement is meant to be as broad as North Carolina law allows. If any part is found invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the agreement will remain in full force and effect.
20. Electronic Signature
I agree that signing this agreement electronically, including by typing my name, drawing my signature, or checking a box, has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
21. Acknowledgment
I have read this entire agreement. I understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I am at least 18 years old (or I am the parent or legal guardian signing for a minor). I am signing this agreement freely and voluntarily, and I intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of liability to the fullest extent allowed by law.
