Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

Section 1: Assumption of Risk

1.1 Inherent Risks

I, the undersigned Renter, acknowledge and understand that interacting with, handling, and caring for dogs involves inherent risks that cannot be fully eliminated, regardless of precautions taken. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to:

• Bites and scratches: Dogs may bite, scratch, nip, or mouth at any time, even without provocation or warning, causing injuries ranging from minor to severe.
• Physical injury from dog behavior: Dogs may jump, pull on a leash, knock a person over, or engage in other physical behaviors that can cause falls, sprains, bruises, fractures, or other injuries.
• Disease and parasites: Dogs may carry diseases, parasites, allergens, or infections that can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic conditions), including but not limited to ringworm, giardia, leptospirosis, and rabies.
• Allergic reactions: Contact with dogs, their saliva, dander, or fur may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Unpredictable behavior: Despite C-BARQ behavioral assessments, dogs are living animals whose behavior may be unpredictable and may change due to environmental factors, stress, illness, unfamiliar surroundings, or other stimuli.
• Interactions with third parties: A dog in my care may injure, frighten, or cause damage to other people, animals, or property.
• Property damage: Dogs may chew, scratch, soil, or otherwise damage personal property, furniture, vehicles, clothing, or rental accommodations.
• Emotional distress: Interactions with dogs, including witnessing injury or illness, may cause emotional distress.

1.2 Voluntary Participation

I confirm that my participation in this dog rental is entirely voluntary. I am not required to rent a dog, and I am choosing to do so with full knowledge and appreciation of the risks described above and any other risks that may arise.

1.3 C-BARQ Tier Acknowledgment

C-BARQ behavioral assessments are a validated scientific tool that measures behavioral tendencies but cannot predict individual incidents. No behavioral assessment eliminates the risk of injury or property damage.

Section 2: Waiver and Release of Claims

2.1 Release of CuddleBridge

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby release, waive, and forever discharge CuddleBridge, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, affiliates, and successors (collectively, “CuddleBridge Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, debts, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) of any kind or nature, whether known or unknown, arising out of or related to: my use of the CuddleBridge Platform; my rental of the dog; any injury, illness, death, or property damage suffered by me or my property during the rental period; any act or omission of the dog; or the C-BARQ behavioral assessment or tier classification.

2.2 Release of Partner Shelter

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby release, waive, and forever discharge the Partner Shelter, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, and successors from claims of the same nature described above, except to the extent such claims arise from the Shelter’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or from the Shelter’s knowing failure to disclose material health or behavioral information about the dog.

2.3 Scope of Waiver

This waiver applies to claims based on negligence, breach of contract, breach of statutory duty, or any other legal theory, to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of British Columbia. This waiver does not apply to claims arising from gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Section 3: Indemnification

3.1 Renter Indemnification

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the CuddleBridge Parties and the Shelter Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to:

• Any injury, illness, or death caused by the dog to any third party while the dog is in my care.
• Any damage caused by the dog to any third-party property while the dog is in my care.
• My breach of the CuddleBridge Terms of Service or this Liability Waiver.
• My negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct during the rental period.
• Any fines, penalties, or claims resulting from my failure to comply with applicable laws, bylaws, or regulations during the rental period.

3.2 Third-Party Claims

I acknowledge that if the dog injures a third party or damages third-party property while in my care, I may be personally liable under applicable law. I agree that CuddleBridge and the Partner Shelter shall have no liability for such third-party claims to the extent the incident occurred while the dog was under my supervision and control.

Section 4: Emergency Contact and Veterinary Authorization

4.2 Veterinary Authorization

In the event of a medical emergency involving the dog during the rental period:

• I agree to contact the Partner Shelter immediately using the emergency contact number provided.
• If I am unable to reach the Partner Shelter, I authorize and agree to transport the dog to the nearest available emergency veterinary clinic.
• I authorize the emergency veterinary clinic to provide necessary emergency medical treatment to stabilize the dog.
• I understand that authorized emergency veterinary expenses will be handled in accordance with the CuddleBridge Terms of Service (Section 5.7).
• I understand that veterinary costs incurred as a result of my negligence will be my sole responsibility.

4.3 Human Medical Emergency

In the event of a medical emergency involving me during the rental period, I authorize CuddleBridge and/or the Partner Shelter to contact my emergency contact and arrange for the retrieval of the dog from my location.

Section 5: Property Damage Acknowledgment

5.1 Personal Property

I acknowledge that the dog may cause damage to my personal property, including but not limited to clothing, footwear, furniture, electronics, vehicles, and household items. I accept full responsibility for safeguarding my personal property during the rental period.

5.2 Third-Party Property

I acknowledge that I am responsible for any damage the dog causes to third-party property while in my care. I agree to promptly report any property damage to CuddleBridge and the Partner Shelter.

5.3 Shelter Equipment

I acknowledge that the Partner Shelter may provide equipment with the dog (e.g., leash, harness, collar, crate, or carrier). I agree to return all shelter-provided equipment in the same condition as received, subject to normal wear. Damage to or loss of shelter-provided equipment may be deducted from my security deposit.

Section 6: Additional Acknowledgments

• Terms of Service: I confirm that I have read and agree to the CuddleBridge Terms of Service. This Liability Waiver is supplementary to and does not replace the Terms of Service.
• Care Instructions: I confirm that I have received and reviewed the care instructions for the dog, including feeding schedule, exercise requirements, behavioral notes, and any known medical conditions or medications.
• Fitness to Participate: I confirm that I am physically and mentally capable of safely handling the dog, and that I have no medical conditions that would prevent me from safely caring for a dog.
• Truthful Representations: I confirm that all information I have provided to CuddleBridge and the Partner Shelter is truthful and accurate.
• Photo and Video Consent: I consent to CuddleBridge and the Partner Shelter using photographs or video taken during the pickup and return process for identification and record-keeping purposes. CuddleBridge will not use my likeness for marketing purposes without my separate written consent.
• Applicable Law: This Liability Waiver is governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada, and any dispute arising from this Waiver shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia, sitting in Vancouver.

Section 7: Signature and Consent

For electronic signatures: By clicking “I Agree” or typing your name in the signature field on the CuddleBridge Platform, you acknowledge that your electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature pursuant to the BC Electronic Transactions Act (SBC 2001, c. 10).