Dog Care Agreement and Liability Waiver

Please read this agreement carefully. By signing, you acknowledge that you understand and accept the terms below.

This Agreement is entered into by the undersigned dog owner ("Owner") and Niles Dog Lodge ("Provider"), an owner-run dog care setup operated by Doug in Niles, Illinois.

1. Nature of Services

Owner understands and agrees that Niles Dog Lodge is a small, owner-run dog care setup and not a high-volume commercial daycare facility. Services are provided in a controlled environment with a limited number of dogs and may include supervised social time, daytime care, and overnight stays for approved dogs.

Owner understands and agrees that dogs are intentionally allowed to interact, socialize, and play with other dogs. These interactions are a core part of the service and are expected during participation.

Owner acknowledges that dog-to-dog interaction is inherent to this service and accepts the risks associated with such interaction. Participation in these services is voluntary.

2. Owner Representations

Owner represents and warrants that the dog:

• is legally owned by the Owner or the Owner is authorized to make decisions for the dog;
• is current on required vaccinations and health requirements;
• is free from contagious illness to the best of the Owner’s knowledge;
• has no undisclosed history of aggression, biting, resource guarding, or other behavior that could pose a risk to people or other dogs;
• is physically and behaviorally suitable for participation in this environment.

Owner agrees to fully disclose any medical, behavioral, or temperament issues that could affect the dog’s participation.

3. Assumption of Risk

Owner understands that dogs are animals and may behave unpredictably. Owner acknowledges and accepts the inherent risks associated with dog care, handling, transportation, play, social interaction, feeding, exercise, and overnight care.

These risks include, but are not limited to, scratches, bites, cuts, stress, illness, escape, property damage, and in rare cases serious injury or death. Owner voluntarily assumes these risks on behalf of themselves and their dog.

Owner specifically acknowledges that injuries can occur as a direct result of normal dog-to-dog interaction, including play, and accepts these risks as part of participation.

4. Release and Waiver of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Owner releases, waives, and agrees to hold harmless Niles Dog Lodge, Doug, and members of his household from claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, and expenses arising out of or relating to the Owner’s dog’s participation in services, including injury, illness, loss, death, or damage involving the Owner’s dog.

This release is intended to apply to ordinary negligence to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, but it does not apply to gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot lawfully be waived.

5. Indemnification

Owner agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Niles Dog Lodge, Doug, and members of his household from and against claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and attorneys’ fees arising from or related to:

• injury or damage caused by the Owner’s dog to any person, animal, or property;
• the Owner’s failure to disclose relevant medical or behavioral information;
• the Owner’s breach of this Agreement.

6. Emergency Veterinary Care

If Provider believes emergency veterinary treatment is reasonably necessary, Owner authorizes Provider to obtain such care. Owner agrees to remain fully responsible for all veterinary fees, transportation costs, medications, and related expenses.

Provider will make reasonable efforts to contact Owner first, but may act without prior contact if circumstances reasonably require immediate action.

7. Refusal or Removal of Dog

Provider may refuse, suspend, or terminate services at any time if a dog is determined, in Provider’s judgment, to be unsafe, unhealthy, incompatible with the environment, or otherwise not a good fit.

No guarantee of continued acceptance or compatibility is made.

8. No Guarantee of Compatibility or Outcome

Owner understands that approval of a dog, including after a meet and greet, does not guarantee future compatibility, behavior, or outcome. A dog’s temperament, reactions, and health may change over time.

9. Payment and Account Credit

Owner understands that services may be offered through prepaid account credit or other payment arrangements established by Provider. Credits, deductions, cancellations, and any refunds or adjustments are subject to Provider’s posted policies and administrative decisions.

10. Photo Authorization

Owner may indicate whether Provider may use photographs of the dog for website or promotional purposes.

11. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Illinois. Any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in or serving Cook County, Illinois, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

12. Acknowledgment

By signing below, Owner acknowledges that they have read this Agreement carefully, understand it, have had the opportunity to ask questions, and agree to be bound by its terms.