1. Ranch Property and Covered Activities
I acknowledge that I am voluntarily entering or visiting a privately owned ranch located at 4555 N. Peyton Place, Clarkdale, Arizona 86324, where dogs are housed, cared for, rehabilitated, and maintained. I understand that the ranch is also used for activities associated with Pets Return Home (PRH), a nonprofit animal rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary, and adoption organization. This Agreement applies to my presence at the ranch and participation in activities involving the property, its animals, or PRH, whether at the ranch or elsewhere, including:
• Visiting the ranch, observing or interacting with animals, and participating in authorized animal-related activities.
• Animal care, walking, feeding, socialization, grooming, training or rehabilitation assistance, cleaning, and other authorized animal activities.
• Ranch and facility maintenance, repairs, groundskeeping, administrative assistance, and other approved work.
• Adoption and fundraising events, community outreach, workshops, educational activities, merchandise sales, and event setup and cleanup.
• Authorized transportation of animals, equipment, or supplies, including loading, unloading, and related travel.
• Other authorized activities at public or private locations, including remote administrative, communications, fundraising, and organizational services. The Agreement also covers reasonably incidental activities, including arrival, departure, preparation, and movement within authorized areas. Foster care and boarding arrangements are excluded and require separate agreements.
2. Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks
I understand that entering the ranch or participating in activities involving animals, facilities, equipment, vehicles, or other people presents risks that cannot always be prevented, including:
• Dog bites, scratches, jumping, pulling, collisions, fights, escapes, unpredictable behavior, and injuries involving dogs or other animals.
• Falls, uneven surfaces, gates, fences, structures, tools, machinery, lifting, and physical exertion.
• Weather, heat, cold, insects, allergens, dust, animal waste, communicable conditions, and other environmental hazards.
• Vehicle or transportation accidents; incidents at public events or third-party locations; and interactions with other people.
• Bodily injury, illness, disability, death, and damage to or loss of personal property. I understand that some dogs may have behavioral or medical challenges, including fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or a history of difficult experiences. I knowingly and voluntarily assume the inherent risks of my presence and participation, including risks arising from the ordinary negligence of a Released Party, to the fullest extent permitted by Arizona law.
3. Released Parties
For purposes of this Agreement, the “Released Parties” include: A. Mark Happe, individually and in all applicable capacities, including as private ranch property owner, dog owner or custodian, animal caregiver, ranch operator, and representative of PRH. B. Pets Return Home, including its current and former directors, officers, board members, employees, volunteers, managers, coordinators, trainers, animal handlers, agents, and authorized representatives, in their individual and authorized organizational capacities. C. Other authorized owners or operators of properties or facilities used for covered activities, and their authorized agents and representatives, to the extent applicable and legally permissible. D. The respective estates, heirs, personal representatives, successors, and assigns of the foregoing parties, to the extent permitted by law. These protections are intended to benefit each Released Party individually and independently, including the ranch and animal owner personally, and not solely PRH as an organization.
4. Release of Liability and Agreement Not to Sue
In consideration of permission to enter the ranch or participate in covered activities, I voluntarily release, waive, discharge, and agree not to sue the Released Parties for claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, judgments, costs, or expenses arising from injury, illness, death, or property damage associated with my presence or participation. THIS RELEASE EXPRESSLY INCLUDES CLAIMS CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF ANY RELEASED PARTY, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY ARIZONA LAW. I understand that I may be relinquishing legal rights to recover compensation from a Released Party, including for injuries resulting from that party’s ordinary negligence. This release is intended to apply to claims brought by me and, to the extent legally permissible, claims brought through me or on my behalf by my estate, heirs, personal representatives, successors, or assigns. This release does not apply to gross negligence, reckless or willful misconduct, intentional wrongdoing, or liability that cannot lawfully be waived.
5. Responsibility, Third-Party Claims, and Indemnification
I agree to exercise reasonable care, follow applicable instructions and safety rules, and participate only in activities for which I have permission or authorization. Permission to enter the ranch or participate in PRH activities does not automatically authorize me to handle, feed, leash, walk, train, or transport animals. I will promptly report bites, injuries, escapes, accidents, property damage, and other significant safety concerns to the ranch owner or an authorized PRH representative. To the fullest extent permitted by Arizona law, I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless each Released Party against third-party claims, lawsuits, damages, judgments, and reasonable legal costs and attorney fees to the extent caused by my intentional misconduct, gross negligence, unauthorized activities, or material violation of applicable safety rules or instructions. This includes, where applicable, injury to another person, injury to or loss of an animal, or property damage resulting from such conduct. This provision does not require me to indemnify a Released Party for that party’s own negligence or wrongful conduct.
6. Medical Emergencies, Personal Property, and Insurance
In a medical emergency, I authorize the ranch owner or authorized PRH representatives to contact emergency services and provide reasonable assistance in obtaining medical attention. I understand that emergency assistance may not be immediately available and that no immediate response is guaranteed. I accept responsibility for my own medical expenses and personal property losses, except where otherwise required by applicable law or available insurance coverage. I understand that this Agreement does not create or guarantee medical, automobile, liability, or other insurance coverage. If I operate a personal vehicle for an authorized activity, I agree to maintain the driver’s license and automobile insurance required by law and to follow applicable transportation instructions.
7. Duration, Interpretation, and Enforceability
This Agreement applies to my current and future visits to the ranch and participation in covered activities, unless replaced or terminated in writing, to the extent permitted by applicable law. It shall be governed by Arizona law and interpreted as broadly as legally permissible, consistent with its express limitations. If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain effective to the fullest extent permitted by law. I acknowledge that I have had an opportunity to read this Agreement, ask questions, and obtain independent advice before signing.
8. Participant Acknowledgment and Signature
By signing, I confirm that I have read and understand this Agreement, understand and voluntarily assume the risks described, understand that I may be giving up certain legal rights against the Released Parties, and intend my handwritten or electronic signature to constitute my agreement.
9. Parent or Legal Guardian Authorization (Under Age 18 Only)
I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor identified above. I consent to the minor’s presence at the ranch and participation in activities specifically authorized by the ranch owner or PRH, subject to applicable safety and supervision requirements. I have read this Agreement, understand the risks, and agree to its provisions in my own capacity and on behalf of the minor only to the extent permitted by Arizona law. This authorization does not permit unsupervised participation or animal handling without separate approval. Each individual must complete an agreement. Participants under 18 require additional parent or legal guardian authorization. This Agreement does not replace applicable safety rules, training requirements, or separate agreements for specialized activities.
