Dog Training Waiver & Agreement

I. Introduction

This Dog Training Waiver & Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Dr. Margaret Georgina Kemp, operating as Parliament Paws ("Trainer"), and the undersigned pet owner ("Client"). It outlines the terms under which dog training and behaviour services are offered by Parliament Paws and accepted by the Client. Sessions take place at locations agreed upon in writing before each session, such as PetValu at 200 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y1.

Notice of business status: the Client acknowledges that pet training is not a regulated industry in the Province of Ontario. Services are provided under an owner-led training model, in which the Trainer provides instruction and the Client remains responsible for the handling and actions of their dog.

II. Nature of Services: Instruction Only

Parliament Paws provides instructional and educational services to the Client. The Trainer teaches the Client how to train their own dog. Accordingly:

• The Trainer does not at any time take physical control, custody, or possession of the dog, its leash, or any equipment attached to the dog.
• The Client (or an adult handler designated by the Client and approved by the Trainer) retains sole and exclusive physical control, custody, and handling of the dog at all times, including during sessions, on the premises of any host venue, and while entering or leaving the premises.
• No bailment, boarding, supervision, or transfer of care of the dog is created by this Agreement or by any session.
• Training outcomes depend on the Client's own consistent implementation of the instruction provided; the Trainer cannot and does not guarantee specific results.

III. Client Affirmations

To comply with Parliament Paws' liability coverage and ensure a safe environment, the Client affirms that:

• No aggression history: the participating dog has no known history of aggression toward humans or other animals, and is not a "dangerous dog" as defined by the City of Ottawa Animal Care and Control By-law (No. 2003-77), meaning it has never bitten, attacked, or struck a person or domestic animal without provocation.
• Pet status: the dog is a domestic companion animal and is not a restricted breed, an exotic animal, or an animal trained for law enforcement or commercial guarding.
• Leash requirement: the dog will remain on a standard fixed-length leash held by the Client at all times during sessions and while on the premises.
• Health status: the dog is up to date on all core vaccinations for its age group and has no known pre-existing illnesses, hereditary disorders, or communicable diseases. When sessions are held inside a retail store or other public space, neither the Trainer nor the host venue is liable for exposure to contagious pathogens, and the Client accepts the inherent risk of illness in public spaces frequented by animals.
• Insurance: to the best of the Client's knowledge, the Client's home or tenant insurance does not exclude coverage for the dog.

IV. Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk

The Client acknowledges that dog training entails inherent risks, including injury to animals, people, and property, and that such risks may arise from canine behaviour beyond anyone's direct control. Because the dog remains under the Client's control at all times, the Client agrees to assume all risks associated with the sessions, including risks arising from the behaviour of their own dog and of other participating dogs.

V. Owner Liability under the Dog Owners' Liability Act (Ontario)

The Client acknowledges that, as the owner and handler of the dog, the Client is solely responsible and liable at all times for the dog's behaviour and actions, and remains liable under the Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16, for any bite, attack, injury, or damage caused by the dog to any person, animal, or property, including other class participants, their dogs, bystanders, the Trainer, and the host venue’s premises, staff, and customers. The Client is responsible for any damage caused by the dog to the training premises.

VI. Waiver, Release, and Indemnification

• Release: the Client releases and holds harmless Dr. Margaret Georgina Kemp o/a Parliament Paws and any host venue (including PetValu), and their respective agents, successors, assigns, and employees (the "Released Parties"), from any claims, damages, lawsuits, losses, liabilities, and expenses related to the training services or arising from the Client's or the dog's presence on a host venue’s premises.
• Indemnification: the Client agrees to indemnify and defend the Released Parties against any claim brought by a third party, including other participants, their dogs' owners, bystanders, and the host venue, arising from the actions or behaviour of the Client's dog while under the Client's control, or from the Client's own acts or omissions.
• Limitation: this waiver does not apply to injuries or damages caused by the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the Trainer.
• Enforceability: the Client acknowledges that this Agreement is legally binding upon signing and that they have read and understood its contents.

VII. Safety and Removal from Session

The Trainer may, at her sole discretion, excuse from a session or from the remainder of the course any dog that displays aggression, reactivity that cannot be safely managed by the Client, or signs of illness, or any handler who cannot maintain control of their dog. Fees for the affected session remain due; remaining sessions may be rescheduled or refunded at the Trainer's discretion.

VIII. Veterinary Care

The Client confirms the dog is in good health and vaccinated according to provincial and local requirements. In an emergency where the Client is unable to act, the Client authorizes Parliament Paws to summon or seek emergency veterinary treatment on the Client's behalf. All costs of such treatment are the responsibility of the Client.

IX. Training Methods

Parliament Paws teaches positive-reinforcement techniques. By signing, the Client consents to the use of such methods with their dog, applied by the Client under the Trainer's instruction, and acknowledges that results vary.

X. Payment and Cancellation Policy

• Per-session fees: services are billed per session. The fee for each session is confirmed by email at the time of booking and is due at the conclusion of that session unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Scheduling: the location and time of each session are agreed between Trainer and Client before the session. Where a group course is booked through a host venue, that venue’s registration terms apply.
• Cancellation and no-show: at least 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session, by email to info@parliamentpaws.ca. Without such notice, the agreed fee for the missed session remains due and payable.

XI. Records

In keeping with tax and liability standards, Parliament Paws retains business and training records for seven years. Personal information is handled as described in our Privacy Policy.

XII. Photo and Video Release

The Trainer may capture photos and videos of the dog during sessions for educational and promotional purposes. The Client grants Parliament Paws and the host venue permission to use such images on their websites, in advertisements, and on social media. Consent for this is collected in the signing form and may be declined.

XIII. Duration, Modifications, and Savings Clause

This Agreement is effective from the date of the Client's signature and remains in effect until the training services conclude. It may be amended only in writing signed by both Trainer and Client. The Client agrees that the assumption of risk, release, waiver, and indemnity provisions are intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the Province of Ontario; if any portion is held invalid, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

XIV. Contact

Questions about this waiver: info@parliamentpaws.ca · (438) 700-8371