DOUBLE J RIDING CLUB

ZOO TO YOU OFF-SITE PROGRAM

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.

This Waiver and Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by the undersigned organization (“Host Organization”) on behalf of itself and all of its officers, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, participants, students, guests, invitees, and any other individuals in attendance at the event (collectively referred to as “Paticipants”).

This Agreement pertains to the off-site animal program provided by Double J Riding Club, including but not limited to animal encounters, educational demonstrations, petting experiences, handling demonstrations, and related activities (the “Program”).

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the Host Organization agrees as follows:

1. RELEASE OF LIABILITY

The Host Organization, on behalf of itself and all Participants, hereby releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue Double J Riding Club and its respective owners, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, representatives, and affiliates (collectively referred to as the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, or expenses of any kind arising out of or related to participation in the Program.

This release includes, but is not limited to, claims arising from:

1. Personal injury, illness, allergic reactions, property damage, disability, or death

1. Animal bites, scratches, kicks, or other animal-related contact

1. Animal behavior, including sudden movement, sounds, or unpredictable reaction

1. Equipment failure or transportation-related incidents

1. Surface or environmental conditions at the Host Organization’s premises

1. The acts or omissions of Participants, including failure to follow safety instructions

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INHERENT RISKS

The Host Organization acknowledges and understands that interaction with animals—including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates—carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Animals behaving in ways that may result in injury
•  Unpredictable reactions to noise, movement, unfamiliar environments, or individuals
• Transmission of zoonotic illnesses
• Allergic reactions
• Injury caused by another participant’s actions
• The Host Organization voluntarily assumes all such risks on behalf of itself and all Participants.

3. HOST ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITY

The Host Organization agrees:

• It is responsible for obtaining any necessary individual waivers from its Participants if required by its own policies.
•  It accepts full responsibility for the conduct and supervision of all Participants.
• It will ensure Participants follow all safety rules and staff instructions.
• It will inform Double J Riding Club in advance of any known severe allergies, medical conditions, or special accommodations needed.
• It is responsible for maintaining a safe and appropriate space for the Program, including suitable flooring, crowd control, and environmental conditions.

4. MEDICAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Host Organization agrees that any medical treatment required by Participants will be the sole financial responsibility of the Participant or the Host Organization. The Released Parties shall not be responsible for any medical expenses incurred as a result of participation in the Program.

5. INDEMNIFICATION

The Host Organization agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to:

• Any claim brought by a Participant or third party arising from the Program.
•  The negligence, misconduct, or failure to supervise by the Host Organization or its Participants.
• Conditions of the Host Organization’s premises.

6. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Illinois.

7. ATTORNEY’S FEES

In the event of litigation arising from this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND SIGNATURE

The undersigned representative certifies that:

•  They are authorized to sign on behalf of the Host Organization.
•  They have read and fully understand this Agreement.
• They voluntarily agree to its terms.
• They accept responsibility on behalf of all Participants attending the Program.

This Agreement remains in effect for the date(s) of the scheduled Program unless otherwise terminated in writing.