General Service Contract
This is a contract ("Service Contract") between Kate Gonzalez Woods (Trainer, Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises) and the Client named and signed below. The Trainer provides services in exchange for payment by the Client.
This contract is intended to be severable. This means that if any part of the contract is not enforceable, that does not affect the enforceability of the other parts of the contract. The contract includes a waiver of liability and a waiver and release for media use. Please read and understand before signing. You may ask questions.
This contract is a legal agreement between both parties. The Client’s full legal name and address are needed for accurate records, but the Trainer will use only the name the Client uses when communicating.
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How It Works
Kate Woods (“Trainer”) provides virtual dog training and behaviour information, advice, and instructions (“services”). Virtual training means that the Trainer coaches the Client to train their own dog. Coaching is possible through real-time video chat consultation (“lesson”) or through asynchronous (recorded) video review (“homework video”). Often, a combination is most effective.
Onboarding and Service Packages
Initial consultations are 45-90 minutes, not to exceed 120 minutes, in real time via video chat. The Client must complete and submit a behaviour history form before the initial consultation. The Trainer makes their best effort to collect detailed information during the consultation. The Client must disclose a complete and accurate behaviour history, to the best of their ability, including any history of biting or aggressive behaviour. Follow-up lessons are 45-90 minutes, in real time via video chat. The Trainer offers a variety of service packages.
Support may include any combination of:
- Homework video recording and review
- Email, BusyPaws messages, or Google Chat messages
- Text, picture, or video handouts
The Client may renew or reactivate a support package without a new onboarding consultation, unless:
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60 days have passed from the most recent service or package
- The Client’s goals have changed substantially
- The Client’s Dog has bitten any person, for any reason (contact Trainer prior to booking)
Package renewal is subject to approval by the Trainer.
Group Classes and Webinars
From time to time, the Trainer may offer real time group classes or webinars via video chat. These classes are subject to an additional waiver and agreement ("Group Class Waiver"). Attendees who disrupt the class, display or transmit inappropriate content, or repeatedly interrupt or request inappropriate advice, including personalized advice for irrelevant or overly complex cases, may be asked to leave. At the Trainer's discretion, users may be removed from classes without prior warning and without opportunity for refund.
Self-study Learning Materials
Self-study learning materials, including pre-recorded video, written materials, and courses, are final sale.
Communication
Email or Google chat messages, including homework video review, are generally returned within 2 working days, except during holidays. Hours of availability may vary.
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Prices
Current prices are provided upon request at any time, and with any onboarding package. List prices vary and are subject to change at any time. Active clients will receive notice at least 3 months prior to any price change comes into effect. Current prices are listed clearly on the website or in the BusyPaws booking service. Itemized invoices will be included with any purchase.
All prices are listed in Canadian dollars.
Scheduling
The Trainer uses
Google Calendar or BusyPaws to schedule services. The Client may request an appointment time that is not listed, but it may not be possible to accommodate it.
The Client may reschedule their own appointments without prior permission and without penalty until 48 hours before the appointment time.
Cancellations
The Client may not cancel or reschedule a service within 48 hours of the start time.
The Client
may cancel renewal for support packages at any time by emailing their request to the Trainer at
[email protected] before the next renewal date.
In extenuating circumstances, the Client may reschedule by emailing the Trainer at
[email protected] as soon as their needs are known. Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without prior notice will be considered a "no call, no show," and the charge for service will not be eligible for refund.
Payments
Payments are due the 48 hours before the scheduled service. Stripe is the preferred payment processor. Paypal is available upon request. Both Stripe and PayPal can process international or Canadian payments.
If the Client does not pay the balance owing for any service or package at least 24 hours before it is scheduled to begin, their service or package will be cancelled for non-payment. The Client will not receive a refund for any partial payment or deposit already paid if the service or package is cancelled for non-payment.
Refunds
The Trainer makes no guarantee of satisfaction with services or results of services. Refunds will not be provided for any services already received, or any service package that has already started.
The Client may receive a partial refund if they request it at least 48 hours before the service or service package is scheduled to start.
In the event of any allowed refund, Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises will retain a minimum of $75 or 20% (whichever is larger) to cover processing fees. If the Client cancels services by their own breach of contract, they will not receive a refund.
If the Trainer reschedules a service included in this contract within 48 hours of the scheduled start date, then the client may reschedule without penalty or request the fee be converted to credit toward a future purchase.
Refunds will not be issued for group classes or webinars. If the Trainer cancels or postpones a group class or webinar, the class will be rescheduled. Alternatively, a pro-rated credit may be issued upon request.
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Termination of Contract
The Client or the Trainer may suspend the training relationship at any time by declining to renew a package, but the contract will not terminate. The Client will not receive a refund for partially completed services, including failure to use included services within the time allowed (“period”).
If the Client materially breaches (does not follow) the terms in this contract, the Trainer’s responsibilities under this contract will immediately terminate. Material breaches of this contract increase risk beyond what is reasonable, whether to the Trainer, the Client, the Dog(s), or the public. A material breach could include, but is not limited to:
- Transmission or submission of forbidden media content to the Trainer, as described in the Media Agreement and Media Waiver
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Failure to notify the Trainer of the Dog’s aggressive behaviour or bite events, past or present
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Non-payment for scheduled services
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Defamation, slander, or libel made by the Client against the Trainer or the Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises brand or associated brands and products; to be clear, this does not include honest and reasonable critique or review, public or private, for products or services provided to a Client, which is allowed and will not terminate the contract
- Known or reasonably suspected copyright infringement by the Client against the Trainer
The Trainer will not provide a referral to any other practitioner in the event of a material breach of contract by the Client.
Except for the waivers, the contract will naturally terminate if 60 days pass following the end of the Client’s most recent service or package period. No action is required.
Except for the waivers, the Trainer will terminate the contract if the Client’s goals, behaviour, or circumstances are unreasonable, unsafe, or out of the Trainer’s scope. The Trainer will make a reasonable effort to explain why and may provide final recommendations to the Client.
If the Trainer believes that a client will be better served by a different practitioner, such as if the Client’s goals are out of the Trainer’s scope, then the Trainer will make a reasonable effort to provide a referral to a qualified professional. The Trainer will continue to provide appropriate support to the Client through the end of the current period.
This contract may be superseded by a new Service Contract with agreement from signed parties. This contract is terminated and the new contract becomes effective on the date the new Service Contract is signed.
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Your Responsibilities
Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises (Kate Woods, “Trainer”) provides online (“virtual”) dog training and behaviour information, advice, and instructions. The Client’s participation and acceptance of the Trainer’s information, advice, and instructions is voluntary. The Trainer is not responsible for any training or behaviour intervention the Client chooses to pursue against or without the Trainer’s advice, nor for any related consequences, nor for incorrect implementation of any of the Trainer’s advice.
The Client understands and accepts that there is inherent risk in working with animals, including but not limited to the risk of dog bites to the Client or others. The Client confirms that the Trainer has discussed the risks of different training and behaviour interventions, and it is clear to the Client that the Trainer only uses and recommends training techniques that prioritize the physical and emotional welfare of the Dog. This means that the Trainer expressly recommends against the use of shock, prong, choke, spray, vibrate, or sonic or ultrasonic collars; hitting, kicking, or pinching; or otherwise physically or emotionally reprimanding or goading the Dog. The Client agrees, to the best of their ability, to avoid physically or emotionally reprimanding or goading the Dog. The Client understands that physical reprimands like those listed may increase the risk of dog bites and poor behavioural outcomes.
The Trainer makes every effort to provide safe, sound, and responsible advice to the Client. The Client will not hold the Trainer responsible for any unintentional or negligent errors, omissions, or incorrect assertions, except as required by law in the relevant jurisdiction, in which case the Trainer is insured and claims will be settled through the prescribed process. Should the Client feel as though any part of the training plan is unacceptable or difficult to use, they agree to inform the Trainer so that the Trainer may provide an alternative.
Before signing this contract, the Client has told the Trainer about any bite history, relevant medical history and care under a qualified veterinary team, and any other known or suspected conditions that may influence the Dog’s behaviour, such as pain. The Client agrees to tell the Trainer about bites, medical changes and care decisions, and behavioural changes as soon as it is safe to do so.
The Client accepts that training and behavioural outcomes cannot be guaranteed. The Client agrees to assume the risk of harm to the Client, the Dog, and any other person or dog interacting with the Dog. The Trainer cannot be physically present during virtual training, so it is the Client’s sole responsibility to continually monitor the Dog’s behaviour for signs of discomfort or escalation, and to stop training if the Dog displays any unusual or aggressive behaviour. The Client must inform the Trainer of any aggressive or unusual behaviour as soon as it is safe to do so. If the Dog appears to show signs of pain, discomfort, or illness, the Client must stop training and contact their trusted veterinary team for appropriate advice.
The Client understands and agrees that the recommendation of any other product or services by the Trainer is not a guarantee of satisfaction with that product or service.
The Client agrees not to share, copy, or otherwise distribute any copyrighted materials provided by the Trainer. All original training handouts, videos, course modules, presentations, and other written or created works are protected by copyright belonging to Kate Woods or Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises. It is legally protected from unauthorized use.
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Dispute Resolution
This contract and the services provided in association with this contract are governed by the laws and courts of Nova Scotia, Canada. The Client agrees that any claim related to this contract or the provision of services described in this contract must be resolved in the province in which the Trainer resides at the time the claim is made. The Trainer’s residential location is subject to change without advance notice.
Respectful Conduct
Occasional crude language and colourful expressions may be warranted and should be accepted in good faith, but that at no time should such behaviour be directed at a human or dog in a derogatory or violent manner. This means that the Client is expected to behave kindly toward their dog as well as the Trainer at all times. The Trainer will reciprocate.
If at any time the Client becomes uncomfortable with the Trainer’s language (use of Client pronouns, difficult subjects, etc.), the Trainer will respect reasonable requests to adjust their communications with the client, except in cases where the the Trainer is ethically bound to communicate a foreseeable risk.
Kate Woods uses they/them pronouns and requires the Client to use them.
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Waiver of General and Professional Liability
Kate Gonzalez Woods (Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises) endeavours to offer only sound, safe, and responsible training and training instructions. Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises is released from liability for any unintentional or negligent errors, omissions, or incorrect assertions, to the fullest extent of the law. Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises explained and I understand the inherent risks of owning a dog, including but not limited to the risk of dog bites to myself or others.
I represent and warrant that I have provided Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises with full and complete, accurate information regarding any bite history and similar incidents or hazardous tendencies of my dog, and that I will update that information if it changes. I understand that I am and will remain responsible for the actions of my dog at all times, and I hereby agree to indemnify, release, and hold harmless Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises, of any and all claims, whether made by myself or any third party, of injury, expense, costs, or damages caused by my dog. I understand that the recommendation of any other product or service is not a guarantee of my satisfaction with that product or service.
By my signature I recognize that euthanasia is the only way to prevent my dog from biting. In choosing instead to pursue training to address my dog’s behavioural issue(s) I understand that I am incurring risk to myself and others and that it is my responsibility to use appropriate safety measures at all times, including muzzling and leashing my dog in the presence of other people and animals. I recognize that I am responsible for the actions of my dog at all times and I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises of any and all claims of injury, expense, costs, or damages caused by the actions of my dog, to the fullest extent of the law. I further recognize that legal information is not the same as legal advice and that it is my responsibility to seek professional legal advice regarding my situation if needed.
The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Kate Gonzalez Woods (Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises), their affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, fees and the costs of enforcing any right to indemnification under this agreement, and the cost of pursuing any insurance providers, incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of or resulting from:
- any material breach of this Agreement by Client or their affiliates, or
- the accuracy of the information given by the Client to the Indemnified Parties in the course of their business relationship, or
- any text, photo, video, or other digital media or electronic files, including malicious or corrupted software, transmitted by the Client to any devices, storage services including Google Drive, or other digital locations or electronics belonging or assigned to Kate Gonzalez Woods or Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises, or
- the actions of the Client’s dog toward the Client, their associates, carers, or the public, including but not limited to veterinary professionals, groomers, and other pet service providers.
I understand and agree to the service agreement described above. I have had an opportunity to ask questions about it, and they have been answered to my satisfaction.
