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Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

  • 1.  Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-10-2023 08:55 AM

    Do you ever require visitors to sign liability waivers before interacting directly with animals?  We had a bite situation recently and the visitor has engaged an attorney.  We feel the visitor did not listen to staff when interacting with the dog and inadvertently provoked the dog.  The bite was not bad, but was to her face.  People should not kiss dogs!  

    Anyway, our liability insurance adjustor asked me if we had people sign a waiver.  My first reaction was "well that makes it sound really fun to visit the dogs!"  Then I wondered if other shelters have a way to have people acknowledge that living animals in a stressful situation could be dangerous without making  the shelter sound like a very dangerous place?

    Interested to hear from anyone who has conquered this mountain.


    #OrganizationalManagement

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    Johanna Humbert
    Michiana Humane Society
    Michigan City IN
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  • 2.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-11-2023 05:35 AM

    To meet any of our animals, we have a general sign-in sheet that doubles as an adoption survey.  It asks for very limited information such as name, address, contact information, and people/animals in the household (kids/etc) so we can put it in our system if they choose to continue to adopt, but right before they sign their name we have a small stipulation that states by signing in to meet with an animal, they understand that there is a natural risk of injury not limited to scratches or bites that may happen. A few of the other places I've worked in have also switched to this system of "signing in" before allowing people to meet the animals because yeah, unfortunately, some people just really love to give kisses to strange animals :(



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    Natalie Chamberlin
    Lollypop Farm
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  • 3.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-11-2023 07:59 AM

    We always require that everyone entering our shelter sign a Liability Waiver. We have never once had any pushback or negative remarks. 



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    Mona Hicks
    Canine Humane Network
    Highland MD
    3017757661
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  • 4.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-12-2023 05:17 AM

    Would you be able to share that language?



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    tammy neumeister
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-14-2023 01:32 PM

    Our wording is: "By signing in to meet with an animal, I understand and accept the inherent risk in this activity, including but not limited to scratches or bites. I agree to hold Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester harmless from any liability or expenses that may arise should something occur."



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    Natalie Chamberlin
    Lollypop Farm
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-12-2023 06:41 AM

    I've thought about having volunteers sign a waiver for volunteering at our foster homes but have not had time to make one up. I especially want to do this for underage volunteers so if anyone could share one that would be great.  

    We do have liability insurance to cover volunteers if anything were to happen. 



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    Amanda Gray
    Truly All Cats Trapping and Rescue
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  • 7.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-14-2023 11:53 AM

    May I ask what company you get your liability insurance from? We are a foster based rescue and our one insurance company that we had last year quoted $2,000 (compared to $500) for this year. We don't have the funds for it right now and trying to investigate other options. Thank you! 



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    Kelsey Quinn
    Volunteer
    Lending Paws a Hand
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-14-2023 12:03 PM

    We use United States Liability Insurance Group    866-632-2003  It is about $400 a year.. We are a small rescue based non-profit as well so this is definitely what we can afford too. 



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    Amanda Gray
    Truly All Cats Trapping and Rescue
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-16-2023 08:11 AM

    Can you provide the name of the agent you have worked with? I called United States Liability Insurance and they said I needed an agent in order to contact them. Thank you! 



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    Kelsey Quinn
    Volunteer
    Lending Paws a Hand
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-16-2023 09:12 AM

    Frank Casey
    Account Manager

    Office: 973-616-5300

    Fax: 973-616-5306

    wrsagency.com

    I don't know why the company names are different but this is our account manager and he has been really helpful as we have had to have things added and changed quickly to secure a city TNVR purchase order.



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    Amanda Gray
    Truly All Cats Trapping and Rescue
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 03-14-2023 01:11 PM

    I think this is a great idea and I presented it, but I am tasked with providing examples if anyone want to share their form.



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    Jennifer Gebar
    Manager
    Animal Rescue RI
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  • 12.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 05-30-2023 03:29 AM

    We are not open to the public for visits but we do require anyone who comes to the sanctuary, including adopters, volunteers, grant site visitors, to sign a release of liability waiver. It states that the visitor cannot hold our nonprofit liable as well as our board of directors, founders, and volunteers. 



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    Lisa Burn
    Co-founder/VP
    Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
    Myakka City, FL
    https://farmhousesanctuary.org
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  • 13.  RE: Liability Waiver to Visit Animals?

    Posted 05-30-2023 05:19 AM

    I wonder if a sign on the door to the kennel area would work for the general public so you don't have to have every visitor sign a waiver. Maybe something similar to the signs required to be posted at all equestrian properties - "Under Virginia law, an equine activity sponsor or professional shall not be liable for any injury to, or death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities". I worked at a county facility and I know it absolutely would not work for us to have every single person sign a waiver. 



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    Marilyn Wheaton
    Client Services
    AnimalsFirst
    Leesburg VA
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