Service Agreement

Emergency Veterinary Care. If River Paws reasonably believes a Dog needs evaluation/treatment, I authorize River Paws to obtain veterinary care. River Paws will attempt to contact me and the primary veterinarian on file first; if unavailable, any licensed veterinarian (including UW Veterinary Care) may treat.

Financial Responsibility. I am solely responsible for all veterinary and related costs, including costs for injuries my Dog inflicts on other animals or people. River Paws may transport a Dog and may pay a veterinarian on my behalf; I will reimburse promptly upon demand.

End-of-Life. River Paws will not authorize euthanasia; any such decision must be made by me with a licensed veterinarian unless required by law.

Bite/Quarantine. I understand bites may trigger legally required reporting/quarantine; I must comply and bear associated costs.

Transportation. I consent to transport in River Paws vehicles. Dogs may travel crated and/or secured with harnesses/tethers at River Paws' discretion. GPS/telematics may be used as a convenience only and are not guaranteed.

Group/Off-Leash/Outdoor. I consent to supervised group activities, off-leash play in secured areas, and outdoor hikes/parks/trails (including Cherokee Dog Park and similar locations). Outdoor environments include terrain, weather, water, wildlife, insects, plants, public interactions, and debris.

Water Exposure. Where applicable, I consent to supervised water access; drowning and water-borne disease risks cannot be eliminated.

Humane Handling Tools. For safety, River Paws may use crates, gates, tethers, slip leads, muzzles, or time-outs.

Weather/Air Quality. River Paws may shorten, modify, or cancel Services due to heat, cold, storms, smoke/air quality, or road conditions without liability.

Right to Refuse/Remove. River Paws may refuse or discontinue Services, or remove a Dog from group activity, if behavior or health poses risk.

Illness/Exposure. I will not present a Dog if showing signs of illness (e.g., cough, GI upset, lethargy, fever, skin/ear infection, parasites) and will notify River Paws of exposures (kennel cough, giardia, leptospirosis, etc.) and follow return-to-care guidance.

Medications. I authorize administration of owner-supplied oral/topical meds per my written instructions on file. Injections/prescription changes are veterinarian-only.

Grooming Risks. Grooming has inherent risks: clipper/razor irritation, skin sensitivity, nicks/cuts, quicked nails, ear/skin irritation, stress reactions, and discovery of pre-existing conditions.

Matting. Dematting or shave-down may be required and can reveal skin issues; additional fees apply.

Parasites. If fleas/ticks are found, I authorize immediate parasite management and facility sanitation at my expense; tick removal is not guaranteed.

River Paws does not provide veterinary services.

River Paws maintains liability insurance and professional standards of care consistent with industry best practices. We are responsible for damages caused by our failure to meet these professional standards, up to $2,500 per incident, and fully responsible for any gross negligence or willful misconduct.

To the fullest extent permitted by Wisconsin law, I RELEASE, WAIVE, AND DISCHARGE River Paws and its owners, officers, employees, contractors, and agents from all claims, liabilities, damages, or losses arising out of or related to the inherent risks described in Section 5, except to the extent caused by River Paws' failure to meet professional standards of care, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.

No Guarantees. Training/socialization outcomes are not guaranteed.

Monetary Cap. River Paws' total liability for any claim arising from failure to meet professional standards of care is limited to the greater of: (a) amounts paid by Client in the six (6) months preceding the incident, or (b) $2,500. This limitation does not apply to gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Personal Property. River Paws is not responsible for loss/damage to collars, leashes, tags, clothing, crates, or other personal effects.

Grooming Cancellations (Discretionary). If I cancel within 24 hours (or less) of the appointment start, River Paws may, at its discretion, assess up to 50% of the estimated service cost. River Paws may waive or reduce this fee in its sole discretion, including for emergencies.

How to Cancel. Call 608-571-7297 or email YaharaRiverPaws@gmail.com. If applied, cancellation fees are non-refundable unless River Paws approves extraordinary circumstances.

Late Arrival. $15 fee if 10+ minutes late; service may be declined at groomer's discretion.

Late Pick-Up/Extended Stay. $15 fee per dog if a Dog remains 2+ hours past groom completion; additional daycare/boarding rates may apply for extended care.

This Agreement governs current and future Services until revoked in writing. River Paws may update policies; material changes will be posted or communicated. Routine updates may be sent via text, email, phone or posted online either through the owner portal or website.

Force Majeure. Neither party is liable for delays/failures due to events beyond reasonable control (e.g., severe weather, utility/communications outages, public emergencies, strikes, pandemics, acts of God).

Governing Law & Venue. Wisconsin law governs; venue in Dane County, Wisconsin courts.

Severability. If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect.

Entire Agreement; E-Sign; Authority. This Agreement (with incorporated policies) is the entire agreement. Electronic signatures/copies are valid as originals. One signer binds all owners.