Customer Waiver, Release & Indemnification for enrollment at Ruff Club AcquisitionCo LLC, its affiliates, and its subsidiaries, collectively “Ruff Club”
We require that every dog Owner complete the following prior to enrollment: (1) an online profile for both the Owner and their dog (“Owner Profile”) and (2) read and sign our Customer Consent, Waiver, Release and Indemnification.
Owner Profile: by completing the Sign Up Form on our website (Owner Profile), the Owner certifies that he or she has full authority to act on behalf of, and make decisions for, the animal. The Owner assumes full and complete responsibility for ensuring that the online profile, for both the dog and the Owner, is at all times, complete and accurate. Verbal notifications of changes will not be accepted. All changes must be in writing and dated. Any injury or event resulting from an Owner’s failure to accurately complete the profile and keep current is the sole responsibility of the Owner, and the Owner shall hold harmless and indemnify Ruff Club for any event resulting from the Owner’s failure to do so.
Vaccination Requirements: As discussed below, each dog must remain current with all vaccinations required by the NYC Department of Health and Ruff Club, at its discretion, and must wear an identification tag at all times. A copy of all such written vaccination records shall be provided upon registration and annually, as may be required.
Medical Requirements & Medication Policy: At the discretion of Ruff Club staff, any dog exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness or infection—whether viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic—will not be admitted to our facility. Owners must promptly notify the facility upon discovering any such medical condition and, if the dog is currently in our care, retrieve them immediately. Failure to do so may result, at Ruff Club's sole discretion, in the termination of all future services without refund. We only administer oral medications, pills, ointments, and medicated wipes. We do not provide services involving syringes (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous), medical asthma pumps, or dental scraping.
Temperament & Medical Condition: Each dog must be of suitable temperament and medical condition for our unique environment, which includes, but is not limited to, the ability to interact safely with other dogs and our staff. Prior to enrollment, each dog will undergo a temperament assessment. Based on the results of this evaluation, we reserve the right to decline enrollment at our sole discretion. In the event that enrollment is declined, the fee for the temperament evaluation will still apply and must be paid in full.
Once enrolled, each dog will be continuously evaluated to ensure the safety of all pets and staff. We reserve the right to terminate enrollment at any time if our staff determines that a dog poses a safety risk. In such cases, we will make every effort to discuss concerns with the Owner to explore possible resolutions. If a resolution is not feasible, Ruff Club reserves the right to retain all fees for services not yet rendered.
Additionally, any dog with critical heart conditions or multiple medications requiring care beyond what we provide may be referred to veterinary overnight care with a specialist who can offer one-on-one medical attention.
We strive to provide a safe and secure environment for all dogs under our care. Adherence to these policies and procedures is mandatory. We require and request that all our customers (dogs and Owners) cooperate to make our unique cage-free and off-leash environment an enjoyable experience for all.
Unless otherwise noted in writing herein, all services and products are non-refundable. Please contact any member of our friendly dog-loving staff with any questions or concerns.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ruff Club, including but not limited to its owners, officers, directors, shareholders, trustees, parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessors, successors, assigns, representatives, and agents, as to any and all claims, demands, suits, manner of obligation, debt, liability, tort, covenant, contract, or cause of action of any kind whatsoever, at law or equity, whether accrued or not accrued, known or unknown, including without limitation, all claims and causes of action arising out of or in any way relating to the Grooming Services and/or while the undersigned’s dog is in the care and custody of Ruff Club.
For purposes of this Grooming Agreement, “Grooming Services” shall include, but are not limited to: Haircuts, Bath & Brush Outs, Nail Clippings, Ear Cleanings, Sanitary Trims, Gland Expressions, Teeth Cleaning, Deshedding, Dematting, Whitening, Flea & Tick Treatment, Shaving (specific breeds or areas), Hand-Stripping, Cording (any type of corded coat maintenance), Hand Scissoring, Ear Plucking, Carding, and Sculpting (breed-specific).
Owner Responsibility & Liability: I shall be solely and entirely responsible for any damages arising from the behavior of my pet, including but not limited to, injury to the pet itself, another animal or a person(s). Should any such injury occur during grooming, or while the animal is otherwise in the care of Ruff Club, I agree that Ruff Club is neither financially nor legally responsible and I shall fully indemnify Ruff Club for any incurred costs. Such injuries and/or side effects of Grooming Services may include specifically, but are not limited to, the following:
Should the need arise during, before or after Grooming Services and while my dog is under the care of Ruff Club, I give permission for Ruff Club to provide basic medical care to my dog as may be deemed necessary by the staff of Ruff Club. Ruff Club staff shall use their best judgment and reasonable efforts in providing such treatment, and shall, consistent with the procedures of Ruff Club, transport my dog to an emergency veterinary facility for further treatment as may be deemed necessary by Ruff Club staff. I authorize Ruff Club to bill my credit card on file for any expenses and charges associated with the medical treatment of my dog. Ruff Club shall not be responsible for any such costs.
I acknowledge that Ruff Club is not a medical provider and will provide care to the best of their abilities and as is in their best judgement. I will not hold Ruff Club responsible for medical conditions arising from the care provided.
I have read, understand and agree to the following:
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
Our greatest priority is the health of the dogs in our care. To that end, we require that all dogs using any of our services be currently vaccinated against communicable diseases, including but not limited to, rabies, distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza, parvo and bordetella. Such vaccinations must be renewed annually or prior to expiration, as medically required, and written proof of such vaccinations must be provided upon enrollment and thereafter upon administration. Failure to vaccinate as required will result in the immediate removal of the dog from our facilities and such dog shall not be readmitted until proof of current vaccinations is provided.
While we make every effort to monitor vaccination expiration dates, it is your sole responsibility to ensure that their pet is up to date on its vaccinations. Injury, disease or death to another animal at our facility resulting from a failure to vaccinate timely, is your sole responsibility, and you shall fully indemnify Ruff Club for any resulting damages and costs.
Proof of administration of Rabies, Bordetella and DHHP (or DAPP, DA2PP, DAPPC) is required. We reserve the right to require additional vaccinations at its sole discretion. Proof of vaccinations should include: written certification on veterinary clinic letterhead, signed by a licensed veterinarian with: (1) date of vaccination; (2) expiration date of vaccine; and (3) manufacturer and lot number of vaccine.
We do not accept passport vaccinations as valid proof of immunization. If an owner presents a vaccination passport, it must be translated and verified by a licensed veterinary professional in accordance with Department of Health standards before being accepted.
Note: these vaccination requirements shall not apply to any animal for whom a licensed veterinarian has determined that vaccination will adversely affect the animal’s health. We note, however, that we reserve the right to refuse admission of such unvaccinated animal, if in our sole discretion, we determine that the lack of vaccination presents a risk to other animals in the facility. We accept Titters or Vet exceptions, signed by a licensed veterinarian, and accepted by the City and State of New York.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS, ILLNESS AND INFECTIONS
We will not admit any dog that we believe, in our sole discretion, presents a potential health or safety risk to other dogs, our staff, or themselves. This includes, but is not limited to, dogs with contagious illnesses, infections, or unmanaged pre-existing medical or behavioral conditions. Owners who: (1) fail to promptly disclose known or suspected health concerns, including pre-existing conditions; (2) knowingly bring a sick, contagious, or otherwise medically compromised dog to our facility; and/or (3) fail to immediately remove a dog deemed by us to present a health risk, may be prohibited from future use of our services at our discretion. In such cases, any remaining service packages will be forfeited, and membership fees will not be refunded. We reserve the right to require written veterinary clearance before readmitting any dog our staff determines may pose a health or safety risk.
Pre-existing Conditions: It is your responsibility to disclose any known pre-existing medical or behavioral conditions prior to utilizing our services. This includes, but is not limited to, heart conditions, chronic illnesses, past injuries or surgeries, orthopedic issues, allergies, anxiety, and any history of trauma or aggression. While Ruff Club strives to provide a safe, supportive environment, I understand that Ruff Club is not liable for the aggravation or recurrence of any pre-existing condition(s) while at our facility. Accurate, up-to-date information helps us provide the most appropriate care possible. Failure to disclose relevant medical or behavioral history may result in immediate removal from the facility and suspension of future services.
Illness & Infection: To prevent the transmission of disease, fungal infections and parasites to other animals, we adhere to strict health requirements. For the avoidance of doubt, such risk includes not only viral and bacterial diseases but fungal and parasitic infections. It is your responsibility to notify us immediately of any health-related issues or concerns affecting your dog. Below are some of the more common illnesses and infections that may affect dogs in communal environments:
Kennel Cough: Kennel Cough is a highly contagious airborne respiratory infection that can be contracted in communal spaces such as dog daycares, dog parks, and boarding facilities. While being vaccinated helps reduce the risk of contracting Kennel Cough, it does not provide complete immunity, and dogs may be exposed to the condition in environments outside our facility. By utilizing our daycare or boarding services, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risk that your pet may contract Kennel Cough. Ruff Club cannot be held liable for any illness or symptoms resulting from exposure to this condition while at our facility. If your dog has been diagnosed with Kennel Cough, we require written veterinary clearance before allowing your pet to return to our facility.
Giardia: Giardia is a parasitic infection that can affect dogs and is often contracted through contaminated water or environmental exposure. While we take extensive precautions to maintain a clean and safe environment, dogs may still contract Giardia from various environmental sources, including but not limited to outdoor areas, shared water bowls, or communal play spaces. Ruff Club is not responsible for any instance of Giardia contraction, and by utilizing our services, you acknowledge the possibility, however small, that your pet may be exposed to this condition. If your dog has been diagnosed with Giardia, we require written veterinary clearance before allowing the pet to return to our facility.
Mouth Warts (Canine Papillomavirus): Canine Papillomavirus, or mouth warts, is a highly contagious viral condition that spreads through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated communal resources, including but not limited to water bowls, toys, dog parks, and shared areas in residential buildings. If Ruff Club staff observe signs of mouth warts, the Owner will be notified and advised to seek veterinary evaluation. Any dog diagnosed with a contagious case must be kept out of the facility until the Owner provides written veterinary clearance confirming the condition has resolved and treatment is complete. While a dog is restricted from our facility, Ruff Club may offer alternative services, such as solo walks from the dog’s home. Owners may inquire about availability and rates. Ruff Club reserves the right to deny reentry to any dog that, in its sole discretion, still poses a health risk.
Emergency Medical Care: If, in the sole judgment of our staff, a pet appears ill or is otherwise believed to be in need of urgent medical attention, the Facility, in its discretion and best judgment, may engage the services of a veterinarian or administer medicine or give other requisite attention to the pet. The expenses thereof shall be paid by you. You give consent to the Facility to act on your behalf in obtaining emergency or any veterinary care at your expense if deemed necessary by the Facility or any of its employees. You shall indemnify and hold the Facility harmless for said expenses.
To protect the other dogs in our care, you are required to immediately inform Ruff Club upon learning your pet has a communicable disease diagnosed by a veterinarian. Failure to do so may result in the immediate termination of all services without refund.
MEDICINE
We will administer medicine at your request pursuant to written instructions.
You are required to give detailed instructions regarding the administration of any medicine, including for example, the dosage, time of day, means of administering (with food, etc.), and storage restrictions (eg., refrigeration). The name and contact information of the veterinarian prescribing the medicine should also be included in the instructions.
Prescription medicine should be clearly labeled with both your and the dog’s name.
Medicine that is not presently needed by a dog will be returned to you. The facility will not store medicine for which there is not a current need.
DOGS IN HEAT
Dogs in heat are not allowed into the facility. You will be required to pick up your dog immediately if we notice that your dog is in heat. Dogs must remain home for at least three (3) weeks before being allowed to return to Ruff Club facility.
While we do not offer daycare or boarding services while dogs are in heat, we do offer solo dog walking services to ensure these ladies still get their exercise.
INJURY
To your dog: We make every effort to ensure the safety of each and every dog in our care. Despite our best efforts, injuries may nonetheless occur. Should a dog be injured while at our facility or otherwise under our care, a staff member will promptly notify the Owner listed in the Owner Profile to explain the nature of the injury and planned treatment. If we cannot reach the Owner, we will reach out to the Emergency Contact.
Our staff will use reasonable efforts and its best judgment in rendering immediate basic care. Please note, however, that we are not medical providers. We will not, and should not, be expected to provide the level of care rendered by a veterinarian. If, in the determination of staff, your dog requires the attention of a veterinarian, we will transport your dog to a nearby veterinary hospital specializing in emergency and critical care. You will be billed for all costs associated with such treatment. Ruff Club will not be responsible for any charges arising from the medical treatment for your dog.
To another dog: If your pet, while under our care or supervision, bites, scratches or otherwise injures another dog, and such bite, scratch, etc. results in an injury, deemed by our staff not to be superficial and/or to require veterinary care, we will contact the owner of the injured dog to inform them of the incident. Upon the written request of the owner of the injured dog, we will share: (1) the name of your pet, (2) your name and contact information, (3) and any medical information necessary for the treatment, health and safety of the bitten pet. You may be responsible for any medical charges incurred, at the discretion and request of the other owner. Other than providing a statement as to what occurred between the animals, [Facility] will not be responsible for, nor involved in, any disputes regarding the payment of medical bills arising from injuries between and/or among dogs at our facility.
Please be advised that all dogs at Ruff Club play at their own risk!
Reasonable Action. In their sole discretion and best judgment, Ruff Club staff may take any reasonable action, without your prior approval, that they deem necessary to ensure the safety, security and health of your dog, other dog(s) and any individual(s) with whom your dog may come into contact. In all such circumstances, staff will endeavor to notify you prior to taking such action or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Dog Walking. Ruff Club staff may walk your dog off-premises, including in public streets and parks, at their discretion unless specified in Owner Profile. Staff will send the Owner an update at the end of the walk.
Photo Updates. Ruff Club staff will make their best efforts to provide at least one "pupdate" per day.
Pickup. We will release your dog only to those individuals, who have been authorized by you as listed in your Customer Profile. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that the initial Sign Up Form & Customer Profile is current and that all individuals listed are authorized to assume custody of your dog. If you are removing any individual from your profile, we do ask to be notified in email or SMS in addition to adjusting your Customer Profile. We assume no liability for a form, which is not properly updated. At our sole discretion, we reserve the right to require identification prior to releasing your dog into the custody of anyone not already known by us. In the case of an emergency, or an unforeseen delay, you may authorize a temporary emergency pickup by updating your Owner Profile or providing the facility, in writing, with: (1) the full name of the individual authorized to pickup your dog and the (2) dates when applicable. Please ensure this individual has proper ID for pickup.
Late pickups: If you are unable to pick up your dog by our advertised closing time, we ask that you notify our team as soon as possible with your estimated arrival time. When necessary, a front desk agent will remain past closing, and a late pickup fee will be applied.
If you are more than 30 minutes late and have not made alternate arrangements , your dog will be considered an overnight boarder and will remain at our facility until the next business day. In this case, your credit card on file will be automatically charged for the applicable boarding fees.
Boarding services. When boarding services have been requested or are otherwise required, Ruff Club staff may relocate your dog to an affiliate location, within 10 miles, as deemed necessary in the sole judgment of staff. Dogs at all our boarding locations are supervised 24/7 by a Ruff Club representative and/or staff member. Staff will make every effort to notify you in advance of any such relocation, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Video Cameras. While cameras are located in all our Facilities, we will not release any videos to any customer unless required to do so by law.
Client Approval. By using any of the services provided by Ruff Club, you agree and acknowledge that you: (1) have read and have had an opportunity to ask any questions about both our Customer Release, Waiver and Indemnification and our Terms & Conditions and (2) agree to be bound by all of their terms, rules and conditions.
