Paw Valley Service Agreement & Waiver
Summary
The following is a summary that exists to help you understand the most important rules at a glance. It is legally insufficient as a standalone reading of your obligations. By signing this Agreement, you confirm that you have read and understood the entire document, not this summary alone. The full terms of each item below are set out in the corresponding sections of this Agreement, and those full terms govern entirely.
1. HOURS OF OPERATION
Daycare Check in: Monday-Friday: 7:15AM to 9:15AM; Saturday, Sunday & Statutory holidays: Closed
Daycare Check Out: Monday-Friday: 4:00PM to 5:50PM(Earlier pickup available upon request); Saturday, Sunday & Statutory holidays: Closed
Boarding check-in: Monday-Friday: 7:15AM – 9:15AM; Saturday: 9:30AM – 10:00AM; Sunday & Statutory holidays: Closed
Boarding check out: Monday-Friday: 8:00AM to 9:15AM; Saturday, Sunday & Statutory holidays: 9:30AM – 10:00AM
2. LATE FEES ARE REAL AND AUTOMATIC.
$1.00 per minute applies for both late drop-offs and late pick-ups. The only clock that matters is our office clock. After 15 minutes past closing, your dog is checked into overnight boarding and all associated fees apply. (See Section 2)
3. YOUR DOG(S) MUST ATTEND WEEKLY.
Dogs must attend daycare or boarding at least once every 7 calendar days (including weekends) to keep your account active. If you lapse, you must rejoin the waitlist and redo the assessment. It is not guaranteed your dog will get back into the program. No exceptions. (See Section 3)
4. PLAY PASSES DO NOT PAUSE, EXTEND, OR REFUND.
All passes expire from date of purchase — 60 days for 5- and 10-day passes, 30 days for Unlimited. They are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-extendable under any circumstance, including removal from the program. (See Section 5)
5. YOUR DOG MUST BE VACCINATED, SPAYED/NEUTERED & FLEA-FREE.
DHPP, Rabies & Bordetella must be current. All dogs over 8 months must be spayed or neutered. Flea & tick prevention is mandatory May 1–Oct 31. Flea collars are banned. Non-compliance means no entry — and you bear full liability for any illness caused. (See Section 6)
6. DO NOT BRING A SICK DOG.
Dogs with diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, fever, fleas, or signs of illness must stay home. If your dog becomes ill at the facility, you or your emergency contact will be called for immediate pickup. You are responsible for all vet costs. (See Section 7)
7. BOOK IN ADVANCE — NO DROP-INS ALLOWED.
All daycare and boarding requires an advance booking at pawvalley.ca. We do not accept walk-ins. Check your booking dates and prices carefully before confirming. (See Section 4)
8. YOU ARE WAIVING YOUR RIGHT TO SUE US.
By signing, you release The Paw Valley from liability for injury, illness, loss, or damage to your dog arising from group play, outdoor activities, accidents, or other inherent risks of our services. (See Part IV — READ CAREFULLY)
9. DO NOT TRESPASS OUTSIDE OF HOURS.
We take security seriously for the safety and protection of the staff and our dogs on site. Attending the property outside of posted operating hours without written permission constitutes trespass under Alberta law. Police intervention and/or legal proceedings may follow. (See Section 15)
10. CANCELLATIONS HAVE FEES — ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
Within 24 hours: $5 fee (daycare) or 10% (boarding). No-shows: no refund. Holiday season (Dec 20–Jan 2) has stricter terms. Refunds go to store credit by default; original payment method refunds are subject to a processing fee. (See Section 4)
11 LYING ABOUT YOUR DOG WILL END YOUR MEMBERSHIP AND EXPOSE YOU TO LIABILITY.
Providing false or misleading information about your dog's health, behaviour, or vaccination status can result in immediate termination without refund and personal financial liability for all resulting damages. (See Section 16)
12 IN AN EMERGENCY, WE CAN TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE VET WITHOUT ASKING YOU FIRST.
In an emergency, our staff will transport your dog to a vet immediately and contact you concurrently. You are responsible for 100% of all veterinary expenses. (See Section 9)
REMINDER: The above is a summary only. This Agreement contains 30 sections covering your full legal obligations. By signing below, you confirm that you have read and understood every section in its entirety. The full terms govern. The summary does not limit, replace, or qualify any provision of this Agreement.
PREAMBLE & PARTIES
This Master Client Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into between Playful Aces INC. operating as The Paw Valley (hereinafter referred to as: The Paw Valley, Paw Valley, the "Facility", "we", "us", or "our"), located in Edmonton, Alberta, and the undersigned individual ("Client", "you", or "your"), on behalf of themselves and as owner or co-owner of the dog(s) enrolled at the Facility (each a "Dog", collectively the "Dog(s)").
This Agreement governs all aspects of the Client's relationship with The Paw Valley, including but not limited to daycare, overnight boarding, assessment, and any other services provided by the Facility. This Agreement supersedes all prior oral or written representations, understandings, or agreements between the Client and The Paw Valley with respect to the subject matter herein, except as expressly stated.
PART I — DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following defined terms apply throughout:
Assessment: The temperament and suitability evaluation conducted by The Paw Valley before a Dog may access Services.
Booking: A reservation for Daycare or Boarding Services made through the Facility's online booking system at pawvalley.ca.
Boarding: The overnight care and accommodation service provided by the Facility.
Daycare: The daytime group play and supervision service provided by the Facility.
Dog(s): All dogs currently enrolled and any dogs subsequently enrolled by the Client at The Paw Valley.
Emergency Contact: The individual named by the Client in the Registration Form to be contacted in the Client's absence.
Facility: The Paw Valley, its property, facilities, staff, officers, directors, contractors, agents, and representatives, collectively and individually as context requires.
Office Clock: The official timekeeping device located in The Paw Valley's office, which is the sole authoritative clock for determining compliance with all hours, deadlines, and time-based obligations under this Agreement.
PIPA: The Personal Information Protection Act, SA 2003, c P-6.5 (Alberta).
Play Pass / Daycare Package: A pre-purchased block of daycare days as described in Part II, Section 5.
Program: The Paw Valley's daycare and boarding membership program, access to which is subject to the conditions of this Agreement.
Registration Form: The online intake form completed by the Client prior to or upon enrollment, the contents of which are incorporated into and form part of this Agreement.
Releasees: The Paw Valley and its directors, officers, shareholders, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives, collectively.
Services: All daycare, boarding, care, assessment, and ancillary services provided by The Paw Valley.
Veterinary Records: All health records, vaccination certificates, treatment histories, and clinical notes relating to the Dog(s) held by any veterinary practice.
PART II — OPERATIONAL TERMS & CLIENT OBLIGATIONS
Section 1 — Enrollment Requirements
1.1 In order to utilize The Paw Valley's Services, the Client must:
• Fully and accurately complete the Registration Form;
• Execute this Agreement in its entirety;
• Successfully complete The Paw Valley's Assessment process with the Dog(s);
• Ensure all Dog(s) have current, approved enrollment documentation on file with the Facility.
1.2 The Client represents and warrants that they have full legal authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of all owners of the Dog(s) and that all co-owners are bound by the terms herein.
1.3 No Dog will be admitted to the Facility unless all enrollment requirements under this Section have been satisfied and verified in the Facility's systems.
Section 2 — Hours of Operation & Late Fees
2.1 Daycare Hours
| Day | Check-In | Check-Out |
| Monday – Friday | 7:15 AM – 9:15 AM | 4:00 PM – 5:50 PM |
| Saturday, Sunday & Stat Holidays | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Earlier pickup during Daycare hours is available upon advance request.
2.2 Boarding Hours
| Day | Check-In | Check-Out |
| Monday – Friday | 7:15 AM – 9:15 AM | 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Sunday & Stat Holidays | CLOSED | 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM |
2.3 The Client acknowledges that the Facility's hours of operation are subject to change at any time. Current hours are posted at pawvalley.ca/prices-hours. It is the Client's sole responsibility to confirm current hours prior to each visit.
2.4
Timekeeping Authority. The sole authoritative clock for all time-based obligations under this Agreement is the Office Clock. The Client agrees that no other timekeeping device — including the Client's mobile phone, vehicle clock, or any other source — shall be used to dispute the time as determined by the Office Clock.
2.5
Late Fee — General. The Client acknowledges that the Facility incurs direct and measurable costs as a result of late arrivals and departures, including but not limited to mandatory staff overtime, extended care obligations, and operational disruption. Accordingly, the Client agrees that a fee of $1.00 per minute (the "Late Fee") constitutes a genuine and reasonable pre-estimate of the Facility's minimum losses arising from late drop-offs and late pick-ups, and is not a penalty. The Late Fee applies for a maximum of thirty (30) minutes.
2.6
Failure to Pick Up Within 30 Minutes. If the Client fails to retrieve their Dog(s) within thirty (30) minutes past the applicable closing time as determined by the Office Clock, the Dog(s) will automatically be transitioned to overnight Boarding. The Client will be charged the maximum Late Fee of $30.00 plus all applicable Boarding fees. Pick-up will be in accordance with the applicable Boarding check-out time the following day.
2.7 The Client's obligation to adhere to the Facility's hours of operation extends to all family members, representatives, and third parties acting on the Client's behalf.
Section 3 — Regular Attendance & Account Inactivity
3.1 Active participation in The Paw Valley Program is a mandatory condition of continued access to Services. The Client's Dog(s) must attend Daycare or Boarding at least once every seven (7) calendar days in order to maintain active status. This seven-day count includes days on which the Facility is closed for Daycare (e.g., weekends) but does not include Statutory Holidays observed by the Facility.
3.2 The account expiration date is calculated as seven (7) calendar days from the date of the Dog(s)' most recent Daycare or Boarding attendance.
3.3 The Client acknowledges that maintaining account activity is their sole and exclusive responsibility. The Facility is under no obligation to notify the Client that their account is approaching or has reached expiration.
3.4 Upon account expiration, access to all Services is suspended. All previously purchased Play Pass expiry dates remain in effect and will not be extended, paused, transferred, or refunded for any reason, including account expiration or removal from the Program.
3.5 To rejoin the Program following expiration or removal, the Client must rejoin the waitlist and complete a new Assessment process, subject to availability, current waitlist status, and the sole discretion of the Facility.
3.6
Grandfathered Bi-Weekly Attendance Exception. Notwithstanding Section 3.1, Clients who received express written consent from The Paw Valley prior to January 1, 2025 to attend on a bi-weekly basis are subject to a fourteen (14) calendar day attendance requirement in lieu of seven (7) days. All other provisions of this Section apply to such Clients without modification. This exception is personal to the Client who received it, is non-transferable, and may be revoked by the Facility at any time upon reasonable written notice.
Section 4 — Bookings, Cancellations & Refunds
4.1 All Daycare and Boarding Services require a confirmed advance Booking made through pawvalley.ca. The Facility does not permit drop-in visits under any circumstances.
4.2 Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis. The Facility cannot guarantee availability and reserves the right to cancel any Booking for any reason at its sole discretion with reasonable notice to the Client where practicable.
4.3 The Client agrees to verify all Booking details — including date(s), service type, pricing, and Dog(s) listed — before completing a Booking. Errors in Booking details are the Client's sole responsibility.
4.4 Standard Cancellation Terms
| Cancellation Timing | Daycare | Boarding |
| More than 24 hours before | Full refund | Full refund |
| Within 24 hours of start | $5.00 fee | 10% of total cost |
| No-show | No refund | No refund |
4.5 All cancellation and refund decisions are subject to the reasonable discretion of The Paw Valley's staff. Exceptional circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
4.6
Refund Method. Refunds are issued as store credit by default. Refunds to the original payment method are available upon request and are subject to a 7% processing fee.
4.7 Holiday Season Boarding — Altered Cancellation Terms
For Boarding Bookings that include any date within the period of December 20th through January 2nd (inclusive), the following altered cancellation terms supersede Section 4.4 in their entirety for those Bookings:
| Cancellation Timing | Maximum Refund |
| 72+ hours before start | Full refund |
| Between 24 and 72 hours before | 50% of total paid |
| Within 24 hours of start | 25% of total paid |
| No-show / No attendance | No refund |
During the Holiday Season, refunds to the original payment method are subject to a 10% processing fee (in lieu of the standard 7%). All refunds remain at the sole discretion of Facility staff.
Section 5 — Daycare Packages (Play Passes)
| Pass Type | Expiry from Date of Purchase |
| 5-Day Pass (1 or 2 Dogs) | 60 calendar days |
| 10-Day Pass (1 or 2 Dogs) | 60 calendar days |
| Unlimited Play Pass | 30 calendar days |
5.1 Expiry periods include all closed Daycare days occurring during the period, including weekends and Statutory Holidays.
5.2 Play Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, non-extendable, and non-pausable under any circumstances whatsoever, including but not limited to illness, injury, account suspension or removal, personal emergencies, or facility closures.
5.3 Each Play Pass is purchased for and may only be used by the specific Dog for which it was purchased.
5.4 The Client is solely responsible for tracking Play Pass expiry dates. The Facility is under no obligation to provide advance notice of impending expiry.
Section 6 — Vaccination, Sterilization & Parasite Prevention Requirements
6.1 The Client certifies that their Dog(s) meet and will at all times maintain the following requirements as a condition of accessing Services:
•
Core Vaccinations: Current and valid vaccination against DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Rabies, and Bordetella, administered by a registered veterinarian.
•
Puppy Vaccination Minimum: All puppies must have completed their second round of vaccinations prior to attending the Facility.
•
Post-Vaccination Quarantine: Dogs recently vaccinated or boosted must observe a minimum 72-hour quarantine period before attending the Facility.
•
Sterilization: All Dogs over eight (8) months of age must be spayed or neutered.
•
Flea & Tick Prevention: Between May 1st and October 31st of each year, all Dogs must be on a veterinarian-recommended or commercially recognized flea and tick preventative. Flea collars are expressly prohibited — they present a toxicity and safety hazard to other Dogs in a group environment. The Client may be required to provide proof of flea and tick prevention (product packaging or veterinary invoice) before accessing Services during this period.
6.2 The Client is responsible for providing the Facility with current vaccination certificates from a registered veterinarian confirming compliance with Section 6.1. The Facility reserves the right to restrict access to any Dog with expired vaccinations until valid proof of renewal is received.
6.3 The Client acknowledges that failure to maintain current vaccinations in a group dog care environment poses a serious risk of illness to other dogs, staff, and the Client's own Dog(s). The Client agrees that in the event any illness or injury arises from the Client's failure to vaccinate or maintain required preventatives, the Client is wholly and exclusively financially and legally responsible for all resulting damages to any party.
Section 7 — Health Requirements
7.1 All Dogs must be in good general health upon arrival at every visit. The Client is obligated to notify The Paw Valley of any known or suspected health conditions affecting their Dog(s) prior to and during their participation in Services.
7.2 The Client agrees not to bring their Dog to the Facility if the Dog exhibits any of the following conditions: diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, fever, lethargy, worms, fleas, ticks, signs of infection, or any other condition indicative of illness or potential contagion.
7.3 If a Dog is found to be unwell during their time at the Facility, the Client or Emergency Contact will be promptly notified. The Dog will be isolated until retrieved. Depending on severity, the Facility may transport the Dog to a veterinarian in accordance with Section 9.
7.4 All veterinary and medical costs arising from illness or injury are the sole financial responsibility of the Client.
Section 8 — Behaviour, Temperament & Grounds for Denial of Service
8.1 All Dogs are required to complete the Facility's Assessment prior to accessing Services. This Assessment evaluates temperament and suitability for group interaction.
8.2 The Client certifies that their Dog(s) have not harmed, and have not exhibited aggressive, threatening, or resource-guarding behaviour toward, any person or animal.
8.3 The Facility reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without obligation to provide explanation, to deny or discontinue Services to any Dog at any time, including but not limited to Dogs exhibiting: aggression toward dogs or humans; resource guarding; excessive or unmanageable anxiety; destructive behaviour; excessive marking; mounting or stalking behaviour; extreme shyness or reactivity; or any other condition, behaviour, or characteristic deemed by Facility staff to pose a risk to other dogs, humans, or the Facility.
8.4 If a Dog is removed from group activities due to behaviour, the Client will be refunded on a pro-rata basis for the unused portion of that service day. The Client is responsible for retrieving the Dog promptly upon notification. Where pickup does not occur within a reasonable timeframe, the pro-rata refund may be forfeited and additional charges may apply.
8.5 The Facility may deny future Services to a Client — irrespective of their Dog's behaviour — based on the Client's own conduct, including but not limited to: chronic lateness, repeated violation of Facility policies, disrespectful or abusive behaviour toward Facility staff, or any other conduct deemed detrimental to the Facility, its staff, or other clients.
Section 9 — Emergency Procedures & Veterinary Care Authorization
9.1
Injury Classification System. The Facility uses a tiered injury response protocol. The Client acknowledges and accepts the following procedures:
YELLOW — Mild: Minor injuries such as small scratches, superficial skin irritations, or minor bruising. Treated on-site by Facility staff. Client notified at or before pickup.
ORANGE — Serious: Injuries requiring veterinary intervention — lacerations showing signs of infection, persistent bleeding, notable behavioural changes, persistent limping, vocalization of pain, or signs of distress. Staff will attempt immediate contact with the Client and, if unavailable, the Emergency Contact.
RED — Emergency: Severe injuries or medical emergencies including uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, suspected toxic ingestion, or any condition requiring immediate intensive veterinary care. Staff will immediately transport the Dog to the nearest available emergency veterinary clinic and will make diligent concurrent efforts to reach the Client and Emergency Contact.
9.2
Express Authorization. The Client hereby grants The Paw Valley express and unconditional authorization to make decisions regarding the medical care of their Dog(s) using the most appropriate means as solely determined by Facility staff, including transporting the Dog to a veterinarian and authorizing emergency treatment without prior Client consent where circumstances do not permit delay.
9.3 The Client acknowledges that Facility staff, while knowledgeable and possessing basic canine first aid training, are not licensed veterinarians. The Client agrees that the Facility's initial assessment of injury severity and on-site treatment may not be fully accurate, and the Facility shall not be liable for damages arising directly from the good-faith treatment of, or good-faith failure to treat, any injury or illness.
9.4 All veterinary fees, emergency transport costs, and any other expenses incurred in connection with the care of the Client's Dog(s) are the sole financial responsibility of the Client and are payable in full prior to or upon pick-up.
Section 10 — Veterinary Records Release & PIPA Consent
10.1
Authorization to Access Veterinary Records. The Client hereby grants The Paw Valley express, perpetual, and irrevocable authorization to contact, communicate with, and receive information from any veterinarian or veterinary clinic that has previously cared for, is currently caring for, or may in the future care for the Client's Dog(s), for the purposes of: confirming vaccination status and health records; obtaining information relevant to the Dog's care while at the Facility; and relaying information to a treating veterinarian in the event of an emergency.
10.2
PIPA Consent. The Client acknowledges that The Paw Valley collects, uses, and discloses personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act, SA 2003, c P-6.5 ("PIPA"). By executing this Agreement, the Client consents to the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information — including contact information, emergency contacts, Dog health records, and veterinary information — for the purposes identified in this Agreement and in The Paw Valley's Privacy Policy available at pawvalley.ca.
10.3 The Client has the right to withdraw consent to certain uses of their personal information by providing written notice to the Facility, subject to legal and contractual limitations. The Facility's Privacy Officer can be reached at: privacy@pawvalley.ca.
10.4 The Client agrees to provide prompt and accurate updates to the Facility whenever any information in their Registration Form changes, including but not limited to: vaccination records, behavioural changes, new health conditions, emergency contact information, primary veterinarian information, and residential address.
Section 11 — Media, Recording & Information Usage Consent
11.1 The Client grants The Paw Valley an unlimited, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free license to photograph, video record, and use images and recordings of the Client's Dog(s) for any Facility purpose, including but not limited to: promotional and marketing materials, social media content, Facility website publication, internal training, and security documentation.
11.2 The Client further consents to the use of incidental images or recordings that include the Client or other persons present on the Facility's property, for the purposes of security, record-keeping, legal compliance, and responding to public correspondence — subject to applicable PIPA obligations.
11.3 Any use of content featuring the Client's identifiable personal information in a promotional or marketing context (beyond the Dog's likeness) requires the Client's separate, specific approval. The Client retains the right to withdraw consent for such promotional personal use upon reasonable written notice, without affecting the Facility's rights under Sections 11.1 and 11.2.
Section 12 — Leashes, Collars & Identification Tags
12.1 All Dogs must arrive and depart the Facility wearing a properly fitted quick-release collar with a legible identification tag bearing the Dog's name and the Client's current phone number.
12.2 Choke chains, prong or pinch collars, and shock collars are strictly prohibited at the Facility at all times.
12.3 Dogs must be transported to and from the Facility on the Client's own leash.
12.4 The Facility assumes no responsibility for loss of, damage to, or destruction of collars, tags, or leashes while on the premises. The Client is advised not to bring collars or leashes of significant monetary or sentimental value to the Facility.
Section 13 — Food, Medication & Personal Belongings
13.1
Food — Boarding Stays Under 7 Nights. The Client must package their Dog's food in individually portioned, clearly labeled meal packages, each marked with the Dog's name and the meal timing (e.g., "Monday AM"). Failure to comply may result in an additional charge of $1.00 per meal fed during the stay. The Client is advised to provide a minimum of two additional meals beyond the expected stay duration.
13.2
Food — Boarding Stays 7 Nights or More. Food may be provided in bulk containers or bags, accompanied by a clearly written feeding schedule specifying quantity per feeding, number of feedings per day, and timing.
13.3
Medication. The Facility is able to administer oral and topical medications only. Injectable medications cannot be administered. All medications must be delivered in clearly labeled containers bearing the Dog's full name and complete administration instructions. The Client must bring a minimum of two additional days' supply beyond the expected stay duration. The Client agrees to personally review medication instructions with a Facility staff member at check-in. If the Facility is unable to safely administer a particular medication, the Facility will contact the Client to discuss alternatives. Any resulting costs are the Client's sole responsibility and must be settled before pick-up. All unused medications must be collected at pick-up.
13.4
Personal Belongings. The Facility provides all amenities required for the Dog(s)' comfort including beds, toys, food bowls, and blankets. The Client is asked not to bring personal belongings from home. If the Client elects to bring personal items, the Client does so entirely at their own risk and acknowledges that items may be lost, misplaced, taken by another client in error, damaged, or destroyed in the daycare or boarding environment. The Facility accepts no liability for any such loss or damage.
Section 14 — Payments
14.1 Payment is due for all goods and services rendered and for services booked for a future date. The Facility accepts payment by Visa, MasterCard, Interac Debit, bank e-transfer, and cash.
14.2 The Facility reserves the right to terminate Services or suspend the Client's account in the event of unpaid balances, provided that reasonable notice of the outstanding balance has been given to the Client.
Section 15 — Privacy, Property & Hours Compliance
15.1 The Client acknowledges that The Paw Valley operates commercially on a residential property, fully permitted and authorized as required by the City of Edmonton, and that the residential nature of the property creates specific obligations for all visiting Clients.
15.2 All arrivals and departures of Dogs must occur strictly within the Facility's hours of operation as set out in Section 2. No overnight staff will facilitate the arrival or departure of Dogs outside of authorized hours under any circumstances.
15.3 The Client agrees that any presence on the Facility's property outside of established hours of operation — without express prior written authorization from The Paw Valley — constitutes trespass within the meaning of the Trespass to Premises Act, RSA 2000, c T-7 (Alberta) and may result in removal from the premises, notification of law enforcement, and/or civil legal proceedings.
Section 16 — Accuracy of Information & Misrepresentation
16.1 The Client represents and warrants that all information provided in the Registration Form and this Agreement — whether written or verbal — is accurate, complete, truthful, and faithfully represents the Dog(s) and the Client's circumstances to the best of the Client's knowledge.
16.2 This Agreement is a legally binding document. The Client acknowledges that The Paw Valley and its staff rely upon the accuracy of information provided to make decisions about the care, safety, and management of the Dog(s) and all other animals in the Facility's care.
16.3 If the Client is found to have provided materially false, misleading, or incomplete information — whether at enrollment, during a Booking, or at any time during use of Services — The Paw Valley reserves the right to terminate Services with immediate effect and without refund. The Client will be liable for all direct and indirect damages arising from the misrepresentation, including but not limited to: veterinary costs for affected animals, damage to property, legal fees on a solicitor-and-client basis, and any other losses suffered by the Facility or third parties.
PART III — PROPERTY RISK ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Section 17 — Property-Related Risks & Occupier's Liability
17.1 The Client acknowledges that The Paw Valley is located on a large acreage property in Edmonton, Alberta. The size and nature of the property may expose clients, their dogs, and their vehicles to various risks including but not limited to: slip-and-fall incidents on icy or wet surfaces; vehicle-related incidents during inclement weather; tripping hazards including rocks, sticks, and uneven terrain; and wildlife encounters.
17.2 While The Paw Valley takes reasonable steps to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition consistent with its obligations as an occupier under the Occupiers' Liability Act, RSA 2000, c O-4 (Alberta), the Client acknowledges that the vast size and outdoor nature of the property make it impossible to identify and remediate every potential hazard at all times.
17.3 The Client assumes full personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their personal property while on the Facility's premises, and releases The Paw Valley from liability for any loss, injury, or damage to persons or property arising from the characteristics or conditions of the property or from external environmental factors.
PART IV — LIABILITY RELEASE, WAIVER OF RIGHTS & INDEMNIFICATION
READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY.
BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE PERMANENTLY WAIVING SIGNIFICANT LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE THE PAW VALLEY FOR NEGLIGENCE AND OTHER CLAIMS. THIS SECTION IS LEGALLY BINDING AND ENFORCEABLE UNDER ALBERTA LAW. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THESE TERMS, DO NOT SIGN THIS AGREEMENT AND DO NOT USE THE PAW VALLEY'S SERVICES.
Section 18 — Consideration
In consideration of The Paw Valley permitting the Client's Dog(s) to access the Facility and use the Services — the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Client — the Client agrees to all terms in this Part IV. The Client acknowledges that this consideration is real, adequate, and forms the basis of the contractual obligations set out herein.
Section 19 — Liability Release & Waiver
19.1 To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Alberta law, the Client hereby unconditionally and irrevocably releases, discharges, and forever holds harmless the Releasees from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, damages, losses, costs, and expenses — whether in law or equity, known or unknown, present or future — arising out of or in connection with:
(a) Accidents, incidents, Dog escapes, weather events, or other occurrences beyond the reasonable control of the Facility, notwithstanding that reasonable precautions were taken;
(b) The inherent risks associated with group play and group boarding activities, including rough play, bites, scratches, and exposure to communicable illness such as kennel cough and other communicable diseases;
(c) Inherent outdoor risks, including ingestion of environmental materials, encounters with wildlife, stinging or biting insects, fleas, ticks, and weather-related health issues;
(d) Aggravation of pre-existing medical or psychological conditions resulting from the excitement, exercise, socialization, or other stimuli associated with Services;
(e) Any harm, injury, or damage caused by the Client's Dog(s) to other animals, persons, or property while in the care of the Facility.
19.2 The Client expressly assumes the risk of any injury or illness to their Dog(s) — including all resulting medical expenses — arising from or relating to the Dog(s)' participation in Services.
19.3
LIMITATION ON WAIVER: Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to release the Releasees from liability for death or personal injury caused by the Releasees' gross negligence or wilful misconduct, to the extent that such exclusion is not permitted under applicable Alberta law. This limitation does not expand any duty of care owed by The Paw Valley beyond what is required by law.
Section 20 — Indemnification
20.1 The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Releasees from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, fines, penalties, costs, and expenses — including solicitor-and-client legal fees — arising out of or in connection with:
(a) Any act, omission, or behaviour of the Client's Dog(s) while in the care of the Facility, including injury caused to other animals, persons, or property;
(b) Any breach of this Agreement by the Client;
(c) Any inaccurate, incomplete, or false information provided by the Client;
(d) Any act or omission of the Client while on the Facility's property.
20.2 This indemnification obligation is binding upon the Client and their successors, heirs, legal representatives, and assigns, and survives the termination of this Agreement.
Section 21 — Owner Liability Under the Animals Act
The Client acknowledges that under the Animals Act, RSA 2000, c A-41, a dog owner may bear strict or heightened liability for damages caused by their Dog in certain circumstances under Alberta law. The Client accepts full and unconditional financial responsibility for any damages caused by their Dog(s) while in the care of The Paw Valley, consistent with both this Agreement and all applicable Alberta legislation.
PART V — ADDITIONAL LEGAL PROVISIONS
Section 22 — Reviews, Opinions & Defamation
22.1 The Client has the right to share honest opinions and good-faith feedback about The Paw Valley in any forum, online or offline.
22.2 The Client acknowledges that the deliberate publication of false statements of fact about The Paw Valley that are materially harmful to the Facility's reputation or business constitutes defamation under applicable Alberta and Canadian law and may cause damages — both direct and indirect — that are real and substantial.
22.3 In the event The Paw Valley believes the Client has published or caused to be published false statements of material fact that are defamatory and damaging, The Paw Valley may deliver a written Cease and Desist notice to the Client. Upon receipt of such notice, the Client will have fourteen (14) calendar days to retract, remove, or correct the offending content. Failure to comply within the prescribed period will constitute the Client's acknowledgment of personal liability for actual and provable damages suffered by The Paw Valley, including direct revenue losses and verifiable reputational damages, and The Paw Valley reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies including injunctive relief and an action for damages.
22.4 Nothing in this Section is intended to prevent the Client from making truthful statements, honest reviews, or good-faith complaints about The Paw Valley's Services.
Section 23 — Force Majeure
23.1 The Paw Valley shall not be liable to the Client for any delay in or failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement where such delay or failure results from circumstances beyond The Paw Valley's reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, pandemic or epidemic, government orders or restrictions, natural disasters, utility failures, fire, flood, or labour disruptions.
23.2 In the event of a force majeure event, The Paw Valley will use commercially reasonable efforts to communicate with affected clients and, where practicable, provide store credit or alternative arrangements for pre-booked Services.
Section 24 — Dog Owner Death or Incapacity
24.1 In the event the Client dies or becomes legally incapacitated while their Dog(s) are in the Facility's care, The Paw Valley will make reasonable efforts to contact the Emergency Contact. If no Emergency Contact is reachable within a reasonable time, The Paw Valley reserves the right to contact the appropriate animal welfare authority and to take such steps as are reasonably necessary to protect the welfare of the Dog(s). All care costs incurred during this period are a charge against the Client's estate.
Section 25 — Abandoned Dogs
25.1 A Dog shall be considered abandoned if the Client fails to retrieve them within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled check-out time without prior notice or communication with the Facility. In such event, The Paw Valley reserves the right to contact the Emergency Contact, animal welfare authorities, and/or the Client's primary veterinarian, and to take such steps as are reasonably necessary to protect the welfare of the Dog(s). All resulting costs are the sole and exclusive financial responsibility of the Client.
Section 26 — Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
26.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of laws principles.
26.2 The parties agree that any dispute, claim, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Alberta, sitting in the City of Edmonton.
26.3 Prior to initiating formal legal proceedings, the parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute through good-faith negotiation for a period of not less than thirty (30) days following written notice of the dispute delivered by one party to the other.
Section 27 — Amendments & Policy Updates
27.1 The Paw Valley reserves the right to amend, update, or modify this Agreement and any associated policies at any time. Updated versions of all documents will be made available at pawvalley.ca/Documents.
27.2 The Facility will make reasonable efforts to notify clients of material changes via email or website notification. It remains the Client's responsibility to periodically review the current version of this Agreement and associated policies.
27.3 Continued use of Services following any amendment constitutes the Client's acceptance of the revised terms.
27.4 Where changes to this Agreement are substantial in nature, The Paw Valley reserves the right to require the Client to execute a new Agreement before continued Services are provided. If the Client does not agree to the updated terms, the Client must immediately discontinue use of Services.
Section 28 — Electronic Signatures & Online Intake
28.1 This Agreement may be executed electronically via the Facility's online intake platform. Pursuant to the Electronic Transactions Act, SA 2001, c E-5.5 (Alberta), an electronic signature applied by the Client carries the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature and constitutes a binding legal commitment to all terms of this Agreement.
28.2 By completing the Registration Form online and executing this Agreement electronically, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Agreement in its entirety — including all terms set out in the At-A-Glance Summary and in the full body of this Agreement — and that the summary did not mislead them as to the nature or extent of their obligations.
Section 29 — Severability
29.1 If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void, invalid, or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed from this Agreement and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect as if the severed provision had never been included.
Section 30 — Entire Agreement
30.1 This Agreement, together with the completed Registration Form, constitutes the entire agreement between the Client and The Paw Valley with respect to the subject matter herein, and supersedes all prior oral or written representations, understandings, or agreements between the parties.
30.2 No verbal representation, promise, or statement made by any Facility employee or representative shall amend or modify the terms of this Agreement unless confirmed in writing and signed by an authorized officer of The Paw Valley.
30.3 The headings and section titles in this Agreement are for organizational convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of any provision herein.
PART VI — CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT & EXECUTION
FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT BEFORE SIGNING
By executing this Agreement, you are making the following declarations under your own name. Read each declaration carefully before signing. Your signature confirms each declaration is true.
Declaration of Understanding
I, the undersigned, hereby declare as follows:
1. I have read this Agreement in its entirety, including all 30 sections and all 6 Parts, without skipping any portion.
2. I fully understand the contents of this Agreement, including that Part IV contains a Liability Release, Waiver of Legal Rights, and Indemnification Agreement that limits my ability to make legal claims against The Paw Valley.
3. I acknowledge that the At-A-Glance Summary at the beginning of this Agreement was provided as a convenience only, that it does not constitute a complete recitation of my obligations, and that I cannot rely on it as a substitute for reading the full Agreement. The full Agreement governs in all respects.
4. I have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice prior to signing and have either done so or have freely elected not to.
5. All information provided in this Agreement and in my Registration Form is accurate, complete, and truthful to the best of my knowledge.
6. I have full legal authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of all owners of the Dog(s) named herein, and all co-owners are bound by the terms herein.
7. I agree to be bound by all terms of this Agreement and all current and future Policies of The Paw Valley as posted at pawvalley.ca/Documents.
8. I understand and agree that my electronic signature constitutes my legal signature for all purposes, including legally binding documents, and holds the same legal effect as a handwritten wet signature pursuant to the Electronic Transactions Act, SA 2001, c E-5.5 (Alberta).
9. I understand that this is a legally binding agreement and that I am personally liable for all obligations set out herein.
