Bark Academy Membership Agreement

The Friendly Bark Bark Academy Day School Membership Agreement

1. Program Purpose

Bark Academy Day School is an enrichment-based daycare program designed to provide supervised socialization, mental stimulation, structured activities, and reinforcement of positive behaviors. While staff will reinforce training skills and manners throughout the day, Bark Academy is not a substitute for private behavior modification or formal obedience training.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To participate, dogs must:

  • Be at least 6 months of age
  • Pass The Friendly Bark behavioral assessment
  • Be current on all required vaccinations
  • Be free of contagious illness
  • Be free of fleas, ticks, and parasites
  • Be spayed/neutered according to The Friendly Bark’s policy 

Required vaccinations:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper/Parvo (DHPP)
  • Bordetella
  • Any additional vaccines required by local regulations

Owners agree to maintain current veterinary records at all times.

3. Membership & Enrollment

Membership reserves a space in Bark Academy but does not guarantee attendance without prior scheduling if capacity limits apply.

Memberships are:

  • Non-transferable
  • Non-refundable except as required by law
  • Subject to program rules and policies

4. Behavior & Safety Standards

Owners certify that their dog:

  • Has no history of unprovoked aggression toward humans
  • Has not caused serious injury to another animal or person
  • Can safely participate in group activities

The Friendly Bark reserves the right to:

  • Remove a dog from group activities
  • Require additional behavioral evaluation
  • Suspend or terminate membership if a dog’s behavior poses a safety risk

No refunds will be provided for removal due to safety concerns.

5. Day School Activities

Owners understand activities may include:

  • Structured playgroups
  • Basic manners reinforcement
  • Enrichment games
  • Confidence-building exercises
  • Puzzle and scent activities
  • Rest periods
  • Socialization sessions
  • Exposure to novel experiences

Participation in specific activities may vary based on the dog’s age, temperament, and health.

6. Health & Emergency Care Authorization

If a dog becomes ill or injured while attending:

The Friendly Bark may:

  • Contact the owner
  • Contact the emergency contact
  • Seek veterinary treatment if necessary

The owner authorizes emergency veterinary care when immediate action is required.

The owner agrees to be financially responsible for all veterinary expenses incurred.

7. Illness Policy

Dogs may not attend if they exhibit:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Persistent coughing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Fever
  • Contagious skin conditions

The Friendly Bark may refuse admission to any dog showing signs of illness.

8. Medication Administration

If medication administration is offered:

  • Medication must be provided in original packaging
  • Written instructions are required
  • Staff will make reasonable efforts to administer medication but cannot guarantee administration

9. Assumption of Risk

Owner acknowledges that:

  • Dogs interact with other dogs and people
  • Minor injuries may occur despite reasonable supervision
  • Exposure to communicable illnesses may occur despite vaccination requirements

The owner voluntarily assumes these risks.

10. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

The owner releases and holds harmless The Friendly Bark, its owners, employees, contractors, and volunteers from claims arising from participation in Bark Academy except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

11. Photo & Video Release

The Friendly Bark may photograph or record dogs participating in activities for:

  • Social media
  • Website content
  • Marketing materials
  • Educational content

12. Communication & Progress Reports

Owners agree to receive:

  • Behavioral updates
  • Progress notes
  • Report cards
  • Membership communications
  • Event announcements

via email, or text message.

13. Membership Cancellation

Membership may be canceled by:

The Friendly Bark

For:

  • Safety concerns
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Repeated policy violations
  • Non-payment
  • Falsification of records

14. Acknowledgment

I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete. I have read, understand, and agree to abide by The Friendly Bark Bark Academy Day School Membership Agreement and all associated policies.

Training Reinforcement Agreement

The Friendly Bark Bark Academy Day School is designed to reinforce positive behaviors and life skills in a structured, supervised environment. While staff members will consistently encourage and reward desirable behaviors throughout the day, Bark Academy is not a substitute for professional obedience training, behavior modification, or private training programs. I understand that Bark Academy’s enrichment and training activities are designed to support positive behavior, confidence, and social skills. I acknowledge that meaningful progress requires consistency both at Bark Academy and at home.

By enrolling my dog in Bark Academy, I understand and agree to the following:

Reinforcement Services

The Friendly Bark may reinforce skills and behaviors including, but not limited to:

  • Sit
  • Down
  • Wait/Stay
  • Name recognition
  • Recall (come when called)
  • Loose-leash walking foundations
  • Polite greetings with people and dogs
  • Impulse control
  • Calm behavior during handling and grooming
  • Confidence-building exercises
  • Appropriate play and social skills

No Guarantee of Results

I understand that each dog learns at a different pace and that training outcomes depend on numerous factors, including age, temperament, consistency at home, prior training, health, and attendance frequency.

The Friendly Bark does not guarantee:

  • Specific training results
  • Behavioral changes
  • Elimination of undesirable behaviors
  • Certification of obedience or training levels

Owner Participation

I acknowledge that long-term success requires consistent reinforcement outside of Bark Academy. Staff may provide recommendations, report cards, or suggested exercises, but it is my responsibility to continue practicing and reinforcing desired behaviors at home. I understand that Bark Academy cannot guarantee specific behavioral or training outcomes and that my participation and consistency play an important role in my dog’s progress.

I agree to:

• Reinforce recommended training techniques and management strategies at home whenever possible.

• Communicate any significant changes in my dog’s behavior, health, or home environment that may affect participation in Bark Academy activities.

• Maintain realistic expectations regarding training and behavior progress, understanding that every dog learns at a different pace.

• Use humane, reward-based training methods and avoid practices that may negatively impact my dog’s well-being or training success.

Behavioral Concerns

If my dog exhibits behaviors that may interfere with participation or create safety concerns, including but not limited to aggression, excessive fear, resource guarding, or inability to safely interact with others, The Friendly Bark may:

  • Modify participation activities
  • Recommend private training or behavior consultation
  • Temporarily remove my dog from certain group activities
  • Suspend or terminate enrollment if necessary for safety

Use of Positive Reinforcement

The Friendly Bark utilizes positive reinforcement-based methods whenever possible. Staff may use treats, toys, praise, play, and environmental management to encourage desired behaviors. Aversive training methods, physical punishment, intimidation, or fear-based techniques will not be used.

Progress Updates

Owners may receive periodic progress reports regarding:

  • Socialization skills
  • Participation in enrichment activities
  • Behavioral observations
  • Areas of improvement
  • Suggested skills to practice at home

These updates are intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a professional behavioral assessment or guarantee of future performance.

Acknowledgment

I understand that Bark Academy focuses on enrichment, socialization, and reinforcement of positive behaviors in a group setting. I acknowledge that The Friendly Bark is not providing behavior modification services, veterinary services, or guaranteed obedience training through this program.

The Friendly Bark LLC

Indoor Dog‑Park and Dog Daycare Facility Liability Waiver & Release

(Effective April 23, 2025)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT AFFECTING YOUR RIGHTS.
By signing this Waiver of Liability (“Waiver”) below, you (“Handler”) agree, on behalf of yourself, your heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, and any minors you accompany (collectively, “Releasing Parties”), to the following terms and conditions for entry to The Friendly Bark (“Facility”) located at 19902 40th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036.

1. Acknowledgment of Risk

1.1. Handler understands that participation in an off‑leash dog‑park environment involves inherent risks including, but not limited to, dog bites, falls, communicable diseases, property damage, and allergic reactions.

1.2. With informed consent, Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, voluntarily assumes all risks of injury or damage to themselves, their dog(s), minors in their care, or personal property arising from participation in activities at the Facility, whether in the play area, lobby, coffee bar, parking lot, or any other location on the Facility.

2. Compliance with Rules & Regulations

2.1. Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, certifies they have read, understood, and agreed to The Friendly Bark’s Rules & Regulations (dated April 23, 2025) and will comply with all posted signs, staff instructions, and future amendments.

2.2. Handler warrants the following for each dog admitted:

  • Current vaccinations for Rabies, DAPP/DHPP, and Bordetella are on file for the dog;
  • The dog has no aggressive behavior history toward dogs or humans;
  • The dog has been free of communicable diseases for the past 30 days and cleared by a veterinarian if previously ill;
  • The dog is on continuous flea & tick preventive care; the dog is free of fleas, ticks, open wounds, and stitches;
  • The dog’s age is at least 6 months; the dog has been spayed/neutered if 12 months or older; the dog is not in heat;
  • The dog has been under Handler’s ownership or care for at least 3 months if adopted/fostered.

2.3. Handler agrees to immediately remove any dog exhibiting aggression, excessive stress, or illness symptoms upon request by Facility staff.

3. Release, Indemnification, & Covenant Not to Sue

3.1. In consideration of access to the Facility, with informed consent, Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges The Friendly Bark LLC, its owners, managers, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, landlords, and insurers (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, including both known and unknown liabilities and liabilities of every name and nature whatsoever, whenever occurring, including injury, disability, illness, death, or property damage arising out of or related to use of the Facility, whether caused by negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise (collectively, “Liabilities”), and waives all rights they and the Releasing Parties have or may have under any statute or common law principle purporting to prevent a release of unknown Liabilities. 

3.2. With informed consent, Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim, demand, or cause of action brought by a third party that is in any way connected to Handler’s or their dog’s conduct at the Facility, including attorneys’ fees and costs.

3.3. With informed consent, Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, agrees not to sue Released Parties or initiate or assist in the prosecution of any claim for damages or cause of action against the Released Parties arising out of or related to use of the Facility.

4. Veterinary Care Authorization

4.1. In the event of injury or illness to a dog while at the Facility, Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, authorizes Facility staff to obtain emergency veterinary treatment at the nearest clinic.

4.2. Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, agrees to bear full financial responsibility for any resulting veterinary expenses, transportation, or related costs.

5. Media Release

Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, grants permission to The Friendly Bark and Released Parties to photograph, record, or film Handler, minors, dog(s), and any accompanying Releasing Parties during visits and to use such media for promotional, social‑media, or educational purposes without compensation.

6. Severability & Governing Law

If any provision of this waiver is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, and venue for any dispute shall lie in the courts of Snohomish County, Washington.

7. Entire Agreement

This document, together with the Rules & Regulations, constitutes the entire agreement between Handler, on their own behalf, and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, and the Released Parties, including The Friendly Bark LLC, and supersedes all prior oral or written representations.

BY SIGNING THIS WAIVER BELOW ON MY OWN BEHALF, AND ON BEHALF OF THE RELEASING PARTIES, I ACKNOWLEDGE AND REPRESENT THAT I HAVE READ THIS WAIVER, UNDERSTAND IT, AND VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY AGREE TO ITS TERMS; THAT I AM AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE AND FULLY COMPETENT; THAT I AM IN GOOD HEALTH AND IN PROPER PHYSICAL CONDITION TO ENTER THE FACILITY; AND THAT I AM NOT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS THAT WOULD IN ANY WAY IMPAIR MY ABILITY TO SAFELY ENTER THE FACILITY.

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