1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY. These Terms and Conditions of Use (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our official website, hhk9.life, and your participation in, enrollment in, or application for any of our programs, services, volunteer opportunities, or fundraising activities (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using our website, submitting a donation, applying to become a handler or volunteer, or engaging in any formal partnership with our organization, you signify your full agreement and unconditional acceptance of these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY, a non-profit organization located at 3049 WOODLAKE DR, ABILENE, TX 79606-4216. If you do not agree to be bound by all of these Terms, you may not access or use the website or engage with our Services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time without prior notice. Your continued use of the website or engagement in the Services following any such modification constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms. Please review this document periodically to ensure you understand the terms that apply to your engagement with our organization. This comprehensive document is structured to cover general legal disclosures, specific responsibilities related to our therapeutic services, intellectual property rights, and limitations of liability.

2. General Website Use and Restrictions

Rules for Accessing Our Digital Content

2.1. Limited License and Access

HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and make personal, non-commercial use of the website and its content, provided you comply with these Terms. This license explicitly excludes any resale or commercial use of the site or its contents; any collection and use of any product listings, descriptions, or prices; any derivative use of the site or its contents; or any use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools. Any unauthorized use immediately terminates the licenses granted hereunder and may result in legal action. You must not use our website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the website; or in any way which is unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful, or in connection with any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful purpose or activity. You are prohibited from attempting to gain unauthorized access to any portion or feature of the website, or any other systems or networks connected to the website or to any HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY server, or to any of the services offered on or through the website, by hacking, password “mining,” or any other illegitimate means.

2.2. Content Integrity and Accuracy

The content provided on the HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. The information regarding our therapeutic services is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider. Reliance on any information provided by HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY, its employees, or certified K-9 handlers is solely at your own risk. We strongly advise all service recipients and partners to consult with their own licensed professionals regarding the suitability and integration of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) into any treatment plan. Furthermore, we reserve the right to change, modify, or discontinue any aspect of our website content, including program details and schedules, without notice.

3. Intellectual Property Rights and Ownership

Protection of Our Mission, Materials, and Brand

3.1. Ownership of Content and Trademarks

All content on the HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY website, including but not limited to the text, graphics, logos, images, digital downloads, data compilations, training methodologies, program names (such as “Paws for Progress” or “Tail-Wagging Tutors”), and the intellectual property related to our proprietary K-9 training and certification protocols, are the exclusive property of HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright laws. The organization name, “HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY,” and our associated logos are trademarks of HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY. These trademarks may not be used in connection with any product or service that is not HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY’s, in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among clients or the public, or in any manner that disparages or discredits HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY. Any unauthorized copying, redistribution, reproduction, or modification of website content or proprietary program materials is strictly prohibited and may violate copyright, trademark, and other laws.

3.2. Limited Use of Marks and Materials

You may print, download, and store copies of website materials for personal, non-commercial use, subject to the condition that you include all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the content. Any other use of the materials on this website, including reproduction for purposes other than those noted above, modification, distribution, or republication without the prior written permission of HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY, is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use our logo or materials for any promotional purpose, partnership communication, or press release, you must obtain explicit, written permission from our Community Engagement and Donor Relations team prior to publication, ensuring all usage conforms to our established branding guidelines and legal requirements. This requirement ensures that the integrity and professional reputation of our certified K-9 services and the organization itself are consistently maintained and protected.

4. Terms Governing Therapeutic Services and Participation

Responsibilities of Service Recipients, Handlers, and Partners

4.1. Assumption of Risk and Waivers

Participation in Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) programs, whether as a service recipient (patient, student) or as a volunteer/handler, carries inherent risks, including but not limited to the risk of allergic reactions, minor injuries from accidental contact with a dog, or unforeseen behavioral responses from the therapy dog or other participants. By enrolling yourself or a minor under your legal guardianship in our Services, you acknowledge and voluntarily accept these risks. All participants must sign a separate, mandatory Liability Waiver and Release Form prior to commencing any therapeutic session or training. This form explicitly outlines the potential risks and confirms your understanding and assumption thereof. Failure to provide a fully executed waiver will result in the immediate inability to participate in the Services. The signed waiver is a non-negotiable prerequisite for engagement, regardless of the partner facility (hospital, school, etc.) involved.

4.2. Partner Facility and Guardian Responsibilities

When K-9 services are provided within a partner facility (e.g., a hospital or school) or directly to an individual minor, the partner facility or legal guardian retains primary responsibility for the clinical oversight, safety of the environment, and adherence to facility-specific protocols. HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY provides the specialized AAI team, but we do not replace the primary healthcare provider or educational authority. It is the responsibility of the facility and/or guardian to: (a) inform our K-9 handler of any specific allergies, physical limitations, or behavioral precautions relevant to the participant prior to each session; (b) ensure that the environment where the session takes place is safe, clean, and compliant with all local health regulations; and (c) provide adequate human supervision alongside the K-9 handler, particularly in high-risk environments or when minors are involved. The handler’s role is focused exclusively on managing the therapeutic interaction with the certified K-9 and documenting the observed behavioral responses.

4.3. Volunteer and Handler Conduct

Individuals applying or participating as certified K-9 Handlers or general volunteers must adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct, ethical behavior, and safety protocols established during their mandatory training. All handlers are strictly required to: (a) maintain current certification and meet all health and vaccination requirements for their dog; (b) adhere to all scheduling commitments and notify the organization immediately of any changes in availability; (c) follow all rules and regulations of the partner facility they are visiting; and (d) immediately cease a session and remove the dog if the dog exhibits any sign of stress, fatigue, or discomfort, prioritizing the animal’s welfare above all else. Any violation of these conduct standards or failure to comply with safety and certification requirements may result in immediate termination of the handler’s participation and a permanent revocation of their volunteer status, without right to appeal.

5. Donations and Financial Transactions

Terms Governing Support and Stewardship

5.1. Donation Finality

All donations made to HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY through our website, mail, or third-party processors are considered final and non-refundable. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your contributions are crucial to funding our mission, including training, veterinary care, and operational costs. We issue official tax receipts for all qualifying contributions in accordance with IRS regulations. By submitting a donation, you acknowledge and agree that the transaction is a non-revocable charitable contribution to the organization. In the rare event of a processing error (e.g., duplicate charge), please contact us immediately at info@hhk9.life so we can investigate and rectify the situation promptly. We do not store full credit card information; all payment processing is handled by PCI-compliant third-party services, and your financial data is subject to their terms and privacy policies.

5.2. Use of Funds and Earmarking

Unless a donation is explicitly designated for a specific, pre-approved campaign or purpose (e.g., “Crisis Response Unit Fund”), all contributions are considered unrestricted and will be used at the discretion of the HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY Board of Directors to support the most urgent operational needs of the organization, including program expansion, general administration, and volunteer training. While we strive to honor any donor designation, we reserve the right to redirect funds if the designated project is fully funded or if the needs of the organization shift dramatically, ensuring that all funds are used effectively and align with our core charitable mission.

6. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

Legal Boundaries of Responsibility

6.1. Disclaimer of Warranties

The website and the Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY does not warrant that the website will operate error-free or that the website and its server are free of computer viruses or other harmful mechanisms. If your use of the website or the materials results in the need for servicing or replacing equipment or data, HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY is not responsible for those costs.

6.2. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY, its affiliates, directors, employees, volunteers, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, including without limitation damages for loss of profits, goodwill, data, or other intangible losses, resulting from (a) the use or the inability to use the website or Services; (b) any conduct or content of any third party on the website or within the Services (including partner organizations or other users); (c) any content obtained from the Services; or (d) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content, whether based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, and whether or not HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY has been informed of the possibility of such damage. This limitation of liability applies to the maximum extent permitted by law in the applicable jurisdiction.

7. Indemnification

Holding the Organization Harmless

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY, its officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, and volunteers from and against any claims, actions, demands, liabilities, and settlements, including without limitation reasonable legal and accounting fees, resulting from, or alleged to result from, your violation of these Terms or your participation in our Services. This includes, but is not limited to, any claims arising from a breach of the mandatory Liability Waiver and Release Form or any actions, omissions, or negligence related to your duties as a volunteer or the responsibilities of a guardian or partner facility detailed in these Terms.

8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Legal Framework for Settlement

8.1. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law principles. By agreeing to these Terms, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Abilene, Texas, for the resolution of any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services.

8.2. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, the parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute through direct negotiation. If a resolution is not achieved within sixty (60) days, the parties agree to seek resolution exclusively through binding arbitration in Abilene, Texas, under the rules of a recognized arbitration association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement, misappropriation, or violation of that party’s copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, or patents.

9. Miscellaneous Provisions

Final Administrative Details

9.1. Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with the separately executed Liability Waiver and Release Form and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY concerning the use of the website and the provision of the Services, superseding all prior or contemporaneous communications, whether electronic, oral, or written.

9.2. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is deemed unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that provision shall be deemed severable from these Terms and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. The unenforceable provision shall be modified to reflect the parties’ intention and be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.

9.3. No Waiver

The failure of HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY to assert any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver of any provision of these Terms will be effective only if in writing and signed by an authorized representative of HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY.

10. Contact Information

Your Resource for Clarification on These Terms

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, or require clarification on any of the legal or operational responsibilities detailed herein, please contact us using the information below.

HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY Attn: Legal & Compliance Department Email: info@hhk9.life (Please use the subject line: Terms and Conditions Inquiry) Mail: 3049 WOODLAKE DR, ABILENE, TX 79606-4216

By continuing to use our website or engage with our Services, you are confirming your understanding of and compliance with all terms detailed above.

Effective Date: November 18, 2025