Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement

Updated: March 2026

This document is a binding legal agreement. Please read it carefully and clarify any questions or concerns before signing. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions set out below.

This agreement forms part of Yoga Kawa’s Terms of Service and should be read together with our Privacy Policy and applicable Cancellation & Refund Policy, all of which are available at yogakawa.com.

Definitions

“Organization” means Yoga Kawa Inc., its directors, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, instructors, animal owners and handlers, and operators of any facility used by Yoga Kawa, collectively and individually.

“Activity” means any yoga class, animal-assisted yoga class, sound bath, workshop, event, retreat, or program operated or organized by Yoga Kawa, including all related use of equipment and facilities.

“Animals” means any dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, goats, bunnies, or other animals present at a Yoga Kawa event.

Part A: General Release and Waiver

1. I understand that yoga and other physical activities offered by Yoga Kawa are not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. I acknowledge that I should consult a physician before beginning any activity program, including yoga. I will not perform any posture or movement to the extent of strain or pain.
2. If at any time during an Activity I feel discomfort or strain, I will gently come out of the posture and rest. I understand that it is important to listen to my body and respect its limits.
3. I acknowledge and agree that participation in any Activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to muscle strains, sprains, falls, contact with other participants, and other physical injuries. I accept all risks of participating, even if the risks are created by the carelessness, negligence, or gross negligence of the Organization or anyone else.
4. I confirm that I am in proper physical condition to participate in the Activity and am aware that participation could, in some circumstances, result in physical injury, serious physical injury, or death.
5. I accept that neither the instructor nor the hosting facility is liable for any injury or damage to person or property resulting from my participation in the Activity.
6. I accept full responsibility for any equipment loaned to me as part of the Activity and commit to return it in good working order.
7. I accept sole responsibility for my personal possessions and belongings brought to the venue.
8. I hereby, for myself and for my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, and assigns, fully release, waive, and forever discharge any and all rights or claims I may have, now or in the future, against the Organization, even if the claims are based on the carelessness, negligence, or gross negligence of the Organization or anyone else. I further release any recourse which I may now or hereafter have resulting from any decision of the Organization.

Part B: Animal-Assisted Events

This section applies to all Yoga Kawa events involving Animals, including puppy yoga, kitten yoga, goat yoga, bunny yoga, and any related classes, workshops, or social sessions.

9. In consideration of the Organization allowing me to participate in an Activity involving Animals, to use its equipment and facilities, and to interact with Animals, I agree that:
   a) The sole responsibility for my safety remains with me.
   b) I will remove myself from participation if I sense or observe any unusual hazard, unsafe condition, or feel unable or unfit to continue safely.
   c) I assume all risks arising out of, associated with, or related to my participation, including loss of income and all other losses.
   d) I waive any and all claims that I may have now or in the future against the Organization.
   e) I forever release the Organization from any and all liability for any claims, damages, actions, demands (including direct, indirect, special, and consequential), losses, costs (including legal fees), and judgments which I have or may have in the future, that might arise out of, result from, or relate to my participation, even though such claims may have been caused by negligence, gross negligence, negligent rescue, omissions, carelessness, breach of contract, breach of any statutory duty of care, or any breach under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.2, as amended.

Description of Risks

10. I understand and acknowledge that Activities involving Animals have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards, and dangers, some of which no amount of care, caution, or expertise can eliminate, including but not limited to:
    a) Risks arising from group physical activity, including contact with, falling, or being struck by other participants.
    b) Physical exertion, overexertion, and the risk of injury from yoga postures and movements.
    c) Use of equipment, including misuse of equipment and being struck by, tripping over, or colliding with equipment.
    d) Risks arising from interacting with Animals, including but not limited to scratches, bites, nips, being knocked over, stepped on, or jumped on by Animals.
    e) Allergic reactions to Animals, animal dander, hay, straw, or other materials present at the venue.
    f) Communicable diseases, including but not limited to those transmissible between animals and humans (zoonotic diseases), and human-to-human transmission (e.g., influenza, COVID-19).
11. I am aware that the risks described above include the potential for serious personal injury, death, property damage, or illness. I understand that these risks may be relative to my own state of fitness and health (physical, mental, and emotional) and to the awareness, care, and skill with which I conduct myself.
12. I freely accept and fully assume all responsibility for all risks and possibilities of personal injury, death, property damage, illness, or other loss resulting from my participation. I accept these risks and agree to the terms of this waiver and release.

Animal Handling Rules

13. I will not pick up Animals while standing or above knee height without staff supervision, nor will I carry Animals in my arms unless an animal handler has personally approved the request. Should any injuries or damages be caused to the Animals due to my failure to follow this rule or any other instruction from Yoga Kawa staff, I accept full financial responsibility for the resulting damages.
14. I will follow all instructions given by Yoga Kawa staff and animal handlers regarding interaction with Animals at all times. I understand that Yoga Kawa reserves the right to remove me from the Activity without refund if my behaviour poses a risk to the Animals, other participants, or staff.

Part C: Health and Allergy Disclosure

15. I confirm that I have disclosed to Yoga Kawa any known medical conditions, injuries, allergies (including animal allergies), or physical limitations that may affect my ability to safely participate in the Activity. I understand that Yoga Kawa instructors are not medical professionals and that their guidance does not constitute medical advice.

Part D: Photography and Media Consent

16. I understand that Yoga Kawa may photograph, film, or record video and audio during the Activity for use in marketing, social media, website content, and other promotional materials. By signing this agreement, I consent to the use of my likeness in such materials without additional notice or compensation.
17. If I prefer not to be photographed or filmed, I will inform the event host at the beginning of the session. Yoga Kawa will make reasonable efforts to accommodate my request.

Part E: Collection of Personal Information

18. I understand that Yoga Kawa collects personal information through this waiver (including my name, email, phone number, emergency contact details, and health information) for the purposes of administering the Activity, ensuring participant safety, and contacting me or my emergency contact if needed. This information is handled in accordance with Yoga Kawa’s Privacy Policy and applicable Canadian privacy legislation (PIPEDA).

Part F: General Provisions

19. All information I have provided to Yoga Kawa in this agreement is accurate and correct.
20. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
21. I acknowledge that I have read and understand this agreement, that I have executed it voluntarily, and that it is binding upon myself, my heirs, spouse, children, parents, guardians, next of kin, executors, administrators, and legal or personal representatives.
22. By signing below, I also confirm that I have reviewed and agree to Yoga Kawa’s Terms of Service and the applicable Cancellation & Refund Policy.