MeowTown Cat Lounge is a nonprofit organization located at 1345 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia, that provides a home-like setting where guests may relax and interact with adoptable rescue cats and kittens (the “Activities”) at its premises (the “Premises”). In consideration of being permitted to enter the Premises and take part in the Activities, I agree to the following:
1. Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risk
I understand that interacting with cats and kittens involves inherent risks that cannot be entirely eliminated, no matter how carefully the Activities are conducted. These risks include, but are not limited to: scratches, bites, and other injuries from animals; allergic reactions; infection or illness; and slips, trips, or falls on the Premises. I understand that cats are unpredictable and may react in unexpected ways. I acknowledge the risk of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted by cats, including but not limited to ringworm, cat-scratch disease, salmonellosis, roundworm, hookworm, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, and (rarely) rabies. I understand that toxoplasmosis can pose a particular risk during pregnancy, and that I should consult a physician before participating if I am or may be pregnant. Knowing these risks, I voluntarily and freely choose to participate and I assume full responsibility for all such risks of injury, illness, loss, or damage to myself and my property.
2. Rules of the Lounge & Conduct
I agree to follow all posted rules and all instructions given by MeowTown staff. In particular, I agree to:
Treat every cat gently and with respect — no chasing, grabbing, teasing, rough handling, or waking sleeping cats.
Not pick up or restrain a cat unless a staff member says it is okay.
Not feed the cats anything unless directed by staff, and not bring in outside food for the cats.
Wash or sanitize my hands as directed, and follow all health and hygiene rules.
Notify staff immediately of any injury, scratch, bite, or concern involving a cat or guest.
I understand that MeowTown staff will be on the Premises but will not supervise my interaction with the cats at all times, and that MeowTown makes no guarantee regarding the behavior of the cats. I understand that MeowTown may refuse entry to, or remove from the Premises, any person who does not follow these rules or who endangers the cats, staff, or other guests, and that no refund will be given in that event.
3. Health, Fitness & Allergy Acknowledgment
I certify that I am of sound mind and am solely responsible for assessing my own mental and physical capacity to participate safely. I represent that I do not have a physical, medical, or emotional condition — including any allergy — that would make participation unsafe. I understand that MeowTown staff are not medical professionals and that I am participating at my own discretion and risk. If I am unsure whether participation is safe for me, I will consult a physician before signing.
4. Release, Waiver & Covenant Not to Sue
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue MeowTown Cat Lounge, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and any affiliated rescue partners (together, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, and causes of action for injury, illness, death, or property damage arising out of or related to my presence on the Premises or participation in the Activities, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, another guest, a third party, or otherwise. I understand and agree that this release includes claims based on the Released Parties’ own ordinary negligence, and that I am knowingly and voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Released Parties for their negligence. This release does not apply to conduct that is found to be grossly negligent, reckless, willful, or wanton.
5. Indemnification & Responsibility for My Conduct
I agree to be responsible for any injury, harm, or damage that I cause to a cat, to another guest, to a staff member, or to the property of MeowTown or others. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim, loss, or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of my own negligent, reckless, or intentional acts on the Premises.
6. First Aid & Emergency Medical Authorization
I authorize MeowTown staff to administer basic first aid for any injury I may incur on the Premises, and, if I am incapacitated and cannot consent, to arrange for emergency medical treatment or ambulance transport at my expense. I understand MeowTown does not promise to administer first aid and is not responsible for the cost or outcome of any medical care.
7. Insurance Acknowledgment
I understand that I may not be covered by any insurance policy held by MeowTown or its rescue partners, and that I am responsible for my own health, accident, and property insurance while on the Premises.
8. Photo & Media Release (Optional)
MeowTown sometimes photographs or records guests enjoying the lounge for promotional, educational, and fundraising purposes, including on social media and its website. I grant MeowTown permission to use my likeness for these purposes without compensation.
9. Governing Law, Venue & Attorney’s Fees
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles, and is intended to be interpreted as broadly as Virginia law allows. Any dispute shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Fairfax County, Virginia, and I consent to their jurisdiction. In any action to enforce this agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
10. Term, Future Visits & Severability
I intend this agreement to apply to my visit today and to all future visits to MeowTown, and to remain in effect after each visit. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
Electronic signature. If I sign this document electronically, by typing my name I am signing this agreement, and I agree that my electronic signature is the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature and that no third-party verification is necessary for it to be enforceable.
