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”). I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor(s) named above and have the legal authority to sign this waiver on their behalf. In consideration of their being permitted to enter the Premises and take part in the Activities, I agree to the following on behalf of myself and each minor:
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, and that young children may be at greater risk. 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 any caregiver in our party is or may be pregnant. Knowing these risks, I voluntarily consent to my child’s participation and assume full responsibility on their behalf for all such risks of injury, illness, loss, or damage.
2. Supervision, Rules & Conduct
I understand that MeowTown staff will be on the Premises but will not supervise my child’s interaction with the cats, and that I am responsible for supervising my child at all times. I agree that I and each minor will follow all posted rules and all instructions given by MeowTown staff. In particular:
Every cat must be treated gently and with respect — no chasing, grabbing, teasing, rough handling, or waking sleeping cats.
A cat may not be picked up or restrained unless a staff member says it is okay.
The cats may not be fed anything unless directed by staff, and no outside food for the cats may be brought in.
Hands must be washed or sanitized as directed, and all health and hygiene rules followed.
Staff must be notified immediately of any injury, scratch, bite, or concern involving a cat or guest.
I understand that MeowTown may refuse entry to, or remove from the Premises, any guest 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 my child is able to participate safely and that I am solely responsible for assessing my child’s capacity to do so. I represent that my child does 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 my child participates at my discretion and risk. If I am unsure whether participation is safe for my child, I will consult a physician before signing.
4. First Aid & Emergency Medical Authorization
In the event of an injury or medical emergency involving my child on the Premises, and if I cannot be reached, I authorize MeowTown staff to administer basic first aid and to seek, consent to, and arrange emergency medical treatment or ambulance transport for my child at my expense. I understand MeowTown will make reasonable efforts to contact me first, does not promise to administer first aid, and is not responsible for the cost or outcome of any care.
5. Release, Waiver & Covenant Not to Sue
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I, on behalf of myself, my child, and our respective 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 child’s 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 on behalf of myself and my child, 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.
6. Indemnification & Responsibility for Conduct
I agree to be responsible for any injury, harm, or damage that I or my child causes 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 or my child’s negligent, reckless, or intentional acts on the Premises.
7. Insurance Acknowledgment
I understand that my child and I may not be covered by any insurance policy held by MeowTown or its rescue partners, and that I am responsible for our 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 child’s 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 child’s 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.
