ATC Canine Fitness Club

Terms of Service, Participation Agreement & Liability Waiver

Please review these terms before enrolling in or participating in the ATC Canine Fitness Club.


Important Notice:
This page contains the official terms, participation rules, cancellation policy, and liability waiver for the ATC Canine Fitness Club. By enrolling, scheduling, attending, or participating in club services, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.


This Agreement is between Animal Therapy Center (“ATC,” “we,” “us,” “our”) and the undersigned client/handler (“Member,” “you,” “your”) for participation in the ATC Canine Fitness Club (“Fitness Club” or “Program”). 


Last Updated: 03/20/26

Questions? Contact us at (610) 865-4348

Program Purpose

The Fitness Club is a structured wellness and conditioning program for dogs. It is designed to support general fitness, strength, mobility, and safe activity. The Program is not emergency care, and membership participation does not guarantee outcomes. Any veterinary services, rehabilitation, or medical treatment are separate from this Program unless specifically scheduled under a separate service plan.

Eligibility & Clearance Requirements

Participation is subject to ATC approval. All dogs must meet one of the following prior to starting:

- A veterinary referral from the dog’s primary veterinarian, or
- A 30-minute fitness evaluation with Dr. Nixon (as required by ATC)

ATC may require vaccination records, health history, and other safety information. You agree to promptly disclose any changes in your dog’s health, mobility, behavior, or restrictions.
ATC may deny, restrict, suspend, or discontinue participation if we determine participation is not appropriate or safe. 

Member Responsibilities

You agree that:
You are the dog’s owner or authorized handler and may legally consent to these terms.

- Your dog is appropriate for participation and you have disclosed any relevant conditions or concerns.
- You will follow ATC staff instructions, safety rules, and facility policies.
- You will keep your dog appropriately controlled (leash/handling as directed), and disclose any bite history, reactivity, or behavioral concerns.

ATC may require safety handling measures (including the use of facility leads) when needed. 

Session Types, Length, and Credits

Fitness Club services may include:

- Hydrotherapy (Underwater Treadmill)
- Fun Swim (Pool Swim Session)
- Land Exercise / Conditioning

Session length:
Typically approximately 20 minutes per session unless otherwise stated by ATC.
Credits:
Your membership includes a monthly allotment of credits based on your tier. Unless otherwise stated in writing, each eligible session uses one (1) credit.
Credits do not roll over:
Credits are issued monthly and do not roll over. Unused credits expire at the end of the applicable monthly cycle. 

Scheduling & Priority Scheduling

Scheduling is appointment-based and subject to staff availability, facility capacity, and safety considerations.
Clinical priority: medically necessary rehabilitation appointments are scheduled first.

If your tier includes priority scheduling, it means:
- Your sessions may be scheduled after medically necessary rehabilitation appointments are scheduled and before other Fitness Club tiers, subject to availability.
- Priority scheduling does not guarantee specific appointment times. 

Fees, Billing & Payments

Membership fees are billed on a recurring monthly basis unless otherwise stated in writing.

- Payment: is processed through ATC’s billing system or other designated method.
- Multi-month prepay: discounts may be offered and are subject to written terms at time of purchase.
Non-payment: If payment cannot be processed when due, ATC may pause scheduling and/or suspend membership access until resolved.

Cancellation, Rescheduling, and No-Show Policy

24-hour cancellation window:
Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice may result in the deduction of one (1) credit, because a session time slot was reserved for you.
One courtesy waiver:
Each dog enrolled in the Fitness Club is eligible for one (1) courtesy waiver of a late cancellation/no-show credit deduction per 12-month period, at ATC’s discretion. Courtesy waivers do not roll over and are not cash-refundable.
No-shows:
Failure to arrive for a scheduled session without notice may result in the deduction of one (1) credit.
ATC rescheduling:
ATC may reschedule sessions due to staffing, facility needs, emergencies, or medical-priority scheduling adjustments. 

Membership Cancellation (30-Day Written Notice)

Membership cancellation requires written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the next renewal date. Membership access and billing continue through the notice period. No refunds are provided for unused credits except where required by law.
ATC may suspend or terminate membership immediately for safety concerns, policy violations, or non-payment. 

Assumption of Risk

You understand and acknowledge that fitness activities involving dogs (including water-based activity, treadmill use, conditioning, and exercise) involve inherent risks, including but not limited to fatigue, soreness, slips/falls, stress responses, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in the Program and use of the Facility. 

Authorization to Handle Dog

You authorize ATC staff to handle, guide, and assist your dog during Fitness Club sessions as needed for safety and participation effectiveness.

Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and hold harmless ATC, its veterinarians, staff, owners, agents, and affiliates from claims for injury, illness, loss, or damages arising from participation in the Fitness Club or use of the Facility, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold ATC harmless from claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
- Your dog’s actions or behavior
- Your failure to follow ATC policies or staff direction
- Undisclosed health/behavior concerns
- Property damage caused by you or your dog

Records & Documentation

ATC may document Fitness Club sessions and participation in ATC’s practice management system or other systems for operational, scheduling, and risk-management purposes.

Photo/Video Release and Opt-Out Procedure

You grant ATC permission to photograph and/or video your dog during fitness sessions for educational and/or marketing purposes.

Opt-out: If you do not want your dog photographed or recorded for marketing purposes, you must provide written notice to ATC so the opt-out can be placed in your file.

This does not apply to security/surveillance cameras used for safety and facility operations.

General Terms

Changes: ATC may update pricing, tiers, policies, and these Terms with reasonable notice.
Severability: If any part is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.
Governing Law: Pennsylvania law applies.

Acknowledgment

By enrolling in the Fitness Club and submitting the signup form, you acknowledge you have read, understand, and agree to these Terms.

Animal Therapy Center
3247 Wimmer Rd Suite B
Bethlehem, PA 18020
(610) 865-4348

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