Welcome to Healing Hearts with Hooves (referred to herein as “HHWH,” “the Organization,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Comprehensive Terms and Conditions of Service and Use (“Agreement” or “Terms”) constitute a legally binding contract between the Organization and every individual who uses our website, accesses our digital content, volunteers their time, donates to our cause, or, most critically, participates in any of our on-site therapeutic or educational programs (“Participant,” “Client,” “User,” or “you”). By accessing or utilizing any part of our services, including but not limited to attending a scheduled consultation, entering our physical property located at 402 43RD STREET WEST, BRADENTON, FL 34209, or engaging in any animal-assisted activity (AAA) or animal-assisted therapy (AAT), you formally and irrevocably acknowledge that you have carefully read, fully understood, and expressly agree to be bound by all the terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement. If you are entering into this Agreement on behalf of a minor Participant or a legally incapacitated adult, you hereby affirm that you possess the necessary legal authority to bind that individual to these Terms, and you agree to assume full responsibility for their compliance. Should you disagree with any portion of these Terms, you are strictly prohibited from accessing our facilities, utilizing our services, or engaging with our staff and animals in any capacity, and your sole recourse is to immediately cease all use of our services and discontinue all planned visits to the ranch. This Agreement is effective immediately upon your first interaction with HHWH and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and warranties, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter contained herein, establishing the singular, definitive contractual framework for your relationship with our Organization.

2. Description of Services and Program Nature

Healing Hearts with Hooves is a specialized organization that provides unique, evidence-based, animal-assisted interventions (AAI), including therapeutic and educational programs facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and certified equine/animal specialists. Our services are strictly non-ridden and primarily involve structured, on-the-ground interactions, observation, and cooperative activities with our gentle, well-trained therapy animals, which include horses, miniature donkeys, and ponies, among other species. The core purpose of our services is to facilitate measurable emotional regulation, behavioral development, social skill-building, and trauma recovery through the honest, non-judgmental presence of the animal partners in a natural, supportive, and safe environment. It is explicitly understood and agreed by the Participant that our services do not constitute emergency medical care, intensive psychiatric treatment, or high-risk equestrian sports instruction. While our team includes licensed clinicians, HHWH is not a hospital, psychiatric facility, or crisis center, and we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or prescription services. Participants are required to maintain a relationship with a primary care physician and, where clinically necessary, with an outside psychiatrist or medical specialist to manage acute medical needs or ongoing medication requirements, ensuring continuity of medical care. The therapeutic benefits derived from our programs are inherently experiential, requiring the active and committed participation of the Client, and as such, HHWH makes absolutely no guarantees, explicit or implied, regarding specific, mandated therapeutic outcomes, the duration of treatment required for relief, or the achievement of predefined emotional or behavioral results. The success of the intervention relies heavily on the Participant’s willingness, consistency of attendance, and honest engagement with the process and the therapeutic team.

3. Financial and Scheduling Terms

3.1. Fees, Payment, and Cancellation Policy

Fees for Service: All fees for individual, family, and group therapeutic sessions, as well as specialized workshops, are set forth in the Fee Schedule provided to the Participant during the formal Intake Assessment (Section 9) and are subject to change upon 60 days’ written notice. Payment for all scheduled services is due in full prior to the commencement of each session, unless a prior, formalized, and written financial agreement (e.g., a scholarship agreement or approved payment plan) has been established and signed by the Organization’s Program Manager. We accept major credit cards, electronic transfers, and, where applicable, direct payment from pre-approved third-party funding sources.

Cancellation Policy: Due to the complexity of scheduling our multi-disciplinary human team (therapist and specialist) and the necessary preparation of the animal partners for your dedicated time slot, HHWH enforces a strict 48-hour cancellation policy. Any session cancelled by the Participant with less than 48 hours’ notice, or any scheduled session missed entirely (“No-Show”), will be billed the full session fee, and the Participant or their responsible guardian is obligated to remit this full payment regardless of the reason for the late cancellation or absence. Exceptions to this policy (e.g., documented medical emergencies) are granted solely at the discretion of the Clinical Director on a case-by-case basis and must be substantiated by appropriate documentation. The Organization reserves the right to suspend or terminate services for any Participant whose account balance exceeds 30 days past due until the outstanding balance is paid in full, ensuring the financial stability required to maintain our high standards of animal welfare and professional staffing.

Inclement Weather and Animal Welfare Policy: In the event of severe inclement weather (including, but not limited to, lightning, tropical storm warnings, or excessively high heat indexes) that is deemed a safety hazard to Participants, staff, or, critically, the therapy animals, HHWH reserves the right to cancel or postpone a session with less than 48 hours’ notice. Similarly, if a specific animal partner is unexpectedly ill, injured, or deemed to be emotionally exhausted or stressed by the Animal Care Specialist, the Organization reserves the right to substitute a comparable animal partner or cancel the session for the animal’s welfare. In the event HHWH cancels a session due to weather, animal welfare, or staff illness, the Participant will receive a full credit for the missed session or a full refund, as preferred, and will not be subject to any cancellation penalty.

4. Safety, Risk, and Assumption of Inherent Risk

The safety of our Participants, staff, and animals is the paramount priority at Healing Hearts with Hooves, which is achieved through rigorous protocols and continuous supervision. However, the Participant must fully acknowledge and assume the Inherent Risks of Animal-Assisted Activities, as defined by Florida law and general equine industry standards, which are present despite all reasonable precautions taken by the Organization.

4.1. Acknowledgement of Risk (Mandatory)

The Participant fully understands and accepts that engaging in any activity involving animals, particularly large, powerful, and sensitive animals like horses, inherently involves certain unavoidable, significant risks. These risks are present even in controlled, non-ridden therapeutic settings and include, but are not limited to: the unpredictable nature of an animal (including biting, kicking, bucking, sudden movements, or unexpected actions in response to noise, stimulus, or a perceived threat); the possibility of falling, being stepped on, or being crushed by an animal; risks associated with the condition of the land, terrain, and equipment (including entanglement, uneven ground, and tripping hazards); and the possibility of contracting zoonotic diseases or sustaining injuries related to allergies. By participating, the Client freely, knowingly, and voluntarily assumes all such inherent risks associated with being present on a working ranch and interacting with our therapy animals, accepting full personal responsibility for any resulting personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death that may result from such participation.

4.2. Participant Conduct and Compliance

All Participants and their accompanying family members or guardians must strictly and immediately comply with all safety instructions, verbal directions, and non-verbal cues provided by the HHWH staff, licensed therapists, and certified specialists at all times while on the property. Non-compliance with safety directives, unauthorized contact with animals, or engagement in behavior that compromises the safety or therapeutic integrity of the session (including the use of illicit substances, aggressive behavior, or disregard for animal welfare) will result in immediate termination of the session and possible permanent exclusion from all future services without refund. The Participant further agrees to immediately disclose to staff any physical, medical, or emotional condition (e.g., severe allergies, recent surgery, uncontrolled emotional dysregulation, fear of animals) that may increase their risk of injury or compromise the safety of the animals or staff before the start of any session or activity, ensuring transparency is upheld.

5. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification

To the maximum extent permitted by the law of the State of Florida and applicable federal laws, the Participant agrees to the following limitation of liability and indemnification clauses, which are essential components of this contract, acknowledging the inherent risks assumed in Section 4.

5.1. Release and Waiver of Liability

The Participant, on their own behalf and on behalf of their heirs, personal representatives, and assigns, hereby releases, acquits, discharges, and forever waives any and all claims, causes of action, liabilities, suits, and demands of any kind, whether known or unknown, present or future, against Healing Hearts with Hooves, its owners, officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and animal co-facilitators (the “Released Parties”), arising out of, related to, or in any way connected with the Participant’s presence at the facility, participation in any therapeutic or educational program, or interaction with any animals or equipment, including claims arising from negligence or other acts or omissions of the Released Parties. This waiver of liability is intentionally broad and comprehensive, covering all personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death, except to the extent any claim is finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be the direct result of the Released Parties’ gross negligence or willful misconduct, which is strictly prohibited by law.

5.2. Indemnification and Hold Harmless

The Participant further agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, costs, and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and defense costs) arising out of or resulting from the Participant’s (or the minor Participant’s) actions, negligence, or willful misconduct while utilizing the services, or any breach of this Agreement, or any claims brought by third parties (including family members or emergency responders) arising out of or resulting from the Participant’s participation in the activities. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the cessation of the Participant’s services with HHWH, confirming that the Participant assumes financial responsibility for the consequences of their actions on the premises.

6. Confidentiality, Privacy, and Data Protection

HHWH operates under a strict code of professional and ethical confidentiality, as detailed in our separate, comprehensive Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into this Agreement and governs the collection, use, and safeguarding of all Personal Data (PD) and Sensitive Therapeutic Data (STD).

6.1. Clinical Confidentiality

The Organization and its licensed clinical staff rigorously adhere to all applicable confidentiality standards, professional ethical codes, and relevant state and federal laws (including HIPAA, where applicable, for certain types of health information). Information discussed or revealed during therapeutic sessions is held in strict confidence and will not be disclosed to any outside party without the express, written authorization of the Participant or their legal guardian, except under the specific, legally mandated exceptions, which include: Duty to Warn/Protect, if the Participant expresses a credible, imminent threat of serious harm to self or others; Mandated Reporting of suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or animal abuse; and valid, legally enforceable court orders or subpoenas. Participants are explicitly notified and agree that, in a group or family session setting, while the clinical staff will maintain confidentiality, HHWH cannot guarantee the confidentiality of other Participants who are also present, and Participants must assume this inherent relational risk when choosing to engage in shared therapeutic modalities.

6.2. Media Release and Documentation

The Participant acknowledges and grants HHWH the right to capture and use anonymized, non-identifiable photographs, videos, or audio recordings of sessions or facility activities (e.g., wide-angle shots of the horse or miniature donkey, images of hands or feet, background scenes) solely for the purposes of internal program development, program validation, grant reporting, marketing, and community outreach. No images or media that clearly and personally identify a Participant will ever be used without a separate, specific, and explicitly signed Media Release Form provided by the Organization. The signing of this general Agreement does not constitute consent for the public use of personally identifiable images; a separate form is required.

7. Participant Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

All Participants are expected to actively contribute to maintaining the safe, professional, and therapeutic environment of the ranch, upholding the core values of compassion, connection, and care.

7.1. Respect for Animals and Property

The Participant agrees to treat all therapy animals with the utmost respect, gentleness, and kindness at all times, strictly following the directives of the animal specialist regarding handling, grooming, and interaction. Any observed instance of animal abuse, neglect, intentional cruelty, or willful disregard for an animal’s obvious distress will result in the immediate and permanent termination of all services without refund and may be reported to the appropriate animal welfare authorities. Furthermore, the Participant agrees to exercise due care with all HHWH property, equipment, and facility grounds, and will be financially responsible for the cost of repair or replacement for any intentional damage or damage resulting from the Participant’s gross negligence.

7.2. Attendance, Engagement, and Wellness

The Participant is responsible for consistently attending all scheduled therapeutic sessions and arriving promptly. The therapeutic process is cumulative, and frequent or late absences severely diminish the potential for positive outcomes. The Participant agrees to come to each session in a state that allows for safe, productive engagement, meaning they must be free from the influence of non-prescribed recreational drugs or excessive alcohol. The Participant further understands that HHWH staff are authorized to assess a Participant’s immediate safety and emotional readiness upon arrival, and reserves the unequivocal right to refuse service or terminate a session without penalty if the Participant is deemed to be in a state that poses an elevated safety risk to themselves, the staff, or the animals (e.g., highly agitated, visibly intoxicated, or exhibiting uncontrolled emotional dysregulation).

8. Governing Law, Dispute Resolution, and Jurisdiction

8.1. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Florida or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Florida. The official venue and exclusive jurisdiction for any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any claim for personal injury, shall be exclusively in the appropriate state or federal courts located in Manatee County, Florida, which encompasses our physical location at 402 43RD STREET WEST, BRADENTON, FL 34209.

8.2. Dispute Resolution Protocol

In the event of any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the parties first agree to attempt to resolve the matter through informal good-faith negotiation, commencing immediately upon written notice of the dispute. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days of the initial notice, the dispute shall then be submitted to formal, non-binding Mediation in Manatee County, Florida, utilizing a mutually agreed-upon professional mediator. Each party shall bear its own costs for mediation, equally sharing the mediator’s fee. If mediation is unsuccessful in resolving the dispute within sixty (60) days, either party may then pursue the available legal remedies as provided for under Florida law in the courts of exclusive jurisdiction stipulated in Section 8.1.

9. Intake, Consent, and Documentation Requirements

9.1. Mandatory Intake and Assessment

Prior to the commencement of any fee-based therapeutic session, all Participants must successfully complete a mandatory, formal Clinical Intake Assessment with a licensed member of the HHWH team. This assessment serves as the critical foundation for safe and effective care, requiring the Participant to provide comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information regarding their medical history, mental health status, current challenges, and prior treatment history. Failure to provide complete and truthful information during this intake process may be grounds for immediate termination of services, as incomplete data can significantly compromise the Participant’s safety and the integrity of the therapeutic plan, especially when interacting with large animals.

9.2. Required Documentation and Informed Consent

The Participant acknowledges that by engaging in services, they are affirming their understanding and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Furthermore, before any physical presence on the ranch, the Participant must review and sign several additional, required documents, which are crucial extensions of this Agreement: the Waiver and Release of Liability Form, the Media Release Form (optional, as per Section 6.2), the Informed Consent to Treatment Form, and the Client Fee Schedule Agreement. The Participant’s execution of these documents signifies their specific and informed consent to the scope, risks, and financial responsibilities associated with the specialized animal-assisted therapeutic model utilized by Healing Hearts with Hooves.

10. Miscellaneous Provisions

10.1. Entire Agreement and Modification

This document, together with the separate Privacy Policy and the Intake/Consent Forms referenced in Section 9, constitutes the entire agreement between the Participant and Healing Hearts with Hooves, superseding all prior or contemporaneous communications, proposals, or agreements, whether electronic, oral, or written. The Organization reserves the right to amend or modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised Terms on our official website. For any material change, HHWH will make reasonable efforts to notify current Participants via email or a prominent notification upon check-in, but the Participant’s continued use of the services following the posting of the revised Terms will constitute their acceptance of such changes, reinforcing their ongoing contractual obligation.

10.2. Severability

If any term or provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason (e.g., it conflicts with mandatory Florida law regarding gross negligence), such term or provision shall be severed from this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as if the invalid provision had never been a part of this contract.

10.3. Assignment

The Participant may not assign, transfer, or delegate any of their rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior express written consent of Healing Hearts with Hooves, which may be withheld in the Organization’s sole discretion. The Organization is free to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without restriction or notice.

10.4. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be held liable for any delay or failure in performance of any part of this Agreement (excluding the Participant’s financial obligations) due to causes beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, acts of governmental authority, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19), civil unrest, labor disturbances, power outages, or the unexpected failure or sudden injury of a key therapy animal, provided that the affected party gives prompt notice of such an event and uses reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as possible, confirming a commitment to service continuity.

11. Termination of Services

11.1. Termination by the Participant

The Participant is free to terminate their use of HHWH services at any time by providing written notice to the Program Manager. The Participant will remain financially responsible for all outstanding fees for services rendered up to and including the date of termination and any late cancellation or no-show fees incurred according to Section 3.1.

11.2. Termination by the Organization

HHWH reserves the right, in its sole professional discretion, to terminate or suspend the provision of services to any Participant immediately and without prior warning or liability if the Participant: (a) breaches any material term of this Agreement (especially those related to safety or financial obligations); (b) fails to comply with staff safety instructions; (c) engages in any behavior on the premises deemed unsafe, threatening, harassing, or detrimental to the welfare of the animals, staff, or other Participants; or (d) if the Clinical Director determines that the Participant is no longer benefiting from the animal-assisted therapeutic model, or that continued participation poses an undue clinical risk to the individual or the therapeutic process itself. In the event of termination by the Organization for clinical or safety reasons, HHWH will provide the Participant with appropriate referrals for alternative, more suitable therapeutic services.

By utilizing the services of Healing Hearts with Hooves, you affirm your absolute consent to these Terms and Conditions.

Effective Date of this Policy: November 19, 2025