Description

Avoiding Liability When Working with Dogs

If you run a dog training business, shelter, or rescue, you face serious legal risks every day. Lawsuits are rising against canine professionals when dogs injure people or other animals. Without the right knowledge—and the right legal documents—your business, reputation, and livelihood are at risk.

Dog Trainers Face Harsh Discrimination

If a client’s dog bites you and causes lost income, permanent disability, or overwhelming medical bills, most courts will say you “assumed the risk.” That means you get nothing.

But if you have a well-drafted Dog Training Agreement, the court will likely rule in your favor. The difference can be tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars.

Shelter and Rescues Are Being Targeted

In several states, public shelters and private rescue groups are now required by statute to disclose a dog’s bite history—including the circumstances of every bite. Courts are holding both government agencies and private organizations accountable when that information is withheld.

Fail to disclose, and you could be dragged into costly litigation—even if you weren’t at fault.

Veterinarian Jill Muraoka Lim (Ohana Pet Hospital, Ventura, CA) said:

“Oftentimes, the people involved with rescues and shelters are so focused on the welfare of the pets that they do not consider potential lawsuits or liability associated with their actions (accepting known aggressive or destructive animals). I think Mr. Phillips’ presentation made us all stop and think about how we can both protect the interest of the pets and protect our organizations from potential liability.”

Other Serious Risks Include:

• Accidents on your premises
• Incidents involving guests and dogs
• Dog-on-dog fights that result in injury

In each of these situations, clients must be informed of the risks and required to hold you harmless.

What You Will Get

Avoiding Liability When Working with Dogs gives you the legal tools and expert guidance you need to protect yourself, your business, and the dogs in your care:

📄 Dog Training Agreement (rev. 2025)
    ✔️ Protects trainers from liability when a client’s dog causes harm.

📋 Dog Behavioral Health Disclosure Form (new for 2025)
    ✔️ Warns you about serious risks based on each dog’s known behavioral issues.

🧾 Visitor Waiver Form (new for 2025)
    ✔️ Ensures that guests accept the risk of injury during training sessions or property visits.

🖊️ Waiver and Release for Entry to Premises (for multiple visitors)
    ✔️ A sign-in sheet and release form for groups attending events at your facility.

📦 Bailment Agreement for Surrender of a Dog
    ✔️ Protects public shelters, private individuals, and rescues when taking custody of a dog to be rehomed.

📑 Adoption Agreement (rev. 2025)
    ✔️ Provides full disclosure to adopters in a format that complies with the strictest new laws.

📖 Policies and Procedures for Observing and Reporting Problems with Dogs
    ✔️ Standardizes how staff and volunteers identify, document, and report dangerous behavior.

🎥 90-Minute Video Seminar by Attorney Kenneth M. Phillips

You’ll also receive access to a 90-minute online seminar presented by Kenneth M. Phillips, America’s leading dog bite attorney.
He shares real-world legal cases involving trainers, shelters, and rescues—and shows you how to avoid making costly mistakes.

📱 Watch it anytime on your phone, tablet, or computer.

What Trainers Are Saying

“You are right, trainers really don’t know. All the seminars, conferences, books, and videos geared toward trainers do not mention the things you talk about. Scary to think how much I didn’t know before your video!“

With these proven tools, you can protect yourself, your business, and your mission—while still giving dogs the second chance they deserve.