Deadpan Exotics – Liability Waiver & Release

This is a legal agreement between you (the participant and/or parent/guardian) and Deadpan Exotics, LLC. Please read it carefully before submitting the form below.

This Liability Waiver & Release (“Agreement”) is between Deadpan Exotics, LLC (“Deadpan Exotics,” “we,” “us”) and the adult participant and/or parent/guardian completing this form (“I,” “me,” or “Participant”). It applies to all educational programs, shows, birthday parties, classroom visits, library programs, community events, and any other activity involving Deadpan Exotics animals (collectively, the “Program”).

1. Live Animals & Inherent Risks

I understand the Program involves live non-venomous reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Even with trained handling and safety procedures, working around live animals includes inherent and unavoidable risks, including but not limited to:

  • Scratches, bites, or minor injuries
  • Exposure to allergens, dander, substrate, bedding, or cleaning products
  • Slips, trips, or falls due to equipment, cords, or crowding
  • Startle responses, emotional distress, or fear reactions
  • Unpredictable animal behavior
  • Other participants’ sudden movements or actions

I understand that no animal can ever be guaranteed fully predictable or risk-free. I understand that public tarantula handling is not permitted, and that any reptile interactions are guided, optional, and may be limited at the presenter’s discretion.

2. Assumption of Risk

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I voluntarily assume all risks of injury, illness, damage, or loss, whether expected or unexpected, arising out of or related to:

  • My participation or my child’s participation in the Program
  • Being near animals, enclosures, equipment, or supplies
  • Actions or inactions of other guests, hosts, or participants
  • The conditions of the location where the Program takes place

I knowingly participate (and allow my child to participate) in the Program despite these risks.

3. Health, Allergies & Ability to Participate

I confirm that:

  • I and any minor child(ren) listed are physically, mentally, and emotionally able to safely participate in the Program.
  • I have disclosed any serious allergies or medical conditions that may be affected by animals, substrate, or environmental factors.
  • I understand Deadpan Exotics does not provide medical care or medical advice. In an emergency, 911 or appropriate emergency services will be contacted.

I understand it is my responsibility to remove myself or my child from participation if I have concerns about health, behavior, or safety at any time.

4. Host Responsibilities (For Event Hosts)

If I am hosting the event (such as a birthday party, classroom visit, library program, or private event), I agree that I am responsible for:

  • Ensuring children are actively supervised at all times by responsible adults
  • Preventing running, yelling, roughhousing, or tapping/banging on enclosures
  • Ensuring no one touches, grabs, or feeds animals without explicit permission and guidance
  • Providing a safe, clean, appropriate space for animals, equipment, and presenters
  • Following all instructions given by Deadpan Exotics regarding safety, noise, and space

I understand that Deadpan Exotics may modify or end the Program early, or may limit or stop interactions, if animals or participants are at risk or if rules are not followed. I understand that refunds are not guaranteed if the Program is cut short due to behavior or conditions outside Deadpan Exotics’ control.

5. Photography & Media (Optional)

Deadpan Exotics may occasionally take photos or short videos during Programs for social media or promotional use. I will indicate my choice in the form below:

  • YES – I allow photos/videos that may include me or my child(ren)
  • NO – Do not include me or my child(ren) in photos/videos

Deadpan Exotics will make reasonable efforts to honor “NO” selections.

6. Release, Waiver & Covenant Not to Sue

To the fullest extent allowed by law, I, on behalf of myself, my minor child(ren), and our heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, hereby:

  1. Release and discharge Deadpan Exotics, LLC, its owners, officers, employees, independent contractors, volunteers, insurers, and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, costs, or liabilities of any kind arising out of or related to participation in the Program, except in cases of proven gross negligence or intentional misconduct where such waivers are not enforceable by law; and
  2. Agree that I will not sue or bring any legal or equitable claim against the Released Parties for any injury, illness, damage, or loss arising from participation in the Program.

This release includes, without limitation, claims for ordinary negligence, premises liability, minor injuries, animal-related contact, environmental allergies, emotional distress, or property damage.

7. Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:

  • My own actions or omissions
  • My child’s actions or omissions
  • My failure to supervise minors I bring to the Program
  • My failure to disclose necessary health or allergy information

8. Miscellaneous

I understand and agree that:

  • This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of North Dakota (or the state where the event occurs, if different).
  • If any portion of this Agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.
  • This Agreement is continuing in effect for any future Programs I attend with Deadpan Exotics, unless revoked in writing.
  • I have had the opportunity to read this Agreement, ask questions, and seek legal advice if I chose to do so.

9. Electronic Signature & Online Submission

By completing and submitting the waiver form below:

  • I confirm that I have read this entire Liability Waiver & Release in full.
  • I am at least 18 years of age and legally able to sign this Agreement.
  • If I list any minor child(ren), I am their parent or legal guardian and have the authority to sign on their behalf.
  • I understand that typing my full legal name and checking the acknowledgment box in the form below constitutes a legally binding electronic signature.
  • I understand that this waiver is valid for the listed event and for future Deadpan Exotics Programs, unless I revoke it in writing.

Please complete the waiver form below for your child(ren) to participate in a Deadpan Exotics program.