The lost waiver problem
You hand the client a paper waiver at the first session. They sign it. You put it in a folder. Six months later, there is an incident — and you cannot find the waiver. Or it is in a filing cabinet in your office, and you are at the park.
Or worse: you never got the waiver signed. The client showed up, you started the session, and you forgot. Now you are exposed — legally and financially.
Digital waivers solve this. The waiver is sent automatically when the client books. They sign on their phone. It is stored on the dog's profile — forever. And if they do not sign, the system reminds them. Automatically.
3 reasons digital waivers are better
What to include in your waiver
A good dog training waiver covers:
- Assumption of risk. The client acknowledges that working with dogs carries inherent risks, including bites, scratches, and property damage.
- Release of liability. The client releases you (the trainer/behaviorist) from claims arising from normal training activities.
- Medical authorization. The client authorizes emergency veterinary care for their dog if needed during a session, at their expense.
- Vaccination confirmation. The client confirms their dog is up-to-date on required vaccinations.
- Behavior history disclosure. The client confirms they have disclosed all known bite history, aggression, and behavioral issues.
- Cancellation policy. The client acknowledges your cancellation policy (24-hour notice, no-show fee, etc.).
- Photo/video permission. Optional — whether you can use photos/videos of the dog for marketing.
Note: This is not legal advice. Have your waiver reviewed by an attorney in your jurisdiction.
The auto-send workflow
In Oden, the waiver workflow is fully automated:
- Client books a session. Through your booking page or you create the appointment.
- Waiver is sent automatically. The client receives an email/SMS with a link to sign the waiver on their phone.
- Client signs on their phone. No printing, no scanning, no email attachments. They sign with their finger.
- Waiver is stored on the dog profile. Forever. Searchable. Accessible from any device.
- Auto-reminder if not signed. If the waiver is not signed within 24 hours, the system sends a polite reminder. You do not have to chase.
Intake forms: beyond the waiver
While you are digitizing, do not stop at waivers. Intake forms — behavior history, medical history, training goals, household composition — should also be digital and tied to the dog's profile.
When a new client signs the waiver, they can also fill out the intake form. The data flows directly into the dog's profile — no manual entry. And you walk into the first session already knowing the dog's history, triggers, and goals.
This is how professional practices operate. Not with clipboards and paper forms — but with structured digital intake that saves time and improves the quality of your first session.