These policies apply to ScaleWise Education programs and may be updated as our programs develop. These policies should be reviewed by a qualified legal professional and insurance provider before being published as final policies.

Animal Handling Rules

When animal handling is included in a program:

• Participants must follow all instructions given by the presenter.
• Animals may only be handled when ScaleWise Education staff have approved the interaction.
• Participants must handle animals gently and respectfully.
• Animals must never be grabbed, squeezed, chased, dropped, or intentionally stressed.
• Participants must wash or sanitize their hands before and after handling when appropriate.
• Food and drinks should not be consumed while handling animals.
• Animals may be removed from an activity at any time if they show signs of stress, discomfort, illness, or unsafe behavior.
• Participants who are unwilling or unable to follow handling instructions may be asked not to handle the animal.

Not every animal will be available for handling. Animal participation is based on the animal's health, temperament, behavior, and the needs of the program.

Participant Safety Rules

Participants are expected to:

• Listen to and follow all instructions from ScaleWise Education staff.
• Treat animals with respect.
• Remain calm and avoid sudden movements around animals.
• Never attempt to handle an animal without permission.
• Never place an animal near the face or around the neck.
• Keep hands away from an animal's mouth unless specifically instructed otherwise.
• Avoid touching another participant who is handling an animal.
• Tell ScaleWise Education staff immediately if they are bitten, scratched, injured, or otherwise uncomfortable.
• Follow any additional safety requirements specific to the animal or program.

Participants may be asked to leave an activity if their behavior creates a safety concern for themselves, another participant, staff member, or an animal.

Children Must Have Adult Supervision

Children must remain under the supervision of a parent, guardian, teacher, or other responsible adult unless a specific program has established a different supervision arrangement.

ScaleWise Education staff are responsible for conducting the educational program and managing the animals. They are not automatically responsible for providing individual childcare or general supervision of children.

Parents, guardians, teachers, and group leaders are expected to remain responsible for the children in their care throughout the program.

Animal Welfare Policy

The welfare of every animal involved in ScaleWise Education programs comes first.

Animals will not be forced to participate in an activity when participation would create unnecessary stress or risk. Animals may be removed from a presentation or handling activity at any time based on their behavior, health, environmental conditions, or other welfare concerns.

Animals will be provided with appropriate housing, food, water, environmental conditions, veterinary care when needed, and rest.

Educational value never takes priority over an animal's health and welfare.

Cancellation Policy

Programs may be cancelled or rescheduled when necessary because of illness, animal welfare concerns, unsafe conditions, emergencies, scheduling conflicts, or other circumstances that prevent the program from being conducted safely.

For cancellations or rescheduling requested by the client, the applicable terms will depend on the program and booking agreement made at the time of scheduling.

A reservation fee or deposit may be required to reserve a program date. If a reservation fee applies, the amount, payment deadline, refundability, and cancellation deadline will be provided before the booking is confirmed.

Cancellations made with sufficient notice may be eligible for a refund or rescheduling, depending on the terms provided at the time of booking. Cancellations made with insufficient notice or failure to attend a scheduled program may result in the loss of the reservation fee.

If ScaleWise Education must cancel a program for reasons within our control, we will work with the client to reschedule the program or provide any refund required under the applicable booking agreement.

Weather Policy

Outdoor programs may be cancelled, postponed, or moved indoors when weather conditions create an unsafe environment for participants, staff, or animals.

Extreme heat, cold, storms, lightning, high winds, flooding, or other hazardous conditions may require a program to be rescheduled.

ScaleWise Education will make the final decision regarding whether weather conditions are safe for animals and program participants. When possible, reasonable notice will be provided and we will work with the host to find an alternative date or location.

Liability / Waiver Information

Participants may be required to complete a liability waiver before participating in certain ScaleWise Education programs or handling animals.

For participants under 18, a parent or legal guardian may be required to complete the appropriate waiver.

The waiver may include information about the potential risks associated with interacting with live animals and acknowledge the participant's responsibility to follow all safety instructions.

Required waiver forms will be provided before participation when applicable.

The waiver does not replace appropriate safety practices. Participants must continue to follow all instructions provided by ScaleWise Education staff.

Animal Welfare & Financial Responsibility

Participants are responsible for following all animal-handling instructions provided by ScaleWise Education staff.

Intentional misconduct, reckless behavior, or negligent handling that causes serious injury or death to an animal may result in financial responsibility for reasonable, documented costs associated with the incident, to the extent permitted by law.

Full details will be provided in the applicable participant waiver or booking agreement.

Photography Policy

Photography and video recording may take place during ScaleWise Education programs for educational, documentation, or promotional purposes.

ScaleWise Education will seek appropriate permission before using identifiable photographs or recordings of participants for promotional purposes, especially when children are involved.

Parents, guardians, schools, organizations, or event hosts may request additional photography restrictions when arranging a program.

Photography or recording must never interfere with animal welfare, participant safety, or the educational program.

Emergency Procedure

If an emergency occurs during a program, ScaleWise Education staff will prioritize the safety of participants, staff, and animals.

Depending on the situation, staff may:

• Stop the program or animal interaction.
• Secure or remove animals from the area.
• Move participants to a safe location.
• Provide appropriate basic first aid within the limits of their training.
• Contact emergency services when necessary.
• Notify the responsible parent, guardian, teacher, or group leader.
• Follow emergency procedures required by the hosting facility.

Any bite, scratch, injury, allergic reaction, or other significant incident should be reported to ScaleWise Education staff immediately.

In a serious emergency, emergency medical services will be contacted as appropriate.