Welcome to the official platforms of LAKE ROADS WILDLIFE REHAB (referred to herein as “LRWR,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). LRWR is a licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation, rescue, and conservation education of native wildlife in New York State. These Comprehensive Terms and Conditions of Service (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement governing all forms of engagement with LRWR, including the use of our website (lrwlr.site), participation in our events or programs, provision of donations, and, most critically, the process of wildlife intake and rescue assistance. By accessing, using, donating to, volunteering for, or otherwise interacting with any service, platform, or physical operation provided by LRWR, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must immediately cease all use of our services and platforms. These Terms are intended to be broad and exhaustive, reflecting the unique legal and ethical responsibilities inherent in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

1. Definitions and Interpretation

To ensure clarity within this extensive legal framework, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

• “Services” shall mean all activities provided by LRWR, including, but not limited to, wildlife rehabilitation, emergency hotline assistance, transport coordination, public education programs, community outreach, volunteer opportunities, and digital platform access.
• “Platform” shall refer collectively to the LRWR official website (lrwlr.site), social media accounts, mobile applications (if any), and any secure internal systems (such as donor portals or volunteer management systems) used for interaction.
• “User” or “You” shall mean any individual or entity accessing or using the Services or Platform, including Finders, Donors, Volunteers, and general visitors.
• “Finder” shall mean any individual who discovers, captures, or transports injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife and contacts LRWR for intake.
• “Patient” shall mean any wild animal that has been officially accepted into the care of LRWR for triage, medical treatment, or rehabilitation.
• “Intake” shall mean the formal process by which a Patient is transferred from the Finder or Transport Volunteer into the sole custody and professional care of LRWR staff at the designated facility.
• “Content” shall mean all text, graphics, images, videos, audio, data, information, and other material displayed, made available, or transmitted on or through the Platform.

2. Platform Usage and Intellectual Property Rights

2.1 License to Use the Platform

LRWR grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use the Platform solely for informational, educational, and donation purposes, strictly in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell, or exploit any portion of the Services or Content without express written permission from LRWR.

2.2 Ownership of Content and Trademarks

All Content on the LRWR Platform, including all logos, organizational names, mission statements, patient documentation templates, educational materials, and photographs of released or ambassador animals, are the exclusive property of LRWR or its content suppliers and are protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, patent, and intellectual property laws.

• LRWR Trademarks: The name “LAKE ROADS WILDLIFE REHAB” and its associated logo, mission statement, and related graphics are proprietary trademarks and service marks of LRWR. They may not be used in connection with any product or service without the prior written consent of LRWR, particularly in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among customers or in any manner that disparages or discredits LRWR.
• User-Submitted Content: By submitting any photos, videos, stories, testimonials, or other content (“User Content”) to LRWR (e.g., via email, social media, or our emergency intake report form), you grant LRWR a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, and fully sublicensable right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such User Content in any media format for the purposes of promoting our mission, fundraising, and education. You warrant that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to the User Content that you post and that the use of your User Content by LRWR will not infringe upon or violate the rights of any third party.

2.3 Prohibited Digital Conduct

You agree not to use the Platform in any way that violates any applicable local, state, federal, or international law or regulation. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Unauthorized Access: Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any portion or feature of the Platform, or any other systems or networks connected to LRWR, by hacking, password mining, or any other illegitimate means.
• Disruptive Activity: Uploading or transmitting viruses, worms, malware, or any other destructive code designed to interrupt, destroy, or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment.
• Automated Harvesting: Using automated scripts, bots, spiders, or any other automated device or manual process to monitor or copy any Content from the Platform for unauthorized purposes without prior written consent.
• Impersonation: Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating or otherwise misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity, especially in connection with rescue efforts or official inquiries.

3. Financial Terms, Donations, and Fundraising

3.1 Nature of Donations

All monetary contributions, whether one-time gifts, recurring pledges, or payments for specific campaigns or services (such as specialized educational workshops), are considered unrestricted, non-refundable charitable donations to LRWR unless explicitly stated otherwise in the campaign materials (e.g., a specific refund policy for a canceled event). By making a donation, you acknowledge that:

• Non-Refundable: Donations are final and generally non-refundable, as funds are immediately allocated to critical, ongoing patient care, medical supplies, and facility maintenance, and are essential for the 24/7 operational continuity of our mission.
• Tax Deductibility: As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by US law. LRWR is legally obligated to issue accurate tax receipts only for the net value of the donation (i.e., after deducting the fair market value of any goods or services received, such as event tickets).
• Allocation of Funds: While donors may designate a gift for a specific purpose (e.g., “Raptor Flight Cage Fund”), LRWR retains ultimate discretion and control over the use of all donated funds to ensure they are directed to the most pressing operational need, consistent with our charitable mission, especially during emergencies where immediate resource reallocation is vital.

3.2 Recurring Donations

If you enroll in a recurring donation program, you authorize LRWR (or its third-party payment processor) to charge your designated payment method at the agreed-upon interval (e.g., monthly, quarterly). You can modify or cancel your recurring donation at any time by accessing your donor portal or by contacting the LRWR General Inquiries Email (info@lrwlr.site) at least five (5) business days prior to the next scheduled deduction date. Cancellation or modification requests submitted after this cutoff window will take effect in the subsequent billing cycle.

3.3 Third-Party Payment Processors

LRWR relies on secure, PCI-compliant third-party payment processors to handle all online financial transactions. We do not store, process, or retain sensitive payment card information (including full account numbers or CVVs) on our own servers. Your use of a third-party payment processor is subject to their independent terms and conditions, and you agree that LRWR is not liable for any security breaches or errors arising from the use of those third-party services.

4. Wildlife Intake, Ownership, and Ethical Protocol (CRITICAL)

The process of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife involves inherent risks and is subject to strict legal and ethical controls. This section details the critical terms governing wildlife intake.

4.1 Immediate Relinquishment of Ownership and Finder’s Claim

Upon Intake of any animal into the custody of LRWR staff or authorized Transport Volunteers, the Finder, regardless of the circumstances of the rescue, immediately and irrevocably relinquishes all legal rights, claims, and ownership interest in the Patient. This relinquishment is non-negotiable and is essential for LRWR to comply with federal and state wildlife permitting regulations (including the USFWS and NYS DEC).

• No Right to Return: The Finder has no legal right to dictate the Patient’s course of treatment, demand visitation rights, or require the Patient’s return upon recovery.
• Confidentiality for Patient Welfare: To prevent habituation and stress, LRWR strictly limits information provided to Finders regarding the Patient’s location and ongoing daily care. While we strive to provide a single update regarding the Patient’s eventual outcome (e.g., successful release, transfer, or non-releasable status), this is done at our sole discretion and prioritized behind all critical operational duties.

4.2 Sole Discretion of LRWR on Patient Outcome

The primary goal of LRWR is the successful, wild, self-sufficient release of every Patient. However, this goal is secondary to the alleviation of suffering and adherence to ethical standards. The final determination regarding the Patient’s outcome rests solely with the Head of Veterinary Services and Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators at LRWR. This exclusive authority includes, without limitation, the absolute right to:

1. Euthanasia: If a Patient’s injuries or illness are deemed non-releasable, incurable, or if the prognosis indicates a diminished quality of life incompatible with a truly wild existence, LRWR reserves the right, in its sole ethical and medical discretion, to humanely euthanize the animal in accordance with all applicable veterinary standards and regulatory guidelines.
2. Transfer or Placement: Transfer the Patient to another licensed rehabilitation facility, sanctuary, zoo, or permanent educational placement, especially in cases where the Patient is deemed non-releasable but suitable as an educational ambassador.
3. Release: Determine the exact time, date, and location of release, which is based on species ecology, environmental conditions, and pre-release conditioning assessments, and is done without Finder notification to protect the animal’s wild status.

4.3 Finder Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability

The Finder acknowledges that attempting to rescue, capture, or transport injured wild animals involves inherent and significant risks, including physical injury, zoonotic disease transmission, and potential legal penalties if handling is improper or unlicensed.

• Waiver: By contacting LRWR for assistance, the Finder warrants that they will follow all instructions provided by LRWR staff and agrees to assume all risks associated with the capture or transport of the Patient. The Finder hereby agrees to waive any and all claims against LRWR, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, or agents for any personal injury, property damage, or legal liability incurred during or as a result of the Finder’s voluntary participation in the rescue or transport of the Patient, regardless of whether such claims arise from the negligence of LRWR or otherwise.
• Compliance: The Finder specifically warrants that they are aware of and will strictly comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the handling and possession of protected wildlife species. LRWR explicitly disclaims any liability for penalties incurred by a Finder who acts outside of legal guidelines or against the instruction of LRWR personnel.

5. Volunteer and Personnel Conduct Agreement

Individuals who apply for, or participate in, volunteer work, internships, or employment with LRWR are required to adhere to a heightened set of ethical, safety, and confidentiality standards detailed in this section.

5.1 Confidentiality and Privacy

Volunteers and staff acknowledge that their involvement grants them access to highly sensitive, confidential information, including:

• Patient Confidentiality: Specific details regarding a Patient’s identity (species, Patient ID), medical condition, prognosis, cause of injury, or outcome, as well as the names and contact information of Finders, are strictly confidential. This information must never be disclosed to the public, media, or unauthorized third parties, including family and friends, unless explicitly authorized by the LRWR Operations Manager or the Head of Veterinary Services.
• Operational Confidentiality: Details of LRWR’s proprietary rehabilitation protocols, specialized treatment methodologies, financial records, donor lists, security procedures, and intellectual property are confidential business information.
• Agreement: By commencing service, the Volunteer/Employee agrees to maintain absolute confidentiality concerning all LRWR confidential information during and perpetually after their period of service. Breach of this confidentiality is grounds for immediate termination and may result in legal action.

5.2 Safety and Liability in Service

All Volunteers and Employees must successfully complete mandatory safety and protocol training before engaging in any Patient-related duties.

• Assumption of Risk: The Volunteer/Employee acknowledges that working with wild, injured, and unpredictable animals presents inherent risks of physical injury, zoonotic disease, and property damage, even when following established protocols. The Volunteer/Employee expressly assumes these risks as a condition of service.
• Indemnification: The Volunteer/Employee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless LRWR from any claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to their breach of any safety protocol, any negligent act or omission during their service, or any unauthorized handling or disclosure of Patient or organizational information.

6. Educational Programs, Events, and Facility Access

6.1 Program Registration and Payment

Registration for LRWR educational workshops, seminars, or special events is confirmed only upon receipt of the full payment amount specified in the event materials. Unless otherwise stated in the specific event documentation:

• Cancellation Policy: Fees are non-refundable if cancellation occurs less than seven (7) days prior to the event start date, as resources, staffing, and materials are committed in advance based on registration numbers. A pro-rata refund may be considered for cancellations received before the seven-day cutoff, subject to a reasonable administrative fee.
• Code of Conduct: All attendees agree to abide by the LRWR Code of Conduct, which mandates respectful behavior toward staff, other participants, and especially our non-releasable Animal Ambassadors. LRWR reserves the right to remove any attendee who exhibits disruptive, abusive, or unsafe behavior, without refund.

6.2 Facility Access Waivers

As detailed in the Contact Us page, access to the LRWR physical facility at 7180 North Chases Lake Road is highly restricted for the welfare of the Patients. Individuals granted permission to enter the facility for pre-scheduled, supervised visits (e.g., donors, partners, or educational groups) must sign a separate, physical liability waiver upon arrival. This waiver confirms the Visitor’s understanding of the unique risks associated with being near a wildlife rehabilitation center (e.g., zoonotic disease, presence of wild, stressed animals, uneven terrain) and fully releases LRWR from liability for any injury or loss sustained during the visit. Failure to sign the required waiver will result in immediate denial of entry.

7. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

7.1 General Disclaimer of Warranties

ALL SERVICES, CONTENT, AND PLATFORMS PROVIDED BY LRWR ARE OFFERED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. LRWR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE, OR THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED. LRWR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY INACCURACIES, OMISSIONS, OR ERRORS IN THE CONTENT, WHETHER PROVIDED BY US OR BY THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING ACCURACY OF WILDLIFE RESCUE GUIDANCE (WHICH IS ADVISORY ONLY).

7.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW, LRWR, INCLUDING ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES, SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO:

1. YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF, OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE, THE PLATFORM OR SERVICES.
2. ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE PLATFORM.
3. ANY INFORMATION OR ADVICE PROVIDED BY LRWR STAFF OR VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING WILDLIFE RESCUE GUIDANCE.
4. THE OUTCOME OF ANY PATIENT RESCUE, TREATMENT, OR RELEASE, INCLUDING THE DECISION TO EUTHANIZE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF LRWR FOR ALL CLAIMS RELATING TO THE SERVICES EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO LRWR, IF ANY, IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless LRWR, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, consultants, agents, and representatives from any and all third-party claims, liability, damages, and costs (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from or relating to:

1. Your misuse of the Services or Platform.
2. Your violation of these Terms or any applicable laws or regulations.
3. Any negligent or willful misconduct or breach of safety protocols during a rescue, transport, or visit to the LRWR facility.
4. Your User Content or any communication or interaction with other Users of the Service.
5. Your failure to comply with the legal obligations regarding the handling of protected wildlife species, as detailed in Section 4.3.

This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of your relationship with LRWR.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

9.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. You agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Lewis County, New York.

9.2 Mandatory Arbitration

In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Services, or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity thereof (collectively, “Disputes”), the parties agree to resolve the Dispute through binding arbitration conducted in Lewis County, New York, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) for commercial disputes.

• Waiver of Jury Trial: YOU AND LRWR WAIVE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY RIGHTS TO GO TO COURT AND HAVE A TRIAL IN FRONT OF A JUDGE OR A JURY. Instead, all Disputes will be resolved before a neutral arbitrator, whose decision will be final except for a limited right of appeal under the Federal Arbitration Act.
• Class Action Waiver: ALL CLAIMS AND DISPUTES MUST BE ARBITRATED OR LITIGATED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT ON A CLASS BASIS. CLAIMS OF MORE THAN ONE USER OR FINDER CANNOT BE ARBITRATED OR LITIGATED JOINTLY OR CONSOLIDATED WITH THOSE OF ANY OTHER USER OR FINDER.

10. Termination and Survival

10.1 Termination by LRWR

LRWR reserves the right, in its sole discretion and without notice or liability, to suspend or terminate your access to all or part of the Services and Platforms for any reason, including, without limitation, breach of these Terms, unauthorized use of intellectual property, fraudulent activity, or engaging in conduct deemed detrimental to the safety or mission of LRWR or the welfare of its Patients.

10.2 Survival

Sections 2.2 (Ownership of Content), 3.1 (Nature of Donations), 4.1 (Relinquishment of Ownership), 4.3 (Finder Assumption of Risk), 5.1 (Confidentiality), 7 (Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability), 8 (Indemnification), and 9 (Governing Law and Dispute Resolution) shall survive any termination of your relationship with LRWR.

11. Miscellaneous Provisions

11.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any specific agreement or waiver (such as a volunteer agreement or a facility access waiver), constitute the entire agreement between you and LRWR concerning the Services and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, whether electronic, oral, or written.

11.2 Headings

The headings in these Terms are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of any provisions herein.

11.3 Waiver and Severability

The failure of LRWR to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any provision of these Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

11.4 Assignment

LRWR may assign its rights and duties under these Terms to any party at any time without notice to you. You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of LRWR.

11.5 Contact for Terms and Conditions

For any questions, clarifications, or formal legal notices regarding these Comprehensive Terms and Conditions of Service, please contact the LRWR Privacy Compliance Team:

Designated Legal Contact: LAKE ROADS WILDLIFE REHAB 7180 NORTH CHASES LAKE ROAD, GLENFIELD, NY 13343 Email: info@lrwlr.site Subject Line: TERMS AND CONDITIONS LEGAL INQUIRY