Terms & Conditions

1. About Lifeline

Lifeline of Galveston County is a grassroots nonprofit animal rescue organization based in Webster, Texas. We pull animals from municipal shelters and work with fosters, adopters, and volunteers to find them permanent homes. We do not accept owner surrenders or stray animals directly from the public.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to submit an adoption, foster, or volunteer application, make a donation, or otherwise enter into any agreement with Lifeline. By using our website or services, you represent that you meet this requirement.

3. Adoption, Foster & Volunteer Applications

• Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. All applications are reviewed at Lifeline's discretion, and we may decline any application for any lawful reason.

• Information provided in applications must be accurate and truthful. Lifeline reserves the right to deny or revoke an adoption, foster placement, or volunteer role based on false or incomplete information.

• Scheduling an appointment (e.g., meet-and-greet, spay/neuter visit) through our Airtable scheduling form is a commitment. No-show appointments may result in forfeiture of any refundable deposit associated with that appointment (e.g., the $50 refundable spay/neuter deposit), as outlined in your specific agreement.

• Adopters, fosters, and volunteers agree to comply with any care agreements, contracts, or program guidelines provided by Lifeline at the time of placement or onboarding.

• Lifeline makes no guarantees regarding the health, temperament, or behavior of any animal beyond what is disclosed at the time of adoption or foster placement. Adopters and fosters accept animals in the condition disclosed to them and assume responsibility for their care going forward.

4. Donations

• All donations made to Lifeline (via PayPal, Cash App, or any other channel) are voluntary and generally non-refundable, except where required by law or at Lifeline's discretion.

• Donations are used to support Lifeline's rescue, medical, foster, and operational programs.

• If Lifeline is recognized as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, donation receipts will be provided upon request; please consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility.

5. Text Messages & Phone Communications

By providing your phone number to Lifeline — including through our website, applications, or scheduling forms — you consent to receive calls and text messages from us related to your inquiry, application, appointment, or animal care needs, including from our main contact line, which also serves as an emergency contact point.

• Message frequency varies based on your interactions with us.

• Message and data rates may apply.

• Reply STOP to opt out of text messages at any time, or HELP for assistance.

• Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

• Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services, as described in our Privacy Policy.

6. Website Use

• You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of, or restrict the use of, the site by anyone else.

• You may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of our website, servers, or databases, or interfere with the website's normal operation.

• Our website may include an embedded Shelterluv widget displaying animals available for adoption. Availability, descriptions, and status of animals are subject to change without notice and are managed through Shelterluv's platform.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on our website — including text, graphics, logos, and images — is the property of Lifeline of Galveston County or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without our prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use (e.g., sharing an adoptable animal's listing).

8. Third-Party Links & Services

Our website may link to or integrate with third-party platforms (such as Shelterluv, PayPal, Cash App, or Salesmsg). Lifeline is not responsible for the content, terms, or privacy practices of these third parties. Your use of those services is subject to their own terms and policies.

9. Disclaimers

Our website and communications are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Lifeline does not guarantee that our website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. Information about animals, programs, and events is provided in good faith but may change without notice.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Lifeline of Galveston County, its staff, volunteers, and board members shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of your use of our website, participation in our programs, or interactions with animals in our care, including but not limited to injuries, property damage, or losses related to adopted or fostered animals.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Lifeline of Galveston County, its staff, volunteers, and board members from any claims, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, your use of our website, or your care of an animal placed with you through adoption or foster.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our website or services will be resolved in the appropriate courts located in Galveston County, Texas.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Effective Date" above reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our website or services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Contact Us

Questions about these Terms? Reach out:

Lifeline of Galveston County 100 E NASA Parkway, Suite 55 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: 409-797-6033 Website: lifelinetx.org

This document is a general-purpose template intended to reflect Lifeline's programs and practices. It is not a substitute for legal advice — we'd recommend having an attorney review it before publishing, particularly around liability limitations, adoption/foster contract language, and nonprofit-specific donation disclosures.