Terms of Service

Terms & Conditions for The Echo Foundation, Inc. Website

Welcome to The Echo Foundation, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Foundation”). By accessing or using our website at echofoundationinc.com and its subpages (the “Site”), you agree to these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not accept these Terms, please do not use or access the Site.

1. Purpose and Use of the Website

The Site is maintained as a resource to promote awareness, research, and early detection of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Dobermans, and to facilitate donation, applications, and merchandise purchases.
The content is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, diagnostic, or veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for care of animals.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use certain features (donations, making purchases).
If you are under 18, you may use the Site only with the involvement of a parent or guardian.

3. Donations

Donations are voluntary and non-refundable, except where required by applicable law.
When you donate, you may be subject to the terms and privacy policies of third-party payment processors we use.
A donation receipt may be issued, subject to the requirements of local tax and nonprofit regulations.

4. Shop / Merchandise Sales

1. Products & Orders

The Site’s Shop offers merchandise (e.g. apparel, accessories).
By placing an order, you represent that all information you provide (shipping address, billing, etc.) is accurate and complete.

2. Pricing & Payment

We reserve the right to change pricing or correct pricing errors.
Payment is processed via third-party payment gateways; you agree to abide by their terms and policies.

3. Shipping, Delivery & Title

Shipping costs, delivery times, and methods will be displayed at checkout.
Title and risk of loss transfer to you when we deliver the product(s) to the carrier.

4. Returns, Refunds & Exchanges

Unless otherwise stated, all sales are final.
If returns or exchanges are allowed, they must be requested within [X] days, unused, in original condition, and with proof of purchase.
You may be responsible for return shipping costs.
Refunds (if accepted) will typically be processed by the original payment method within a reasonable time.

5. Product Disclaimers

Merchandise is supplied “as is,” without warranties, express or implied.
We make no guarantee that items will always be in stock, colors will appear identically across devices, or that your satisfaction is assured.

5. Applications & Program Participation

Your site contains Research Application and Patient Eligibility Application features. For those:

By submitting an application, you certify that the information you provide is true, accurate, and complete.
You grant the Foundation permission to use and evaluate the information you provide as part of program review processes.
The Foundation reserves sole discretion to accept, reject, or terminate applications or program participation.
The Foundation does not warrant or guarantee funding or outcomes, and any approvals or decisions are final.

6. Intellectual Property & Use of Content

All content (text, images, photos, graphics, logos, layout, design) on the Site is owned or licensed by the Foundation, unless otherwise specified.
You may access and view content for personal, noncommercial, or nonprofit use, provided you do not alter, republish, or remove attribution or copyright notices.
Unauthorized use, copying, reproduction, or distribution of content for commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written consent.

7. User Submissions

If you provide user content (reviews, testimonials, photos, comments, or application data):

You grant the Foundation a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide license to use, reproduce, distribute, display, and adapt such content in connection with Foundation operations (including marketing and publications).
You represent and warrant that you own or have rights to the content, and that posting it doesn’t violate any third-party rights.
The Foundation may remove or edit submissions at its discretion.

8. Links to Other Sites & Third-Party Services

The Site may host links or embedded content from third-party websites or services.
Those external sites have their own terms, privacy policies, and practices, which we don’t control or endorse.
We are not liable for any content, loss, or damage resulting from your use of those third-party sites.

9. Disclaimers

The Site and all content are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind (express or implied).
We expressly disclaim warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, noninfringement, or accuracy.
We do not guarantee uninterrupted, error-free, or secure operation of the Site.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

The Foundation (and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents) shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, or special damages arising out of or in connection with your use of the Site, merchandise purchases, applications, or donations.
In no event shall our aggregate liability exceed the amount you paid (if any) for products or services on the site.

11. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold the Foundation and its affiliates harmless from any claim, demand, liability, loss, damages, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising from:

Your use of the Site
Violation of these Terms
Infringement of any rights of a third party

12. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of [Insert State, e.g. California], without regard to conflict of law principles.
You agree that any dispute shall be handled in the state or federal courts located in [Insert County, State].
You waive any objection to jurisdiction or venue there (e.g., forum non conveniens).

13. Changes to Terms

We may update or revise these Terms at any time.
Revised Terms will be posted here with an updated “Last Updated” date.
Continued use of the Site after changes implies acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Severability & Waiver

If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be struck and the remainder will remain in effect.
Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

15. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us:

The Echo Foundation, Inc.
Email: theechofoundationinc@gmail.com
Address: 19360 Rinaldi Street, #717, Porter Ranch, CA 91326