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At Darwin’s Ark we are following the pawprints of evolution. We're studying how changes in DNA helped make our pets the beloved companions and work partners they are today.
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These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Washington State. You agree that any dispute or claim involving liability equal to or exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) shall be resolved according to binding arbitration under Washington State Law. You further agree that any arbitration proceedings shall be conducted by a single arbitrator selected by the Darwin’s Ark Foundation. The user and Darwin’s Ark Foundation agree that such arbitration proceedings shall be conducted according to the Consumer Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, unless otherwise specified under the Terms of Service, or where such rules conflict with Federal law or Washington state law. You further agree that any dispute or claim involving liability less than five thousand dollars ($5000) shall be resolved in small claims court in King County, Washington State.
Darwin’s Ark performs genetic sequencing for research purposes only. Submission of a DNA sample does not guarantee that that sample will be processed. For processed samples, Darwin’s Ark and Darwin’s Ark Foundation do not guarantee success in processing. Results of successfully processed samples will be made available to the submitter. You understand that each animal is an individual, and their traits are the result of the interaction of genetics and environment. Darwin’s Ark Foundation does not guarantee that the results of a genetic test will predict a trait in an animal, or in any way guarantee the mental or physical health or well-being of the animal. You agree that, the results of this sequencing will not be used for medical or behavioral purposes, or as a substitute for veterinary care or diagnosis. You understand that an animal’s ancestry and genetic sequencing results may not predict its medical or behavioral characteristics, and that such results do not necessarily specify or characterize breed or traits for the purpose of determining whether a particular animal falls under an area’s breed laws or regulations. You agree that Darwin’s Ark is not responsible for providing you with any notification about breed ancestry for an area’s breed laws or regulations. You further agree that Darwin’s Ark is not responsible for injuries occurring as a result of obtaining the swab sample. You understand that errors may occur in the genetic sequencing process, including provisioning of sampling equipment and the obtaining and shipping of genetic materials. You additionally agree that the Darwin’s Ark Foundation is not liable or otherwise responsible for any such errors. You agree that Darwin’s Ark and the Darwin’s Ark Foundation may use genetic materials you provide for research purposes without limitation.
Darwin’s Ark provides the opportunity for pet owners to expedite the sequencing of an animal’s genetics for a fee. Expedited sampling is intended for use in Darwin’s Ark research and not for medical or behavioral purposes. Darwin’s Ark and its agents will exercise due diligence to sequence genetic samples received through this for-fee program. If DNA extraction and/or processing fails, Darwin’s Ark will provide a second kit without fee. If genetic extraction and/or processing from the second kit fails, Darwin’s Ark will provide a refund less the costs of shipping and handling. If a genetic sample from the same animal is sent subsequent to failure of extraction and/or processing from the second kit without prior approval from the researchers, it will not be processed and any fee associated with such subsequent genetic sampling will not be returned. Damages or liability, including shipping and handling costs, for any errors related to the sequence analysis, including ancestry testing, of for-fee samples is limited to the payment received.
This Terms of Service was last updated on June 18, 2018.
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