Scent-a-Barks reserves the right to make or change minor points or amendments in this agreement, and notify you by posting an updated version of these terms on the website (scentabarks.co.uk), at which point they will become immediately effective
 

1. Bookings

• Your dog must attend our services at least once a week, on the same day each week (weekly adhoc bookings may be requested in addition to your regular bookings but there is no guarantee we will have space and able to accept your booking).

• If you require any changes to your regular schedule, we require 48 hours notice.

• Full day bookings cannot be amended to half days on an ad-hoc nature. You dog can attend a half day but you will be charged for your full day slot, unless this is a regular schedule change.

• Due to the nature of our business and our limited spaces, we allow 6 weeks “holiday” over the course of a year (where you don’t have to pay but we retain your usual slot). Anything more than this we will charge to retain your usual weekly slots or will have to review your space. Please note this won’t include Christmas week where the daycare centre is usually closed for a week. Holiday allowance runs Jan-Dec each year.  Ad hoc bookings do not have any impact on your allowance. If you cancel your regular day it will be part of your yearly allowance. It does not count as holiday allowance if you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, this is a late cancellation and will be charged in full regardless of holiday allowance.

• All bookings to be submitted via the online portal or the ‘pupdate’ group.

• Generally, we are not open on Bank Holidays but walks may be requested and we’ll try our best to accommodate – Bank Holidays may incur additional fees which you will be advised of at the time of booking.

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2. Cancellations

 

• All bookings cancelled within 48 hours will be payable in full. 

• If we cannot provide the service agreed, we will do our best to arrange an alternative, unless in extreme circumstances, where we will endeavour to give 24 hours notice.

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3. Notice to Quit

 

• You must give us at least 3 weeks’ notice if you wish to leave Scent-a-Barks’ services, for whatever reason.

• You can attend during your notice period but will still be charged if you leave before this period.

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4. Payment

 

• We accept cash/bank transfer, (the bank transfer details will be at the bottom of each invoice)

• Invoices will be emailed to you on or before the last service day of that month, and payable on receipt of the email.

• Where payment is not received in accordance with these terms and conditions, Scent-a-Barks reserves the right not to proceed with any previously agreed arrangements, and a cancellation fee will be payable.

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5. Medications/Vaccinations

 

• We require a copy of a valid vaccination certificate and/or vaccination details to be uploaded to the online portal. Any updates and/or changes to this should be reported to us.

• Dogs are also expected to maintain preventative treatment against parasites such as fleas and worms.

• You understand that even if your dog is vaccinated against Bordetella (Kennel Cough) there is a chance that your dog can still contract Kennel Cough. You agree that you will not hold Scent-a-Barks responsible if your dog contracts Kennel Cough whilst using Scent-a-Barks’ services.

• Under no circumstances will Scent-a-Barks accept any pet that has any form of active contagious illness.

• If a staff member is bitten or exposed to any disease or ailment received from the client’s pet(s) which has not been properly or currently vaccinated, the client will be responsible for all costs and damages that may be incurred as a result.

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6. Injuries/illness

 

• If your dog is showing any signs of illness or infection unfortunately we will not be able to take your dog for that day. If your dog shows symptoms whilst in our care they will be isolated and you will be asked to collect.

• Scent-a-Barks offer services where dogs co-mingle in groups and you accept that during the course of normal dog play your dog may sustain injuries. If this occurs your dog will be health checked and you will be notified.

• All dog play is carefully monitored to avoid injury, but scratches, punctures, torn ligaments, or other injuries may occur despite the best supervision. Scent-a-Barks accepts no liability for injuries sustained in such cases.

• If we believe the injuries require veterinarian attention, we will contact you and ask you to collect your dog and take them to your registered practice. If you or your emergency contact cannot be contacted, we will act on your behalf to do whatever we deem necessary for the safety, health and well being of the dog.

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7. Aggressive Dogs

 

• You confirm that on booking services for your dog(s) that you have represented your dog(s) accurately, and they have not shown aggression or caused harm, or threatening behaviour to any people or animals.  

• You must notify us if your dog has had any history of aggression, or any behavioural changes you notice throughout their development.

• You agree to be responsible for all costs (including but not limited to medical care, legal fees) if your dog(s) should bite or injure another animal. 

• If your dog(s) shows aggressive tendencies in our care towards staff or other dogs; or should its behaviour become unacceptable or a nuisance beyond reasonable acceptance, you that the service is terminated with immediate effect and the dog is to be collected.

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8. Feedback and monitoring

For us to keep every dog in our care happy and safe, we occasionally need to carefully monitor certain behaviors and issues that may arise. In a multi-dog environment, your dog may behave in ways we don’t expect. This is often their way of telling us that something isn’t right, which could be due to a change in the environment or group dynamics, new dogs joining, or feeling overwhelmed. We are always transparent with our owners so we can work together as a team to manage any issues and provide a happy environment for your dog and the dogs we care for. If we have any concerns, we will first make you aware and monitor the situation using the following process:

• • Communication: Videos, explanations, and recommendations will be sent via our pupdate group to keep you in the loop. Please let us know if you are happy to be communicated with in this way.

  • Two-Way Discussion: Two-way communication is very helpful, but we know that’s not always possible with busy lifestyles. If you require a meeting to discuss things further, please let us know.

  • Our Commitment: We understand it can be disheartening to receive feedback of this nature. Please know we will always work with you to do what is best for your dog. If you would prefer not to receive this type of feedback, we can work together to determine if there is a way to solve the issue with immediate effect, such as changing groups if the behavior involves a specific dog or group dynamic.

  • Ongoing Support: We recognize that things take time, and if it’s safe to do so, we are happy to provide a time frame for monitoring. During this period, we will keep you updated and look for improvement. Your advice or the involvement of a behaviorist may also help in certain situations.

  It’s important for us all to be on the same page. We want to keep both owners and dogs happy. If you have any concerns with this process, please let us know. Thank you for your ongoing support and for working with us to help resolve any issues.

   

9. Neutering/Bitches in Season 

• As per Scent-a-Barks’ daycare policies, male dogs must be neutered after 12 months. You understand that, if younger and not castrated, they must not display excessive mounting, aggressive or marking behaviours.

• Bitches will not be accepted into daycare when in season. If we notice signs whilst in care with us we will separate your dog and you will be asked to collect her.

• We reserve the right to retire non-castrated males from our facility if the behaviours mentioned above are persistent.

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10. Dogs under 12 months 

• All dogs must have basic training and recall.

• Dogs must be older than 6 months of age to attend daycare.

• If your dog is younger than 12 months, by signing these T&Cs, you agree to your dog being in a multi-dog environment and mixed with dogs of different ages and breeds.

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11. Collars/Leads

• Please provide secure collars/harnesses with appropriate tags for all visits. All dogs will be walked on leads at all times, unless previously agreed and selected on the online portal.

• You understand that under the Control of Dogs Act 1992, your dog(s) must wear a collar and an identity tag. They must also be microchipped (NB. From March 2017, all dogs must be microchipped by law).

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12. Extreme weather – Daycare only.

• The daycare centre is open in all seasons, however managers have the authority to close the facility if they deem the risk to dogs and staff is too high due to extreme weather, resulting in extremely hazardous operating conditions during transportation of dogs or use of the centre.

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13. Keys

• We require two copies of your house key to be provided during the in-home consultation. 

• Your keys will be kept in a secured lock system and are coded for your protection.

• Upon termination of the services, or those wishing to have the keys returned have two options:

  • A team member will personally pick up or return your keys – this will be a chargeable service.

  • You may pick your keys up or drop them off from our office – No charge.

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14. Insurance

• Scent-a-Barks has comprehensive commercial dog daycare and dog walking insurance, for the peace of mind of our clients. 

• It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the property, its contents and dog(s) are adequately insured throughout the duration of the services.

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15. Home Security

• Scent-a-Barks does not accept liability for other persons who will be in your home prior to, during or immediately after our services have been rendered. 

• Please inform us of anyone who may have access to your home where it is likely that we may cross paths (on drop off and collection). This includes cleaning services, maintenance personnel, friends, family and neighbours. 

• It is understood that the client will notify anyone with access to the home that we have been engaged.

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16. Updates

• Please inform us of any changes regarding your contact numbers, your emergency contact details and other pertinent information.

• Please inform us of any changes regarding your dog’s care needs, behaviour, training needs, health issues and/or any other relevant details that may affect your dog under the care of Scent-a-Barks.

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17. Privacy Policy

• By using Scent-a-Barks’ services you agree and give consent to store yours and your dog(s) personal details provided to us by you via our registration process. Scent-a-Barks will never pass on or sell your personal information.

• All of your information is stored in a secure database via Pet Sitter Plus and is kept private and confidential, accessed only by the owner and the Pet Sitter.

• We will only use your personal information to administer your account and provide you with services.

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18. Liability

• Scent-a-Barks shall not be liable to the client or be deemed to be in breach of the contract by reason of any delay in performing, or any failure to perform, any of its obligations in relation to the services, if the delay or failure was due to any cause beyond our reasonable control.

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Disclaimer

• I (the owner) confirm to Scent-a-Barks that I am the legal owner of my dog, that my dog has not been ill with any contagious disease or condition within the past (30) thirty days and that my dog has received all necessary vaccinations. 

• I understand that Scent-a-Barks is an open day care centre. I agree that my dog will socialise with other dogs and I accept the risks involved and agree that Scent-a-Barks are not liable for any injuries or illnesses resulting during my dog’s attendance.

• Although we make every effort to provide dogs with enclosed, safe spaces, we cannot guarantee a dog will not escape from our premises. The fencing installed at our centre is at a minimum height of 6 feet. If your dog tends to jump fences, you assume all risks of him/her being in our premises and release Scent-a-Barks of any liability or any damage whatsoever arising from the fencing provided at our centre. 

• I understand that I am responsible for any harm caused by my dog at Scent-a-Barks, whether to dogs or other patrons or staff. I shall indemnify and hold Scent-a-Barks harmless against any claims made against Scent-a-Barks or losses or damages of any kind suffered as a result of my dog(s). I understand and agree that in admitting my dog to Scent-a-Barks, that the staff have relied on my representation that my dog is in good health and has not harmed or shown aggressive or threatening behaviour towards any person or any other dog.

• I understand that if my dog has a history of aggression or biting, Scent-a-Barks reserve the right to refuse entry to my dog and I have disclosed to Scent-a-Barks any known dangers associated with my dog. Any behaviour deemed dangerous or inappropriate by Scent-a-Barks may result in the instant dismissal of my dog(s).

• If using Scent-a-Barks transportation service, I recognise the risks of injury associated with transporting my dog to and from property. I waive and relinquish any and all claims against Scent-a-Barks, its employees and representatives, except those arising from negligence on the part of Scent-a-Barks.

• If any medical problems develop while my dog is in the care of Scent-a-Barks and I cannot be contacted, I authorise them to do whatever they deem necessary for the safety, health and well being of my dog and I agree to assume full financial responsibility for all expenses incurred.

• I do hereby authorise Scent-a-Barks to utilise any photographs and/or videos they have taken of my dog(s) as they deem appropriate in their promotional materials and products.