Helston Happy Hounds

Terms & Conditions for Dog Boarding Services

1. Bookings and Payments

1.1 Booking Confirmation: All bookings for dog boarding services are confirmed upon completion and submission of this form.

1.2 Deposit and Balance: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure all dog boarding bookings post trial sleepover. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than two weeks prior to the commencement of the boarding period.

1.3 Administrative Charge: Any client-requested changes to a confirmed booking that require an invoice to be amended after the initial deposit has been paid will be subject to a £5 administrative charge.

2. Cancellations

2.1 Boarding Cancellations: Cancellation of boarding services is subject to the forfeiture of the 50% non-refundable deposit. If a cancellation is made less than two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled boarding commencement date, any refund beyond the initial deposit will be at the sole discretion of Helston Happy Hounds, and only if the cancelled space can be successfully filled.

3. Dog Health and Safety

3.1 Owner's Representation: The owner represents and warrants that any pet presented for boarding is healthy, free from fleas and worms, and has not been exposed to any known communicable diseases within the thirty-day period immediately preceding the service commencement date.

3.2 Vaccinations: All pets must have up-to-date immunisations. Veterinary proof of current vaccinations is required for boarding services and will be retained by Helston Happy Hounds for the duration of the pet's stay. Helston Happy Hounds reserves the right to refuse boarding for any dog without a valid immunisation record, and the full cost of the dog's scheduled stay will still be charged.

3.3 Flea and Worm Treatment: The owner must provide veterinary-proven documentation of current flea and worm treatment. Home-administered treatments will not be accepted as proof. Should a pet be found to have fleas during its time with Helston Happy Hounds, the owner will be charged a fee for treatment and any necessary sanitisation.

3.4 Collar and Tag: As per current UK law, all dogs must wear a collar with an attached identification tag that includes the owner's name and address while in public or when under the care of Helston Happy Hounds. Helston Happy Hounds reserves the right to refuse service if this requirement is not met.

4. Co-Boarding and Socialisation

4.1 Permission for Co-Boarding: By agreeing to these terms, the owner grants permission for their dog to be boarded with other suitable dogs, including the resident dogs of Helston Happy Hounds.

4.2 Sleeping Arrangements: Boarded dogs will be provided with separate sleeping areas within the premises.

4.3 Pre-Boarding Meet and Greet: A mandatory meet and greet session between the client's dog(s) and Helston Happy Hounds' resident dogs must occur prior to the commencement of boarding. Helston Happy Hounds will maintain a record of all such socialisation meetings.

5. Property and Liability

5.1 Damage to Helston Happy Hounds Property: The owner is solely responsible for any damage caused to Helston Happy Hounds' property by their pet while under our care. The owner agrees to cover all associated repair, cleaning or replacement costs.

5.2 Owner's Property: Helston Happy Hounds is not responsible for any damage or loss to the owner's property, including but not limited to leashes, toys, beds, or food, brought with or left with the pet.

5.3 General Pet Interaction Risks: The owner acknowledges that due to the nature of dog play and general dog interaction, minor cuts and scratches are not uncommon, even with careful supervision.

5.4 Pet-Inflicted Harm: The owner is solely responsible for any serious injury or harm caused by their dog to another animal or person while in the care of Helston Happy Hounds.

5.5 Helston Happy Hounds' Liability: Helston Happy Hounds cannot be held responsible for any loss, accident, injury, or death caused to any animal while in our care, unless directly resulting from our gross negligence or civil misconduct.

6. Emergency Procedures and Veterinary Care

6.1 Unforeseen Expenses: Any expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances (e.g., emergency veterinary care not covered by existing agreements) must be paid in cash prior to the dog(s) leaving our care.

6.2 Veterinary Treatment: Helston Happy Hounds reserves the right to act in the best interests of the pet at all times, including seeking immediate veterinary advice if the pet becomes ill or injured.

6.3 Owner Contact: Helston Happy Hounds will make every reasonable effort to contact the owner immediately should their pet become ill or injured.

6.4 Unreachable Owner: If the owner cannot be contacted within a reasonable timeframe, or has opted not to be contacted for routine matters, Helston Happy Hounds reserves the right to seek appropriate and swift veterinary action and proceed with necessary treatment, regardless of cost. The owner agrees to cover all such veterinary expenses.

6.5 Euthanasia: In cases where euthanasia is deemed absolutely necessary by a qualified veterinary professional (excluding reasons related to behavioural aggression), Helston Happy Hounds will accept and act upon the veterinarian's advice.

6.6 Emergency Veterinary Registration: Helston Happy Hounds is registered with a 24-hour emergency veterinary service: Mounts Bay Veterinary Centre, 46 Poniou Road, Longrock, Penzance TR20 8HX.

6.7 Fire Evacuation Plan: In the event of a fire, dogs will be evacuated from the building via the nearest safe exit and secured in the garden, designated vehicle, or office space for their safety.

7. Collection, Behaviour, and Uncollected Pets

7.1 Aggressive Behaviour: Should a dog exhibit aggressive tendencies towards the pet sitter, their family, or resident dogs, or if its behaviour becomes uncontrollable or a nuisance beyond reasonable acceptance, the owner agrees that the dog may be isolated within the house or placed in a commercial dog boarding kennel until the owner's return. The owner agrees to cover any additional costs incurred by such action. This action will be taken if the owner or their emergency contact person is unable to collect the dog.

7.2 Late Pick-Up Fees: Pick-up times are agreed upon at the time of booking. Owners who fail to collect their dog at the agreed time will be subject to a late pick-up fee of £6 per half hour (or any part thereof), for a maximum of two hours. If a dog is not collected within two hours of the agreed time, a full overnight boarding fee will be applied.

7.3 Uncollected Dogs: If a dog is not collected within five (5) days after the agreed departure date and the owner cannot be contacted, Helston Happy Hounds reserves the right to rehome the dog. The owner agrees to this condition and will be responsible for all associated costs.

8. Breeding

8.1 Unwanted Pregnancies: Helston Happy Hounds cannot be held responsible for any unwanted pregnancies. Bitches in season are boarded at the owner's sole risk.

9. Photography

9.1 Photography Consent: Your pet may be photographed during its time with us. These images may be used on our website, social media pages, or other promotional materials unless you specifically request otherwise. Any such request must be noted on this contract.