Canine Kindergarten Alsager T&C's

The Customer wishes to engage Canine Kindergarten Alsager to fulfil services, and Canine Kindergarten Alsager agrees to undertake services as set out in the service Invoice and in accordance with the policy and practices document (“Terms and Conditions”) and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

1. The Offering of Services
1.1.a. For the avoidance of doubt, the services covered in this Service Agreement are Home Boarding offered by Canine Kindergarten Alsager and are hereafter referred to as “the Services”.

1.1.b. Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall perform the Services in an attentive, reliable, and caring manner, using all reasonable skill and care, having due regard to the Terms and Conditions and any relevant information as noted on the registration form

1.1.c. Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall be responsible for ensuring that it complies with all statutes, regulations, byelaws, standards, codes of conduct and any other rules relevant to the provision of Services.

1.1.d. Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall act in accordance with all reasonable instructions given by the customer provided such instructions are compatible with the specification of Services including those provided in the Terms and Conditions section of the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, where the Customer’s wishes conflict with relevant current UK legislation, the legislation prevails.

1.1.e. Canine Kindergarten Alsager occasionally receives assistance from family members, including the proprietor's sister and husband. Both individuals are fully insured and trained in canine first aid. The client acknowledges and agrees that, at times, their dog may be cared for by these family members. However, all care and supervision will remain within the proprietor's home, always ensuring the safety and well-being of the dog.

2. Customer’s Obligations
2.1.a. The Customer shall read and agree to follow the pertinent information in the Terms and Conditions section of the Agreement, as is applicable for the required Services.

2.1.b. The Customer shall use all reasonable endeavours to provide information to Canine Kindergarten Alsager necessary for the company to provide Services.

2.1.c. The Customer agrees that the information provided to Canine Kindergarten Alsager is true to the best of their information, knowledge and belief.

3. Booking and Cancellations
3.1.a. Booking discussions shall not be considered as ‘confirmed’ until Canine Kindergarten Alsager has received a non-refundable booking fee which is 25% of the total balance due. The remaining 75% of the balance will be due a minimum of 7 days prior to your dog’s arrival.

3.1.b. In the event of cancellations that are notified to us 14 days prior to the start of the booking period, any fees already paid less the non-refundable booking fee will be refunded or held for subsequent bookings.

3.1.c. Cancellations made between 14 days and 48 hours prior to the scheduled start of the booking shall incur a charge of 50% of the remaining balance

3.1.d. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled booking start date shall be subject to full payment.

3.1.e. Moving or transferring Home Boarding dates is considered a cancellation and is subject to the standard cancellation policy. The Customer is required to send a new non-refundable booking fee for the new amended dates. This policy item may not come into force if the amendment is 7 days either side of the originally booked dates.

3.1.f. Partial cancellations, or reducing dates (for instance, paying a non-refundable booking fee for two weeks and then cancelling the second week) is classed as a cancellation and subject to the standard cancellation policy outlined above.

3.1.g. In the event that the customer collects their dog prior to the agreed checkout date, no refund, whether partial or in full, shall be provided.

4. Ad Hoc Day Care
4.1.a. For Ad Hoc Day Care services, a booking fee is not required. Once booked and confirmed with Canine Kindergarten Alsager, the service is subject to a 25% cancellation fee. For cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, payment is due in full. The cancellation fee may be billed immediately or added onto the next Invoice] depending on the frequency of booking.

4.1.b. Payment for Ad Hoc Day Care services is required weekly, after the services have been completed.

4.1.c. An Invoice is sent via the e-mail provided by the customer and Customers have 5 days to pay before the fees are considered as overdue. Once overdue, Services are suspended until payment is received.

 5. Fees and Payment
5.1.a. Canine Kindergarten Alsager will charge the Customer for the Services as quoted in the invoice and the Customer agrees to pay the fees, promptly when they fall due.

5.1.b. Bookings for Services to be carried out on ‘special days’ are charged at 2 x the standard rate. ‘Special Days’ shall be defined as Christmas eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve and New Years Day.

5.1.c. The Customer agrees to reimburse Canine Kindergarten Alsager for any additional fees connected to providing emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred, for example (but not limited to) unexpected visits, transportation, housing, food or supplies on proof of a valid receipt.

5.1.d. If the Customer fails to make payment on a due date, and the Services have been provided, Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall have the right to charge the Customer interest on a weekly basis at the rate of £10 per week.

6. Home Boarding
6.1.a. Home Boarding is charged per day. Arrival day charged in full no matter time of arrival; Departure Day is not charged for if dog is collected before 9 am.

6.1.b. Payment for a Home Boarding booking fee is required within 5 days of receiving a booking fee request from Canine Kindergarten Alsager. If payment is not received within the agreed period, Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall be entitled to cancel the booking and offer the dates to other customers.

6.1.c. Payment for a Home Boarding balance is required in advance of the Service start date, [minimum of 7 days before the service].

7. Termination and Notices
7.1.a. The relationship between Canine Kindergarten Alsager and the Customer shall remain in place until either party give notice in writing. The relationship shall not be severed until all Services that have been paid or, or partially paid for, have been provided. Should the Customer wish to terminate the relationship without using the Services that have already been paid for, no refund shall be issued.

7.1.b. Canine Kindergarten Alsager reserve the right to terminate services with immediate effect if a pet shows undeclared aggression toward people or other animals.

7.1.c. Any notice required to be served under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be served by hand, post, electronic mail, or pre-approved messenger service such as text or WhatsApp.

8. Standards and Insurance
8.1.a. Canine Kindergarten Alsager agree to provide a professional and reliable service to their customers. All animals under the care of Canine Kindergarten Alsager will be given the full care and attention needed to make their experience both fun and safe.

8.1.b. Customers, however, must accept that accidents or illness may occur in such a manner that can neither be foreseen nor prevented by Canine Kindergarten Alsager. Canine Kindergarten Alsager, shall be held harmless in the following circumstances unless Canine Kindergarten Alsager can be shown to be negligent; if the Customer's dog causes harm to a person or another animal, or damages property, if the Customer's dog is injured or causes an accident, or if the Customer's dog causes a third party to claim for damages by way of injury to a person or an animal, or damage to property. In such cases, the Customer will indemnify Canine Kindergarten Alsager against such claims and will liaise directly with the claiming third party.

8.1.c. Canine Kindergarten Alsager is covered by third party liability insurance, but it is highly recommended that Customers have their own pet insurance to cover liability claims from a third party.

9. Veterinary Waiver
9.1.a. If a pet is taken sick or injured during the period of the Service, Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall notify the Customer as quickly as is practical using all reasonable methods of communication available to both parties, to request guidance. If Canine Kindergarten is not able to contact the Customer or the Customer’s Emergency Contact, Canine Kindergarten shall take the pet to a Veterinary Practice on behalf of the Customer and make the best possible medical decisions for the pet with the recommendation and support of a Veterinary Professional. Any veterinary bills shall be directly chargeable to the Customer.

9.1.b. Canine Kindergarten shall use its best efforts to use the pet’s normal Veterinary Practice wherever possible. The Customer authorises Canine Kindergarten Alsager to appoint an alternative Veterinary Practice to examine the pet and carry out such treatment or surgery as may be appropriate if the pet’s normal Veterinary Practice is not available, or the geographic location and severity of the injury predicates that the nearest Veterinary Practice must be used.

9.1.c. By signing this Agreement, the Customer gives Canine Kindergarten Alsager the authority to discuss a pet’s health and treatment with a Veterinary Professional in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (and subsequent revisions of the legislation). The Customer also gives Canine Kindergarten permission to present and share this signed Agreement with a Veterinary Practice where it is necessary under GDPR to manage a pet’s care.

10. Data Protection and Privacy
10.1.a. Personal information shared with Canine Kindergarten for the purpose of using Services will not be sold or shared with third parties, in accordance with GDPR 2018 (or subsequent revision). Information is held on paper and electronically for periods required by The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and HMRC.

10.1.b. In accordance with GDPR, the Customer gives Canine Kindergarten Alsager permission to share information from this signed Agreement with Veterinary Practices as is necessary to provide care and gives the Veterinary Practice permission to discuss pet care with Canine Kindergarten where the Customer is not able to be contacted.

Terms and Conditions
1. Registration
1.1.a. It is the Customer’s responsibility to provide clear and accurate information to Canine Kindergarten Alsager on the Registration Form and any other documents that are provided to the Customer for completion. Changes or updates to the Registration Form must be put in writing to Canine Kindergarten by requesting a new form. Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall be held harmless from claims where outdated written information is responsible for the incident, unless the company can be shown to be negligent.

1.1.b. It shall be the sole responsibility of the Customer to inform Canine Kindergarten Alsager of their dog’s ongoing illnesses and medical conditions or significant illnesses and conditions that they have suffered in the past. Canine Kindergarten shall not be held liable for decisions that are made, or their subsequent outcomes based on an omission of information of their dog’s registration form. In the event of a dog having a contagious illness or disease which has not been disclosed, the Customer may be liable for the costs of treatment given to other dogs which become infected.

1.1.c. By registering with Canine Kindergarten Alsager and signing this Service Agreement, the Customer consents to their dog attending Home Boarding alongside dogs from other families and authorises Canine Kindergarten Alsager to allow their dog to mix with resident dogs and other visiting dogs in the main communal areas of the property and the garden. The Customer also agrees to their dog being walked in a group during the Services.

2. Emergencies and The Emergency Contact
2.1.a. Customers must provide an ‘Emergency Contact’ on their Registration Form who is willing and able to collect the dog in an emergency. Additionally, Emergency Contacts may be requested to support Canine Kindergarten in a medical decision if the Customer is not able to be contacted. It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that the Emergency Contact understands and agrees to accept this role.

2.1.b. For the avoidance of doubt, examples of an “emergency” are a fire or other event that makes it impossible for Canine Kindergarten Alsager to safely remain in their home; the Customer’s dog contracting a contagious illness; an injury to the Customer’s dog, requiring complete separation from other dogs; or the behaviour of Customer’s dog unexpectedly presenting a risk to people or other dogs within the home, or change in behaviour that presents a health risk to the dog. This is not an exclusive list. Situations and events will be taken on a case-by-case basis to find a suitable solution with animal welfare as highest priority.

2.1.c. Customers must nominate an Emergency Contact within a reasonable travelling distance to Canine Kindergarten Alsager, so that collection may take place no longer than 6 hours after the request.

2.1.d. When making a repeat booking, Customers must ensure that the Emergency Contact identified on their original Registration Form remains available and willing to act as the Emergency Contact for the new booking. Customers may notify Canine Kindergarten of Emergency Contact changes in writing, as necessary.

3. Preventative HealthCare Policy: Vaccinations and Parasite Control
3.1.a. Dogs that attend Home Boarding must be vaccinated in accordance with veterinary recommendation, including the vaccination for Leptospirosis.

3.1.b. Customers must provide Canine Kindergarten Alsager with evidence of the vaccination schedule by way of Vaccination Card, a letter or an email from their Veterinary Practice.

3.1.c. Where titre testing is available and recommended by a Veterinary Professional as an alternative to vaccination, titre test results must be clearly summarised and contain a validation period of immunity (start and end date). Without a period of validity, the titre test results may not be used as an alternative to vaccination. Leptospirosis vaccination is still required as this is not covered by a titre test.

3.1.d. Canine Kindergarten Alsager reserve the right to refuse to accept a dog on arrival if a dog fails to receive the annual vaccinations and does not have a letter from a Veterinary Professional specifying their exemption from core vaccination on medical grounds.

4. Preventative Healthcare Policy: Infectious Diseases and Illness on Arrival
4.1.a. The Customer or the Customer’s Emergency Contact must arrange for the collection of a dog if the dog is determined to have an infectious disease within 6 hours of veterinary confirmation. The Customer agrees to place the dog into the care of a Veterinary Professional immediately should they have isolation facilities available. Emergency collections of a dog with a contagious illness are a requirement of the Home Boarding licence and are not considered as a business cancellation of Services, and any refund made available will take into consideration the disinfection, clean down and closure period that the company must undertake.

4.1.b. Dogs that arrive for Home Boarding or Day Care with evidence of a viral or bacterial illness must provide a written confirmation from a Veterinary Practice that the illness is no longer (or not) contagious. Evidence of a viral or bacterial illness may include (but shall not be restricted to) a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and an upset stomach.

5. Unneutered Dogs
5.1.a. Unneutered adult dogs are occasionally accepted at this establishment.

5.1.b. The Customer understands and agrees that females in season are not suitable for Services, and that Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall not be held responsible for the unsolicited behaviour of un-neutered or un-spayed dogs, or for the dogs around them. Issues regarding unwanted pregnancy are the responsibility of the Customer and the affected third party.

5.1.c. Home Boarding: If an unneutered female comes into season whilst in the care of Canine Kindergarten Alsager, the Customer or the Customer's Emergency Contact shall be asked to collect the dog within 6 hours of notification. It is the responsibility of the Customer to ensure that a female in season is not booked in for Home Boarding, and therefore no refund shall be issued for remaining days of the Boarding period. If the dog is not collected within the time frame specified, the relocation process described in the section ‘Unsuitable Behaviour and Aggression’ shall be followed.

5.1.d. If a un-spayed bitch comes into season before the stay and can no longer come for home boarding the standard cancellation policy will apply (please see section 3 of the cancellation policy)

6. Key Holding and Key Services
6.1.a. Canine Kindergarten Alsager will safeguard keys in a manner consistent with that of the professional dog walking and pet sitting service industry. Keys will be tagged via a coded system and stored in a manner which offers reasonable protection against the theft or loss of keys.

6.1.b. If Canine Kindergarten Alsager arrive to collect a dog for Home Boarding services, and are unable to access the property with the key (scenarios including but not limited to; lock broken, key in back of the lock, key not in key safe as advised, dog is not in the property to collect), fees for the service on this day shall still be charged. Return visits to the property to address the issue shall incur additional charges.

7. Abandoned Dogs
7.1.a. The Customer agrees that if their dog is not collected from Home Boarding on the due day, additional fees will apply and shall be paid on collection. If Canine Kindergarten Alsager are unable to contact the Customer or the Customer's Emergency Contact for 7 days, it is assumed that the dog has been abandoned and arrangements for re-homing will be made.

7.1.b. If the Customer’s Emergency Contact is contactable but is unable or unwilling to collect the dog and pay the additional fees, Canine Kindergarten Alsager will arrange for the re-homing of the dog.

8. Death or Loss of a Beloved Pet
8.1.a. Canine Kindergarten Alsager agree to provide a professional and reliable service to their customers. All animals under the care of Canine Kindergarten Alsager will be given the full care and attention needed to make their experience both fun and safe. Customers, however, must accept that occasionally accidents or illness may occur in such a manner that can neither be foreseen nor prevented by Canine Kindergarten Alsager, Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall be held harmless in the event of the loss or death of a pet unless Canine Kindergarten Alsager can be shown to be negligent.

8.1.b. Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall use all reasonably practicable measures to prevent the loss of death of a pet in their care. Claims against Canine Kindergarten Alsager, where negligence is proven, shall be settled within the boundaries of the company’s business insurance policy.

8.1.c. In the event of the temporary or permanent loss of a pet, Canine Kindergarten Alsager shall contact the customer immediately to apprise of the situation and agree next steps. If a Customer is not contactable, the Customers nominated Emergency Contact shall be used. Customers may request a Final Wishes and Consent Form to complete if their dog is elderly or infirm at the time of booking Home Boarding.

8.2. Provisions
8.2.a. Dogs must be provided with sufficient food, treats and bedding to ensure their comfort and welfare during their stay. If a dog has not been provided with sufficient food to maintain health for the period of the stay, Canine Kindergarten Alsager will purchase additional food (as described in the Registration Form), and Customers will reimburse Canine Kindergarten Alsager on collection of the dog. 8.2.b. Where Customers have forgotten to pack an item of equipment, Canine Kindergarten Alsager will endeavour to loan the dog a piece of equipment from stock. If an item of equipment is not available, Canine Kindergarten Alsager will contact the Customer to allow them to decide if the item should be purchased. Where items have been purchased with the Customer’s consent, Customers will reimburse Canine Kindergarten Alsager for any charges on collection of the dog. 8.3. Unsuitable Behaviour and Aggression

8.3.a. Dogs that require permanent isolation from other dogs within the premises are not acceptable for Boarding at Canine Kindergarten Alsager.

8.3.b. Dogs that require temporary isolation from other dogs (for instance, recovering from a medical procedure) are accepted where it is possible and practical, and shall be separated for their booked period. Where it is not possible to keep a dog fully separate, Canine Kindergarten Alsager reserve the right to cancel any bookings during the temporary period that isolation is required.

8.3.c. Dogs that display unacceptable behaviours are not suited to Home Boarding. Unacceptable behaviour may be described as (but is not restricted to) a dog who barks continually; displays signs of extreme stress if left unattended (even if the Licence Holder is elsewhere within the premises); bites someone; is aggressive towards, or bites another dog, or persistently marks in the house.

8.3.d. Should a dog exhibit any of the above behaviours, the Customer will be contacted to arrange for the dog to be collected. If the Customer cannot be contacted, the Emergency Contact listed will be asked to make the arrangements to collect the dog. There will be no refund of boarding fees paid to Canine Kindergarten Alsager

8.3.e. Should the Emergency Contact refuse to collect the Customer’s dog, Canine Kindergarten Alsager will endeavour to put the dog(s) into kennels for the remainder of the period. If transportation costs are incurred for moving the dog to kennels, these will be paid by the Customer on their return. There will be no refund of boarding fees paid to Canine Kindergarten Alsager, and charges incurred at the kennels will be payable by the Customer on collection of the dog. Dogs boarding together from the same family will not be separated without the Customer's consent, and where the Customer is not contactable, all dogs will be moved to the alternative facility.

8.3.f. If the Customer and Canine Kindergarten Alsager can reach no mutual agreement for the care of the aggressive dog for the remainder of the period, Canine Kindergarten Alsager will contact the local Licensing Authority or Dog Warden and will follow the advice or direction given by the Licensing Authority or the Dog Warden. The Customer agrees to defer to the Licensing Authority or Dog Warden’s direction in such circumstances.

8.3.g. The Customer agrees to inform Canine Kindergarten Alsager immediately should they see any signs of aggression in their pet. If a customer’s dog does not behave as described on the signed Registration Form, the Customer must arrange (with help from Canine Kindergarten Alsager) to move the dog to another location for the remainder of the boarding period.

9. Dog Walking Within the Service
9.1. Lead Rules and Group Walking 9.1.a.
The Customer agrees that dogs will routinely be walked on a lead and only walked off-lead if written and signed consent is given by the Customer.

9.1.b. The Customer agrees, understands and accepts that dogs may be walked in groups, but will always be accompanied by sufficient Dog Walkers as to remain in control of all dogs present. Canine Kindergarten Alsager commit that dogs identified as nervous or 'not dog friendly' will not be walked in groups.

9.1.c. Customers must provide a collar and lead (plus harness if used) that correctly fits the dog and is fit for purpose and is in a good state of repair. The dog must have a Customer ID tag attached to either their collar or harness to be able to join walks.

10. Pick up and drop off
10.1.a If a dog is collected before 9am on departure day that day will not be charged for

10.1.b. Customers can drop off or collect their dogs off at a pre-agreed time between 7:30 am and 6:30 pm each day.