Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions of services effective 01.01.2023. VK Dog Behaviour, hereafter referred to as “we”, “our” or “us”, is a one-person entity that provides dog related services of behaviour treatment packages, 1-2-1 dog and puppy training, and group classes, collectively known as the “service(s)”, “session(s)”, “package(s)” or “booking(s)”. The “client(s)”, “owner(s)”, “handler(s)” refers to the person filling out the enrolment form and anyone affiliated with the dog that attends a session, be that in person or via video call.
In the interests of safety to VK Dog Behaviour, clients, owners, handlers and dogs please read and agree to the following conditions:
This declaration sets out the terms on which we accept you on any sessions. When you agree to this declaration, you will be bound by all of our terms and conditions.
We review and change these conditions from time to time in order to assist the proper delivery of services and education, and when in the interest of VK Dog Behaviour, clients, owners, handlers and dogs.
BOOKINGS, PAYMENTS AND RESCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS
Full payment is required 48 hours before the first appointment of a behaviour package, or 48 hours before a stand-alone training session. If the invoice is not paid within this period the booking(s) time(s) will be offered to other clients.
Invoices for payment are sent by email via QuickBooks accountancy software and must be paid via bank transfer. Other payment methods may be possible at our discretion and the client must request this at the time of booking.
In some circumstances it may be possible for a deposit to secure a booking. Clients must contact us directly by phone or email to discuss this.
We book up approximately 6 – 12 weeks in advance so sessions must be booked as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, and long gaps in between sessions.
All sessions must be completed within the time frame specified (for the package) to ensure the effectiveness of the advice is not compromised.
Invoices, payment confirmation, booking confirmation, session reminders and correspondence from us will be sent via email to the address given. Please ensure this address is correct at the time of booking.
We are an appointments-based business and cannot function with prolonged rescheduling of sessions from clients. However, we appreciate that life events and circumstances outside of the client’s control can happen and aims to be flexible within reason, within the limits of our business hours, and the terms and conditions stated here:
- A single session booking permits one reschedule
- A package booking permits a maximum of two rescheduled sessions
Any further requests for sessions to be rescheduled beyond the limits stated above will only be granted at our discretion.
If the client becomes unavailable for the original date and time of their booking they must give us at least 48 hours’ notice, and the booking will be rescheduled for a mutually convenient time. If less than 48 hours’ notice is given the client will lose the session.
CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS AND TERMINATION OF CONTRACT
Cancellation requests of the entire booking made up to 48 hours prior to the first session (including any online consultations or sessions) will incur the full fee.
Cancellation requests of the entire booking made between 48 hours to 14 days prior to the first session will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellation requests of the entire booking made 14 days or more prior to the first session will receive a full refund.
A 14 day statutory cancellation period is given after booking a service. If your booking is made within 14 days of the start of the service then you agree to waive your right to rely upon the 14 day statutory cooling off and cancellation period.
If the client fails to attend a session no refund shall be given.
If the client is late to a session, only the booked time slot for the session shall be given. No extra time shall be added onto the training session to account for the client’s arriving late.
If the client is more than 20 minutes late for a session and has not corresponded with us to inform us of the delay, the session will be cancelled and no refund shall be given.
Any refunds granted will be paid to the client by bank transfer to the account they made payment from. Refunds will take between two to seven working days to appear in the client’s account.
Many insurance companies cover our behaviour services. We cannot guarantee pay out from insurance companies as the decision ultimately lies with the insurer. If clients expect to claim in this way it is their responsibility to discuss this with their insurance company prior to booking.
If the client decides to terminate the booking/service once training has started, a refund will not be given for any sessions taken or the remainder of the sessions not used.
If it is recommended following treatment that rehoming or euthanasia is the best option, no refund will be given.
Sessions are non-transferable if rehome is decided.
If the client makes the decision to re-home their dog once a service has commenced, a refund will not be given for any sessions taken or the remainder of the sessions not used.
If the client moves outside of our service area once a service has commenced, a refund will not be given for any sessions taken or the remainder of the sessions not used. The option to complete the sessions via Zoom will be given.
We reserve the right to terminate the contract (at any time and with immediate effect and no refund) if any dog/s under the contract does not respond well to the service where continuing of said contract is deemed by us to constitute a risk.
We reserve the right to terminate the contract (at any time and with immediate effect and no refund) if the client or anyone with their dog is abusive towards us.
If a client is non-compliant or withholding information with regards to the behaviour of their dog, including but not limited to aggression, which could compromise our safety then the contract will be terminated immediately and no refund given.
GENERAL
The client must advise us at the time of booking of any reasonable adjustments they require to ensure they can access our services.
We may use photos and or videos of the client and their dog on our business website and or social media. The client is advised of this in the enrolment form and can request we not take or use any images by emailing info@vkdogbehaviour.com
We cannot be held liable for losses of any kind that arise from this contract or the provision of our services save for death or personal injury caused by negligence. This clause does not attempt to avoid any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
Sessions may be held outside and in inclement weather, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
We will apply personal judgement and cut short a training session, if necessary, because of extreme weather conditions; including, but not limited to excessive heat, rain, thunder storms and snow/ice. The decision to do so lays with our judgement, for our safety, the client and dog. In such circumstances the booking will be rearranged for a mutually convenient time.
Should training sessions have to be cancelled due to changes relating to Covid-19 (including but not limited to a lockdown or rules about 1-2-1 or group gatherings changing) a refund will not be given and the training sessions will either be rearranged for a mutually convenient time and date, or carried out virtually via Zoom. This is at our discretion.
Aggression or behaviour issues must be declared in the enrolment form or advised in writing along with acceptance and confirmation of receipt from us before sessions begin.
It is advised that your dog is fully vaccinated and on a regular flea, tick and worming treatment. Or they are titre tested and regular worming checks are completed.
All dogs will be kept on a lead for the duration of the session unless otherwise instructed.
We will apply personal judgement and cut short a training session, if necessary, if we feel the dog is not coping well.
Our methods are kind, science-based and effective. However, instant results are unlikely and training will take long term commitment from the client to work with their dog throughout the duration of the booked sessions and beyond. It is the responsibility of the client to follow the plan we advise to achieve the desired results.
Dogs must be kept under control when we are entering your home. Failure to do so and any injury caused by your dog being out of control will be your full responsibility. Where appropriate and directed by us, we will meet outside your home first.
In some cases we use stooge dogs to aid training. You will be responsible for keeping your dog a sufficient and safe distance from the stooge dog and under control.
In the case of behavioural issues you agree to give us consent to contact your vet on your behalf for veterinary referral.
If your bitch is in season please inform us as soon as possible to discuss whether it’s appropriate for your dog to train.