Terms and Conditions

1 General

1.1 Build a Bond dog training and walking promises to care for your pet/s to a high standard using force free/positive reward methods. Build a Bond dog training and walking strictly adheres to The Animal Welfare Act 2006. To enable us to care for your pet/s appropriately Owners must provide all essential items to do so. This includes (but is not limited to) leads, a fitted harness, collar, food, water, bowls, muzzles, coats and towels.

1.2 Build a Bond dog training and walking cannot be held responsible for any mess or damage to your property and/or belongings by your pet/s. This includes mud, urine, faeces, vomit, chewing etc. Should damage and/or mess be present prior to our arrival, we will deduct 5 (five) minutes from the walk or visit to clear away what could be harmful to your pet/s upon return. All cleaning products will need to be provided by Owners for us to do this and must be pet safe.

1.3 It is the Owner’s responsibility to ensure that their pet/s are microchipped by law and have tags with the appropriate information and up to date contact details.

1.4 Build a Bond dog training and walking does not operate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. We do however operate on occasional weekends and evenings outside of our working hours but may incur additional fees.

1.5a Build a Bond dog training and walking aims to be on time for any requested time; however, working with animals can present unpredictable and unexpected circumstances including (but not limited to) vet trips, owners needing to speak to us, traffic.

1.5b We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Please note that we treat all Owners equally and should you need to speak to us for any reason, we are more than happy to address your concerns and answer at the time or via a phone call later in the day depending on time.

1.6 Build a Bond dog training and walking is a small business with team members. There may be occasions when we are down a team member as well as other matters that we may need to attend to. Should any problems arise, we will inform Owners as soon as possible if we are running late or need to reschedule.

1.7 If the dog is known to run out of the door, Build a Bond dog training and walking expects the dog to be kept away from the door we hold keys for to prevent any escaping upon entry.

1.8 Build a Bond dog training and walking cannot be held responsible for any damage to the Owner's property or belongings if others (including but not limited to family and friends) have a key to the property.

1.9 All keys and sensitive/personal information will be stored in a secure, locked safe overnight.

2 Dog Walking
2.1 Build a Bond dog training and walking will not use any aversive equipment and will walk dogs on a fitted Y shaped harness or appropriate collar. This is for the health and safety of the dog/s, therefore any equipment deemed harmful or aversive to the dog will not be used.

2.2 Build a Bond dog training and walking will at times allow dogs off lead if express permission is given. The dogs may remain on lead if deemed necessary. Dogs who lack recall may be attached to a long line.

2.3 Owner’s will need to provide the equipment suitable for walking. Build a Bond dog training and walking encourage the Owner’s choice of harness (providing it is Y shaped) to be used for all walks.

2.4 Dogs under the age of 1 years old will be walked for an appropriate length of time, this is to ensure development of bones and joints aren’t disrupted. If booked for longer they may be returned home for play time, training etc for the remaining time left which the Owner has booked.

2.5 Disabled dogs who require aid (wheels, pushchair) are more than welcome to be ‘walked’. Owner’s must provide suitable equipment; Build a Bond dog training and walking understands the importance of dogs interacting outside of their own home and garden.

2.6a Build a Bond dog training and walking operates in different weather conditions (excluding extreme weather) and we try our best to avoid mud, puddles and other bodies of water if you request. This is however impossible to do during bad weather. Should your pet require any coats/jumpers/boots, towels, sun creams these must be provided by the Owner. We cannot be held responsible for any mess made by your pet such as muddy paws.

2.6b Build a Bond dog training and walking will monitor weather warnings and make the decision if a home visit is more suitable for your pet/s than a walk. This is to help prevent injury and/or illness to your pet/s such as heat stroke, burns to pads, etc.

2.7 Bitches in season will not be walked in a group setting until 30 (thirty) days after the season started. Should your bitch come into season please let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule or provide a solo walk.

3 Pet sitting

3.1 Build a Bond dog training and walking provides pet sitting for dogs, but should you require care for other species including:
Cats
Rabbits / Guinea pigs
Hamsters / rats / gerbils / mice
Non venomous snakes
Geckos / lizards
Chickens / domestic birds
Tortoises
Horses

Fish / amphibians

We have experience in the welfare of these species. For us to do this for you please get in touch with us to discuss further on how we can help.

3.2 Pet sitting is done in the Owner’s home and will include garden let outs, play time, feeding, walking, training and any additional tasks required for your pet.

3.3 Build a Bond dog training and walking cannot be held responsible for any damage to the Owner's property or belongings.

3.4 Pet sitting requires a 10% deposit to book (mind £20), we will require full payment at least 1 week prior to the pet sit commencing. Cancellations require at least a 7 day notice otherwise full payment will be needed.

4 Injuries, accidents & emergencies

4.1 Build a Bond dog training and walking is insured in the event that your pet is injured while in our care. We cannot accept responsibility for any accident, injury or illness that we could not have prevented. We highly recommend that all pets are insured with a reputable insurance provider and that Owners are aware of what their policies cover as this would be covered by the Owner.

4.2a Under The Veterinary Surgeon Act 1966 in accordance with Schedule 3, Build a Bond dog training and walking can perform emergency first aid & CPR. Under the act we can also administer minor medical treatment if necessary with the legal Owner’s written consent, this meaning prescribed oral medication/inhalers.

4.2b Should your pet/s become ill or injured in our care, Build a Bond dog training and walking will follow The Animal Welfare Act 2006, Section 4 and always take the animal to the nearest veterinary surgeon of our location in the event of an emergency.

5 Payment terms

5.1 Payments are required in advance.

5.2 Holiday rates* will be charged for any service needed on UK recognised Bank Holidays.

5.3 an extra charge will be applied to those requiring our services after 7PM.

5.4 From 1 April 2022 Build a Bond Dog Training and Walking is VAT Registered.

5.5 All bookings purchased after 1 April 2022 include VAT at the Standard Rate. If you require a VAT Receipt we can provide one on request. VAT invoices for products are provided automatically.

6 Cancellation Policy

6.1a Build a Bond dog training and walking has a 48 hours notice for cancellations, Owners who cancel with less than 48 hours notice will be charged at full rate and will not receive a refund. For pet sitting cancellations require at least a 7 day notice otherwise full payment will be needed.

6.1b Build a Bond dog training and walking may offer a refund/banked service in some circumstances including (but not limited to) emergencies, severe illness or death in the family (human or animal).

6.2a Services cancelled before the 48 hours will be entitled to a partial refund (depending on service) or their payment will be kept and rescheduled if preferred.

6.2b Build a Bond dog training and walking gives the options for Owners to reschedule a service when cancelling 48 hours or more before a service is due to be carried out. Owners can reschedule up to 2 times and must be used within 8 weeks.

7 Insurance
7.1 Build a Bond dog training and walking is fully insured.

7.2 Build a Bond dog training and walking is insured for Public and employee Liability, Key and Lock replacements if damaged or lost.

7.3 Build a Bond dog training and walking is insured to provide Dog Walking, Pet sitting, Pet Taxi and Dog Training.

8 Photo/video consent

8.1 Build a Bond dog training and walking posts photos/videos of pets in our care. These will appear on social media, websites and advertising for the business.

8.2a Images will not contain any personal information and we will be sure to blur out any details on identification tags dogs wear.

8.2b Images will only contain the name of the pet and will never contain information that could make the animal/owner/business a target.

8.3 Please inform us if you wish for your pet not to have any photos or videos used in this way.

9 Data Privacy Policy

9.1 Build a Bond dog training and walking holds the following information:
Name, address, contact numbers and email address of the Owner.
Pet/s name, breed, details of microchip, insurance details, neutered/spayed, vaccinations and health issues known.
Emergency contact details.
Registered Veterinary Surgeon’s details.

9.2 This information is held by Build a Bond dog training and walking for the interest of Owners and their pet/s only. We do not share this information with any third parties unless we need to for emergencies and following animal welfare procedures this includes (but not limited to) the local Dog Warden, the council, tradings, RSPCA or the police.

This document will be amended as and when deemed necessary. Any information not declared which could jeopardise health & safety to animals or persons involved will result in termination of contract without warning

Health and safety policy -

1.1 Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment, and systems of work for all our employees and volunteers.

We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people—such as clients, visitors, members of the public—and the animals in our care who may be affected by our activities.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the arrangements we will make to implement this policy are set out below. This policy will be kept up to date, particularly as the business changes or expands. To ensure this, the policy and the way it operates will be reviewed at least annually.

1.2 All employees and volunteers must:

Cooperate with supervisors and managers on health and safety matters.
Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety.
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others.
Report all health and safety concerns, animal incidents, injuries, or near-misses to the designated manager immediately.

Day-to-day responsibility for implementing and monitoring this Health and Safety Policy is delegated to the designated Duty Manager or Supervisor on shift. They will ensure that:

Safe systems of work are maintained.
Risk assessments are reviewed and followed.
Staff and volunteers are appropriately supervised and trained.
Equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe condition.
Accidents and incidents are recorded and investigated.
Any health, safety, or animal welfare concerns are addressed without delay.

1.3 The business will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all work activities, including dog handling, group play sessions, training activities, cleaning tasks, manual handling, and the use of equipment.

Risk assessments will identify potential hazards to employees, volunteers, visitors and dogs, and appropriate control measures will be implemented to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly following any significant change in activities, premises, equipment, or after an accident or incident.

Build a Bond Training classes

Please bring treats for your dog, if possible bring some nice treats as well such as cut up hot dogs, cheese, chicken or similar.
Please ensure your dog is wearing a collar with identification tags.
We would prefer for the dog to be wearing a comfortable harness and a fabric clip on lead preferably not an extendable lead.
Please do not bring any aversive training equipment such as: choke chains, slip lead, prong collar, pet corrector, water gun, shock collar and spray collars.

Rules for classes

Aversive equipment or training methods will not be allowed in training classes, any handler practicing these techniques against instruction will be asked to leave.

Any dog’s behaviour which causes disturbance to others in the group session may be asked to undertake 1-2-1 tuition to resolve the behaviour before re-joining a group class.
Proof of vaccinations will be required before dogs can attend classes.
Any dogs showing signs of illness may be asked to leave and seek veterinary advice.
Anyone under 16 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Dogs must be kept under control at all times.

Dogs and handlers that participate in Build a Bond dog training sessions do so entirely at their own risk. In the event of accident or injury, Build a Bond or any staff attending will not be held liable. In agreeing to this document you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for any injury or damage to yourself, spectators, or your dog(s). You are also fully liable for your dog(s) should they cause any damage or injury towards another dog or person. Any dog exhibiting aggression/reactivity will be asked to leave group sessions or if it is deemed the dog may pose a risk to other dogs and people. Cars and any personal possessions left unattended are left at entirely your own risk Build a Bond dog training cannot be held responsible for any loss, theft or damage that may occur whilst attending dog training classes.

Please read our cancellation policy carefully upon booking, refunds will not be given if not followed correctly, once the course starts no refunds will be given.

Cancellations for daycare + walks*-
Please be aware that Cancellations must be before 24 hours of pickup or no refund will be offered. To request a refund following a cancellation please contact us. Selected services can be rescheduled up to 48 hours in advance.
There is a late booking surcharge for booking within 24 hours.

Health and Safety policy

Part 1: Statement of Intent

Our Health and Safety Policy is to:

Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment, and systems of work for all our employees and volunteers.

We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of other people—such as clients, visitors, and members of the public—and the animals in our care who may be affected by our activities.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements which we will make to implement the policy are set out below. This policy will be kept up to date, particularly as the business changes or expands. To ensure this, the policy and the way it operates will be reviewed at least annually.

Part 2: Responsibilities for health and safety

Overall and final responsibility for health and safety:

Overall and final responsibility for health and safety within the business is vested in the Business Owner/Director. Day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is delegated to the designated Duty Manager or Supervisor on shift.
Employee and Volunteer Duties
All employees and volunteers must:
Cooperate with supervisors and managers on health and safety matters.
Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety.
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others.
Report all health and safety concerns, animal incidents, injuries, or near-misses to the designated manager immediately.

Day to day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice:

Day-to-day responsibility for implementing and monitoring this Health and Safety Policy is delegated to the designated Duty Manager or Supervisor on shift. They will ensure that safe systems of work are maintained, risk assessments are reviewed and followed, staff and volunteers are appropriately supervised and trained, equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe condition, accidents and incidents are recorded and investigated, and any health, safety, or animal welfare concerns are addressed without delay.

To ensure health and safety standards are maintained/improved, the following people have responsibility in the following areas:

To ensure health and safety standards are maintained and continually improved, responsibility for specific areas is allocated as follows:

**Business Owner/Director**

* Overall responsibility for health and safety management.
* Ensuring adequate resources, training, equipment, and supervision are provided.
* Reviewing health and safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments.

**Duty Managers/Supervisors**

* Day-to-day implementation of health and safety procedures.
* Monitoring staff, volunteers, and visitor compliance with safety requirements.
* Conducting routine safety checks and reporting hazards.
* Investigating accidents, incidents, near-misses, and animal-related incidents.

**Employees**

* Following all health and safety procedures and safe working practices.
* Using equipment safely and reporting defects or hazards.
* Reporting accidents, injuries, incidents, and concerns promptly.

**Volunteers**

* Following instructions provided by supervisors and staff.
* Working within the scope of their training and experience.
* Reporting hazards, accidents, incidents, and concerns immediately.

**All Staff and Volunteers**

* Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
* Ensuring dogs are handled safely and humanely.
* Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
* Assisting in maintaining a safe environment for dogs, colleagues, visitors, and members of the public.

All employees should:

- Co-operate with supervisors and managers on health and safety matters;

- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety

- Report all health and safety concerns to an appropriate person (as detailed above)

Part 3: Arrangements for health and safety

Risk Assessment

The business will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all work activities, including dog handling, group play sessions, training activities, cleaning tasks, manual handling, and use of equipment. Risk assessments will identify potential hazards to employees, volunteers, visitors, and dogs, and appropriate control measures will be implemented to reduce risks to an acceptable level. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly, following any significant change in activities, premises, equipment, or after an accident or incident.

Training

All employees and volunteers will receive appropriate induction and health and safety training relevant to their role. Training may include safe dog handling, animal behaviour awareness, emergency procedures, manual handling, infection control, accident reporting, and fire safety. Additional training will be provided where required, and records of training will be maintained. Staff and volunteers will be supervised until they are competent to carry out their duties safely.

Consultation

The business is committed to consulting with employees and volunteers on matters affecting their health, safety, and welfare. Staff and volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns, report hazards, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions regarding health and safety arrangements. Health and safety information will be communicated through meetings, briefings, notices, and day-to-day supervision.

Evacuation

Arrangements for Health and Safety – Evacuation

The organisation is committed to ensuring the safe and orderly evacuation of all employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public in the event of an emergency.

Emergency evacuation procedures will be established, communicated, and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain effective. Fire exits, escape routes, emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment, and assembly points will be clearly identified, maintained, and kept free from obstruction at all times.

All personnel are required to familiarise themselves with the emergency evacuation procedures, the location of their nearest emergency exits, and the designated assembly point. In the event of an emergency or upon activation of the fire alarm, occupants must stop work immediately, evacuate the building by the nearest safe exit, and proceed directly to the designated assembly point.

Managers and appointed Fire Wardens (or designated responsible persons) are responsible for assisting with the evacuation, checking designated areas where safe to do so, accounting for personnel where practicable, and liaising with the emergency services. No person may re-enter the premises until authorised by the emergency services or the responsible person in charge.

Suitable arrangements will be made to support individuals who may require assistance during an evacuation, including the implementation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) where appropriate.

Emergency evacuation drills will be carried out at appropriate intervals, with outcomes recorded and reviewed to identify any improvements required. Any deficiencies identified during drills or actual evacuations will be addressed promptly to ensure continual improvement of emergency arrangements.