Terms & Conditions

Behaviour and Training Service

Terms & Information

The terms "Animal Behaviour Coach," "ABC," "our," and "we" refer interchangeably to the service provider in these terms and conditions.

The terms "Client," "you," and "your" refer interchangeably to the client engaging in the dog behaviour and training services.

By a) registering on our online booking system (Acuity Scheduling) or b) enrolling a dog with Animal Behaviour Coach for training or behaviour services, you confirm that you have read and agreed to the following terms and conditions, including the payment and cancellation policy.

Confidentiality and Data Sharing

1. ABC may discuss your case under supervision as part of ongoing learning and development. All personal information will be anonymized.

2. ABC will share information relating to your case with your referring veterinary surgeon.

Client Responsibilities

3. Prior to making a booking, all dogs must be registered with ABC.

4. It is the client's responsibility to provide accurate and up-to-date information throughout the service period, including ownership details, address, behavioural incidents, response to therapy, and veterinary and medical information.

5. The client shall indemnify ABC against any claims for loss or injury caused to ABC staff, property, or other dogs resulting from the client's pet or breach of these terms and conditions, negligence, or otherwise.

6. It is a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped and wear an identification tag when in a public space.

7. Pet behaviour therapy aims to identify maintenance factors with problem behaviour and methods to improve them. Progress may vary for each individual pet and owner. Implementing the treatment plan remains the owner's responsibility, along with the pet's welfare and behaviour.

8. Dogs with a known bite history, whether causing injury or other distress to dogs, humans, or other animals, must be muzzled during the session. ABC takes no responsibility for dogs that are not properly muzzled or kept under control during or outside of the session. Failure to comply with muzzle requirements may result in the termination of ABC services.

9. Dogs must be kept under control when ABC staff enter the client's premises. Failure to do so, and any resulting injury caused by the client's dog being out of control, shall be the client's full responsibility.

10. ABC uses reward-based training methods and equipment to avoid causing harm, distress, damage, injury, and an increased risk of aggression associated with physical corrections. The client agrees to use only these methods throughout the training program. ABC may terminate the service agreement immediately if the client is found to be using aversive training methods, including, but not limited to, shock/prong/spray collars, harsh corrections, or intimidation.

11. The client shall be liable if their pet injures a third party or any ABC staff member.

Vaccinations and Health

12. The client must provide emergency contact details for themselves and their veterinarian. In the event of an emergency, ABC will make reasonable attempts to contact the client. If unavailable, appropriate action will be taken with the assistance of a veterinarian. ABC will attempt to take pets to their designated veterinarian; however, if this is not possible, ABC will take all dogs to the nearest emergency veterinarian.

13. Female dogs in season will not be able to attend training sessions for the duration of their season (typically 2-3 weeks). ABC will not be held responsible for any females impregnated while in training.

14. The client is solely responsible for disclosing any health issues the pet is experiencing or has suffered in the past. ABC cannot be held liable for any problems or complications arising from undisclosed health issues. If a pet has a contagious illness or disease that has not been disclosed, the client may be liable for the costs of treatment given to other animals that become infected.

Photography & Videography

15. By participating in our services, the client acknowledges and agrees that their dog may be photographed or videoed. These images may be used on ABC's website, social media outlets, and printed literature. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, consent for the use of photographs is implied. If the client does not consent to the use of their dog's images for commercial purposes (e.g., website, social media, printed material), they must inform ABC accordingly.

16. All photographs and videos taken by ABC remain the property of ABC.

Booking and Payment Terms

17. Bookings should be made at least one week in advance through the online booking service, "Acuity Scheduling."

18. Payment is due at the time of booking.

19. When sessions are booked as part of a block, they should be completed within six months from the date of purchase, unless ABC grants written permission to extend the period. Sessions not completed within the six-month period will be considered forfeit and not eligible for a refund or transfer.

Cancellation Policy

20. Once the service period has begun (after the completion of the first session), fees are non-refundable. Changes or cancellations made within 48 hours of the service start time will incur the full fee.

21. No payment will be required for bookings amended more than 48 hours before the start time, except for new clients and cases where a £10 administration fee will be retained from the refund.

22. Behaviour and training services cannot be refunded after case work has begun. If a package or session has been booked and ABC has engaged in work related to the case, including pre-visit investigation, travel time, consultation time, and report writing, no part of it can be refunded.

23. If a block of sessions is purchased, refunds are available only after the first session if the client decides not to continue. To request a block refund, the client must notify ABC in writing within 24 hours after the first full session. Failure to do so will forfeit the opportunity for a refund. The refund will exclude the value of the first session.

24. ABC will exercise personal judgment in cases of extreme weather conditions, including excessive heat, torrential rain, thunderstorms, snow, or ice. In such circumstances, a session may be shortened, or the client may be offered an indoor or online session during the same booked timeslot. The decision rests with ABC to ensure the safety of themselves, the public, other animals, and the client and their pet.

25. If the client fails to contact ABC or respond to attempts by ABC to make contact through email, telephone, text, mail, or other methods within the package, session, or block period (six months from the date of purchase), ABC reserves the right to cancel any outstanding services or sessions without offering a refund.

26. ABC uses Stripe to process online payments. Refunds will exclude the card processing fee, which can be found at the following link: [provide the URL to Stripe's pricing details].

General Conditions

27. ABC maintains insurance coverage through Pet Business Insurance. However, accidents or injuries during training sessions may not be covered if the client fails to use proper equipment or follow instructions given by ABC.

Please note that these terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. It is recommended to review them periodically for any updates or revisions.