Farm Cottage Boarding – Terms & Conditions

1. Licensing & Welfare Commitment

Farm Cottage Boarding operates under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals)

(England) Regulations 2018 and adheres to guidance issued by DEFRA.

We’re committed to meeting and exceeding the Five Welfare Needs:

• Suitable environment

• Suitable diet

• Ability to exhibit normal behaviour

• Appropriate housing (with or apart from other animals)

• Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease

We prioritise proactive welfare management, enrichment, and continuous monitoring for all dogs

in our care.

2. Bookings & Acceptance

• All bookings are subject to availability and are not held provisionally

• A minimum stay of 5 days may apply during peak periods (e.g. school holidays)

• Bookings are only confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.

• We reserve the right to:

– Refuse any booking that does not meet our welfare or suitability criteria

– Decline admission where a dog is deemed unsuitable following assessment

3. Deposits & Payments

• A 30% deposit (minimum £70) is required within 24 hours of booking

• Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable

• The remaining balance must be paid no later than 14 days prior to arrival

• Failure to pay may result in cancellation of the booking without further notice

4. Cancellations & Early Departure

• Cancellations made within 28 days of the booking start date will incur the full booking charge

• No refunds are given for:

– Early collection

– Shortened stays

– Missed bookings

5. Health, Vaccinations & Biosecurity

• All dogs must be:

– In good health and free from infectious disease

– Fully vaccinated against:

o Distemper

o Hepatitis

o Parvovirus

o Leptospirosis

o Kennel Cough (minimum 2 weeks prior to boarding)

• Vaccination records must be provided and verified prior to admission

We maintain strict biosecurity protocols, including:

• Cleaning and disinfection procedures

• Isolation procedures for ill or high-risk dogs

• Prevention of cross-contamination

We reserve the right to refuse entry if health requirements are not met.

6. Behaviour, Suitability & Welfare Assessment

• All dogs must be suitable for a boarding environment and exhibit non-aggressive, manageable

behaviour

• We reserve the right to:

Farm Cottage Boarding – Terms & Conditions

– Refuse admission

– Separate dogs

– End a stay early if behaviour poses a risk to welfare or safety

Where appropriate, dogs may be housed individually to ensure welfare standards are maintained.

7. Exercise, Enrichment & Socialisation

• Dogs will receive daily exercise and enrichment activities appropriate to their age, breed, and

temperament

• Enrichment may include:

– Toys and interactive play

– Sensory stimulation

– Human interaction

• Socialisation with other dogs is only permitted where safe and appropriate

We ensure dogs are not confined without appropriate stimulation.

8. Health Monitoring & Records

• Dogs are monitored daily for:

– Health

– Behaviour

– Appetite

– Wellbeing

• Full records are maintained in accordance with licensing requirements, including:

– Health observations

– Feeding

– Medication administration

– Incidents

9. Veterinary Care & Emergencies

• In the event of illness or injury, we will:

– Contact the owner or emergency contact

– Seek veterinary advice where necessary

• Our nominated veterinary practice is: Pennine Vets, Harwood

• Where immediate treatment is required and contact cannot be made, we will act in the best

interest of the dog’s welfare

• All veterinary fees remain the responsibility of the owner

10. Medication & Medical Conditions

• The Owner must disclose all medical conditions and medication requirements at the time of

booking and upon arrival

• Medication must be provided in a clearly labelled pill box or container, showing:

– Dog’s name

– Medication name

– Dosage

– Timing instructions

• While we are happy to administer medication at no additional charge, both during and outside

normal working hours, the medication must be organised and clearly labelled

• During peak periods, multiple dogs may be on medication simultaneously. A labelled pill box is

essential to ensure correct medication, correct dosage, and correct timing

• Rules for administering medication:

– Paperwork must be completed every time medication is given

– Dogs must be monitored for any adverse reactions

– We must be informed of the condition being treated

– We must see the original medication packaging or container, including veterinary details,

to verify dosage instructions

Farm Cottage Boarding – Terms & Conditions

• The Owner must inform us immediately if any new medication is prescribed during the dog’s stay

• We reserve the right to decline boarding if medication cannot be administered safely, without

causing undue stress to the dog or risk to our staff

• A reasonable charge may apply if medication administration is complex or requires additional

care.

11. Accommodation & Grouping

• Dogs will be housed in clean, secure, and appropriately sized accommodation

• Only dogs from the same household may share a room

• We reserve the right to:

– Separate dogs for welfare reasons

– Adjust housing arrangements at any time

12. Personal Items

• Owners may provide personal items (limited to 3 – 4 items)

• While we take reasonable care, we accept no liability for loss or damage

13. Abandonment & Uncollected Dogs

• Dogs must be collected on the agreed date

• If a dog is not collected and no contact is made:

– We will follow welfare and legal procedures

– Dogs may be rehomed after 7 days

– Costs may be recovered from the owner

14. Breeding, Neutering & Seasons

• We accept unneutered dogs

• Owners must inform us if a bitch is in season or likely to come into season

• While all reasonable precautions are taken, we cannot guarantee prevention of mating

15. Liability

• Whilst all reasonable care is taken, dogs are boarded entirely at the owner’s risk

• Nothing in these terms excludes liability for:

• Death or injury caused by negligence

• Fraud or misrepresentation

• Any liability that cannot be excluded under UK law

Owners remain responsible for any damage caused by their dog

16. Data Protection

• We comply with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

• Personal data is:

– Stored securely

– Used only for operational and legal purposes

– Retained only as long as required

17. Agreement

By confirming a booking, you confirm that:

• All information provided is accurate

• You agree to these Terms & Conditions

• You authorise us to act in your dog’s best interests, including seeking veterinary treatment where necessary