Terms of Business

Terms of Business Emily Sarah Dog Behaviour

1. Our Services

Emily Sarah Dog Behaviour provides behavioural consultancy services for dogs and cats. Services may include: Behavioural assessments and case evaluations Written reports and tailored behaviour plans Risk management advice Follow-up support All services are advisory. Behaviour outcomes depend on multiple factors including health, genetics, environment, and consistency of implementation. While evidence-based methods are used, no specific results or outcomes can be guaranteed. Remote consultations are based on the information and records provided by the Client.

2. Fees, Bookings & Cancellations

Bookings are confirmed once payment has been received. Cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a £50 administration fee. Where case preparation or medical record review has already begun, a proportion or the full fee may be retained to reflect professional time spent. Refunds are not available once consultation and assessment have taken place. For remote services, the Client is responsible for ensuring a stable internet connection. Technical issues on the Client’s side do not qualify for refunds.

3. Cooling-Off Period

In line with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, Clients have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of booking for remote services. If you request work to begin within this period, you acknowledge that your right to cancel may be reduced or waived once preparation or consultation work has started.

4. Client Responsibilities

To support safe and effective work, Clients agree to: Provide full and accurate behavioural and medical history Disclose any history of aggression, bites, or legal restrictions (including Control Orders or Exemption Certificates) Follow all safety and management advice Consistently implement agreed behaviour plans The Client remains legally responsible for their animal at all times.

5. Behavioural Risk & Legal Responsibility

Animals experiencing fear, anxiety, pain, or aggression may behave unpredictably. The Client is responsible for: Maintaining appropriate control and containment Using safety equipment where advised (e.g. leads, muzzles) Complying with UK legislation, including the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Where there are significant welfare concerns, risks to public safety, or legal obligations, we reserve the right to withdraw services and notify relevant authorities. Human safety will always take priority. Emily Sarah Dog Behaviour is not liable for injury, loss, or damage caused by an animal during or after consultation, unless due to proven negligence. Safety guidance must be followed at all times.

6. Veterinary Involvement

Behavioural concerns may be linked to underlying medical or pain-related issues. Clients must provide details of their primary veterinary surgeon prior to consultation. By engaging our services, you agree that we may: Contact your veterinary surgeon to request relevant medical history Share reports with them A valid veterinary referral is required. Consultations may be postponed or cancelled if sufficient medical information is not provided, and administration fees may apply.

7. Medical & Welfare Considerations

Awareness of potential medical factors forms part of all behavioural work. Where appropriate, we may: Pause behaviour modification work until medical issues are addressed Once work has commenced, fees are non-refundable, even if behavioural work is paused. Animal welfare and legal obligations always take priority.

8. Follow-Up Support

Consultations include follow-up support for two (2) months from the date of the initial session, unless otherwise agreed. This includes reasonable communication during that period. Unused support does not carry forward and is not refundable. If there is a gap of more than three (3) months or a significant change in circumstances, a reassessment may be required and additional fees may apply.

9. Professional Standards

All services are delivered in accordance with: CCAB, ABPC, and ABTC Codes of Professional Conduct UK animal welfare legislation Where client preferences conflict with professional or legal responsibilities, these responsibilities will take precedence.

10. Communication

This service does not provide emergency support. Responses outside of standard working hours are not guaranteed.

11. Insurance & Liability

Emily Sarah Dog Behaviour holds appropriate professional indemnity insurance. Clients remain legally responsible for their animal at all times. We are not liable for injury, loss, damage, or incidents involving your animal unless directly caused by proven negligence. No liability is accepted where advice or safety guidance has not been followed.

12. Data Protection & Confidentiality

All personal data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. With your consent, reports may be shared with your veterinary surgeon or other relevant professionals involved in your animal’s care.

13. Intellectual Property

All written materials, reports, and behaviour plans remain the intellectual property of Emily Sarah Dog Behaviour. They may not be copied, shared, or distributed without prior written permission.

14. Force Majeure

Neither party will be liable for failure to fulfil obligations due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control (including, but not limited to, natural disasters, war, or government restrictions). This does not remove the Client’s obligation to pay for services already provided. The affected party will notify the other as soon as possible and resume services when feasible.

15. Governing Law

These Terms of Business are governed by the laws of England and Wales and fall under the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.