Booking
Terms & Conditions
What you need to know when booking.
Training, home visits and video calls are services offered by Ruff Mutts. These terms relate to all training and home visits regardless of location.
“Client” means the person who booked the appointment. “Handler” means the person accompanying the dog in the session. “Owner” means the legal owner of the dog. This document uses “handler”, who may or may not be the same person as the client and owner.
Rewards based
We exclusively use rewards-based methods tailored to your dog’s needs. Please tell us if you are against the use of treats, toys, praise or other positive motivators.
Treats
The handler is responsible for providing food rewards, though we may also use our own. Please advise us of any food allergies your dog has.
Responsibility
All dogs are the responsibility of the handler. Ruff Mutts is not liable for any loss or damage suffered by the handler.
Injury or damage
The handler/client/owner indemnifies Ruff Mutts against any injury, damage or cost caused by the dog towards any property, person or other animal. This includes, but is not limited to, veterinary, medical and legal fees or loss of earnings.
Fear Free
We do not use or promote the use of fear-inducing equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, slip leads or tightening training leads, tightening harnesses and e-collars. We reserve the right to end any session without refund for non-compliance.
Children
Children are welcome in a session when supervised by an appropriate adult, with prior approval from Ruff Mutts.
Payment
All fees are payable in advance by bank transfer, or by cash or card on the day of your session. Bank details are provided when you book.
A late payment surcharge of £25 is added to any balance outstanding for more than 14 days. If payment remains outstanding 7 days after that, the account will be referred to the small claims court.
Cancellations
Payment remains due for any non-attendance or cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice. Please phone 07624 471159 or email kate@ruffmutts.net with as much notice as possible.
Host cancellations
If we cancel a session due to weather or ill health, we aim to give at least 24 hours’ notice and the session will be rolled over. Where necessary a refund will be provided.
An offered appointment slot is held provisionally for 48 hours. If you don’t accept it (or ask for an alternative) in that time, it is released to the waiting list.
Additional fees
Where required, Ruff Mutts may charge for hire of special premises for training. This will be discussed at the point of booking. All fees and surcharges are listed on the Services & Fees page.
Urgent or overrunning appointments
Urgent sessions, subject to availability, carry an out-of-hours surcharge on top of the usual fee. These usually take place outside normal working hours. Sessions that run significantly over their allocated time carry an additional fee.
Travel
Where Ruff Mutts travels to the handler’s property or an agreed location, a detailed address, directions and property description must be provided. Session time lost to misdirection will not be refunded.
Results
Ruff Mutts accepts no responsibility for lack of results. Effectiveness depends on many factors, including the handler’s participation, consistency and practice in real life.
These terms are published on this website and made available to the handler at the time of booking. Continuing with a booking, whether or not payment has been made, confirms the handler understands and agrees to them. No signature is required.