Policies & Procedures for Providing Dog Home Boarding
In Compliance with The Animal Welfare (Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

Training & Experience

• Raised in a home with dogs and acquired a deep understanding of canine care from an early age.

• Purchased and cared for a puppy for 13 years, including training, walking, and managing health.

• Three years of experience in dog walking, working with various breeds, sizes, and dogs with reactive, nervous, or aggressive behaviours.

• Regularly facilitate group walks, closely monitoring dogs' body language and intervening when necessary.

• Experienced in administering flea treatments, worming tablets, eye drops, and liquid medication.

• Completed an online Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Diploma through New Skills Academy (November 2021).

• Continuously learning from professional dog trainers and behaviourists, and subscribed to MK9PLUS online dog training.

Process for Dogs Under 1 Year of Age

• Puppies will only be accepted after completing their full vaccination course.

• Puppies will have more frequent access to outdoor areas for toilet breaks than adult dogs.

• Puppies will be allowed supervised play and walks with older dogs, with intervention when necessary.

• Items will not be removed from puppies to avoid promoting resource guarding behaviours.

Introducing New Dogs / Familiarisation Process

• Purpose: To ensure both the license holder and the dog owner are comfortable with the arrangements and that the dogs are acclimatized to the new environment.

• Procedure:

  1. Initial introduction will take place in an outdoor area with current resident dogs present. This provides an opportunity to observe dog interactions and behaviour during walks.

  2. Following the outdoor introduction, the dogs will be allowed to play together in the house and garden under supervision to acclimatize to the boarding environment.

  3. If the introduction is successful, a short trial stay may be recommended. For stays longer than three nights, an overnight session will be required.

  4. All familiarisation sessions will be documented for record-keeping.

• Introduction Process:

  1. When a new dog enters the household, the resident dogs will be initially separated.

  2. After the owner departs, the new dog will have access to the backyard to explore the area and familiarize themselves with the environment.

  3. The new dog will then be introduced to the resident dogs individually, starting with the calmest dog and gradually progressing to more energetic dogs. If the new dog appears nervous, introductions will be done slowly, removing each dog after their introduction if necessary.

  4. This process is followed for all new dogs, regardless of whether they are first-time or repeat boarders, as previous interactions with other dogs may still impact the introduction.

Transportation

• Purpose: Ensure safe and secure transportation of dogs to and from various locations.

• Transportation Guidelines:

  1. Dogs will be transported with safety harnesses attached to seat belts or placed in the boot behind a dog guard for safety.

  2. Transport will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes.

  3. Sufficient drinking water will be carried for the dogs during transport and exercise.

  4. Cleaning materials will be kept in the vehicle to handle any soiling incidents.

  5. Dogs will not be transported in extreme weather conditions unless there is an emergency.

  6. The vehicle will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with cleaning protocols.

Isolation of Sick Dogs

• In the event of concerns about a serious illness or infectious disease, the dog will be immediately taken to the owner's veterinary clinic or the nearest veterinary facility.

• If the dog is diagnosed with a serious infectious disease, the dog will be isolated and appropriate measures will be taken to prevent the spread of infection.

Suspension or Revocation of License

• Procedure:
  In the event of suspension or revocation of the license:

  1. The dog's owner or emergency contact will be contacted immediately to arrange for the collection of the dog(s).

  2. If the owner or emergency contact is unable to collect the dog(s), arrangements will be made with another licensed care provider.

  3. Future bookings will be cancelled, and all relevant parties will be notified.

Emergency Procedures

• Fire & Safety Procedures:

  1. The property is equipped with a fire alarm on each level, regularly tested, and a carbon monoxide alarm located in the living room.

  2. Fire ladders are available by the attic window, and a mini fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen.

  3. Multiple exit points are available, including the front door, double doors in the dining room, main bedroom window (onto a recess), and the attic via a ladder.

  4. A mobile phone will be kept nearby and fully charged at all times to ensure communication in emergencies.

  5. Leads will be stored close to the front door for quick access in the event of evacuation.

• Heating & Cooling:

  1. The boiler will be serviced annually. In the event of a breakdown, a gas-safe engineer will be called immediately, and alternative heating will be provided using electrical heaters.

  2. During cold weather, extra blankets, jumpers, and coats will be provided to dogs as necessary.

  3. During extreme heat, windows will be opened, and a paddling pool will be placed in a shaded area for dogs that enjoy water. Fans will be placed around the house to provide additional cooling.

  4. Dogs will not be walked in extreme weather conditions and will instead be provided with indoor enrichment activities.

• Behavioural Management:

  1. Dogs that display aggressive or unmanageable behaviour will be separated from other dogs and the owner or emergency contact will be notified for immediate collection.

  2. If the owner or emergency contact fails to collect the dog by the end of the boarding period, the dog will be considered homeless and may be handed over to a local kennel or rehoming service.

Procedure for Under 16’s & Risk Assessment

• Children under the age of 16 rarely visit the premises. In the rare event that a child under 16 is present, dogs will never be left alone with them. Supervision will be provided at all times to ensure both the safety of the child and the dog.

Vets and Emergency Contacts

• Vets: Dr Drew Aitken and Dr Lise Aitken New hope vets 0151 459 1595

• Dog Warden: 0151 556 1220

• Emergency Services (Fire/Police): 999

This document outlines the procedures, protocols, and emergency measures in place to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of all dogs under our care. Should any concerns or questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact us

Mansleys Mutts Terms and Conditions

This document outlines the terms and conditions of the agreement between Mansleys Mutts ("Service Provider") and the individual or entity ("The Owner") wishing to engage the services of Mansleys Mutts.

1. Relationship and Responsibilities

1.1. It is understood that the Owner retains Mansleys Mutts as an Independent Contractor, not as an employee. Mansleys Mutts agrees to provide services in a professional, reliable, and caring manner, and the Owner agrees to provide all necessary information to facilitate the delivery of these services.

2. Payments

2.1. The Owner agrees to pay Mansleys Mutts the agreed-upon amount, as established during the initial consultation (via phone or in person).

2.2. The Owner shall pay any additional fees, as mutually agreed upon with Mansleys Mutts, no later than 24 hours following the conclusion of the service. These fees may include but are not limited to the purchase of necessary items for pet care (e.g., food, cleaning supplies, transportation, emergency healthcare, etc.). Mansleys Mutts will retain receipts for such expenses and provide them to the Owner.

2.3. For dog boarding or daycare services, a non-refundable deposit of 25% is required to secure the requested dates. Services are not confirmed until this deposit is received. An additional 25% non-refundable deposit is due no later than 30 days prior to the start of the service. If this second deposit is not received, Mansleys Mutts reserves the right to cancel the booking, retaining both non-refundable deposits as compensation for reserving the dates. The remaining 50% balance is due within 24 hours of collecting the dog(s).

2.4. A full invoice will be provided, detailing payments made, outstanding amounts, and required payment deadlines. Payments should be made via cash or bank transfer to Mrs. Sarah M. Mansley.

2.5. Late payments will incur a 10% charge per month until the balance is paid in full.

3. Duration

3.1. During overnight boarding, the Owner may leave the premises for no more than three consecutive hours within a 24-hour period.

3.2. The Owner is responsible for confirming their return and resuming care of their dog(s) on the final agreed day. Failure to do so will incur an additional fee of £10 per hour, subject to availability. Alternatively, the Owner may designate an emergency contact to collect the dog(s).

4. Weather Conditions

4.1. In the event of adverse weather conditions, walks may be cancelled, shortened, or automatically converted to a pop-in service to ensure the safety of both the dog(s) and Mansleys Mutts staff.

5. Cancellation or Termination

5.1. Mansleys Mutts reserves the right to refuse services if the dog(s) exhibit signs of fleas, illness, or are in heat upon arrival.

5.2. Walk services require a minimum of 48 hours' notice for cancellation. Failure to provide sufficient notice will result in a cancellation charge of £10 per walk.

5.3. Failure to cancel dog boarding or daycare services with the required notice, or cancellation during recognized holiday periods, will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.

5.4. In the event that a dog becomes aggressive or dangerous, Mansleys Mutts reserves the right to transfer the dog to a kennel or animal care facility at the Owner’s expense, should the Owner or their emergency contact be unable or unwilling to assume responsibility.

5.5. Any false or misleading information provided in the Registration Form may be deemed a breach of this contract and may result in immediate termination of services.

5.6. Termination under any of the circumstances outlined above does not entitle the Owner to any refund, nor does it relieve the Owner of any outstanding payments.

5.7. Regular clients (those using at least one walk or daycare service per week) must pay a retention fee of 50% during holiday periods to guarantee their dog(s)’ regular spot upon return. Failure to do so may result in the loss of their regular booking.

6. Liability

6.1. Mansleys Mutts accepts no liability for any loss or damage to the Owner’s property as part of this agreement.

6.2. Mansleys Mutts shall not be held responsible for any incidents or mishaps, regardless of cause, that befall a pet, including any incidents resulting from unsupervised outdoor access.

6.3. The Owner is liable for any damages resulting from an injury caused by their pet to Mansleys Mutts staff or damage to the Owner’s property.

6.4. Mansleys Mutts is not responsible for the transportation of dogs to and from veterinary clinics, kennels, or for any associated medical costs.

7. Emergencies

7.1. Mansleys Mutts is authorized to transport the dog(s) to a veterinary clinic for treatment or to request on-site treatment if deemed necessary. In the event of an emergency, if the Owner cannot be contacted, Mansleys Mutts is authorized to authorize treatment, excluding euthanasia, up to a limit of £1,000.

7.2. The Owner is responsible for payment and reimbursement of any veterinary services provided, up to the aforementioned limit.

8. Security

8.1. Mansleys Mutts is committed to safeguarding all keys, remote entry devices, and access codes and will return them to the Owner at the end of the contract period or upon request.

8.2. All personal and contact information provided by the Owner will be kept secure and confidential in accordance with GDPR laws. This information will be destroyed after one year unless the Owner requests otherwise.

9. Entire Agreement

This agreement constitutes the entire and sole agreement between the parties concerning its subject matter. Any amendments to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.

The Owner affirms that they have the legal authority to enter into this contract and that all provided information is accurate to the best of their knowledge.

Owner's Signature: ____________________________________
Date: ___________________________________