1. Definitions

In these Terms:

“Activdogs” means the provider of the Service and may also refer to Steven Symonds.

“Client” means the individual or individuals who request, book, pay for, or participate in a Service provided by Activdogs.

“Dog” means the dog or dogs for whom the Service is being provided.

“Service” means any service provided by Activdogs, including but not limited to behaviour consultations, training sessions, follow-up sessions, training plans, behaviour reports, advice, support, and house sitting.

“Order” means the Client’s confirmed request for a Service.

“Commencement” means the agreed date and time at which delivery of the Service begins.

“Package” means a predefined service offering consisting of more than one Service, session or element.

“Service Description” means the written or verbal description of the Service to be provided, including any description on the Activdogs website, promotional material, booking information, email correspondence, invoice, or other agreed communication.

“Work” means any written or digital material created or supplied by Activdogs as part of a Service, including behaviour reports, training plans, written advice, handouts, documents, photographs, videos, and other supporting material.

“Agreement” means the agreement between Activdogs and the Client, consisting of these Terms together with the relevant Service Description, booking information, invoice, and any written or verbal agreement between the parties.

2. Agreement and Scope

These Terms apply to all Services and Work supplied by Activdogs.

By requesting, booking, paying for, attending, or participating in a Service, the Client agrees to these Terms.

These Terms shall prevail over any previous course of dealings or any alternative terms proposed by the Client unless otherwise agreed in writing by Activdogs.

Activdogs reserves the right to update these Terms from time to time. The Terms that apply to a particular Service will be the Terms in force at the time the Service is booked, unless otherwise agreed.

Each clause of these Terms operates independently. If any clause is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining clauses shall continue to apply.

Nothing in these Terms affects the Client’s statutory rights.

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Both parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

3. Services Provided

Activdogs provides training, behaviour and related dog-care services. The precise nature of the Service will depend on the Service Description agreed with the Client.

Services may include, but are not limited to:

• behaviour consultations;

• practical training sessions;

• follow-up sessions;

• behaviour reports;

• training plans;

• written guidance;

• email support where agreed;

• house sitting, where specifically booked.

Activdogs may decline to provide a Service at its discretion, including where the Service requested is outside Activdogs’ professional scope, availability, welfare standards, safety requirements, or ethical practice.

Activdogs cannot always guarantee immediate availability or immediate commencement of a Service.

Where no specific timescale has been agreed for completion of a Service or Work, Activdogs will not be liable for any loss arising from a timescale not being met. Activdogs will make reasonable efforts to communicate any significant delay.

4. Behaviour and Training Outcomes

Behaviour and training services cannot be guaranteed.

Activdogs will provide professional guidance based on the information supplied by the Client, observations made during the Service, and Activdogs’ professional assessment of the dog and the presenting concerns.

The Client understands that behavioural progress may be gradual and may require ongoing management, practical training, environmental change, veterinary involvement, and consistent application of the agreed plan.

The Client also understands that some behaviours may not be fully resolved and that new behaviours may emerge over time due to age, health, stress, environment, learning history, or other factors outside Activdogs’ control.

A lack of progress, slow progress, or a failure to achieve the Client’s desired outcome does not in itself mean that the Service has been provided without reasonable care and skill.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

• provide accurate and complete information about the dog’s behaviour, health, history, environment, routines, previous incidents, and any known risks;

• disclose any known or suspected medical condition, injury, pain issue, medication, or veterinary concern that may affect the dog’s behaviour or suitability for training;

• disclose any known history of aggression, biting, snapping, lunging, guarding, escape, chasing, predatory behaviour, or other safety-relevant behaviour;

• ensure that all people involved with the dog are aware of relevant safety guidance;

• follow the safety, management and handling guidance provided by Activdogs;

• complete agreed training and behaviour modification tasks consistently and to an appropriate standard;

• avoid methods or equipment that Activdogs considers unsafe, aversive, punitive, or contrary to welfare-based practice;

• supervise and control the dog appropriately at all times;

• ensure that the training environment is safe and suitable;

• ensure that children, visitors, other animals and third parties are managed safely during and after the provision of the Service.

The Client remains responsible for their dog at all times, including during sessions with Activdogs.

Failure to provide accurate information, follow safety guidance, complete agreed work, or manage the dog responsibly may affect the outcome of the Service and may result in termination of the Service without refund.

6. Veterinary and Health Matters

Activdogs does not diagnose medical conditions and does not prescribe medication.

Behaviour can be affected by pain, illness, injury, neurological factors, hormonal factors, sensory changes, medication, diet, sleep, stress and other health-related matters.

The Client confirms that, to the best of their knowledge, the dog is fit to participate in the Service.

Activdogs may recommend that the Client consults a veterinary surgeon before, during or after the provision of a Service. This may be recommended where pain, discomfort, illness, medication, medical history, or a change in behaviour may be relevant.

Failure to seek veterinary advice where recommended may affect the outcome of the Service and shall not constitute grounds for complaint or refund.

Activdogs will not be responsible for behavioural issues, lack of progress, injury, deterioration, or incidents arising from undisclosed, undiagnosed or untreated medical conditions, except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

7. Safety, Welfare and Handling

The Client acknowledges that dogs are animals and may behave unpredictably, including displaying defensive, aggressive, fearful, reactive, predatory, or escape-related behaviour.

The Client remains responsible for the handling, control and safety of their dog during and after the Service.

Activdogs may pause, modify, refuse or terminate any session, exercise, activity or plan where Activdogs reasonably considers that continuing would be unsafe, inappropriate, impractical, or likely to compromise the welfare of any dog, person or other animal.

The Client agrees to follow all safety and handling instructions provided by Activdogs. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination of the Service without refund.

Handlers and keepers are advised to ensure they have suitable pet insurance, household insurance, and third-party liability cover in place.

8. Training Methods and Welfare Standards

Activdogs works in accordance with welfare-based training and behaviour modification principles.

Activdogs reserves the right to refuse, pause, or terminate a Service without refund where the Client uses, requests, or insists on using methods or equipment that Activdogs reasonably considers aversive, punitive, unsafe, or contrary to welfare-based practice.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• e-collars;

• prong collars;

• choke chains used as correction devices;

• rattle tins;

• aversive sprays;

• lead corrections;

• intimidation;

• physical punishment;

• flooding;

• deliberate provocation;

• any method likely to cause unnecessary fear, pain, distress or behavioural deterioration.

9. Fees and Payment

Services are charged at the agreed fee.

An invoice may be issued at the point of booking, once the Service has been accepted, or as otherwise agreed.

The Client shall pay the full fee by the date specified on the invoice or booking terms.

Payment may be made by electronic bank transfer, card payment, cash, cheque, or any other method agreed by Activdogs.

Quotes are valid for thirty days unless otherwise stated.

Activdogs may withhold further Services, reports, training plans, written materials, or other Work until outstanding payments are settled.

Ownership and usage rights in any Work supplied by Activdogs shall not pass to the Client until all relevant charges have been paid in full.

If payment is not made by the due date, Activdogs may charge reasonable administrative costs incurred in recovering the overdue amount and may charge interest where permitted by law.

Where debt recovery, legal action, or third-party collection becomes necessary, the Client may be required to pay reasonable costs incurred by Activdogs in recovering the outstanding amount, where permitted by law.

Any payment returned by a bank, card provider, or other payment processor may incur a reasonable administration charge together with any charges imposed by the relevant payment provider.

10. Packages and Follow-Up Services

Where a Package includes more than one session, Service or element, the Client is responsible for booking and attending the included sessions within the relevant timeframe.

Activdogs is not responsible for repeatedly following up with the Client to ensure that unused sessions within a Package are booked.

Unless otherwise agreed, where a follow-up Service included within a Package is not booked within thirty-five days of the preceding Service, Activdogs may treat that part of the Package as completed or expired.

Where the Client chooses not to book, attend, rearrange, or engage with one or more elements of a Package, Activdogs will not normally offer a refund or reduction in the agreed fee.

This does not affect the Client’s statutory rights.

11. Cancellation and Rearrangement by the Client

If the Client cancels a Service with more than 72 hours’ notice before Commencement, any fee already paid for that Service will be refunded, less a £10 administration charge.

If the Client cancels a Service with less than 72 hours’ notice before Commencement, the full fee for that Service will be due.

The Client may rearrange a Service. Where a Service is rearranged with less than 72 hours’ notice before Commencement, Activdogs may transfer any fee paid to the rearranged Service on one occasion.

If the Client subsequently rearranges the Service again with less than 72 hours’ notice, Activdogs may treat the Service as cancelled and the full fee may remain due.

12. Cancellation and Rearrangement by Activdogs

Activdogs may cancel or rearrange an appointment where reasonably necessary, including but not limited to illness, injury, emergency, unsafe conditions, adverse weather, vehicle issues, welfare concerns, or circumstances outside Activdogs’ reasonable control.

Where Activdogs cancels or rearranges a Service, Activdogs will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative appointment at a mutually convenient time.

If Activdogs is unable to provide a paid Service, the Client will be refunded for the undelivered Service.

Activdogs shall not be liable for indirect losses arising from a cancelled or rearranged appointment, except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or breach of contract.

13. Non-Refundable Services and Lack of Progress

No refund will normally be due where:

• the Service has been provided with reasonable care and skill;

• the Client chooses not to follow or complete the training or behaviour plan;

• the Client fails to attend, participate, or engage with the agreed Service;

• the Client fails to provide accurate or complete information;

• the Client does not implement agreed management or safety measures;

• the Client is dissatisfied solely with the rate, extent or nature of behavioural progress;

• the Client expected a guaranteed outcome;

• behavioural progress is limited by factors outside Activdogs’ control;

• the Agreement is terminated due to the Client’s breach of these Terms.

Behavioural and training outcomes are influenced by multiple factors outside Activdogs’ control and cannot be guaranteed.

This clause does not affect the Client’s statutory rights.

14. Termination

Activdogs may terminate an Agreement where:

• the Client fails to pay a fee that has become overdue;

• the Client breaches these Terms;

• the Client provides inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information;

• the Client fails to follow safety or welfare guidance;

• the Client uses methods or equipment that Activdogs reasonably considers aversive, punitive, unsafe, or contrary to welfare-based practice;

• the Client’s actions create an unacceptable risk to any person, dog, animal, Activdogs, or any third party;

• the Client behaves abusively, threateningly, dishonestly, or unreasonably;

• the Client’s use of the Work or participation in the Service is harmful to Activdogs or its reputation;

• progress with the training or behaviour plan is, in Activdogs’ reasonable opinion, unachievable due to insufficient engagement, cooperation, safety, welfare, or other factors outside Activdogs’ control.

Where an Agreement is terminated due to the Client’s breach, failure to engage, unsafe conduct, or failure to follow guidance, no refund will normally be due.

If there has been no contact from the Client for more than sixty days after the first consultation or training session, Activdogs may treat the Agreement as ended.

Where Activdogs terminates an Agreement for reasons not caused by the Client, Activdogs will consider whether a full or partial refund is appropriate for any undelivered Service.

15. Written Materials, Reports and Copyright

All Work created by Activdogs remains the intellectual property of Activdogs unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Written materials are provided for the Client’s personal use in relation to the dog named or described in the relevant Work.

The Client may not sell, publish, copy, reproduce, distribute, adapt, alter, repurpose, or use the Work for another dog, client, business, organisation, training provider, or third party without written permission from Activdogs.

The Client may share relevant Work with their veterinary surgeon, insurer, rescue organisation, dog walker, pet sitter, groomer, family member, or another professional involved in the dog’s care where this is reasonably necessary for the dog’s welfare, safety, treatment, or management.

Work created for one dog must not be used in whole or in part with another dog unless Activdogs has explicitly agreed.

Activdogs will take reasonable care when preparing written materials. Minor typographical, spelling or formatting errors that do not materially affect the advice or Service shall not constitute a breach of the Agreement.

Amendments to written Work may be made at Activdogs’ discretion. Where significant amendments are requested or required due to new information, changed circumstances, additional concerns, or matters outside the original Service Description, Activdogs may charge an additional fee.

16. Amendments to the Service

Once a Service meets the agreed Service Description, any further modification, addition, or substantial change may be treated as an amendment to the Agreement.

Amendments may incur an additional charge.

Both Activdogs and the Client must agree any significant amendment to the Agreement.

Amendments may affect previously agreed timescales.

Where the Client provides substantial new information after the Service has started, Activdogs may need to revise the plan, recommendations, timescale or fee.

17. Client Environment and Third Parties

The Client is responsible for ensuring that the training or consultation environment is safe, suitable and appropriate for the Service.

This includes ensuring that dogs, children, visitors, household members, other animals, equipment, gates, doors, gardens, and access routes are managed safely.

Activdogs may refuse to begin or continue a session if the environment is unsafe, unsuitable, excessively distracting, or likely to compromise welfare or safety.

The Client is responsible for the actions and behaviour of any third party present during the Service, including household members, visitors, children, contractors, dog walkers, or other professionals.

Activdogs accepts no liability for the actions or omissions of third parties, except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

18. Liability

Activdogs will provide the Service with reasonable care and skill.

Activdogs will not be liable for lack of progress, limited progress, behavioural deterioration, new behaviours, incidents, injury, loss or damage arising from factors outside Activdogs’ reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• the Client’s failure to follow advice;

• inconsistent implementation of the plan;

• undisclosed behavioural history;

• undisclosed or undiagnosed medical conditions;

• pain, illness or injury;

• environmental changes;

• third-party actions;

• the actions of the dog;

• the Client’s handling or management;

• failure to seek veterinary advice where recommended;

• use of aversive, punitive or unsafe methods;

• situations that Activdogs could not reasonably foresee.

The Client remains responsible for their dog at all times.

Activdogs will not be liable for injury, damage, loss or incidents caused by the Client’s dog to the Client, Activdogs, another person, another animal, property, or any third party, except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

Activdogs shall not be liable for financial loss, loss of profit, loss of opportunity, indirect loss, consequential loss, or loss arising from the Client’s personal or business arrangements.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability where it would be unlawful to do so.

19. Force Majeure

Activdogs shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where the failure or delay results from events beyond its reasonable control.

Such events may include, but are not limited to:

• illness;

• injury;

• emergency;

• adverse weather;

• unsafe travel conditions;

• vehicle breakdown;

• road closures;

• acts of God;

• epidemic or public health restrictions;

• power failure;

• internet or communication failure;

• circumstances affecting animal welfare or safety;

• other unforeseen circumstances beyond reasonable control.

In such circumstances, Activdogs will make reasonable efforts to rearrange the Service at a mutually convenient time.

20. Communication

Activdogs’ preferred method of communication is email.

Activdogs will endeavour to reply to communications within five working days and to provide training plans or reports within ten working days, unless otherwise agreed.

These timescales are guidance only and do not constitute a guarantee.

Where a delay occurs, Activdogs will make reasonable efforts to communicate a revised timescale.

Documents can be sent by post where no email address is available. A postage and packaging fee may apply.

Signatures are not required for a contract to begin. Verbal communication, email, online booking, payment, attendance, or other exchanges may create a legally binding agreement.

21. Complaints

If the Client has a concern or complaint about a Service, they should contact Activdogs as soon as reasonably possible.

The Client agrees to give Activdogs a reasonable opportunity to understand the concern and, where appropriate, propose a suitable resolution.

A lack of guaranteed behavioural progress does not in itself constitute grounds for complaint where the Service has been provided with reasonable care and skill.

22. Data Protection and Privacy

Activdogs will collect and store Client information for the purpose of providing Services, maintaining records, communicating with the Client, and meeting administrative, legal and professional obligations.

Information collected may include:

• Client name and contact details;

• address and appointment location;

• dog details;

• veterinary details;

• behavioural history;

• medical or medication information relevant to the dog;

• photographs, videos or written observations where provided or agreed;

• correspondence and records relating to the Service.

Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

Client information will not be shared with third parties without consent unless required by law or where reasonably necessary for safety, welfare, professional, administrative or legal purposes.

Activdogs may retain records of Services and Work for administrative, legal, insurance and professional purposes.

A separate Privacy Notice may provide further detail about how personal information is collected, used, stored, retained and protected.

House Sitting Terms

The following terms apply to House Sitting Services and are in addition to the Terms above.

Nothing in the House Sitting Terms supersedes the general Terms unless expressly stated.

23. House Sitting Bookings

House Sitting enquiries are provisional until the required paperwork has been completed to an appropriate standard, returned to Activdogs, and the required deposit has been paid.

Once the paperwork has been completed, returned, and the deposit has been paid, the booking is considered confirmed and the Terms are agreed.

The Client is responsible for providing accurate and complete information about the property, pets, routines, access arrangements, emergency contacts, veterinary details, medication, feeding, behavioural risks, and any relevant household instructions.

24. House Sitting Payment

A non-refundable 20% deposit is required to secure a House Sitting booking.

The remaining balance is due fourteen days before the start of the booking.

If the balance is not paid by the due date, Activdogs may send a reminder. If payment remains outstanding more than 24 hours after the reminder is sent, Activdogs may cancel the booking, release the dates, and retain the deposit.

25. House Sitting Cancellations

If the Client cancels or alters the dates of a House Sitting booking:

• with at least 30 days’ notice, the Client will forfeit the deposit;

• with 14 to 30 days’ notice, the Client will be liable for 50% of the total fee;

• with less than 14 days’ notice, the Client will be liable for 100% of the total fee.

No refund will be due if the Client returns home early or collects the dog early.

If a key must be returned separately after cancellation or completion of the booking, a key return fee of £10 may apply.

26. House Sitting Access and Security

All keys will be kept securely when not in use.

Keys will not be marked with the Client’s personal details but may be identifiable by the dog’s name or another non-address identifier.

The Client is responsible for ensuring that keys, locks, alarms, access codes, gates and entry arrangements are working correctly.

If Activdogs cannot access the property due to a faulty key, faulty lock, incorrect code, inaccessible entrance, or inaccurate access information, no refund will be due for the affected visit or Service.

Activdogs will not be liable for break-ins, vandalism, theft, or property damage during the Client’s use of the Service, except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

27. House Sitting Insurance and Property

Activdogs is covered by public liability insurance.

The Client is responsible for ensuring that their property, contents and pets are adequately insured throughout the booking.

Activdogs will not be liable for damage, breakages, wear and tear, loss, illness, injury or death except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

The Client is responsible for any damage caused by their dog or other pets to Activdogs’ property, belongings, vehicle, clothing, equipment, or other property. The Client agrees to pay reasonable damage costs within 72 hours of their return.

28. House Sitting Supplies and Veterinary Care

The Client must provide everything reasonably required for the proper care of their pets during the booking, including food, medication, poo bags, leads, harnesses, bedding, cleaning materials, and any other necessary supplies.

If additional supplies are required during the booking, Activdogs may purchase them and add the cost to the Client’s bill.

The Client must provide the name and contact number of someone authorised to make decisions about the pet in an emergency.

If the emergency contact is unavailable, Activdogs may consult a veterinary surgeon and make decisions that Activdogs reasonably considers to be in the best interests of the pet.

The Client is responsible for all veterinary bills incurred during the House Sitting booking, regardless of how they arise, except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence.

29. House Sitting Behaviour and Safety

The Client must disclose any known behavioural concerns, including aggression, biting, snapping, guarding, escape attempts, separation-related behaviour, destructive behaviour, reactivity, predatory behaviour, handling issues, or fear-related behaviour.

Activdogs does not accept House Sitting bookings for pets with known aggressive tendencies unless this has been fully disclosed and expressly agreed in writing.

If Activdogs reasonably considers a pet to be dangerous, aggressive, uncontrollable, or unsafe to care for, Activdogs may require the Client or emergency contact to arrange early collection or alternative care.

Where the Client or emergency contact cannot arrange this, Activdogs reserves the right to place the pet in the nearest suitable boarding kennel, cattery, veterinary practice, or other appropriate care arrangement at the Client’s expense.

No refund will be due where a House Sitting booking cannot continue because the Client failed to disclose relevant behavioural information or because the pet presents an unacceptable safety risk.

30. Dog Walking During House Sitting

Activdogs recommends that dogs remain on lead while being exercised during House Sitting.

If the Client requests that a dog be allowed off lead, the Client accepts the increased risk involved.

Activdogs will not be liable for loss, injury, escape, accident, or death arising from off-lead exercise except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

Activdogs may refuse to allow a dog off lead where Activdogs considers the environment, dog, recall, weather, livestock, wildlife, traffic, other dogs, or any other factor to make off-lead exercise unsafe or unsuitable.

Where Activdogs considers the environment unsafe for off-lead exercise, the dog will remain on lead.

31. Cats and Other Pets

Activdogs recommends that cats remain indoors during House Sitting so that their health, safety and whereabouts can be monitored.

Where the Client requests that a cat has free access to a cat flap or outside space, the Client accepts the risk of disappearance, injury, illness or death.

Activdogs will not be liable for disappearance, injury, illness or death of a cat or other pet with outdoor access except where caused by Activdogs’ proven negligence or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

32. House Sitting Timing

Activdogs will make reasonable efforts to begin House Sitting at or near the agreed time.

However, Activdogs reserves the right to attend outside the requested time slot where necessary due to travel, welfare, emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, or issues arising on other visits.

33. Final Statement

Activdogs will always aim to provide a professional, welfare-focused and supportive Service.

The Client acknowledges that training, behaviour modification and pet care involve living animals and therefore carry inherent unpredictability and risk.

By booking, paying for, attending, or participating in a Service, the Client confirms that they have read, understood and agreed to these Terms.