Policies & Procedures

Booking

All services are charged at day in, day out. A minimum of 2-night stay is required for boarding.
Bank Holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter may incur additional fees which you will be advised of at the time of booking.
A 'Meet & Greet' consultation is required, prior to reservations, FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS.
Drop offs and pick- ups are between the hours of:

Cancellations

All bookings will require a minimum deposit of 25% of the overall fee.
In the event of cancellations that are notified to us 21 days prior to the start of the booking period, all fees will be refunded, or held over for subsequent bookings.
Any cancellations within 21 days to the start of the booking period all deposits will be non-refundable.

Aggressive Animals

Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will not accept aggressive animals.
The client agrees to be responsible for all costs (including but not limited to medical care, legal fees, etc) if the client's pet(s) should cause damage to persons or other animals.

The client agrees that on booking services for their dog(s) that they have represented that the dog(s) to have not shown aggression or caused harm, or threatening behaviour to an individual and/or any pet(s), and the client agrees to contact the provider as soon as possible if any of these behavioural changes presents itself or if it has the potential to cause harm to any individual or pet(s).

We will not board unruly or untrained dog(s).

If the client's dog(s) whilst being boarded shows aggressive tendencies towards the pet service provider, or should its behaviour become unacceptable or a nuisance beyond reasonable acceptance, the client agrees that he/she be placed either with the emergency contact, until the client returns.

Unforeseen Purchases

In the event that additional items need to be purchased in the absence of the client — i.e. Pet food or other necessary items that contribute to the health and wellbeing of your pet, Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will purchase these, retain a receipt and the pet owner is responsible for reimbursement of these items on their return.

Updates

Please inform us of any changes regarding your contact numbers, your pet's care needs, your emergency contact details and other pertinent information.

Privacy Policy

All information will be kept private and confidential. Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs highly respects our clients' entrusting us with the care of their pets. All our records will be stored in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR regulations.

Insurance

All reasonable care is taken to ensure the integrity and suitability of the care provided. Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs has valid public liability insurance, for the peace of mind of its clients. We recommend that you purchase your own separate pet insurance.

Medication/Vaccinations/Immunisations

Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will follow instructions to administer medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result. Under no circumstances will Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs board any pet that has any form of active contagious illness.

We require a copy of a valid vaccination certificate.

If Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs is bitten or exposed to any disease or ailment received from the client's pet(s) which has not been properly or currently vaccinated, the client will be responsible for all costs and damages that may be incurred as a result.
Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs requires dog(s) to be on a flea and worm treatment plan. Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will require a Kennel Cough vaccination full annual vaccination booster certification. We reserve the right to refuse a dog(s) entry if verification of the date of vaccination/booster cannot be provided.

Collars/Leads

Please provide secure collars with appropriate tags for all visits. A tag with the Headlands kennels and our contact number will be attached to your dogs collar for the duration of their stay.

Changes to return date

Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs carefully schedules our time to serve you and our other clients, therefore, there are no refunds or credits for early returns or last-minute changes to pet care.
In the event that the client is delayed on return, they must inform Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs immediately, and Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will use its best endeavours to make alternative arrangements for continued cover.

Payment

Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs accepts cash/bank transfer/card payments.
A 25% deposit of the total sum due is payable to Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs at the time of booking for all Boarding bookings.
The remaining balance is due on collection of dog(s) at the end of the boarding period.
Where services are required long term, the client may make payment on a monthly basis.
Where payment is not received in accordance with these terms and conditions of business, the company reserves the right not to proceed with any previously agreed arrangements, and a cancellation fee will be payable.

Liability

Headland’s Holiday Home For Dogs shall not be liable to the client or be deemed to be in breach of the contract by reason of any delay in performing, or any failure to perform, any of its obligations in relation to the services, if the delay or failure was due to any cause beyond Headland’s Holiday Home For Dogs reasonable control.

Display of licence

Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will display a copy of the licence to the public in a prominent position in, on or about the boarding establishment and a copy of the conditions available.

Suitable Diet

All kennels will be checked on an hourly basis to ensure that all dog(s) have access to enough water.
Clients are expected to bring in their own food the dog(s) for the duration of the stay. Where this is not possible Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will supply appropriate diet that is suitable for the type, age and breed. All dogs will be weighed when checked in and recorded and again on departure.

Suitable Environment

Ensures that dog(s) have appropriate shelter and environment which provides protection from temperature and weather extremes and that dog(s) have freedom to move to a cooler or warmer place when necessary. Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs ensures that dog(s) have a comfortable resting place of their own where they can feel safe and secure. These environments are checked on a daily basis Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs ensures that the dogs are housed in an environment free from things that could cause harm. These environments are checked daily. All dogs have access to natural light.

Animal Mixing

Written consent will need to be provided by the animal’s owner to allow kennel sharing if they are from the same household. Kennel sharing will only be allowed when animals are provided with enough room within the kennel. Headlands Holiday Home for Dogs reserves the right to separate dogs if it becomes necessary for the welfare of the dogs.

Animal mixing from different households will be allowed with written permission from the owner. This may only happen when supervision is possible and in communal areas, such a play court or paddock.

Free from Pain, Injury or Disease

Staff are fully trained and experienced in animal welfare. Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs has a resisted vet on call 24/7. Prior to entry of dog(s) to the kennels, checks are made on vaccinations certificates. Worming and flea treatments are to be expected to be up to date with the client signing a delectation that these are in place. Daily checks to the environment are made at the beginning of each day to ensure there are no sharp edges, cracked or significant chips in glass, rust or bare wood or anything else that could pose a hazard to animals. A daily log is kept of all inspections.

Boarding animals to be regularly monitored as per ‘supervision of animal's’ policy. All updates to be recorded on board outside of each kennel. Should crucial welfare updates happen, information to be recorded on Headland Holiday Home for Dogs online system. Concerns to report include change in behaviour, vomiting, Diarrhoea and any other conditions a handler thinks is a concern. These will also be reported to the animal’s owner and vet. The welfare of your dog is our priority and we endeavour to care for your dog as if it were our own. Any concerns we have for your dog regarding neglect will be reported to the necessary authorities for investigation.

Need to Express Normal Behaviour Patterns

All kennels are of sufficient size to meet the requirements for the dogs boarded. Where kennels have access to outside runs dogs will have access to outside space. Where dogs do not have access to outside runs, dogs will have access to additional play areas at regular intervals during the day. All dogs will be lead-walked by an experienced member of staff to a minimum of twice per day (to a minimum of 1 hour per day) around the kennels' paddock with the opportunity for individual exercise off lead in a secure paddock with the client's permission.

Additional play areas are to be accessible to all dogs at various times across the day.
Kennels are designed to allow dogs to see other dogs and staff while allowing privacy if dog(s) prefers not to socialise. Sensory stimulation is provided to dogs through regular exercise, play and interaction with staff. An assortment of toys and blankets from the dog's home are used regularly to provide enrichment for the dog's wellbeing. Calming music is played in the kennel areas during the day and into the early evening.
Dog will be allowed to express themselves through communication with staff and other dogs.

Immature dog(s)

Dog(s) boarding at Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs under the age of 12 months will be closely supervised above the standard set policy above. Immature dog(s) will require closer supervision to allow interaction with humans and opportunities to communicate from other dog(s) from distance. Behaviour will be monitored for negative reactions and ensure the dog(s) does not feel anxious.

Owners will be asked to visit the kennel with any boarding booked for a dog(s) under the age of 12 months. During the visitation, immature dog(s) behaviour will be monitored, and a manager will confirm they are comfortable to board the dog(s).

Need to be free from Fear and Distress

Where it is identified that dogs are timid, kennels are available to house dogs. These kennels have a quiet corner and provide an opportunity for dogs to hide and feel safe.

Hygiene & Cleaning

Below are requirements related to cleanliness and hygiene at Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs. Employees are to receive training which will be refreshed annually along with any updates. Products listed may be substituted at time, however they will always be animal safe.

o Dog excreta to be collected with a long handle equipment (appropriate PPE to be worn) and disposed off in a designated bin.

o Fresh water and hose pipe used to washdown all untidy areas in the courtyard area

Kitchen Facilities

Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs has separate kitchen facilities for food preparation. Kitchens are equipped with storage and hot and cold running water for washing and rinsing food preparation equipment. Refrigeration and freezer facilities are used to for storage of fresh and cooked meats with close monitoring of use by date and storage areas to ensure food is not contaminated.
All dry food is kept in dry rodent and insect proof containers including larger bulk food stock.
All equipment used for feeding and providing water is kept in a clean and hygienic condition.
All eating and drinking bowls are capable of being easily cleaned and disinfected to prevent cross- contamination; these are maintained in a clean condition.

Animal Feeding

Feeding regime at Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs will be included within employee training. Each boarder's diet will be recorded to ensure structure is maintained in feeding schedule.

Temperature in Kennels

Procedures are in place to protect dogs from extremes of temperature. Close monitoring of temperatures are in place with regular checks of temperatures during a 24 hour period.
Heating and cooling measures include gas central heating and portable gas heaters and local ventilation systems including natural and mechanical ventilation.

Temperatures are controlled within ranges not to fall below IOOC (at night) or exceed 260C with consideration for different breeds of dogs.
Kennels are heated through central and local heating systems to ensure night-time temperatures in the dogs sleeping area are suitable for the age/breed/type of dog.

All heating and cooling equipment is located in an area where they do not present a risk of fire, or risk to dogs.

Disease Control and Vaccination

Vaccination checks are carried out prior to admittance to Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs — refer to Medication/Vaccinations/lmmunisations in this document and the Term and Conditions.
First aid materials and equipment are available on the premises. The location of the kit is located in the office area and accessible to all trained staff. First aid materials are checked and maintained by competent trained staff. A range suitable of muzzles of varying sizes and a suitable dog catching device, are located on site.

Should a dog be suspected of having a disease putting other animals and Humans at risk, they will be isolated into a designated quarantine area. Quarantine area is an onsite stable used by a different business (approved for this use). During quarantine the Owner and Vet will be contacted to ensure the infected animals'' welfare is first and other animals are protected. Animal’s being handled in the quarantine zone must be done so by handlers with PPE. Only handlers with experience and knowledge will be allowed to do so to ensure correct procedures are followed.

Supervision of Animals

The previous owners of the kennels and now landlord has living accommodation is on site premises. They are keyholders and in the event of anything requiring investigation, they will contact the current owners to attend, who live 3 miles away and the journey takes 9 minutes. The dogs will be supervised by competent staff from 7.00am until 6.00pm. Between the hours of 8.00pm and 9.30pm the dogs will be checked for water and ensure that they are comfortable for the night. CCTV is in each kennel and can be monitored 24/7 by a remote device.

During the day, dogs are monitored at regular intervals to a maximum of 1-hour intervals between exercise and play.

Staff Management

Headland’s Holiday Home for Dogs has a written policy for training staff. This is updated to ensure staff are skilled in various key aspects of their role. These include: Animal Welfare, Handling, Behaviour, Hygiene, food preparation, cleaning and sanitising, Disease prevention and control and Safety procedures including fire evacuation.

Kennel Administration and Management

Key information is kept and recorded for all dogs boarded at Headlands Farm Kennels. Information includes:

This information is kept in a secure location for a period of 24 months Refer to booking form.

Identification of Kennels

All kennels are clearly identified with the name of the dog identified for each kennel for the duration of their stay.

Emergency Procedures

A written emergency plan is on display and known to staff.
This includes instructions on where staff and dogs are to be evacuated to in the event of emergencies such as fire or flooding.
telephone list includes fire, police, and vets.

Death or escape of a dog

In the event of a medical emergency or if your dog unexpectedly passes away whilst in our care we will inform you, unless advised otherwise. In the event of death, our vets will be contacted to arrange to collect the animal and will be stored at their premises until your return. A decision may be made to carry out a post mortem to confirm cause of death. Any costs incurred will be the responsibility of the owner.
In the unlikely event that a dog escapes we will search the immediate area, contact the local vets and dog warden and post on local Facebook groups. You will be contacted and kept informed unless otherwise advised. The dogs will be wearing a tag saying that if found outside of the kennels, they are lost and to call the number on the tag.

Suspension or revocation of the licence

Should the council decide to suspend Headland’s Holiday Home For Dogs license, the owners will cooperate with the council to rectify any required actions to overturn the decision within 7 days. Written representation will be provided by email or post; however, suspension is received. If the decision is related to animal welfare, emergency procedures will be put in place for safe relocation of animals to Tollgate kennels.