The DogSmith Terms & Conditions

1. DogSmith General Pet Care Policy
2. In Home Pet Care Policy
3. Canine Slumber Party Policy
4. Private Training Policy
5. Group Class Training Policy
6. Board and Train Policy
7. Boutique Boarding Policy

For the purposes of this document, the terms Client, Owner, Pet Owner, and Customer are synonymous with the person contracting services for one or more domestic animals.

1. General Policy

• Payment in full is due at the time of reservation. Reservations are not held until payment in full is received by the DogSmith Franchise Owner.
• There will be a $35.00 service charge for each returned check.
• A 50% holiday surcharge is applied to each day of service on the following dates
  • Christmas: December 24th & 25th
  • New Year's : December 31 & January 1st
  • Thanksgiving : November 25th & 26th
  • Labor Day: September 6th
  • Memorial Day: May 31st
  • Independence Day: July 4th
• Payment & Cancellation Policy
  Payment is required with a signed agreement after the complimentary consultation visit and prior to rendering services. Our cancellation fee structure is as follows:
  - A full refund will be provided if cancellation is received at least 8 days prior to scheduled service.
  - 20% cancellation fee will apply if cancellation is received within 2-7 days of scheduled services.
  - 100% cancellation fee will apply if cancellation is received within 48 hours of a scheduled service.
  - 100% cancellation fee will apply if cancellation is received within 7 days of a national holiday.
• Reservations are made to guarantee and secure a Pet Care Technician for our clients, therefore, we are unable to provide refunds for clients returning home early.
• Future Services: By entering into this contract, the client authorizes this contract to be valid approval for services so as to permit DogSmith to accept all future telephone, online, mail or email reservations and enter client's home without additional signed contracts or written authorizations.
• The DogSmith reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time if the Pet Care Technician, in his/her sole discretion determines that the owner's pet poses a danger to its own health or safety, other pets, other people, or the Pet Care Technician. If concerns prohibit the Pet Care Technician from caring for the pet, the owner authorizes the pet to be placed in a kennel (or previously arranged locale), with all charges (including but not limited to transportation, kenneling, tranquilizing, treating, accessing, and liability) to be the responsibility of the pet owner.
• DogSmith agrees to provide services stated in this agreement in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. In consideration of the services as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against the company and its employees, including those arising from negligence.
• Client agrees to notify DogSmith of any concerns within 24 hours of their return.
• This agreement is valid from the date signed, and replaces any prior Legal Considerations or Agreements. The client agrees to any future DogSmith term changes relayed in writing to the client, mailed or emailed or posted on our website under the heading ‘Terms.'
• The owner states that he/she has read this agreement in its entirety and fully understands and accepts its terms and conditions.
• A DogSmith considers communications with their clients privileged.

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2. In Home Pet Care Policy

• DogSmith is not responsible for wilted, dead or otherwise unhealthy plants. DogSmith will endeavor to follow your written directions as precisely as possible, but cannot be responsible if the results are not favorable. Please place all indoor plants together on a waterproof surface in plain sight, as your Pet Care Technician is not responsible for water damaged areas or missed plants.
• DogSmith is not responsible for damage to the home beyond the control of the Pet Care Technician. This includes, but is not limited to water leaks, electrical problems, and acts of nature. In these situations, the company will contact your designated emergency contact. All repairs and related fees will be paid by the client, or fully reimbursed to DogSmith within 7 days.
• DogSmith is not responsible for any damage to the client's property, unless such damage is caused by the negligent act of the Pet Care Technician. The DogSmith agrees to remain fully insured and bonded.
• DogSmith accepts no responsibility for security of the premises or loss if other individuals have access to a client's home, or if the home is not properly secured on the client's departure.
• All other individuals that visit the home will leave a log of their visit so the Pet Care Technician can note their activity.
• DogSmith is not liable for any loss or damage in the event of a burglary or other crime that could occur while the home is under this contract. The pet owner agrees to secure their home prior to leaving the premises. DogSmith will re-secure the home to the best of its ability at the end of each visit. While keys are in the possession of a Pet Care Technician, they will either be on the Pet Care Technician's physical person, or be properly stored at an undisclosed location.
• The pet owner must have the legal rights to place the animals in the care of a DogSmith Technician.
• The Pet Care Technician cannot service a home with "visiting" pets or animals that do not belong to the resident of the service site without the necessary signed agreements by the rightful owner(s).
• The terms of this document apply to all the pets owned by the client, including any and all new pets that the customer obtains on or after the date this document was signed, at any and all locations the owner designates for service.
• The pet owner is responsible for pet-proofing the house and yard, and the security of the fencing, gates and latches.
• The DogSmith will not be responsible for the safety of any pets and will not be liable for the injury, disappearance, death, or fines of any pet with unsupervised access to the outdoors.
• The DogSmith is authorized to seek any emergency veterinarian assistance needed during this agreement at the cost of the client, from any veterinarian, as chosen by the Pet Care Technician. However, the DogSmith is not responsible for the health/wellbeing of the animal.
• The pet owner is responsible for supplying the necessary safety equipment, supplies and crates needed for the care of their pet(s), including but not limited to a sturdy, well-fitting harness, halter, collar, etc. for walks or in the case of emergencies, firmly affixed vaccination tags, a lead rope or leash, pooper-scoopers, litter boxes, food, cleaning supplies, medicines, pet food, and cat litter.
• The pet owner authorizes any purchases necessary for the satisfactory performance of pet care duties. The pet owner agrees to be responsible for the payment of such items, as well as service fees for obtaining these items and will reimburse The DogSmith within 7 days for all purchases made.
• The pet owner will be responsible for all medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to a Pet Care Technician, or other persons, by the pet. The customer agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend The DogSmith, in the event of a claim by any person injured by their pet.
• It is suggested that arrangements be made with someone to evacuate your pets in case of a disaster or weather related event/crisis/"Code Red". The DogSmith will make every reasonable effort to see to your pet's safety/care should such events occur, but cannot guarantee it.

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3. DogSmith Slumber Party Policy

DogSmith Terms & Conditions

For the purposes of this document, the terms Client, Owner, Pet Owner, and Customer are synonymous with the person contracting services for one or more domestic animals.

• A signed Service Request must be provided to your DogSmith Technician before service is provided for any period.
• Payment in full is due at time of reservation. Reservations are not held until payment in full is received by The DogSmith or special arrangements are agreed upon by both parties in writing.
• There will be a $35.00 service charge for each returned check.
• Unpaid service may be cancelled without notice, including prior to or during the service period.
• Cancellation Charge Schedule effective 1/19/2004. Please see our general service policy.
• Reservations are made to plan DogSmith Technician availability to clients. Therefore, clients returning home early will be required to pay for the reserved period scheduled
• Future Services: By entering in to this contract the Client authorizes this contract to be valid approval for services so as to permit The DogSmith to accept all future telephone, online, mail or email reservations and enter my home without additional signed contracts or written authorizations.
• The DogSmith reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time if the DogSmith Pet Technician, in his/her sole discretion determines that the owner's pet poses a danger to the health or safety of itself, other pets, other people, or the DogSmith Pet Technician. If concerns prohibit the DogSmith Pet Technician from caring for the pet, the owner authorizes the pet to be placed in a kennel (or previously arranged locale), with all charges (including but not limited to transportation, kenneling, tranquilizing, treating, accessing, and liability) to be the responsibility of the owner.
• The DogSmith Franchise agrees to provide services stated in this agreement in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. In consideration of the services as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against the company and its employees, except those arising from negligence. Claims of negligence that involve a hired Independent Pet Care Technician hired by The DogSmith will be the responsibility of the Independent Contractor and the company they represent. All hired Independent Contractors are required to carry liability insurance with optional coverage or bonding through a reputable company.
• If your pet is not picked up by you, or we are not notified within 2 days after agreed scheduled pick up date, The DogSmith will consider the pet abandoned and make the necessary arrangements to re-home the animal as it deems appropriate and in accordance with local laws.
• All dogs must be current with DHLPP, Rabies, Bordetella and heartworm treatment. Written vaccination records are required at the time of service.
• Dogs must be wearing nylon collars with their rabies tag, name and home telephone number attached. A nylon leash must be provided with the dog to the DogSmith Technician.
• The DogSmith Pet Technician will provide food, bowls, and bedding; however, if you decide to provide your own, the DogSmith Pet Technician is not responsible for those items. Please label all items, including medications, with pet's name.
• All pets must be treated with a flea, tick and heartworm preventative. If fleas are found on a pet, a flea bath will be given at the owner's expense. The price will be determined by the DogSmith and in line with current market pricing.
• DogSmith Pet Technicians will not administer sedatives to your pet – even if they are veterinarian prescribed. If your pet needs this type of medication you need to make arrangements for your pet to be hospitalized with your veterinarian.
• DogSmith Pet Technicians do not diagnose, or make therapy decisions. Any veterinary/medical concerns will be referred to a veterinarian.
• Client agrees to notify The DogSmith of any concerns within 24 hours of return.
• This agreement is valid from the date signed, and replaces any prior Legal Considerations agreements. Client agrees to any future DogSmith term changes relayed verbally to the client, mailed or emailed in writing to the client, or posted on our website under the heading ‘Terms.'
• In consideration for client's pet being accepted for private boarding (slumber party) with the DogSmith Technician client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The DogSmith, its employees or independent contractors against any and all claims or actions that may at any time be made or instituted against them by any person for the purpose of enforcing any cause of action growing out of or connected with client's dog's attendance at the the DogSmith Technician's home. The employees or independent contractors of The DogSmith Franchise agree to provide services stated in this contract in a reliable and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives any and all claims against The DogSmith, its employees or independent contractors including claims arising from negligence.
• The owner states that he/she has read this agreement in its entirety and fully understands and accepts its terms and conditions.

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4. Private Training Agreement

The DogSmith® Client Informed Consent Statement

1. A DogSmith recognizes that the owner is responsible for their dog and the owner has the right to make decisions about the professional treatment of their dog.
2. As a DogSmith, we will always hold the dog's welfare as our top priority. The dog is the vulnerable component in the consultation process as they cannot offer informed consent. The role of a DogSmith is one that is beneficial to the dog and never to its detriment.
3. We seek to do no harm. A DogSmith will not condone or endorse any treatment by a dog's owner that is physically or mentally cruel. We will opt out of a consulting agreement rather than attempt to manage an unethical course of action.
4. The DogSmith will only consult with clients that offer cases that the independently owned and operated DogSmith business has the professional competence to deal with.
5. A DogSmith will only use procedures, protocols and training tools that are empirically based and have a proven track record of effectiveness. The DogSmith uses training and behavior change methods that are minimally invasive and intrusive to the animal.
6. A DogSmith trainer considers communications with their clients privileged. We will only break that confidentiality if a dog is being abused (as legally defined) and the client cannot be dissuaded from using their current approach. We will act according to local and state laws in terms of reporting animal cruelty.
7. As a DogSmith, we will apply the following ethical principles to each situation we encounter: respect for the freedom and dignity of others, do not cause harm, do good, act fairly and be faithful to promises made to the client.
8. In consideration for being accepted for training with the local DogSmith Franchise, a locally owned and operated Dog Training, Dog Walking & Pet Care business, the client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The DogSmith, its employees or instructors against any and all claims or actions that may at any time be made or instituted against them by any person for the purpose of enforcing any cause of action growing out of or connected with my attendance or my dog's attendance at a private or group training session conducted by The DogSmith.
9. DogSmiths and their employees agree to provide services stated in this agreement in a reliable and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives any and all claims against The DogSmith, or its employees including claims arising from negligence.
10. Payments for lessons are non-refundable; however credit may be given against another private lesson or other courses at the discretion of your local DogSmith.
    
    To contact your local DogSmith® call 1-888-Dog-Smith (364-7648)

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5. Group Class Training Policy

The DogSmith® Client, Informed Consent Statement

1. As a DogSmith, we will always hold the dog's welfare as our top priority. The dog is the vulnerable component in the consultation process as they cannot offer informed consent. The role of a DogSmith is one that is beneficial to the dog and never to its detriment.
2. We seek to do no harm. A DogSmith will not condone or endorse any treatment by a dog's owner that is physically or mentally cruel. We will opt out of a consulting agreement rather than attempt to manage an unethical course of action.
3. The DogSmith will only consult with clients that offer cases that the independently owned and operated DogSmith business has the professional competence to deal with.
4. The DogSmith will only use procedures, protocols and training tools that are empirically based and have a proven track record of effectiveness. The DogSmith uses training and behavior change methods that are minimally invasive and intrusive to the animal.
5. A DogSmith trainer considers communications with their clients privileged. We will only break that confidentiality if a dog is being abused (as legally defined) and the client cannot be dissuaded from using their current approach. We will act according to local and state laws in terms of reporting animal cruelty.
6. A DogSmith recognizes that the owner is responsible for their dog and the owner has the right to make decisions about the professional treatment of their dog.
7. As a DogSmith, we will apply the following ethical principles to each situation we encounter: respect for the freedom and dignity of others, do not cause harm, do good, act fairly and be faithful to promises made to the client.
8. In consideration for being accepted for training with the local DogSmith Franchise, a locally owned and operated Dog Training, Dog Walking & Pet Care business, the client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The DogSmith, its employees or instructors against any and all claims or actions that may at any time be made or instituted against them by any person for the purpose of enforcing any cause of action growing out of or connected with my attendance or my dog's attendance at a private or group training session conducted by The DogSmith.
9. DogSmiths and their employees agree to provide services stated in this agreement in a reliable and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives any and all claims against The DogSmith, or its employees including claims arising from negligence.
10. Payments for lessons are non-refundable; however credit may be given against another group lesson or other courses at the discretion of your local DogSmith.
11. If any group classes are postponed due to inclement weather they will be made up.
12. Aggressive dogs are prohibited from all Group courses. The definition of an aggressive dog is any dog that shows an inappropriate challenge, threat or contest to another being (human or canine). Before applying for a group class, please consult your local DogSmith if your dog has ever exhibited aggression. Persons asked to leave a class because of their dog's aggressive behavior, will not receive a refund for any remaining classes. However, a pro rata credit may be applied for private sessions. Aggressive dogs can attend and participate in The DogSmith one-on-one training classes.

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6. DogSmith Board and Train Policy

DogSmith Terms & Conditions

For the purposes of this document, the terms Client, Owner, Pet Owner, and Customer are synonymous with the person contracting services for one or more domestic animals.

• A signed Service Request must be provided to your DogSmith before training services can be provided. .
• Payment in full is due at time of reservation. Reservations are not held until payment in full is received by The DogSmith Franchise or special arrangements are agreed upon by both parties in writing.
• There will be a $35.00 service charge for each returned check.
• Unpaid service may be cancelled without notice, including prior to or during the service period.
• Cancellation Charge Schedule effective 1/19/2004. Please see our general service policy.
• Reservations are made to plan The DogSmith Trainer availability to clients. Therefore, clients removing their dog from a Board and Train reservation early will be required to pay for the reserved period scheduled
• Future Services: The client authorizes this contract to be valid approval for services so as to permit DogSmith to accept all future telephone, online, mail or email reservations and enter my home without additional signed contracts or written authorizations.
• DogSmith reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time if the DogSmith Pet Technician, in his/her sole discretion determines that owner's pet poses a danger to the health or safety of itself, other pets or other people. If concerns prohibit the DogSmith from caring for the pet, the owner authorizes the pet to be placed in a kennel (or previously arranged locale), with all charges (including but not limited to transportation, kenneling, tranquilizing, treating, accessing, and liability) to be the responsibility of the owner.
• The DogSmith Franchise agrees to provide services stated in this agreement in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. In consideration of the services as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against the company and its employees, except those arising from negligence.
• If client's pet is not picked up by client, or we are not notified, within 2 days after agreed scheduled pick up date, The DogSmith will consider the pet abandoned and make the necessary arrangements to re-home the animal as it deems appropriate and in accordance with local laws.
• All dogs must be current with DHLPP, Rabies, Bordetella and heartworm treatment. Written vaccination records are required at the time of service.
• Dogs must be wearing nylon collars with their rabies tag, name and home telephone number attached. A nylon leash must be provided with the dog to the DogSmith..
• The DogSmith will provide food, bowls, and bedding; however, if client decides to provide some or all of these items, the DogSmith is not responsible for those items. Please label all items, including medications, with pet's name.
• All pets must be treated with a flea, tick and heartworm preventative. If fleas are found on a pet, a flea bath will be given at the owner's expense. The price will be determined by the DogSmith and in line with current market pricing.
• DogSmiths will not administer sedatives to pets unless the dog is enrolled into a behavior change program and it has been agreed in writing between the DogSmith and the pet's owner that the medications are required as part of this program and have been veterinarian prescribed.
• DogSmith Pet Technicians do not diagnose, or make therapy decisions. Any veterinary/medical concerns will be referred to a veterinarian.
• Client agrees to notify The DogSmith of any concerns within 24 hours of return.
• This agreement is valid from the date signed, and replaces any prior Legal Considerations agreements. Client agrees to any future DogSmith term changes relayed verbally to the client, mailed or emailed in writing to the client, or posted on our website under the heading ‘Terms.'
• In consideration for pet being accepted for a Board and Train program with The DogSmith client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless DogSmith, its employees or independent contractors against any and all claims or actions that may at any time be made or instituted against them by any person for the purpose of enforcing any cause of action growing out of or connected with client's dog's attendance at the DogSmith Training location. The employees of DogSmith Franchise agree to provide services stated in this contract in a reliable and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives any and all claims against DogSmith, its employees or independent contractors including claims arising from negligence.
• The owner states that he/she has read this agreement in its entirety and fully understands and accepts its terms and conditions. This agreement is signed in conjunction with the private training agreement.

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7. DogSmith Boutique Boarding Policy

The DogSmith Boutique boarding rate includes a premium dog food, a soft doggie bed, an evening turndown treat and lots of toys to play with to complement the tender loving care we offer through five supervised play sessions during the day. The DogSmith boarding application is considered accepted when you have received a boarding reservation confirmation from The DogSmith in writing. The DogSmith interviews all potential boarders at The DogSmith property prior to being accepted for DogSmith Boutique Boarding. This agreement constitutes permission to board the said animals and perform duties as stated. Any changes to this agreement must be done so in writing or they will be null and void. The DogSmith has the right to make any changes to this agreement at will and without notice. With any changes, a new agreement will be presented before any new services are rendered. The client hereto agrees as follows: In consideration for my dogs being accepted for boarding with The DogSmith I agree to indemnify and hold harmless The DogSmith, its employees or instructors against any and all claims or actions that may at any time be made or instituted against them by any person for the purpose of enforcing any cause of action growing out of or connected with my attendance or my dog’s attendance at the DogSmith Boutique Boarding Facility. The DogSmith and its employees agree to provide services stated in this contract in a reliable and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives any and all claims against The DogSmith or its employees including claims arising from negligence.

1. Any claim arising out of or relating to this contract or the breach thereof shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
2. All pets must have a veterinarian and must be current with DHLPP, Rabies and Bordetella vaccinations. Please bring vaccination record with you before or during admission or pet(s) will not be admitted.
3. All pets must be treated with a flea, tick and heartworm preventative. If fleas are found on pet, a flea bath will be given at owner’s expense.
4. We will not administer sedatives to your pet -- regardless if they are veterinarian prescribed. If your pet needs this type of medication you need to make arrangements for your pet to be hospitalized with your veterinarian.
5. The DogSmith does not diagnose, or make therapy decisions nor does it offer veterinary services. Any veterinary/medical concerns will be referred to a veterinarian.
6. The DogSmith will not care for acutely ill animals or those with uncontrolled medical conditions. Certain medical conditions may also be referred to a veterinarian for boarding. Pets infected with ringworm will not be admitted since they are highly contagious diseases.
7. Any known behavioral and/or aggression problems must be communicated to the college.
8. The Client is solely responsible for any harm caused by their pet to any employees, other pets/owners, or property.
9. The DogSmith does provide food, bowls, and bedding; however, if you decide to provide your own, The DogSmith is not responsible for those items. Please label all items including medications with pet’s name
10. The DogSmith does not accept aggressive animals.
11. The DogSmith will not walk unruly or untrained dogs or dogs that choke themselves on their leash. All dogs must be accompanied by a leash or they will not be admitted. The DogSmith reserves the right to take pet(s) to vet if necessary. Client is responsible for all charges.
12. The DogSmith reserves the right to deny service or terminate service because of safety concerns, financial concerns, or inappropriate or uncomfortable situations.
13. If your pet is not picked up, or we are not notified, within 2 days after agreed scheduled pick up date, The DogSmith will consider the pet abandoned and make the necessary arrangements to re-home the animal as it deems

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