TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of every dog in our care, which includes making sure our environment is the right match for each individual pup.
Please take a moment to review the Terms and Conditions below.
These Terms and Conditions may be updated periodically without prior notice, so we encourage you to check them from time to time for any changes.
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TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH COMPLETING THE BOARDING AGREEMENT CONSENTS
​1. OUR DOGS & GUEST DOGS
You consent for your dog to be boarded/mix with the resident dogs of Long Dog Hotel and dogs from the same or different households: • We have 2 resident dogs and are licensed for up to 8 guest dogs. • All sausages live and socialise together in our home.
2. ACTIVITY, FACILITIES, ENRICHMENT & SECURITY
You consent for your dog to exercise and go for walks off-site, on a leash with the resident dogs of Long Dog Hotel and dogs from the same or different households: • New sausages may experience more physical and mental activity than at home, so they may be extra tired after their stay. • All pups get plenty of movement around our home and garden, plus playtime with other dogs. • Walks are not guaranteed and are offered when possible. They depend on weather, group size, dogs with medical needs, and your dog’s behaviour on walks. OUTDOOR • Medium‑sized back garden for zoomies and sunbathing. • Front‑garden Woodland Corner for digging and shade, plus low planters as a scent garden. • Summer extras include a shaded tent, cooling mats, a large umbrella, a ball pit, and a shallow water mat. INDOOR FACILITIES: • Free run of the downstairs. • Playbox stocked with toys and balls. • Cuddles available all day. • Plenty of cosy day beds and blankets for naps. • Hot water bottles available for seniors or IVDD pups needing extra comfort. OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES: • During quieter periods, we may offer enriching outings within a two‑hour radius (beach trips, family visits, dog‑friendly cafés, garden centres, pubs). • Outings depend on your dog’s behaviour, previous stays, mutual agreement, and human availability. • We prioritise local village and countryside walks. • No off‑site trips in extreme weather. • Off‑site activities are a bonus, not a guarantee. • We always carry your dog’s details, a first‑aid kit, and vet information. TOYS & FOOD ENRICHMENT: • Year‑round access to a variety of toys. • Enrichment feeding such as scatter feeding, lick mats, and puzzle toys. • Homemade frozen treats in summer. • A selection of natural chews and treats provided.
2.1 Collars, Harnesses, Safety & Security
To ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs: COLLARS & HARNESSES • Dogs do not wear collars inside the Long Dog Hotel to prevent injuries from snagging on teeth, claws, or objects. • All dogs must wear a comfortable, well‑fitting harness (provided by you) when outside the hotel. • We attach one of our Apple AirTag trackers to the harness, and your dog will wear a collar with our ID details for all off‑site time SAFETY & SECURITY: • Peaceful village location on a quiet dead‑end road. • Large private driveway with tall secure gates; post boxes positioned outside to minimise disturbances. • Fully enclosed property with 6ft fencing around the entire perimeter. • CCTV monitoring all access points for added security. • No children on the premises, ensuring a calm and predictable environment. • All arrivals strictly by appointment to maintain a controlled, low‑stress atmosphere for every dog.
3. PUPPIES & MIXED-AGE BOARDING
You consent for your dog to be boarded/mix with and exercised with puppies less than a year old: • We welcome puppies from 12 weeks old, as long as they are at least 14 days past their primary vaccinations. • Before any stay, we’ll discuss your puppy’s needs (feeding, exercise, rest) to ensure the right level of care. • Puppies receive close supervision to monitor their wellbeing and any signs of distress, separation anxiety, or concerning behaviour. We’ll keep you updated throughout their stay. MANAGING ENERGY LEVELS: • Our home is kept calm to support older dogs and those with medical needs, including IVDD. • Playful puppies are welcome, but if their energy becomes overwhelming for other guests, we may recommend an alternative boarding option to ensure everyone’s comfort.
4. HEALTH
You consent for your dog/s to be boarded/mix with and exercised with dogs who are either vaccinated or titre tested, who may or may not have had the Kennel Cough Vaccine and you confirm your dog/s vaccinations are current and have provided their records: • For any questions about the requirements below, please speak with your veterinarian. • We follow vaccination guidance from the NOAH Compendium (Special Precautions section) and defra.gov.uk. • If you or your dog have an autoimmune condition, please consult your veterinarian. They can advise on the most suitable Kennel Cough vaccine type.
4.1 Vaccinations, Flea & Worming
See below for more information: CORE VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: • All dogs must have current core vaccinations: • DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus) or DHPPI (includes Parainfluenza), or a titre test • Leptospirosis (L2 or L4) VACCINATION RECORDS: • Please send a copy of your dog’s up‑to‑date vaccination record via WhatsApp or email for every holiday stay. • If any vaccination expires before arrival, proof of a booster is required before daycare or boarding. • It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure vaccinations are completed in good time. PUPPIES/RETARTING VACCINATIONS: • Primary or restarted vaccinations must be completed at least 2 weeks before attending daycare or boarding. BOOSTERS: • Dogs may attend immediately after receiving a booster. TITRE TESTS: • Titre‑tested dogs are accepted. FLEA & WORMING: • All dogs must be up‑to‑date with flea and worming treatment
4.2 Kennel Cough Vaccine (Bordatella)
See below for more information: • Kennel Cough vaccination is not mandatory for stays at the Long Dog Hotel. • If you choose to vaccinate, waiting periods apply to reduce the risk of shedding to dogs with weaker immune systems. • Nasal and oral Kennel Cough vaccines contain a modified live virus that can shed for several weeks, depending on the brand. WAITING PERIODS (from vaccination date): Nasal vaccine: • Most brands: 6 weeks • Versican Plus BbPI: 11 weeks Oral vaccine: • Versican Plus Bb Oral: 5 weeks (35 days) Injectable vaccine: • No waiting period — dogs may attend immediately. • For any questions, please consult your veterinarian. • We follow vaccination guidance from the NOAH Compendium (Special Precautions section) and defra.gov.uk. • Owners are responsible for ensuring their dog is outside the required shedding period before attending the hotel.
5. LIABILITY & INFECTIOUS HEALTH
We provide the best possible care, but we cannot be held responsible for injuries, illnesses, losses, or damage unless caused by proven negligence. We are not liable for events outside of our control. BEFORE YOUR DOG'S STAY • Please inform us if your dog develops any signs of an infectious issue (e.g., fleas, worms, kennel cough, sickness, diarrhoea, IVDD, or injury) before arrival. • To protect all dogs, we may need to refuse admission if your dog is unwell. Our Cancellation Policy will apply. • If your dog develops IVDD, we cannot accept them until: • 6–8 weeks after crate rest, or • 8–12 weeks after surgery (depending on recovery). • Boarding costs will vary depending on the level of care required. DURING YOUR DOG'S STAY • If your dog shows signs of an infectious issue, IVDD, or an injury while staying with us, we may need to discontinue their stay. • You or your emergency contact may need to collect them, and the remainder of the booking will be cancelled under our Cancellation Policy. • If we are able to continue caring for your dog safely, an increased care cost will apply and must be paid before collection.
5.1 Veterinary Intervention/Vet Release Form
See below for more information: • Our local vets (details available on request) provide 24/7 routine and emergency care. EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE • Please complete and sign our Vet Release Form so we know your preferences if veterinary treatment is required during your dog’s stay. NON-URGENT VETERINARY CARE • For non‑urgent issues, we can take your dog to our registered vet for a one‑off fee of £40 if you’d like them seen before collection. • If the issue is something we can safely manage at the Hotel without veterinary intervention, we will discuss this with you first
6. MEDICATION
You give your full permission for your dog to be medicated, if applicable to do so with medication that you have provided. • Please inform us of any medication your dog is currently taking so we can continue administering it during their stay.
7. INTACT & NEUTERED
You consent for dog to be boarded/mix with and exercised with dogs who are neutered or chemically neutered. ​
7.1 Males
See below for more information: NEUTERED DOGS: • Welcome, but must have been neutered at least 8 weeks before visiting. INTACT DOGS: • We do not accept intact dogs. CHEMICALLY NEUTERED DOGS: • Are welcome, provided the implant has been in place for at least 8 weeks before starting the client process. • There must be no gap between implant expiry and re‑implant. • If the gap is more than 2 weeks, an 8‑week wait from the date of re‑implant is required before visiting. • Owners are responsible for keeping the implant schedule up to date so it remains active.
7.2 Females
See below for more information: • We welcome both spayed and intact females. • We cannot accept females who are in season or about to come into season for daycare or boarding. • If you're unsure whether your dog may be starting her season, you can use a simple white‑tissue test for a few days before her stay to check for spotting. • Please inform us immediately if you think her season may be starting before her booking. If your intact female comes into season: BEFORE HER STAY: • If your dog comes into season before arrival, we cannot accept her until 30 days after her season begins. • Her booking will need to be cancelled. Please see our Cancellation Policy. DURING HER STAY: • If your dog comes into season while with us, you or your emergency contact will need to collect her as soon as possible. • The remainder of the booking will be cancelled under our Cancellation Policy. PLANNING AHEAD • Seasons can be unpredictable, so we recommend having a backup boarding plan. • By making a payment to book, you acknowledge that your intact female may come into season and this may affect your booking. • Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for full details.
8. UNSOCIABLE BEHAVIOUR
You give permission for your dog to be separated from other dogs if problems arise. • Certain behaviours can negatively impact the safety and wellbeing of other dogs or humans. • If these behaviours occur, we may need to separate your dog from the group to prevent escalation. • If we determine that your dog poses a risk to others, we reserve the right to cancel your booking (or the remainder of it). • You or your emergency accommodation person will be required to collect your dog on the same day we notify you. • Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for full details.
8.1 Unacceptable Behaviour Examples (including but not limited to)
See below for more information: • Severe separation anxiety — unable to settle, excessive barking/howling/crying, avoidance, or refusal to socialise. • Resource guarding — any aggression around food, toys, humans, or bonded dogs. • Aggression towards humans — nipping, snapping, growling, biting, or showing teeth. • Excessive humping or fixation on other dogs. • Indoor marking — repeated scent‑marking or territory marking inside the home. • Dominant behaviour towards other dogs — during play, around food, or during rest. • Excessive barking — especially persistent noise that may disturb neighbours. • Excessive fear or avoidance — not allowing approach, handling, or being picked up when necessary. • Untrained behaviour — refusal to respond to basic requests (recall, moving off furniture, coming indoors), making safe handling difficult in emergencies. • Lack of basic manners — overly excitable, unmanageable, or unable to settle. • Not toilet‑trained — frequent indoor accidents (puppies under 1 year and old & ivdd excluded).
9. FEEDING
You consent to your dog eating with other dogs (from the same or different households) and our resident dogs. • To ensure safety, all dog guests are fed separately to avoid food competition or potential aggression. IF YOUR DOG DOESNT EAT: • Breakfast is served between 7–7:30am and dinner between 5–5:30pm. • If your dog doesn’t eat at these times, we will continue offering their food throughout the day and evening. • If your dog refuses their own food for more than two days (four meals), we will contact you to discuss alternative options. • Our resident dogs eat Benyfit Natural, a complete raw diet. • If your dog is already on raw food and you’d prefer us to use ours instead of supplying your own, please let us know before their stay. • There is a small additional charge of 75p per meal for using our raw food.
10. SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
You agree to your dog(s) sleeping in the same room as other dogs (from different families) and our resident dogs. • All dogs sleep upstairs either in our spacious bedroom with us or our dog bedroom next door with doors open for a safe, calm night’s rest. • Dogs who are used to sleeping downstairs are welcome to continue doing so in our kitchen. • Your dog must be comfortable sleeping in their own bed, blanket, or crate (if used at home). • Please bring a t‑shirt, blanket, or toy with your scent to help your dog feel secure. • Dogs cannot sleep in our human bed or sofa to avoid the risk of falls or injury. • Stairs are secured with baby gates at the top and bottom. • We personally carry each dog up and down the stairs morning and evening. • All pups get a potty break before bedtime and again in the morning before breakfast.
11. CRATE USE (if your dog uses one)
You consent to your dog being crated only at night during their stay at The Long Dog Hotel to maintain your dog(s) routine. • Dogs are welcome to sleep wherever they are most comfortable — in our bedroom or downstairs. • If you prefer your dog to sleep in a closed crate, this is only permitted if crate‑sleeping is already part of their normal routine. • Our licence states that dogs must not be confined in a crate for more than 3 hours in any 24‑hour period. • By booking, you consent to crate use under these conditions. • Owners must provide a suitable crate for their dog’s stay.
12. EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION PERSON/EMERGENCY CONTACT
I confirm that I have notified my designated Emergency Contact & Emergency Accommodation Person of their roles and responsibilities during my dog's stay at Long Dog Hotel, and they have agreed to act in these capacities. • If your dog needs to be removed from our premises for their own safety or the safety of others, we will contact your designated Emergency Accommodation Person to collect them. • This person may be the same as your Emergency Contact if you prefer. YOUR NOMINATED PERSON MUST: • Not be away while you are on holiday. • Be fully aware of your absence and understand they may need to collect and accommodate your dog for the remainder of your trip. • Live within a reasonable travelling distance of the Long Dog Hotel (within 3–4 hours). IF YOUR NOMINATED PERSON CANNOT COLLECT YOUR DOG: • We reserve the right to cancel the remainder of your booking. • Your dog may be placed in the care of the Dog Warden, who will arrange temporary foster care until your return. • You will need to contact the Dog Warden directly to retrieve your dog and pay any associated charges. • Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for full details.
13. VOLUNTEER HELP
You consent to your dog to be kept ‘together with, or separate from, dogs from other households, if the Proprietor has to leave the property in an emergency. • At times, due to appointments or events, your dog may be cared for by one of our two trusted volunteers. • Both volunteers are fully covered under our insurance. • They always spend plenty of time with me and the dogs beforehand to build trust and familiarity. • They assist only once the dogs are comfortable and settled with them.
ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
14. BOARDING AGREEMENT
See below for more information By completing the boarding agreement, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions prevailing at the time of any booking. Additionally, you acknowledge that the information you provide in your boarding agreement may be relied upon, and you have the option to update it as necessary.
15. PAYMENTS ACCEPTED
See below for more information • We accept payment by electronic bank transfer. • We do not currently accept card payments.
16. BOOKING POLICY
See below for more information • We have 8 spaces available at any one time, so early booking is strongly recommended. • Bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of payment and are accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis. • We do not hold dates provisionally. BOARDING/DAYCARE/TRIALS (2 nights or less) • Full payment is required at the time of booking. BOARDING (3 nights or more): 50% Booking Fee • Required to reserve your dog’s stay. • Non‑refundable and non‑transferable. • Your booking is confirmed once this payment is received. 50% Final Balance • Due 14 days before the first day of boarding. • Once paid, this balance is non‑refundable and non‑transferable. INVOICE AMENDMENTS: We will amend an invoice only to: • Remove late pick‑up fees • Remove early pick‑up fees • Add additional dates (if available) before your final payment is due • We do not remove dates you originally booked, as these were reserved specifically for you and blocked out in our diary. • Long Dog Hotel cannot be expected to absorb the financial loss of dates no longer required. • All payments are made at your own risk. FINALY PAYMENT REMINDERS & NON-PAYMENT: • A WhatsApp/text reminder will be sent 14 days before arrival for any outstanding balance. • Failure to pay the final balance on time may result in cancellation of your booking. • In the event of cancellation due to non‑payment: • Your booking fee is retained, and • Your reserved dates will be released for other clients. • We reserve the right to decline future bookings in cases of repeated non‑payment. CANCELLATIONS: Cancelling before the final balance is due: • The 50% booking fee is non‑refundable, but no further payment is required. Cancelling after the final balance has been paid: • The final 50% payment is non‑refundable and non‑transferable. • Bookings made within 14 days of arrival require full payment at the time of booking. BANK HOLIDAYS/CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR: These peak periods book up quickly, often months in advance.To secure these dates: • A 50% non‑refundable Booking Fee is required. • The remaining 50% balance is due 30 days before your holiday. • For cancellations, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.
17 CANCELLATION POLICY
See below for more information We understand that unexpected circumstances can sometimes affect travel plans. While we aim to be as accommodating as possible, we must also protect our business from financial loss due to cancellations. • If we are able to rebook your dog’s reserved dates with another client, we will refund the payment for those rebooked days. • We will inform you after your holiday dates whether we were able to rebook any of your cancelled dates. NON‑REFUNDABLE & NON-TRANSFERABLE PAYMENTS: Payments made to secure a booking are non‑refundable and non‑transferable in the following circumstances: You cancel for any reason: • We strongly recommend that your holiday insurance or pet insurance covers any loss of boarding fees due to cancellations, regardless of the reason. We cancel the booking (before or during your dog’s stay) due to: • Unacceptable behaviour exhibited by your dog (see Section 8). • Your dog being due to come into season or coming into season. • Your dog still being within the shedding period following the Kennel Cough vaccine (see Section 4.2). • Your dog developing an infectious health issue, injury, IVDD, or any other illness. • Non‑payment of the final balance by the due date, combined with a lack of communication from you. • A lack of response to our requests for further information.
18. DOG COLLECTION
See below for more information • We ask that only one person attends for collection. • If someone else will be collecting your dog(s), please inform us in advance. • We will require their full name, phone number, and car make and registration number. • Once your dog(s) has been released back into your care, the Long Dog Hotel cannot be held responsible for any injuries or illnesses that occur afterwards, except where negligence on our part can be proven.
19. LONG TIME NO SEE
See below for more information • We ask that only one person attends for collection. • If someone else will be collecting your dog(s), please inform us in advance. • We will require their full name, phone number, and car make and registration number. • Once your dog(s) has been released back into your care, the Long Dog Hotel cannot be held responsible for any injuries or illnesses that occur afterwards, except where negligence on our part can be proven.
20. PERSONAL ITEMS
See below for more information • We will always do our best to look after your dog’s belongings. • All personal items are left at your own risk. • The Long Dog Hotel cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage, regardless of the cause.
21. CAR
See below for more information • You consent to your dog travelling in our vehicle alongside other dogs, including dogs from different households and our own resident dogs. • All dogs are transported safely and securely in accordance with our licence requirements.
22. PHOTOS/VIDEOS
See below for more information • We kindly ask that you do not share photos or videos on social media that include other clients’ dogs. • We occasionally take photos and videos of the dogs in our care and may use these on our social media channels or for other promotional purposes. • This allows us to showcase our services and share the fun the dogs enjoy during their stay. • We ensure all images used are appropriate and respectful. • We will never share any information that could identify your dog without your permission.
23. PERSONAL DATA/GDPR
See below for more information • Your Registration Form will be kept on file for repeat services and retained for a minimum of three years from our initial contact, or longer if you continue to use our services. • We respect your privacy and will not share your personal details with other organisations. • As a professional courtesy, we may occasionally share relevant information about your dog with your veterinarian. If you prefer that we do not do this, please let us know. THIRD PARTY RECOMMENDATIONS: • From time to time, we may provide recommendations or introductions to third‑party service providers offering complementary services (e.g., alternative home boarding, pet sitting, training, behavioural support). • It is your sole responsibility to assess the suitability of these services for you and your dog(s). • Recommendations are made in good faith, but we accept no liability for the services provided by any third party or for any loss arising from or connected to their services. COMPLAINTS: • If you have concerns about how we handle your data, please contact us via email in the first instance. • If you are not satisfied with our response or believe your data is not being processed in accordance with the law, you may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.
24. GOVERNING LAW
See below for more information • These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter (including non‑contractual disputes or claims relating to our agreement to provide services), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales. • The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any such dispute or claim.
25. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
See below for more information • We reserve the right to refuse or withdraw our services for any dog at any time, without prior warning. • Although we are not legally required to provide Terms & Conditions, we do so to ensure clarity and transparency for all clients. • We reserve the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notice. • We encourage you to review them periodically to stay informed of any changes.