,
Terms & Conditions,
policies and procedures
Please refer to our T&C's and policies, the following which are available below
Terms and conditions
Privacy Policy
Procedures and Preventative Healthcare Plan
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Booking
1.1 Your booking for daycare is confirmed after the Meet and Greet or your free ½ day visit.
1.2 Our current prices are displayed on our ‘Services’ page.
1.3 A free ‘familiarisation' 3 hour session is arranged prior to acceptance into daycare to provide an opportunity for your pooch to spend time with a group of our VIP’s and for us to assess his/her suitability to becoming a member of Shorty & Co, and be able to begin to socialise with a larger group. It’s an opportunity to observe how your pooch behaves and integrates with the dogs in a relatively unfamiliar setting, while helping your pooch to know that you bring him/her to Shorty & Co, leave and then return to collect later. This imprints in new arrivals that their owner is coming back for them, and can be an important contributor to their initial settling in. However, if we observe any significant negative behaviour, or other important factors relating to suitability then we will discuss these further with you before making our decision to accept your pooch for regular daycare.
1.4 We ask that adult dogs are neutered. Non neutered males can often display dominance/aggression towards others, and they may mark their territory which is then very difficult to clean and de-odourise, and significantly encourages others to follow suit.
As bitches can suffer from a variety of health problems in later life if not spayed, we advise that you discuss this further with your vet, to be able to choose the most suitable time for your bitch to be spayed.
1.5 We do limit the number of puppies (up to a year old) that we take for daycare. All dogs and pups must have had their Kennel Cough and other vaccinations before we can take them, and be fully up to date. Once we have reached our maximum daily number of dogs, we add prospective clients to our waiting list, and contact you when we have a space available.
2. Cancellations/Credits
2.1 If Shorty & Co cannot provide the service agreed (this would only be in extreme circumstances), we will endeavour to give at least 7 days’ notice and any monies paid will be refunded.
2.2 Cancelling a single day due to illness or a sudden change of plans: We ask that you contact us if you have to cancel a booking at least 24 hours prior to the date cancelled (this is before 6:00 p.m. the previous day). Failure to do this will result in being charged the full amount for the day.
2.3 Credits will be given for days cancelled within the accepted time and used during the same week if there are spaces. Otherwise they will be used at the earliest available date. Multiple credits due will be added to each week until they are used up.
2.4 Cancelling more than a day due to a holiday or extended period (school holidays, work commitments, pet illness etc) If you are planning a holiday, working away or having any time off which interrupts your weekly commitment, Shorty & Co ask that you give us as much notice as possible in order to avoid creating a credit situation. If it is due to something unplanned and unavoidable (your dog suddenly comes into season) then we will use lost days as credits. .
2.5 Changing your day You may find that you wish to change your day(s) which your dog attends daycare. We are happy to do this but please be mindful that we may not be able to accommodate a request if the day you wish to have is full to capacity. However, we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
2.6 Terminating your contract. if you wish to terminate your contract with Shorty & Co we ask for a minimum of one calendar month's notice.
3. Aggressive Animals
3.1 Shorty & Co does not accept aggressive animals, and if a dog shows overt aggression towards another dog/dogs, or towards a human during its stay at Shorty & Co then the owner will be contacted and the dog will have to be collected. Depending on the circumstances surrounding an incident, the dog may be permanently removed from the register.
3.2 The client agrees to be responsible for all costs (including but not limited to medical care, legal fees, etc) if the client’s dog(s) should bite another animal.
3.3 The Client agrees that on booking Shorty & Co services for their dog(s) that they have honestly represented that the dog(s) has/have not shown aggression or caused harm, or threatening behaviour to any individual and/or any pet(s), and the client agrees to contact Shorty & Co 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 animal(s).
3.4 We will not accept unruly dogs (i.e. excessive barking, humping, mouthing, destructive behaviour). If it becomes an issue, we will discuss it with the client and try to find a solution. If it is too extreme, then we will consider terminating the contract with immediate effect. This measure is in place to protect the other dogs in our care.
3.5 If the client’s dog(s) whilst in our care shows aggressive tendencies towards Shorty & Co's staff, or should its behaviour become unacceptable or a nuisance beyond reasonable acceptance, the client agrees that he/she be collected from daycare, and conditions stated in 3.4 may be applied if necessary.
4. Updates
4.1 Please inform us of any changes regarding your contact numbers, your pet’s care needs, your emergency contact details, boosters and new inoculations and any other relevant information.
5. Privacy Policy
5.1 All of our records will be stored in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal information will be kept private and confidential and solely in relation to the services Shorty & Co have been requested to provide. If requested, your data will be made available to the Local Licencing Authority for us to comply with our Licence Conditions.
5.2 Shorty & Co highly respects our clients’ entrusting us with the care of their pets.
5.3 Shorty & Co reserves the right to post videos or photos of the dogs in its care in support of its business activities via social media business pages or its website unless specifically requested not to do so by the client.
6. Our Insurance Cover
6.1 All reasonable care is taken to ensure the highest standards of care are provided.
6.2 Shorty & Co has valid public liability insurance, for the peace of mind of its clients.
6.3 Shorty & Co is insured to provide dog walking, dog day care and to transport dogs in a vehicle. A copy of the policy is on display at the premises and we are happy for you to read the policy provisions whilst attending the familiarisation session.
6.4 We recommend that you purchase your own separate pet insurance to assist with any emergency veterinary treatment, should the unexpected happen – please refer to 13.1
7. Medication/Vaccinations/Immunisations
7.1 Shorty & Co will follow instructions to administer medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result. Any medications required to be given will be documented on a separate sheet to the booking.
7.2 Under no circumstances will Shorty & Co daycare any pet that has any form of active contagious illness.
7.3 We require a copy of a valid vaccination certificate prior to daycare/boarding. There are no exceptions to this requirement. If a copy has not been emailed to us, please bring your card to the ‘meet and greet’. Please ensure that the Kennel Cough vaccine is included.
7.4 If a member of Shorty & Co (or any member of the household, including the family dog) 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.
7.5 Should a flea infestation be observed on a daycare dog, we will inform you on discovery of the infestation and isolate your dog. On return at the end of the day, your dog will have to be treated ( we would advise using your own vet) and be free of infestation before returning to Shorty & Co. We would recommend bathing your dog using flea shampoo, and using a flea comb after bathing to capture the eggs into a kitchen towel/ disposable bag.
8. Collars/Leads
8.1 Please provide secure collars/harnesses and leads for all visits. We would recommend a harness for any long bodied dog for increased back support, and reducing pressure on the neck, and also as a much safer way of walking your dog on a lead (less likely to come off if well fitted). There are cheap versions of harnesses which use velcro to fasten, but these often open and slip off. We recommend 'Perfect Fit' harnesses which can be purchased and fitted at 'Archies' on Montpellier in Cheltenham (by appointment).
8.2 It is the owner's responsibility (and UK law) to provide a collar tag on their dog, detailing contact details.
9. Exercise, wellbeing and enrichment
9.1 By agreeing our Terms and Conditions, you consent to your dog being exercised off site, on lead and with other compatible dogs that are well known to us.
9.2 All walks are on a lead. We do not walk dogs off lead at any time.
9.3 Enrichment activities take place for all dogs in our care and by agreeing our terms and conditions you consent to us undertaking these activities, unless we are specifically requested not to, due to medical reasons etc. Enrichment takes the form of play time using a variety of stimulating equipment. Enrichment is under full supervision.
9.4 Should your dog become sick/injured or subject to any infectious disease we will inform you. In case of an emergency situation, we will contact you immediately, and if we cannot reach you, we will contact your emergency contact. If that fails, we will call our own vet.
10. Isolation procedure
10.1 Any dogs which require emergency isolation due to contagious (or suspected contagious) disease will primarily be isolated from the other dogs in our designated room and be collected by their owner or emergency contact as soon as possible.
11. Emergency Contact
11.1 Emergency contact details must be provided on your Client Information form should a situation with your dog arise and you are unavailable.
11.2 The emergency contact needs to be an independent person and authorised to make a decision on your behalf if you are uncontactable.
11.3 Emergency contacts may be used in situations as noted in 3.5 above and must be able to collect your dog if the need arises. Any costs associated with alternative arrangements should the emergency contact be unable to collect will be at your expense.
12. Payment
12.1 Shorty & Co accepts Bank Transfer. We send a monthly invoice at the end of every month (for the following month)to be paid in advance by return..
12.2 Where payment is not received in accordance with these terms and conditions of business, Shorty &Co reserves the right not to proceed with any previously agreed arrangements.
13. Pet Insurance
13.1 If you have pet insurance (which we strongly advise) it would be a great help for us to have details and a copy of the policy in case of an emergency regarding your dog.
14. Liability
14.1 Shorty & Co 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 Shorty & Co’s reasonable control.
15. Health and safety precautions and daily procedures
15.1 We ask that you TEXT us your dog’s name on arrival using the mobile number 07811 945815. This is to avoid the dogs reacting to the sound of the doorbell/doorbell message. On receiving your text your dog will be brought to you outside the side entrance gate.
15.2 Entry to the premise will be through the side gate only. This is always locked from the inside, so please wait on your side of the gate until a staff member opens it.
15.3 We would ask that you do not bring children with you to deliver/collect your dog(s), or to attend a Meet and Greet. Children are not allowed on our premises due to insurance cover, to ensure that all the dogs in our care are always handled by adults, to avoid any dog becoming overexcited, confused and distracted and to ensure that all dogs remain secure.
15.4 As the owner, you will have an opportunity to see the daycare centre on a Meet and Greet session when there are no other dogs present. We must insist on a strict adherence to all our procedures and rules as we are bound by our insurance, and ultimately Shorty & Co are responsible for every dog while in our care. We need to be able to provide the best quality welfare and protection for each individual dog in our care. We have a series of gates in order to provide your dog(s) with maximum security and safety at all times. We keep the gates closed unless we are providing specific activities which require a larger space.
15.5 Please be patient while waiting for your dog to be brought to you, particularly at busy times.
16.Covid rules and restrictions when government guidelines insist on public compliance
In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our dog owners, we ask that you comply with the following Covid precautions :-
16.1 Masks will be worn by staff and we therefore ask that all owners do the same during pick up/ collection times, and during a Meet and Greet session. No visitor will be allowed onto the premise without wearing a mask. Please help us to ensure the safety and protection of you and other owners who may be waiting for their dog(s).
16.2 We also ask that the 2m social distancing rule is observed.
16.3 We ask that where possible only one person per dog(s) is present in order to reduce the number of people on the premise and therefore reduce the risk of potential covid transmission.
These terms and conditions must be acceptable to you the owner prior to your dog starting with us, and when you sign the form given to you at the meet and greet session you are agreeing to these terms and conditions, and your dog will be able to attend daycare.
Privacy Policy
Shorty & Co (the “Company”) is committed to protecting the privacy of its users. This Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) is designed to help you understand what information we gather, how we use it, what we do to protect it, and to assist you in making informed decisions when using our Service. Unless otherwise indicated below, this Privacy Policy applies to any website that references this Privacy Policy, any Company website, as well as any data the Company may collect across partnered and unaffiliated sites.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Service” refers to the Company’s service which can be accessed via our website at www.shortyandco.co.uk or through our mobile application. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the Company. “You” refers to you, as a user of Service.
1. CONSENT
By accessing our Service, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and you consent to our collection, storage, use and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. In addition, by using our Service, or services across partnered and unaffiliated sites, you are accepting the policies and practices described in this Privacy Policy. Each time you visit our website, or use the Service, and any time you voluntarily provide us with information, you agree that you are consenting to our collection, use and disclosure of the information that you provide, and you are consenting to receive emails or otherwise be contacted, as described in this Privacy Policy. Whether or not you register or create any kind of account with us, this Privacy Policy applies to all users of the website and the Service.
2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We may collect both “Non-Personal Information” and “Personal Information” about you. “Non-Personal Information” includes information that cannot be used to personally identify you, such as anonymous usage data, general demographic information we may collect, referring/exit pages and URLs, platform types, preferences you submit and preferences that are generated based on the data you submit and number of clicks. “Personal Information” includes information that can be used to personally identify you, such as your name, address and email address.
In addition, we may also track information provided to us by your browser or by our mobile application when you view or use the Service, such as the website you came from (known as the “referring URL”), the type of browser you use, the device from which you connected to the Service, the time and date of access, and other information that does not personally identify you. We use this information for, among other things, the operation of the Service, to maintain the quality of the Service, to provide general statistics regarding use of the Service and for other business purposes. We track this information using cookies, or small text files which include an anonymous unique identifier. Cookies are sent to a user’s browser from our servers and are stored on the user’s computer hard drive. Sending a cookie to a user’s browser enables us to collect Non-Personal Information about that user and keep a record of the user’s preferences when utilizing our services, both on an individual and aggregate basis. The Company may use both persistent and session cookies; persistent cookies remain on your computer after you close your session and until you delete them, while session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies can be removed by following your Internet browser help file directions. If you choose to disable cookies, some areas of the Service may not work properly.
3. HOW WE USE AND SHARE INFORMATION
3.1 Personal Information:
In general, we do not sell, trade, rent or otherwise share your Personal Information with third parties without your consent. We may share your Personal Information with vendors and other third-party providers who are performing services for the Company. In general, the vendors and third-party providers used by us will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to allow them to perform the services they provide for the Company. For example, when you provide us with personal information to complete a transaction, verify your credit card, place an order, arrange for a delivery, or return a purchase, you consent to our collecting and using such personal information for that specific purpose, including by transmitting such information to our vendors (and their service providers) performing these services for the Company.
However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment processors, have their own privacy policies in respect of the information that we are required to provide to them in order to use their services. For these third-party service providers, we recommend that you read their privacy policies so that you can understand the manner in which your Personal Information will be handled by such providers.
In addition, we may disclose your Personal Information if required to do so by law or if you violate our Terms of Use.
3.2 Non-Personal Information:
In general, we use Non-Personal Information to help us improve the Service and customize the user experience. We also aggregate Non-Personal Information in order to track trends and analyze use patterns of the Service. This Privacy Policy does not limit in any way our use or disclosure of Non-Personal Information and we reserve the right to use and disclose such Non-Personal Information to our partners, advertisers and other third parties at our sole discretion.
4. HOW WE PROTECT INFORMATION
We implement reasonable precautions and follow industry best practices in order to protect your Personal Information and ensure that such Personal Information is not accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed. However, these measures do not guarantee that your information will not be accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed by breach of such precautions. By using our Service, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to assume these risks.
5. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING THE USE OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
You have the right at any time to prevent us from contacting you for marketing purposes. When we send a promotional communication to a user via Weebly, the user can opt out of further promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in each promotional e-mail. Please note that notwithstanding the promotional preferences you indicate by either unsubscribing or opting out in the Settings section of the Site, we may continue to send you administrative emails including, for example, periodic updates to our Privacy Policy.
6. WEEBLY
Our Service is hosted by Weebly, Inc. (“Weebly”). Weebly provides us with the online e-commerce platform that allows us to provide the Service to you. Your information, including Personal Information, may be stored through Weebly’s servers. By using the Service, you consent to Weebly’s collection, disclosure, storage, and use of your Personal Information in accordance with Weebly’s privacy policy available at https://www.weebly.com/privacy.
7. LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES
As part of the Service, we may provide links to or compatibility with other websites or applications. However, we are not responsible for the privacy practices employed by those websites or the information or content they contain. This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected by us through the Service. Therefore, this Privacy Policy does not apply to your use of a third-party website accessed by selecting a link via our Service. To the extent that you access or use the Service through or on another website or application, then the privacy policy of that other website or application will apply to your access or use of that site or application. We encourage our users to read the privacy statements of other websites before proceeding to use them.
8. AGE OF CONSENT
By using the Service, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age.
9. CHANGES TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY
The Company reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use at any time. If we decide to change this Privacy Policy, we will post these changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it. Any such modifications become effective upon your continued access to and/or use of the Service five (5) days after we first post the changes on the website or otherwise provide you with notice of such modifications. It is your sole responsibility to check this website from time to time to view any such changes to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to any changes, if and when such changes may be made to this Privacy Policy, you must cease access to this website. If you have provided your email address to us, you give us permission to email you for the purpose of notification as described in this Privacy Policy.
10. MERGER OR ACQUISITION
In the event we (or Weebly) undergo a business transaction such as a merger, acquisition by another company, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your Personal Information may be among the assets transferred. You acknowledge and consent that such transfers may occur and are permitted by this Privacy Policy, and that any acquirer of our (or Weebly’s) assets may continue to process your Personal Information as set forth in this Privacy Policy. If our information practices change at any time in the future, we will post the policy changes here so that you may opt out of the new information practices. We suggest that you check this Privacy Policy periodically if you are concerned about how your information is used.
11. EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS & OPTING OUT
We will send you Service-related announcements on occasions when it is necessary to do so. For instance, if our Service is temporarily suspended for maintenance, or a new enhancement is released, which will affect the way you use our Service, we might send you an email. Generally, you may not opt-out of these communications, which are not promotional in nature. Based upon the Personal Information that you provide us, we may communicate with you in response to your inquiries to provide the services you request and to manage your account. We will communicate with you by email or telephone, in accordance with your wishes. We may also use your Personal Information to send you updates and other promotional communications. If you no longer wish to receive those email updates, you may opt-out of receiving them by following the instructions included in each update or communication.
12. CONTACT US & WITHDRAWING CONSENT
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or the practices of this Site, or wish to withdraw your consent for the continued collection, use or disclosure of your Personal Information, please contact us by sending an email to hello@shortyandco.co.uk.
(Revised Feb 2021)
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PROCEDURES AND PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE PLAN
Feeding
All dogs (even those from the same family) are separated 15 minutes before preparation of their food, whilst eating and for 15 minutes after eating to avoid any conflict due to excitement caused by the food.
Each dog eats separately (even those from the same family).
Only food provided by the owner is used.
All dogs are fed according to the owners’ instructions and the owner provides the dog’s own food.
If you pooch is inappetent (not eating) we will closely monitor them for 24 hours from the commencement of symptoms. A vet visit may be necessary if symptoms continue.
All bowls are removed after feeding and cleaned. All food and water bowls are cleaned with boiling water and pet-safe detergent. Once a week they are disinfected. Any damaged bowls are disposed of.
No food is ever left down. Any uneaten food will be stored until the next mealtime where applicable or disposed of.
Dry food is kept in the dry food store in the house and wet food kept in the refrigerator.
Cleaning
All floors are hoovered and cleaned in the morning. Spot cleaning is carried out throughout the day. All mess is cleaned as soon as possible. All soft furnishings are hoovered daily.
Any wet patches are dried with paper before being. All waste is bagged and placed into separate waste bin which is bagged at the end of the day.
All toys are collected and sprayed with disinfectant at the end of the day. Any damaged toys are disposed of.
Walls, doors and jambs are washed as needed.
Fire
In the case of extreme weather we will ensure that all dogs are comfortable and safe. If this cannot be maintained then owners will be contacted to collect dogs, or arrangement made for the dogs to be dropped home.
Transportation
Shorty & Co transport dogs to some of their walks, and for a veterinary visit. All dogs are transported in the rear of one of our vehicles and strapped in using dog booster seats and dog safety harnesses. The vehicles are cleaned weekly.
First Aid
We have an extensively stocked Canine First Aid kit on site and a smaller first aid kit which is always carried on all walks off-site.
Prevention and Control of the spread of Disease
It is advised that all dogs are vaccinated in accordance with their vets’ recommendations and they have a health check at least once a year. They should also be treated for parasites in accordance with recommendations. Proof of the disease prevention is provided to Shorty & Co and recorded on the dog’s records.
Any harbouring of parasites that is noticed while the dog is in our care is noted and all owners are informed. The dog is isolated as soon as it is noted, and the owner must collect and treat as soon as possible. If any other dog is exposed to the parasites their owner must be informed and recommended to check and treat as necessary. The premises may be flea bombed overnight in the case of fleas.
Any dog showing signs of disease or illness while in the care of Shorty & Co will be isolated from all other dogs. The owners will be informed and will be required to collect the dog within a reasonable time frame. If the owner or emergency contact cannot collect the dog it will then be taken to the registered vet for isolation if necessary. The isolation area is disinfected once the dog has been collected. The dog is removed from the premises through the front door and is not walked back through the area where the other dogs are. All other dog owners must be informed on collection of their dog if it has been exposed to a possible pathogen that may cause disease or illness.
The isolated dog is given its own water and food bowls which are disinfected after use.
No dogs are to come into daycare or walking if they have any symptoms of kennel cough, sickness or diarrhoea or any illness that may be infectious. The dog must be cleared by a vet or have 48 hours clear of all symptoms before coming in again for any services.
All cases are recorded in the accident record book. The dog will not be allowed back on premises until it has been cleared by a vet.
All dogs are checked on drop off and collection for any signs of illness, injury or disease. Any dog that is clearly unwell is not allowed to stay until cleared by a vet.
Dogs are proactively monitored throughout the day using the 21-point check list, any abnormalities noted and further investigations done if appropriate. Owners are notified of any signs that their dog is unwell. ( O is initial observation; A is abnormalities)
1. Responsiveness
(O) Response to hearing name and come cue
(A) No response at all due to lethargy or illness
2. Gait
(O) Movement of dog as he comes towards you
(A) Limping, unusual pace for specific dog
3. Coat
(O) Smooth and dry coat
(A) Check wet areas and tufts for bug bites, injury sores or hot spots
4. Ears
(O) Repeated head shaking
(A) Check for redness inside ear, discharge or injury. Smell ear for strong odour
5. Eyes
(O) Eyes clear and bright. Does dog focus
(A) Darting or dilated eyes, excessive blinking, eyes closed
6. Mouth
(O) Normal breathing, pink tongue and gums
(A) Excessive panting for environment and activity level, bright red tongue or gums and pale/grey gums
7. Behaviour
(O) Is dog’s response to name or come cue consistent in terms of other responses
(A) Lethargy; ignoring cues; very slow response; behaviour out of character for the dog
8. Water Intake
(O) Is the dog’s water intake normal for the dog and conditions
(A) Drinking significantly more or significantly less than normal or for the current conditions.
9. Eliminations
(O) Are dog’s eliminations normal for that dog in frequency and form
(A) Frequent urination or straining; abnormal stools; vomiting
10. Nose
(O) Are there any scratches? is there constant licking? Blood/discharge?
(A) Clean the area and inform owner
11. Neck
(O) Is it straight, held well and moveable? Look for injuries, odd position, pain /tenderness
(A) Inform owner, isolate and keep the dog as still and calm as possible
12. Head
(O) Look for lumps/bumps; swelling, foreign bodies (ticks/fleas)
(A) Alert owner; isolate until collected
13. Skeleton, skin
(O) Look for discoloured skin; odd shaped bones
(A) Alert owner; check for pain
14. Limbs: shoulders/hips
(O) Are they hot to touch?
(A) Alert owner; reduce movement/isolate until collected
15. Paws/claws/pads/toes
(O) Burns/ tenderness, foreign bodies (glass etc)
(A) Apply first aid to remove foreign body; bandage foot
16. Tail
(O) Up or drooping? Lifeless or tucked under? Look for kinks, tenderness
(A) Inform the owner
17. Bloat
(O) Swollen abdomen, salivating, short of breath, pale gums, collapse
(A) Immediate vet assistance - very dangerous
18. Shock
(O) Cold limbs, weakness, shallow breathing
(A) Look at gums : bright red (early); pale or blue (mid); mottled (late) - immediate vet assistance
19. Anaphylactic shock
(O) Look for diarrhoea, vomiting, itchy,urinating, defecating
(A) Flea medication;snake/insect bite, mould, pollen, food - Immediate vet assistance (highly dangerous)
20. Poison
(O) as above
(A) immediate vet assistance (time is the essence)
21. Heat stroke
(O) Thirsty, glassy eyed, high temperature; sticky dry gums - dark red/purple, panting, drooling, vomiting, passing out
(A) Immediate vet assistance - cool down immediately but gradually (not too cold water)
Early warning signs of heat stroke, bloat and seizures are health emergencies and the dog is immediately placed under veterinary care.
Any abnormal signs are recorded in the Incident Log and owners informed.
Medication
Any dog that has permission by their vet to attend daycare while receiving on going treatment that includes medication being given by Shorty & Co is covered by the appropriate medication dispensing paperwork and this is kept on file. Any medication is supplied by the owner and kept in accordance with the instructions for that medication. All medication is kept in a specific medical box inside a medical cupboard and returned to the owner at the end of the day.
Escape
If an animal manages to escape while in the care of Shorty & Co and can’t be immediately captured, then all other animals would be made safe and back up would be called. Back up would consist of the local dog warden or council person responsible for these duties, the dog’s owner or their emergency contact, or the local lost dog group. Efforts would be made to keep the dog away from the main roads.
To reduce the risk of escape the airlock system (double gated entrance) is always used when dogs or visitors are entering or leaving the premises.
Revocation or suspension of licence
In the event of the licence being revoked or suspended owners or Emergency Contacts of the dogs are to be informed and requested to collect their dogs immediately. In the event that neither are available the dogs would be placed in a Kennel for the rest of the day.
Emergency care
If there is an emergency on site that requires the evacuation of the dogs then the Shorty & Co van and/or other vehicles can be used to hold the dogs until their owners can collect, or the dogs can be dropped off at home or the emergency contact or the all clear is given to go back in the premises. Dogs would never be left unattended in any vehicle; the vehicle can be removed from the driveway to a suitable distance if required by emergency services.
If there is an emergency that changes the environmental conditions of the premises, then back up equipment is to be used.
The following are always available on site:
All dogs have to attend a meet and greet session before being admitted to attend daycare. This takes place on the premises. Any dog that shows agonistic (aggressive) behaviour is redirected to a more suitable type of care.
Noise Pollution
All new dogs enter the premises through the side gate and enter the “airlock” system. They are then introduced to the other dogs on the premises through the picket gate separating them. This gives both the new dog and the resident dogs the chance to introduce themselves via smell whilst safely apart. The excitement levels are kept very low at all times and no dog enters the garden until they are calm and feeling comfortable. This is all taken at the dog’s own pace until such time as they are comfortable. If the dog shows abnormal signs of nervousness or stress or is displaying aggression the owner will be informed and if the dog needs to be removed from the premises they will be requested to collect at the earliest opportunity. The dog will be isolated until collection time.
Toileting
All dogs have access to our fully enclosed garden throughout the day, and are also taken to the park for local dog walks. Dog walks are taken twice a day for exercise and toileting. We vary our dog walks to provide a perfect mix of stimulation and exercise in a safe environment, as it is important to provide a variety of locations to avoid repetition and provide maximum stimulus.
Mental Stimulation
The garden is separated into 3 fenced and gated areas in order to allow older and younger dogs to play or rest as their needs dictate.
Our dog garden is also a Sensory Garden, providing a selection of stimulation equipment - tunnels, paddling pool, ball pool, raised beds, bubble machine, snuffle mats and sensory food toys. The dogs have a variety of surfaces to walk on including faux grass, gravel and decking. We have also installed wind chimes which have been proven to be sounds calming to the dogs. The dogs have access to a variety of plants both to eat and sniff which are chosen for their calming benefits, and we play music in the cabin to reduce any anxiety from unfamiliar outside noises.
Indoor Stimulation
Indoor enrichment consists of play with toys, Kong’s, stuffed Kong’s, mind games, grooming and human interaction. Food is given to pups only, Dogs will be monitored during enrichment and the use of food will only be done on a one to one basis with each dog.
Exercise
All dogs have daily, off-site walks according to their age, physical condition, veterinary guidelines and mental health. Dogs will have 2 walks per day including one session of 40 minutes and one of 20 minutes (age and health permitting). All walks are ON lead. Dogs that cannot be walked for any reason have access all day to the specifically designed Sensory Garden on-site.
Monitoring of Dogs
All dogs are monitored throughout each day of their stay.
Monitoring Behavioural Changes
The behaviour of individual dogs is monitored daily and changes in behaviour indicative of suffering, stress, fear, aggression and anxiety are recorded and acted upon. Records of assessment are kept in the Shorty & Co file.
Any dogs showing signs of being nervous or stressed are located in their own area suitable to their individual disposition: i.e. elderly dogs; nervous dogs; dogs on some medications.
Where a dog is showing signs of being nervous, stressed or fearful, the owner or emergency contact is notified immediately and picked up.
Undesirable behaviour
In our day care and walking we do not allow undesirable behaviour. This includes but not limited to:
Please note : we have one crate which is only used in case of an emergency separation situation.
(Revised : 1 May 2021)
Terms & Conditions,
policies and procedures
Please refer to our T&C's and policies, the following which are available below
Terms and conditions
Privacy Policy
Procedures and Preventative Healthcare Plan
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Booking
1.1 Your booking for daycare is confirmed after the Meet and Greet or your free ½ day visit.
1.2 Our current prices are displayed on our ‘Services’ page.
1.3 A free ‘familiarisation' 3 hour session is arranged prior to acceptance into daycare to provide an opportunity for your pooch to spend time with a group of our VIP’s and for us to assess his/her suitability to becoming a member of Shorty & Co, and be able to begin to socialise with a larger group. It’s an opportunity to observe how your pooch behaves and integrates with the dogs in a relatively unfamiliar setting, while helping your pooch to know that you bring him/her to Shorty & Co, leave and then return to collect later. This imprints in new arrivals that their owner is coming back for them, and can be an important contributor to their initial settling in. However, if we observe any significant negative behaviour, or other important factors relating to suitability then we will discuss these further with you before making our decision to accept your pooch for regular daycare.
1.4 We ask that adult dogs are neutered. Non neutered males can often display dominance/aggression towards others, and they may mark their territory which is then very difficult to clean and de-odourise, and significantly encourages others to follow suit.
As bitches can suffer from a variety of health problems in later life if not spayed, we advise that you discuss this further with your vet, to be able to choose the most suitable time for your bitch to be spayed.
1.5 We do limit the number of puppies (up to a year old) that we take for daycare. All dogs and pups must have had their Kennel Cough and other vaccinations before we can take them, and be fully up to date. Once we have reached our maximum daily number of dogs, we add prospective clients to our waiting list, and contact you when we have a space available.
2. Cancellations/Credits
2.1 If Shorty & Co cannot provide the service agreed (this would only be in extreme circumstances), we will endeavour to give at least 7 days’ notice and any monies paid will be refunded.
2.2 Cancelling a single day due to illness or a sudden change of plans: We ask that you contact us if you have to cancel a booking at least 24 hours prior to the date cancelled (this is before 6:00 p.m. the previous day). Failure to do this will result in being charged the full amount for the day.
2.3 Credits will be given for days cancelled within the accepted time and used during the same week if there are spaces. Otherwise they will be used at the earliest available date. Multiple credits due will be added to each week until they are used up.
2.4 Cancelling more than a day due to a holiday or extended period (school holidays, work commitments, pet illness etc) If you are planning a holiday, working away or having any time off which interrupts your weekly commitment, Shorty & Co ask that you give us as much notice as possible in order to avoid creating a credit situation. If it is due to something unplanned and unavoidable (your dog suddenly comes into season) then we will use lost days as credits. .
2.5 Changing your day You may find that you wish to change your day(s) which your dog attends daycare. We are happy to do this but please be mindful that we may not be able to accommodate a request if the day you wish to have is full to capacity. However, we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
2.6 Terminating your contract. if you wish to terminate your contract with Shorty & Co we ask for a minimum of one calendar month's notice.
3. Aggressive Animals
3.1 Shorty & Co does not accept aggressive animals, and if a dog shows overt aggression towards another dog/dogs, or towards a human during its stay at Shorty & Co then the owner will be contacted and the dog will have to be collected. Depending on the circumstances surrounding an incident, the dog may be permanently removed from the register.
3.2 The client agrees to be responsible for all costs (including but not limited to medical care, legal fees, etc) if the client’s dog(s) should bite another animal.
3.3 The Client agrees that on booking Shorty & Co services for their dog(s) that they have honestly represented that the dog(s) has/have not shown aggression or caused harm, or threatening behaviour to any individual and/or any pet(s), and the client agrees to contact Shorty & Co 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 animal(s).
3.4 We will not accept unruly dogs (i.e. excessive barking, humping, mouthing, destructive behaviour). If it becomes an issue, we will discuss it with the client and try to find a solution. If it is too extreme, then we will consider terminating the contract with immediate effect. This measure is in place to protect the other dogs in our care.
3.5 If the client’s dog(s) whilst in our care shows aggressive tendencies towards Shorty & Co's staff, or should its behaviour become unacceptable or a nuisance beyond reasonable acceptance, the client agrees that he/she be collected from daycare, and conditions stated in 3.4 may be applied if necessary.
4. Updates
4.1 Please inform us of any changes regarding your contact numbers, your pet’s care needs, your emergency contact details, boosters and new inoculations and any other relevant information.
5. Privacy Policy
5.1 All of our records will be stored in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal information will be kept private and confidential and solely in relation to the services Shorty & Co have been requested to provide. If requested, your data will be made available to the Local Licencing Authority for us to comply with our Licence Conditions.
5.2 Shorty & Co highly respects our clients’ entrusting us with the care of their pets.
5.3 Shorty & Co reserves the right to post videos or photos of the dogs in its care in support of its business activities via social media business pages or its website unless specifically requested not to do so by the client.
6. Our Insurance Cover
6.1 All reasonable care is taken to ensure the highest standards of care are provided.
6.2 Shorty & Co has valid public liability insurance, for the peace of mind of its clients.
6.3 Shorty & Co is insured to provide dog walking, dog day care and to transport dogs in a vehicle. A copy of the policy is on display at the premises and we are happy for you to read the policy provisions whilst attending the familiarisation session.
6.4 We recommend that you purchase your own separate pet insurance to assist with any emergency veterinary treatment, should the unexpected happen – please refer to 13.1
7. Medication/Vaccinations/Immunisations
7.1 Shorty & Co will follow instructions to administer medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result. Any medications required to be given will be documented on a separate sheet to the booking.
7.2 Under no circumstances will Shorty & Co daycare any pet that has any form of active contagious illness.
7.3 We require a copy of a valid vaccination certificate prior to daycare/boarding. There are no exceptions to this requirement. If a copy has not been emailed to us, please bring your card to the ‘meet and greet’. Please ensure that the Kennel Cough vaccine is included.
7.4 If a member of Shorty & Co (or any member of the household, including the family dog) 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.
7.5 Should a flea infestation be observed on a daycare dog, we will inform you on discovery of the infestation and isolate your dog. On return at the end of the day, your dog will have to be treated ( we would advise using your own vet) and be free of infestation before returning to Shorty & Co. We would recommend bathing your dog using flea shampoo, and using a flea comb after bathing to capture the eggs into a kitchen towel/ disposable bag.
8. Collars/Leads
8.1 Please provide secure collars/harnesses and leads for all visits. We would recommend a harness for any long bodied dog for increased back support, and reducing pressure on the neck, and also as a much safer way of walking your dog on a lead (less likely to come off if well fitted). There are cheap versions of harnesses which use velcro to fasten, but these often open and slip off. We recommend 'Perfect Fit' harnesses which can be purchased and fitted at 'Archies' on Montpellier in Cheltenham (by appointment).
8.2 It is the owner's responsibility (and UK law) to provide a collar tag on their dog, detailing contact details.
9. Exercise, wellbeing and enrichment
9.1 By agreeing our Terms and Conditions, you consent to your dog being exercised off site, on lead and with other compatible dogs that are well known to us.
9.2 All walks are on a lead. We do not walk dogs off lead at any time.
9.3 Enrichment activities take place for all dogs in our care and by agreeing our terms and conditions you consent to us undertaking these activities, unless we are specifically requested not to, due to medical reasons etc. Enrichment takes the form of play time using a variety of stimulating equipment. Enrichment is under full supervision.
9.4 Should your dog become sick/injured or subject to any infectious disease we will inform you. In case of an emergency situation, we will contact you immediately, and if we cannot reach you, we will contact your emergency contact. If that fails, we will call our own vet.
10. Isolation procedure
10.1 Any dogs which require emergency isolation due to contagious (or suspected contagious) disease will primarily be isolated from the other dogs in our designated room and be collected by their owner or emergency contact as soon as possible.
11. Emergency Contact
11.1 Emergency contact details must be provided on your Client Information form should a situation with your dog arise and you are unavailable.
11.2 The emergency contact needs to be an independent person and authorised to make a decision on your behalf if you are uncontactable.
11.3 Emergency contacts may be used in situations as noted in 3.5 above and must be able to collect your dog if the need arises. Any costs associated with alternative arrangements should the emergency contact be unable to collect will be at your expense.
12. Payment
12.1 Shorty & Co accepts Bank Transfer. We send a monthly invoice at the end of every month (for the following month)to be paid in advance by return..
12.2 Where payment is not received in accordance with these terms and conditions of business, Shorty &Co reserves the right not to proceed with any previously agreed arrangements.
13. Pet Insurance
13.1 If you have pet insurance (which we strongly advise) it would be a great help for us to have details and a copy of the policy in case of an emergency regarding your dog.
14. Liability
14.1 Shorty & Co 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 Shorty & Co’s reasonable control.
15. Health and safety precautions and daily procedures
15.1 We ask that you TEXT us your dog’s name on arrival using the mobile number 07811 945815. This is to avoid the dogs reacting to the sound of the doorbell/doorbell message. On receiving your text your dog will be brought to you outside the side entrance gate.
15.2 Entry to the premise will be through the side gate only. This is always locked from the inside, so please wait on your side of the gate until a staff member opens it.
15.3 We would ask that you do not bring children with you to deliver/collect your dog(s), or to attend a Meet and Greet. Children are not allowed on our premises due to insurance cover, to ensure that all the dogs in our care are always handled by adults, to avoid any dog becoming overexcited, confused and distracted and to ensure that all dogs remain secure.
15.4 As the owner, you will have an opportunity to see the daycare centre on a Meet and Greet session when there are no other dogs present. We must insist on a strict adherence to all our procedures and rules as we are bound by our insurance, and ultimately Shorty & Co are responsible for every dog while in our care. We need to be able to provide the best quality welfare and protection for each individual dog in our care. We have a series of gates in order to provide your dog(s) with maximum security and safety at all times. We keep the gates closed unless we are providing specific activities which require a larger space.
15.5 Please be patient while waiting for your dog to be brought to you, particularly at busy times.
16.Covid rules and restrictions when government guidelines insist on public compliance
In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our dog owners, we ask that you comply with the following Covid precautions :-
16.1 Masks will be worn by staff and we therefore ask that all owners do the same during pick up/ collection times, and during a Meet and Greet session. No visitor will be allowed onto the premise without wearing a mask. Please help us to ensure the safety and protection of you and other owners who may be waiting for their dog(s).
16.2 We also ask that the 2m social distancing rule is observed.
16.3 We ask that where possible only one person per dog(s) is present in order to reduce the number of people on the premise and therefore reduce the risk of potential covid transmission.
These terms and conditions must be acceptable to you the owner prior to your dog starting with us, and when you sign the form given to you at the meet and greet session you are agreeing to these terms and conditions, and your dog will be able to attend daycare.
Privacy Policy
Shorty & Co (the “Company”) is committed to protecting the privacy of its users. This Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) is designed to help you understand what information we gather, how we use it, what we do to protect it, and to assist you in making informed decisions when using our Service. Unless otherwise indicated below, this Privacy Policy applies to any website that references this Privacy Policy, any Company website, as well as any data the Company may collect across partnered and unaffiliated sites.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Service” refers to the Company’s service which can be accessed via our website at www.shortyandco.co.uk or through our mobile application. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the Company. “You” refers to you, as a user of Service.
1. CONSENT
By accessing our Service, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and you consent to our collection, storage, use and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. In addition, by using our Service, or services across partnered and unaffiliated sites, you are accepting the policies and practices described in this Privacy Policy. Each time you visit our website, or use the Service, and any time you voluntarily provide us with information, you agree that you are consenting to our collection, use and disclosure of the information that you provide, and you are consenting to receive emails or otherwise be contacted, as described in this Privacy Policy. Whether or not you register or create any kind of account with us, this Privacy Policy applies to all users of the website and the Service.
2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We may collect both “Non-Personal Information” and “Personal Information” about you. “Non-Personal Information” includes information that cannot be used to personally identify you, such as anonymous usage data, general demographic information we may collect, referring/exit pages and URLs, platform types, preferences you submit and preferences that are generated based on the data you submit and number of clicks. “Personal Information” includes information that can be used to personally identify you, such as your name, address and email address.
In addition, we may also track information provided to us by your browser or by our mobile application when you view or use the Service, such as the website you came from (known as the “referring URL”), the type of browser you use, the device from which you connected to the Service, the time and date of access, and other information that does not personally identify you. We use this information for, among other things, the operation of the Service, to maintain the quality of the Service, to provide general statistics regarding use of the Service and for other business purposes. We track this information using cookies, or small text files which include an anonymous unique identifier. Cookies are sent to a user’s browser from our servers and are stored on the user’s computer hard drive. Sending a cookie to a user’s browser enables us to collect Non-Personal Information about that user and keep a record of the user’s preferences when utilizing our services, both on an individual and aggregate basis. The Company may use both persistent and session cookies; persistent cookies remain on your computer after you close your session and until you delete them, while session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies can be removed by following your Internet browser help file directions. If you choose to disable cookies, some areas of the Service may not work properly.
3. HOW WE USE AND SHARE INFORMATION
3.1 Personal Information:
In general, we do not sell, trade, rent or otherwise share your Personal Information with third parties without your consent. We may share your Personal Information with vendors and other third-party providers who are performing services for the Company. In general, the vendors and third-party providers used by us will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to allow them to perform the services they provide for the Company. For example, when you provide us with personal information to complete a transaction, verify your credit card, place an order, arrange for a delivery, or return a purchase, you consent to our collecting and using such personal information for that specific purpose, including by transmitting such information to our vendors (and their service providers) performing these services for the Company.
However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment processors, have their own privacy policies in respect of the information that we are required to provide to them in order to use their services. For these third-party service providers, we recommend that you read their privacy policies so that you can understand the manner in which your Personal Information will be handled by such providers.
In addition, we may disclose your Personal Information if required to do so by law or if you violate our Terms of Use.
3.2 Non-Personal Information:
In general, we use Non-Personal Information to help us improve the Service and customize the user experience. We also aggregate Non-Personal Information in order to track trends and analyze use patterns of the Service. This Privacy Policy does not limit in any way our use or disclosure of Non-Personal Information and we reserve the right to use and disclose such Non-Personal Information to our partners, advertisers and other third parties at our sole discretion.
4. HOW WE PROTECT INFORMATION
We implement reasonable precautions and follow industry best practices in order to protect your Personal Information and ensure that such Personal Information is not accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed. However, these measures do not guarantee that your information will not be accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed by breach of such precautions. By using our Service, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to assume these risks.
5. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING THE USE OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
You have the right at any time to prevent us from contacting you for marketing purposes. When we send a promotional communication to a user via Weebly, the user can opt out of further promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in each promotional e-mail. Please note that notwithstanding the promotional preferences you indicate by either unsubscribing or opting out in the Settings section of the Site, we may continue to send you administrative emails including, for example, periodic updates to our Privacy Policy.
6. WEEBLY
Our Service is hosted by Weebly, Inc. (“Weebly”). Weebly provides us with the online e-commerce platform that allows us to provide the Service to you. Your information, including Personal Information, may be stored through Weebly’s servers. By using the Service, you consent to Weebly’s collection, disclosure, storage, and use of your Personal Information in accordance with Weebly’s privacy policy available at https://www.weebly.com/privacy.
7. LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES
As part of the Service, we may provide links to or compatibility with other websites or applications. However, we are not responsible for the privacy practices employed by those websites or the information or content they contain. This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected by us through the Service. Therefore, this Privacy Policy does not apply to your use of a third-party website accessed by selecting a link via our Service. To the extent that you access or use the Service through or on another website or application, then the privacy policy of that other website or application will apply to your access or use of that site or application. We encourage our users to read the privacy statements of other websites before proceeding to use them.
8. AGE OF CONSENT
By using the Service, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age.
9. CHANGES TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY
The Company reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use at any time. If we decide to change this Privacy Policy, we will post these changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it. Any such modifications become effective upon your continued access to and/or use of the Service five (5) days after we first post the changes on the website or otherwise provide you with notice of such modifications. It is your sole responsibility to check this website from time to time to view any such changes to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to any changes, if and when such changes may be made to this Privacy Policy, you must cease access to this website. If you have provided your email address to us, you give us permission to email you for the purpose of notification as described in this Privacy Policy.
10. MERGER OR ACQUISITION
In the event we (or Weebly) undergo a business transaction such as a merger, acquisition by another company, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your Personal Information may be among the assets transferred. You acknowledge and consent that such transfers may occur and are permitted by this Privacy Policy, and that any acquirer of our (or Weebly’s) assets may continue to process your Personal Information as set forth in this Privacy Policy. If our information practices change at any time in the future, we will post the policy changes here so that you may opt out of the new information practices. We suggest that you check this Privacy Policy periodically if you are concerned about how your information is used.
11. EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS & OPTING OUT
We will send you Service-related announcements on occasions when it is necessary to do so. For instance, if our Service is temporarily suspended for maintenance, or a new enhancement is released, which will affect the way you use our Service, we might send you an email. Generally, you may not opt-out of these communications, which are not promotional in nature. Based upon the Personal Information that you provide us, we may communicate with you in response to your inquiries to provide the services you request and to manage your account. We will communicate with you by email or telephone, in accordance with your wishes. We may also use your Personal Information to send you updates and other promotional communications. If you no longer wish to receive those email updates, you may opt-out of receiving them by following the instructions included in each update or communication.
12. CONTACT US & WITHDRAWING CONSENT
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or the practices of this Site, or wish to withdraw your consent for the continued collection, use or disclosure of your Personal Information, please contact us by sending an email to hello@shortyandco.co.uk.
(Revised Feb 2021)
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PROCEDURES AND PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE PLAN
Feeding
All dogs (even those from the same family) are separated 15 minutes before preparation of their food, whilst eating and for 15 minutes after eating to avoid any conflict due to excitement caused by the food.
Each dog eats separately (even those from the same family).
Only food provided by the owner is used.
All dogs are fed according to the owners’ instructions and the owner provides the dog’s own food.
If you pooch is inappetent (not eating) we will closely monitor them for 24 hours from the commencement of symptoms. A vet visit may be necessary if symptoms continue.
All bowls are removed after feeding and cleaned. All food and water bowls are cleaned with boiling water and pet-safe detergent. Once a week they are disinfected. Any damaged bowls are disposed of.
No food is ever left down. Any uneaten food will be stored until the next mealtime where applicable or disposed of.
Dry food is kept in the dry food store in the house and wet food kept in the refrigerator.
Cleaning
All floors are hoovered and cleaned in the morning. Spot cleaning is carried out throughout the day. All mess is cleaned as soon as possible. All soft furnishings are hoovered daily.
Any wet patches are dried with paper before being. All waste is bagged and placed into separate waste bin which is bagged at the end of the day.
All toys are collected and sprayed with disinfectant at the end of the day. Any damaged toys are disposed of.
Walls, doors and jambs are washed as needed.
Fire
- The daycare cabin has a smoke alarm
- The cabin has a 6 litre Water Mist Fire Extinguisher (class A, B, C, F and electrical fires) placed in the back right hand corner of the cabin.
- The property has a side entrance at the front (double gated) - there is an inner picket fence behind it. It has a padlock, and a key.
- In case of fire, all dogs will be removed to the safety of the Green at the front of the property.
- In the event that the cabin becomes uninhabitable the owners or emergency contact will be informed to collect their dogs ASAP.
In the case of extreme weather we will ensure that all dogs are comfortable and safe. If this cannot be maintained then owners will be contacted to collect dogs, or arrangement made for the dogs to be dropped home.
Transportation
Shorty & Co transport dogs to some of their walks, and for a veterinary visit. All dogs are transported in the rear of one of our vehicles and strapped in using dog booster seats and dog safety harnesses. The vehicles are cleaned weekly.
First Aid
We have an extensively stocked Canine First Aid kit on site and a smaller first aid kit which is always carried on all walks off-site.
Prevention and Control of the spread of Disease
It is advised that all dogs are vaccinated in accordance with their vets’ recommendations and they have a health check at least once a year. They should also be treated for parasites in accordance with recommendations. Proof of the disease prevention is provided to Shorty & Co and recorded on the dog’s records.
Any harbouring of parasites that is noticed while the dog is in our care is noted and all owners are informed. The dog is isolated as soon as it is noted, and the owner must collect and treat as soon as possible. If any other dog is exposed to the parasites their owner must be informed and recommended to check and treat as necessary. The premises may be flea bombed overnight in the case of fleas.
Any dog showing signs of disease or illness while in the care of Shorty & Co will be isolated from all other dogs. The owners will be informed and will be required to collect the dog within a reasonable time frame. If the owner or emergency contact cannot collect the dog it will then be taken to the registered vet for isolation if necessary. The isolation area is disinfected once the dog has been collected. The dog is removed from the premises through the front door and is not walked back through the area where the other dogs are. All other dog owners must be informed on collection of their dog if it has been exposed to a possible pathogen that may cause disease or illness.
The isolated dog is given its own water and food bowls which are disinfected after use.
No dogs are to come into daycare or walking if they have any symptoms of kennel cough, sickness or diarrhoea or any illness that may be infectious. The dog must be cleared by a vet or have 48 hours clear of all symptoms before coming in again for any services.
All cases are recorded in the accident record book. The dog will not be allowed back on premises until it has been cleared by a vet.
All dogs are checked on drop off and collection for any signs of illness, injury or disease. Any dog that is clearly unwell is not allowed to stay until cleared by a vet.
Dogs are proactively monitored throughout the day using the 21-point check list, any abnormalities noted and further investigations done if appropriate. Owners are notified of any signs that their dog is unwell. ( O is initial observation; A is abnormalities)
1. Responsiveness
(O) Response to hearing name and come cue
(A) No response at all due to lethargy or illness
2. Gait
(O) Movement of dog as he comes towards you
(A) Limping, unusual pace for specific dog
3. Coat
(O) Smooth and dry coat
(A) Check wet areas and tufts for bug bites, injury sores or hot spots
4. Ears
(O) Repeated head shaking
(A) Check for redness inside ear, discharge or injury. Smell ear for strong odour
5. Eyes
(O) Eyes clear and bright. Does dog focus
(A) Darting or dilated eyes, excessive blinking, eyes closed
6. Mouth
(O) Normal breathing, pink tongue and gums
(A) Excessive panting for environment and activity level, bright red tongue or gums and pale/grey gums
7. Behaviour
(O) Is dog’s response to name or come cue consistent in terms of other responses
(A) Lethargy; ignoring cues; very slow response; behaviour out of character for the dog
8. Water Intake
(O) Is the dog’s water intake normal for the dog and conditions
(A) Drinking significantly more or significantly less than normal or for the current conditions.
9. Eliminations
(O) Are dog’s eliminations normal for that dog in frequency and form
(A) Frequent urination or straining; abnormal stools; vomiting
10. Nose
(O) Are there any scratches? is there constant licking? Blood/discharge?
(A) Clean the area and inform owner
11. Neck
(O) Is it straight, held well and moveable? Look for injuries, odd position, pain /tenderness
(A) Inform owner, isolate and keep the dog as still and calm as possible
12. Head
(O) Look for lumps/bumps; swelling, foreign bodies (ticks/fleas)
(A) Alert owner; isolate until collected
13. Skeleton, skin
(O) Look for discoloured skin; odd shaped bones
(A) Alert owner; check for pain
14. Limbs: shoulders/hips
(O) Are they hot to touch?
(A) Alert owner; reduce movement/isolate until collected
15. Paws/claws/pads/toes
(O) Burns/ tenderness, foreign bodies (glass etc)
(A) Apply first aid to remove foreign body; bandage foot
16. Tail
(O) Up or drooping? Lifeless or tucked under? Look for kinks, tenderness
(A) Inform the owner
17. Bloat
(O) Swollen abdomen, salivating, short of breath, pale gums, collapse
(A) Immediate vet assistance - very dangerous
18. Shock
(O) Cold limbs, weakness, shallow breathing
(A) Look at gums : bright red (early); pale or blue (mid); mottled (late) - immediate vet assistance
19. Anaphylactic shock
(O) Look for diarrhoea, vomiting, itchy,urinating, defecating
(A) Flea medication;snake/insect bite, mould, pollen, food - Immediate vet assistance (highly dangerous)
20. Poison
(O) as above
(A) immediate vet assistance (time is the essence)
21. Heat stroke
(O) Thirsty, glassy eyed, high temperature; sticky dry gums - dark red/purple, panting, drooling, vomiting, passing out
(A) Immediate vet assistance - cool down immediately but gradually (not too cold water)
Early warning signs of heat stroke, bloat and seizures are health emergencies and the dog is immediately placed under veterinary care.
Any abnormal signs are recorded in the Incident Log and owners informed.
Medication
Any dog that has permission by their vet to attend daycare while receiving on going treatment that includes medication being given by Shorty & Co is covered by the appropriate medication dispensing paperwork and this is kept on file. Any medication is supplied by the owner and kept in accordance with the instructions for that medication. All medication is kept in a specific medical box inside a medical cupboard and returned to the owner at the end of the day.
Escape
If an animal manages to escape while in the care of Shorty & Co and can’t be immediately captured, then all other animals would be made safe and back up would be called. Back up would consist of the local dog warden or council person responsible for these duties, the dog’s owner or their emergency contact, or the local lost dog group. Efforts would be made to keep the dog away from the main roads.
To reduce the risk of escape the airlock system (double gated entrance) is always used when dogs or visitors are entering or leaving the premises.
Revocation or suspension of licence
In the event of the licence being revoked or suspended owners or Emergency Contacts of the dogs are to be informed and requested to collect their dogs immediately. In the event that neither are available the dogs would be placed in a Kennel for the rest of the day.
Emergency care
If there is an emergency on site that requires the evacuation of the dogs then the Shorty & Co van and/or other vehicles can be used to hold the dogs until their owners can collect, or the dogs can be dropped off at home or the emergency contact or the all clear is given to go back in the premises. Dogs would never be left unattended in any vehicle; the vehicle can be removed from the driveway to a suitable distance if required by emergency services.
If there is an emergency that changes the environmental conditions of the premises, then back up equipment is to be used.
The following are always available on site:
- Portable Fan Heater to be used in the event of the electric wall heater failing.
- Cool coats and mats are provided and/or dog jumpers/coats used to maintain comfort for individuals who may require additional support.
- There are 2 firefighting appliances on site, these are inspected annually and replaced when required.
All dogs have to attend a meet and greet session before being admitted to attend daycare. This takes place on the premises. Any dog that shows agonistic (aggressive) behaviour is redirected to a more suitable type of care.
- Questions on the telephone first – how does the dog get on with other dogs / do they resource guard from other dogs / have they ever been inside a house or other confined area with other dogs before / have they ever been separated from owner with other dogs before / age, sex, breed, have they been spayed or neutered.
- Bring your pooch to the side entrance and we will open the gate into the airlock system. You will enter the rear garden with your dog on a lead and we would then take your lead and walk your dog around the garden, and take the lead off. Once settled, we would sit and discuss how we work, and answer any questions that you may have. It’s an opportunity to ensure that your dog will be happy staying at Shorty & Co, and that we are happy to proceed to the next stage.
Noise Pollution
- All clients that bring and pick up dogs from the premises text us with their dog's name to announce their arrival. We bring your dog to the airlock area. Alternatively, ring the 'RING' doorbell which connects to our phones.
- All dogs coming to stay recall to a silent whistle (for treats) so that if the dogs start to bark outside we can call them all in immediately.
- If dogs do bark excessively, then they are brought inside the cabin to regain calm.
All new dogs enter the premises through the side gate and enter the “airlock” system. They are then introduced to the other dogs on the premises through the picket gate separating them. This gives both the new dog and the resident dogs the chance to introduce themselves via smell whilst safely apart. The excitement levels are kept very low at all times and no dog enters the garden until they are calm and feeling comfortable. This is all taken at the dog’s own pace until such time as they are comfortable. If the dog shows abnormal signs of nervousness or stress or is displaying aggression the owner will be informed and if the dog needs to be removed from the premises they will be requested to collect at the earliest opportunity. The dog will be isolated until collection time.
Toileting
All dogs have access to our fully enclosed garden throughout the day, and are also taken to the park for local dog walks. Dog walks are taken twice a day for exercise and toileting. We vary our dog walks to provide a perfect mix of stimulation and exercise in a safe environment, as it is important to provide a variety of locations to avoid repetition and provide maximum stimulus.
Mental Stimulation
The garden is separated into 3 fenced and gated areas in order to allow older and younger dogs to play or rest as their needs dictate.
Our dog garden is also a Sensory Garden, providing a selection of stimulation equipment - tunnels, paddling pool, ball pool, raised beds, bubble machine, snuffle mats and sensory food toys. The dogs have a variety of surfaces to walk on including faux grass, gravel and decking. We have also installed wind chimes which have been proven to be sounds calming to the dogs. The dogs have access to a variety of plants both to eat and sniff which are chosen for their calming benefits, and we play music in the cabin to reduce any anxiety from unfamiliar outside noises.
Indoor Stimulation
Indoor enrichment consists of play with toys, Kong’s, stuffed Kong’s, mind games, grooming and human interaction. Food is given to pups only, Dogs will be monitored during enrichment and the use of food will only be done on a one to one basis with each dog.
Exercise
All dogs have daily, off-site walks according to their age, physical condition, veterinary guidelines and mental health. Dogs will have 2 walks per day including one session of 40 minutes and one of 20 minutes (age and health permitting). All walks are ON lead. Dogs that cannot be walked for any reason have access all day to the specifically designed Sensory Garden on-site.
Monitoring of Dogs
All dogs are monitored throughout each day of their stay.
Monitoring Behavioural Changes
The behaviour of individual dogs is monitored daily and changes in behaviour indicative of suffering, stress, fear, aggression and anxiety are recorded and acted upon. Records of assessment are kept in the Shorty & Co file.
Any dogs showing signs of being nervous or stressed are located in their own area suitable to their individual disposition: i.e. elderly dogs; nervous dogs; dogs on some medications.
Where a dog is showing signs of being nervous, stressed or fearful, the owner or emergency contact is notified immediately and picked up.
Undesirable behaviour
In our day care and walking we do not allow undesirable behaviour. This includes but not limited to:
- Insistent mounting or humping of any kind
- Insistent over the top/rough play
- Rude dogs or dogs with no manners with other dogs
- Aggression of any kind
- Excessive barking
Please note : we have one crate which is only used in case of an emergency separation situation.
(Revised : 1 May 2021)