Organisations or individuals affiliated with, or using the name The Dog Centre, are entirely responsible for their own policies on payment. When working with the direct The Dog Centre team, invoices must be paid within five (5) days of receipt when working with a non-deposit model.

Due to the extensive preparation, case analysis, inter-professional collaboration and report writing involved, refunds cannot be provided once a consultation has been confirmed — or a percentage of the fee may be required, case dependent. Please refer to your individual professional for more information on cancellation fees.

Repeated cancellations or no-shows may require deposits for future appointments. Travel fees may apply depending on location.

The Dog Centre operates under welfare-centred professional standards. All professionals associated with The Dog Centre are expected to meet appropriate qualification, ethical and welfare standards.

The Dog Centre may work collaboratively with consultants, trainers, physiotherapists, hydrotherapists, nutritionists, veterinary professionals and other allied professionals.

Where an individual operates as an independent professional or affiliated partner, that professional maintains responsibility for their own financial, legal and administrative operations.

If a dispute arises, clients should contact The Dog Centre directly so the matter can be reviewed and, where appropriate, support can be provided in facilitating resolution.

Behaviour change and physical rehabilitation require client participation. You agree to:

• Follow guidance, management strategies and training plans as provided.
• Implement safety measures outlined by your consultant.
• Provide accurate updates and communicate changes that may affect progress.
• Seek veterinary intervention when recommended.

Failure to follow professional guidance may prevent progress. In cases where client actions compromise welfare, safety or ethical standards, The Dog Centre reserves the right to pause or discontinue services.

We cannot provide behaviour or training services if a dog is showing signs of untreated pain, illness, mobility issues or suspected medical concerns. Veterinary assessment may be required before work can continue.

If a guardian refuses medical investigation or attempts to pursue training instead of addressing health concerns, services may be denied. It is unethical and unsafe to train a dog who is struggling physically or neurologically.

Where a dog’s welfare, pain levels or behavioural health require additional investigation, The Dog Centre may pause services until appropriate veterinary or specialist care is sought.

It is the legal responsibility of every guardian to manage their dog safely in their home and in public.

The Dog Centre may refuse services where appropriate safety protocols have not been implemented, including:

• Muzzle training where required.
• Flooding the dog due to exposure to stressors against our advice.
• Secure management within the home.
• Public safety measures for reactive, fearful or aggressive dogs.
• Legal compliance for Restricted Breeds.
• Inability to create an environment that meets the animal’s intrinsic needs for safety and welfare against our advice.
• Placing dogs in situations whereby they are overwhelmed against our advice.
• Environments that present risk to staff, the public or the dog.

If risks cannot be managed or if advice is not followed, The Dog Centre may terminate services to uphold professional ethics and public safety.

The Dog Centre uses humane, science-based, welfare-centred methods. We will not train a dog wearing equipment designed to cause discomfort, fear or pain, including but not limited to:

• Prong collars.
• Shock / e-collars.
• Choke chains.
• Slip leads used as training tools.
• Spray collars or punishment devices.
• Anti-bark devices.

If a guardian insists on using aversive tools, services will be refused in accordance with welfare-centred professional standards.

All communication must remain respectful, professional and within the working hours defined by your assigned consultant or trainer.

WhatsApp or text messages are only permitted when explicitly agreed, for example when sharing short videos. Email remains the primary channel for case communication unless otherwise expressed by your professional.

Harassment, defamatory behaviour, inflammatory discussions about other clients or professionals, or abusive conduct may result in immediate termination of services.

The Dog Centre is committed to providing services free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or any protected characteristic.

We reserve the right to discontinue services where:

• Clients engage in racist, sexist, ableist, homophobic or derogatory conduct.
• Clients speak about others in inflammatory, defamatory or abusive terms.
• Safety or welfare standards are compromised.

The Dog Centre and its professionals should maintain appropriate professional insurance. Clients are responsible for the management, handling and legal compliance of their dog at all times.

The Dog Centre accepts no liability for incidents resulting from failure to implement advice, failure to follow Irish law, or events occurring outside consultation settings.

By booking with The Dog Centre, you confirm that you:

• Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions.
• Accept responsibility for your dog’s behaviour and management.
• Understand that behaviour outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
• Will follow guidance to the best of your ability.
• Acknowledge the need for ongoing investigation where required.