Harbour Hounds Home Pet Care Policies

Harbour Hounds Home Pet Care Policy

At Harbour Hounds, we understand that many dogs are happiest in the comfort of their own home. Our Home Pet Care service provides professional, reliable and compassionate care while maintaining your dog's normal routine in familiar surroundings.

To ensure the best possible experience for both you and your dog, we kindly ask all clients to read and agree to the following policy.

Meet & Greet

Before your first booking, we will arrange a complimentary Meet & Greet at your home.

This visit allows us to:

  • Meet you and your dog(s).

  • Learn your dog's daily routine.

  • Discuss feeding, walking and medication requirements.

  • Review home access arrangements.

  • Collect emergency contact details.

  • Answer any questions you may have.

This helps ensure your dog receives consistent, personalised care while you are away.

Booking Confirmation

Home Pet Care bookings are confirmed once availability has been agreed and the required deposit or payment has been received.

Bookings are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until confirmed by Harbour Hounds.

Home Access

To provide our service, we may require access to your property.

Owners are responsible for providing:

  • Working keys, key safe details or access codes.

  • Alarm instructions where applicable.

  • Accurate access information before the booking begins.

All keys, alarm codes and access information are treated as strictly confidential.

Keys are securely stored and will never be labelled with your name or address.

Care Provided

Every booking is tailored to your dog's individual needs and may include:

  • Feeding and fresh water.

  • Walks as agreed.

  • Playtime and companionship.

  • Medication administration (where required).

  • Toilet breaks.

  • Basic grooming (where agreed).

  • Cleaning food bowls.

  • Cleaning up accidents where necessary.

  • Regular updates, photographs and messages (with your permission).

Feeding & Medication

Owners must provide:

  • Sufficient food for the entire booking.

  • Clearly labelled feeding instructions.

  • Any treats required.

  • Medication in its original labelled packaging.

  • Medication must display the dispensing label from your veterinary practice.

We are happy to administer medication at no additional charge provided clear instructions have been supplied.

Veterinary Care & Emergencies

If your dog becomes ill or injured while in our care, we will contact you immediately.

If emergency veterinary treatment is required and you cannot be reached, you authorise Harbour Hounds to seek veterinary treatment on your behalf.

All veterinary costs remain the responsibility of the owner.

Home Security

While caring for your dog, Harbour Hounds will take reasonable care of your property by:

  • Locking doors and windows when leaving.

  • Following your home security instructions.

  • Using alarms where instructed.

  • Reporting any security concerns immediately.

Owners should ensure their property is safe and secure before departure.

Household Information

Please inform us of:

  • Any security cameras.

  • Areas of the home that are private or restricted.

  • Any maintenance issues.

  • Visitors expected during the booking.

  • Any other pets requiring care.

  • Bin collection days (if applicable).

Only services agreed before the booking will be carried out.

Behaviour & Welfare

Owners must disclose any information that may affect your dog's care, including:

  • Aggression.

  • Anxiety.

  • Separation anxiety.

  • Reactivity.

  • Resource guarding.

  • Escape tendencies.

  • Medical conditions.

  • Allergies.

  • Medication.

  • Existing injuries.

Harbour Hounds reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services where a dog's behaviour presents a significant risk to themselves, our staff or others.

Property & Belongings

Harbour Hounds will treat your home and belongings with the utmost respect.

We ask owners to:

  • Leave the home in a safe condition.

  • Ensure cleaning products and hazardous items are stored safely.

  • Provide any supplies required for your dog's care.

Harbour Hounds cannot accept responsibility for normal wear and tear, pre-existing damage or mechanical failures within the property.

Updates During Your Booking

We know how important it is to know your dog is happy.

Where requested, we will provide regular updates, photographs and messages throughout your booking.

Cancellations

Home Pet Care bookings are subject to the Harbour Hounds Booking & Cancellation Policy.

Please provide as much notice as possible if your plans change.

Right to Refuse Service

Harbour Hounds reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services where:

  • A dog's welfare may be compromised.

  • A dog's behaviour presents a safety risk.

  • Required information has not been disclosed.

  • The property is considered unsafe.

  • Payment terms have not been met.

Owner Responsibilities

Owners agree to:

  • Provide accurate information regarding their dog's health, behaviour and care requirements.

  • Supply sufficient food and medication.

  • Maintain current vaccinations, flea treatment and worming.

  • Provide emergency contact details.

  • Ensure veterinary contact details are up to date.

  • Provide safe access to the property.

Our Commitment

Harbour Hounds is committed to treating your home with the same respect and care that we would our own.

We understand the trust you place in us when leaving both your dog and your home in our care, and we are dedicated to providing a professional, dependable and compassionate service every time.

Owner Agreement

By booking Home Pet Care with Harbour Hounds, you confirm that:

  • The information you have provided is accurate and complete.

  • You authorise Harbour Hounds to access your property for the agreed services.

  • You authorise emergency veterinary treatment if required.

  • You accept responsibility for any veterinary costs incurred.

  • You have read, understood and agree to this Home Pet Care Policy together with our Booking & Cancellation Policy and Privacy Policy.

Thank you for choosing Harbour Hounds. We look forward to caring for your dog in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.