
I provide clear details about my services to ensure you know what to expect. While this may be a lot to read, it’s important for full transparency (so please forgive the wall of text!)
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By using my services, you accept these terms in full. All services are provided by Karen Bachell, Scone, Perthshire, PH2 (“the company”, “we”, “myself” or “I”). References to “you”, “the client”, “the owner” or “the customer” mean the person named on the contact form and anyone involved in the sessions (e.g. friends, family, dog walkers). If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Terms & Conditions
Booking process & payment
You will be asked to provide information about your dog and the challenges you are facing with their behaviour. If I believe I can help, you will be offered a behavioural session package.
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To book please submit your details via the booking form. I will respond within 48 hours (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Monday when I am out of the office) to arrange your sessions. Once mutually convenient times have been agree, payment details will be emailed to you.
Full payment is required within two days of receiving the payment detail email to secure your sessions. Payment can be made via bank transfer, Paypal or credit/debit card. A confirmation email will be sent once payment is received. If payment is not received within 48 hours the appointment slots will be released and offered to other clients.
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All sessions must take place within 12 weeks of your initial session. Any sessions not used within this timeframe cannot be scheduled or refunded.
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Refunds, cancellations & complaints
Refunds -
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You may request a full refund within 14 days of payment provided no services have been delivered. If some sessions have already taken place, a pro-rata refund will be offered based on the sessions completed and the time spent planning/preparing/writing reports.
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Refunds cannot be provided after 14 days including in cases where your dog has been rehomed, passed away, is ill, you miss a session without giving the required notice, you have fallen ill or if you change your mind.
Cancellations -
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Sessions cancelled with five days or less notice will be forfeited and cannot be rescheduled/refunded.
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Sessions cancelled with more than five days notice can be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time.
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I reserve the right to change or cancel sessions. If I cancel, the session can be rescheduled or refunded, and I will provide as much notice as possible.
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For clarity, a cancellation is any appointment that cannot be attended at the originally scheduled time, date, and location.
Complaints -
I am committed to providing you with a high-quality service. I will address any concerns promptly and take reasonable steps to resolve them.
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Veterinary referral & care
A veterinary referral is required for us to work together. As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, in line with good practice and the APBC code of conduct, I will consult with your Veterinary Surgeon to request a referral form and your dog’s clinical history. This ensures I have permission to work with your dog and can take any medical conditions into account, as these can influence behaviour and training.
I will:
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Request a referral form and full clinical history from your Vet.
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Keep your Vet updated on session content and your dog’s progress.
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Notify your Vet when our sessions/package are completed.
Obtaining a Vet referral is typically free as a professional courtesy. Some Vets may require to physical examination your dog before providing a referral which could incur a consultation fee (please confirm with your Vet). If there is a delay in receiving the referral form your initial consultation will be rescheduled as I cannot begin working with your dog until the referral and clinical history are received.
If, during or after sessions, a veterinary check (or additional checks) is recommended it is your responsibility to ensure these are carried out.
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Pet insurance claims
I am a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and therefore many pet insurance companies cover my fees.
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To claim on your insurance:
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Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage, as this is assessed case-by-case and depends on your policy. Mention my APBC membership, as this can help your claim.
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Ask for an insurance claim form and clarify whether I or your Vet should complete it.
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After your sessions, either I or your Vet will complete the form and return it to you to submit or send it directly to your insurance company.
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I cannot accept or process direct insurance claims. Payment must be made to secure your appointment and your insurance company will reimburse you afterward (often minus any excess).
It is your responsibility to confirm coverage and manage the claim. Pet Behaviour Consulting cannot be held liable if your insurance company declines to cover fees.
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Animal welfare
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I am passionate about the correct treatment of animals and animal welfare is at the forefront of all my services. I do not endorse or use prong collars, e-collars, choke/check chains, spray/anti-bark collars or anti-pull harnesses. Any breach of this welfare standard by you, anyone else caring for your dog or any other animal professional you employ may result in the withdrawal of my services.
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My training and handling methods are always kind and humane. If any conduct or treatment conflicts with this approach (by you, anyone else caring for your dog or any other animal professional you employ) services will be terminated immediately.
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It is your responsibility to ensure your pet receives routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, worming and other necessary treatments, particularly as some sessions may involve contact with other dogs.
Safety
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Please ensure all dogs are kept away from the front door (in another room, crate or on lead), in the garden behind a closed gate/door or in your car if meeting on a walk, when I first arrive. We will discuss the best way for your dog to meet me in advance so they feel as comfortable as possible.
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Depending on your dog’s behaviour, additional safety measures may be required during sessions. It is your responsibility to take all necessary precautions such as using a lead, muzzling or separating other pets to keep everyone safe. If you are unsure what is best, please ask for guidance.
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Young children should be under alternative adult supervision during sessions so you and your dog can focus. I accept no responsibility for children before, during or after sessions. All family members are welcome to attend, but in behavioural sessions it may not be appropriate for children to participate. You, as parent or carer, are responsible for determining whether attendance is suitable.
Owner ​commitment
By working with me, you agree to -
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Fully engage with your dog’s training, understanding that progress requires commitment and consistency.
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Recognise that behavioural changes take time and there is no quick fix.
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Avoid introducing alternative training methods from TV, books, friends or other trainers that could confuse your dog.
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Provide honest and accurate information.
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Ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
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Keep an open mind regarding potential solutions, strategies and changes.
Weather
For safety reasons, I may need to cancel a session at short notice if travel is unsafe or temperatures are too low/high. I will contact you as soon as possible to inform you and will rearrange the session at the earliest convenient time. Please note that as I travel from Perth weather conditions may differ from your area.
Marketing, reviews & privacy
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Any Google review you leave may be used as a testimonial on my website.
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By submitting a contact form you agree to our privacy policy. To view please click here.
Liability & limitations
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During all sessions your dog remains your responsibility, even when I am working alongside you. I accept no liability for loss, injury or damage caused by your dog or yourself.
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I am not responsible for sessions affected by adverse weather, road conditions, illness, bereavement or circumstances beyond my control. In such cases, I will make every effort to keep you informed and reschedule the session as soon as possible.
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No guarantees can be made regarding your dog’s progress. Progress depends on many factors including each individual dog’s temperament, abilities and behaviour. All training and behaviour modification occurs at a pace unique to each dog.
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I am not responsible for any actions or inactions you take based on the information provided during sessions.
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Nothing discussed in sessions should be considered veterinary or nutritional advice. If you believe your dog requires veterinary attention please seek assistance from a qualified veterinary professional immediately.
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Testimonials used in marketing are provided voluntarily and are illustrative only, results and timescales cannot be guaranteed.
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These terms do not limit or exclude liability for fraudulent misrepresentation, death, personal injury resulting from negligence or any other liability that cannot be limited or excluded by law.
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Client disclosure & honesty
By engaging Pet Behaviour Consulting, you agree to provide truthful, accurate and complete information regarding your dog’s behaviour, history and any relevant circumstances.
Withholding or misrepresenting information such as previous aggression, medical conditions or behavioural concerns may pose risks to the myself, you, your dog and others.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, all animal owners have a legal duty of care to ensure their animals’ welfare and prevent harm to others. For dogs, additional responsibilities are imposed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and related legislation. Failure to provide full and honest disclosure may result in immediate termination of services without refund. I do not accept any liability for consequences arising from nondisclosure and you assume full responsibility for any legal repercussions related to undisclosed behavioural issues or other relevant factors.
