Terms and Conditions for Pawfect Training Academy (“the Academy”)
Effective as of 04 April 2025
1. Introduction and Definitions
By:
a) Enrolling a dog in training with Pawfect Training Academy (“the Academy”),
b) Permitting a dog to attend training sessions, or
c) Engaging with Pawfect Training Academy’s online services,
the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in full.
1.1 Definitions
“The Academy” refers to Pawfect Training Academy, its owner, employees, contractors, and any approved volunteers.
“The Client” refers to the person responsible for the dog and entering into a contract with the Academy.
“Training Services” include but are not limited to: 1:1 training, behaviour consultations, online programmes, video reviews, and resource provision.
“Trainer” refers to the individual delivering services on behalf of the Academy.
“Sessions” refers to any booked appointment, consultation, or programme activity.
1.2 Agreement to Training Policy
By accepting these Terms and Conditions, the Client also confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to Pawfect Training Academy’s Training Policy, which forms an integral part of this agreement.
This includes the Academy’s commitment to force-free training methods, expectations for client engagement, equipment use, session structure, and the Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk outlined in Section 10 of the Training Policy.
The Client acknowledges that the Terms & Conditions and Training Policy are intended to be read and applied together as one legally binding contract. Any breach of the Training Policy shall be treated as a breach of these Terms and Conditions.
2. Online Training Sessions
2.1 Session Format
Each one-to-one training session lasts up to 60 minutes, delivered via Microsoft Teams unless otherwise agreed. While session lengths are standardised, the emphasis remains on welfare-focused progress over fixed timeframes.
2.2 Recordings and Media Consent
With the Client’s consent, sessions may be recorded or captured in still images for progress tracking, research, or promotional use. Clients must inform the Academy in advance if they do not consent.
2.3 Technical Requirements
Clients are responsible for ensuring they have:
- A stable internet connection
- A suitable device for video conferencing
- A quiet, safe space to train without distraction
If a session is missed or disrupted due to Client-side technical issues, it is non-refundable. If issues occur on the Academy’s side, the session will be rescheduled at no extra cost.
3. Client Responsibilities and Behaviour Disclosure
Clients must provide accurate information about their dog’s history, health, and behaviour, especially any known aggression, reactivity, guarding, or anxiety-related behaviours.
The Academy reserves the right to decline or modify training support if it deems the case unsuitable for its services or scope of expertise.
Clients agree to implement all training advice consistently and ethically using only force-free, positive reinforcement methods, both during and outside of sessions.
4. Health and Welfare Requirements
- All dogs must be up to date with vaccinations, worming, flea and tick treatments.
- Training must be paused if a dog is found to have contagious illness, parasites, or signs of pain or distress.
- Female dogs in season are not permitted in shared training spaces (when applicable) but may attend remote sessions unless otherwise advised.
- The Client is responsible for ensuring that their dog is physically fit and behaviourally suitable to engage in training at the time of each session.
5. Payment, Cancellations, and Refunds
5.1 Payment Terms
Full payment is required before the first session unless otherwise agreed. Accepted payment methods include BACS, card, or cash.
5.2 Instalments
Where available, instalments must be paid in full and on time. Missed payments may result in paused or cancelled training.
5.3 Cancellations & No-Shows
- At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule.
- Late cancellations or no-shows incur the full session charge.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of payment incur a £25 processing fee.
- Late arrivals may result in reduced session time, with no refund.
- Missed group sessions are non-refundable and cannot be carried over.
For further detail, see the Academy’s No-Show & Late Policy.
5.4 Unused Sessions
Sessions included within a package must be used within six months of purchase unless otherwise agreed. Unused or expired sessions are non-refundable.
5.5 Online Programme Refunds
Refunds are not offered for online programme materials once accessed, regardless of usage level.
5.6 Rescheduling by the Academy
If the Academy needs to reschedule, an alternative time will be offered at no extra charge.
6. Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk
6.1 Release of Liability
The Client agrees to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Pawfect Training Academy and its owner, employees, representatives, and agents (“Released Parties”) from all liability and damages for any claim, injury, illness, death, loss, or damage which may occur—or be alleged to have occurred—to any person, dog, or property, whether arising directly or indirectly from training, advice, or behaviour consultations provided by the Trainer.
6.2 Assumption of Risk
The Client acknowledges that they are voluntarily engaging in dog training and understands the inherent and continuing risks involved. These include, but are not limited to: injury, death, illness, disease, behavioural regression, property damage, bites, scratches, flight behaviours, stress responses, and incidents involving third parties or other dogs.
6.3 Full Responsibility for My Dog’s Actions
The Client agrees to accept full responsibility for their dog’s behaviour both during and after the training period. If the dog causes injury, death, or damage to any person, animal, or property (including third parties), the Client assumes full liability and indemnifies the Released Parties against all resulting claims, legal proceedings, compensation, or costs.
6.4 Non-Compliance with Training Guidance
The Client understands that failure to follow the advice, training plan, or ethical standards as instructed by the Academy releases the Academy from all liability. This includes the use of aversive tools, non-force-free methods, or inconsistent implementation.
6.5 Behavioural Outcomes & No Guarantees
The Client acknowledges that the Academy does not guarantee specific results. Behaviour and learning depend on multiple factors, and no assurance is given that a dog will stop undesirable behaviours, never bite again, or fully desensitise to triggers.
6.6 Known and Unknown Risks
The Client accepts that training may involve both known and unforeseen risks, including: dog bites, injury, death, illness, escape, lead equipment failure, reactivity, or emotional stress. All such risks are assumed by the Client.
6.7 Legal Costs and Indemnification
The Client agrees to cover all legal costs, compensation claims, medical bills, solicitor’s fees, and damages arising from their dog’s behaviour or their own breach of this agreement.
6.8 Right to Refuse Training
The Academy reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services if a dog is unwell, severely aggressive, experiencing extreme stress, or if the Client breaches the force-free policy. No refund will be issued in such circumstances.
6.9 Post-Training Liability
The Client accepts that the Academy cannot be held responsible for any behaviour displayed by the dog after training concludes, including regression, reactivity, or injury arising from implementation of advice.
6.10 Legal Successors & Heirs
This waiver applies to the Client and to the Client’s heirs, guardians, successors, assignees, children, and next of kin. No party may hold the Academy liable for any claims relating to training services.
6.11 Entire Agreement and Written Amendments Only
The Client understands that this waiver forms part of the full Terms and Conditions. No verbal amendment is valid unless confirmed in writing and signed by both parties.
6.12 Knowing and Voluntary Execution
The Client confirms that they have read and understood this waiver in full and agree to its terms freely, voluntarily, and unconditionally, recognising it as a legally binding agreement.
7. Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for delay or failure to perform obligations due to events outside their control, including but not limited to: internet failure, illness, technical faults, or government restrictions.
8. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
All training materials, plans, and session recordings remain the property of Pawfect Training Academy and must not be shared, duplicated, or distributed without written permission.
9. Jurisdiction and Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. All disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
11. Charity Referral Policy – Fair Use & Attendance
Pawfect Training Academy is proud to offer fully discounted sessions through our trusted charity partners, including UK Boston Terrier Rescue and other approved charities. These sessions are part of our mission to ensure dogs in rescue or foster care have access to kind, ethical, and effective training support—especially when they need it most.
To protect the sustainability of this initiative and ensure sessions are used responsibly, the following policy applies to all charity-referred clients:
- Attendance is required for all scheduled appointments.
- 24 hours’ notice must be given for any cancellation or request to reschedule.
- If a session is missed without the required notice:
- The agreed discount will be revoked
- The client will be invoiced the full standard session fee
- This invoice is payable in full by the client, regardless of referral status
- All future sessions will require payment in advance
This policy ensures that every subsidised session goes to a dog who needs it and that our commitment to helping rescue dogs remains sustainable and fair.
By proceeding with charity-referred training, the client confirms agreement to these terms.
12. Code of Ethics
Pawfect Training Academy is committed to force-free, positive reinforcement training.
The use of aversive training methods or tools—including but not limited to:
- Shock collars
- Prong collars
- Harsh corrections
is strictly prohibited during and outside of training sessions.
13. Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, alongside any confirmed written communications and the Training Policy, constitute the full agreement between the Client and the Academy. Any waiver or change must be confirmed in writing and agreed by both parties.
14. Contact Information
For any questions or clarifications regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact Pawfect Training Academy directly at training@pta.dog.
15. Booking Confirmation
By proceeding with any booking, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions, including the Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk (Section 6).
