Code of Conduct for Dog Home Boarding and Walking.
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Business Name: Woof & Walsh Pet Services
Location: Cornwall, UK
Effective Date: 27th May 2025
1. Purpose and Scope
This Code of Conduct sets out the principles and standards of care to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of dogs under our supervision during home boarding and walking services. It complies with:
- The Animal Welfare Act 2006
- The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
- Cornwall Council licensing guidance
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2. Welfare Standards (Animal Welfare Act 2006)
We commit to meeting the Five Welfare Needs of every dog in our care:
1. A suitable environment
2. A suitable diet
3. The ability to exhibit normal behaviour
4. Housing with, or apart from, other animals as appropriate
5. Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease
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3. Home Boarding Standards
3.1. Accommodation
- Dogs will be housed in a clean, safe, and secure home environment with adequate space, ventilation, and lighting.
- Areas accessible to dogs will be dog-proofed and free from hazards.
- Dogs will not be kept in external kennels unless specifically licensed.
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3.2. Supervision
- Dogs will not be left alone for more than 3 hours in any 24-hour period.
- Suitable supervision will be provided at all times to prevent injury, stress, or escape.
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3.3. Sleeping and Rest Areas
- Individual and comfortable sleeping areas will be provided, with bedding cleaned regularly.
- Dogs from different households will not share sleeping areas unless written consent is obtained.
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3.4. Feeding and Drinking
- Dogs will be fed as per their individual needs and owner instructions.
- Clean, fresh drinking water will be available at all times.
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3.5. Exercise and Enrichment
- Each dog will receive at least one walk per day unless medically exempt.
- Walks will be tailored to age, breed, and physical ability.
- Toys and enrichment activities will be provided.
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3.6. Health and Emergency Procedures
- Dogs will be monitored for signs of illness or distress.
- A veterinary care plan is in place, including access to emergency vet services.
- Owners will be notified immediately of any significant concerns.
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4. Dog Walking Standards
4.1. Control and Safety
- No more than 6 dogs walked at once, with prior owner consent.
- Dogs will be kept under close control and on leads near roads, livestock, or in public places as required.
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4.2. Identification
- All dogs must wear a collar with ID tag displaying owner's contact details.
- A secure record of each dog's microchip number and emergency contacts will be maintained.
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4.3. Behaviour and Compatibility
- Dogs will only be walked in compatible groups to prevent conflict.
- Aggressive or unpredictable dogs will be walked separately.
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4.4. Waste Management
- All dog fouling will be promptly picked up and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
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5. Record Keeping and Policies
- Records of all dogs (including vaccination, medical, behavioural, and owner details) will be maintained.
- Written policies are in place for cleaning, transportation, feeding, emergencies, and lost dogs.
- Consent forms will be obtained for off-lead exercise, group walking, and co-housing.
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6. Insurance and Licensing
- The business holds valid public liability insurance covering dog boarding and walking.
- A current Animal Activities Licence is held from Cornwall Council and displayed on premises.
- All staff and volunteers are trained in animal care and understand their legal responsibilities.
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7. Complaints and Review
- Any complaints or incidents will be investigated promptly.
- This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually or following changes to law or licensing.