Our Policies and Procedures
- Extreme Weather Policy
Hail
Snow
Black Ice
High Winds
Hot Weather
We do our best to ensure that your dog is walked regardless of the weather. There are times during the winter, especially when it is dangerous, unsafe and irresponsible to venture out.
Please see examples of these extreme weather conditions listed below:
We reserve the right to cancel or shorten walks accordingly. If possible, we would provide your dog access to the garden. We will, of course, keep you informed at all times.
More about Extreme Weather
Hail
Walking in hail can be painful on the dog’s feet and the body and head. Some dogs
find the noise and sensation quite frightening, especially if hail is accompanied by
thunder and lightning. While hail is generally short-lived, this might result in delaying
the start, or cutting short the duration of the walk.
Snow
Apart from being quite cold for your dog, snowballs into the dog’s fur, particularly
around the stomach, chest and paw area. Snow clumping in their pads can be very
painful for a dog, and in the coat can pull and cause discomfort.
Black Ice
By its nature, black ice can be hard to spot. Areas suffering from black ice are
incredibly slippery, making the walk dangerous. A person slipping with a dog on a
lead could result in the dog being pulled over or fallen onto on by the person. Black
ice impedes travelling and sometimes even getting to your home can be too risky, so
again, we may need to cancel a walk in this circumstance.
High Winds
One of the most significant risks of walking in high winds is flying and falling debris.
Ordinary household items like recycling bins, roof tiles, etc., can all become missiles
that could hit your dog. Falling trees and branches are also a risk. Small dogs often
struggle to stay on their feet during very high winds, so an exercise session in the
garden under close supervision, to ensure no accidents happen, could be the safest
option during periods of extremely windy weather.
Hot Weather
While heat may not be considered extreme in the UK, there are still occasions where
it would be irresponsible to take your dog out for a walk.
Nordic breeds such as Malamutes and Huskies can really find the heat challenging
to cope with, and their coat is not suitable for clipping, as it provides a valuable
layer. Other breeds with particularly heavy coats may also struggle on a walk-in high
temperature. Brachycephalic dogs, those with flat faces and short noses such as
Pugs and French bulldogs, struggle to breathe correctly when trying to walk in
extremes of heat.
All breeds are in danger from pavement walking as asphalt can soar to temperatures
severe enough to burn their footpads. A rule of thumb is whether you can stand
barefoot on the tarmac for over 5 seconds (or use the back of your hand). In these
cases, it is safer for your dog to be kept to a short walk or taken into the garden and
given the opportunity to drink fresh water.
Should we experience heatwave conditions, both dogs and humans are at risk of
collapse from heat exhaustion. In this situation, consideration and care would be
taken all round, and the walk cancelled where needed.
Behaviour Policy
Please describe a day in the life of your pet:
We only accept dogs that are well behaved and calm, please tell us about your pet.
1) Has your dog ever:
a) Acted negatively around food? YES / NO
b) Escaped from your property? YES / NO
c) Growled at someone? YES / NO
d) Bitten someone or another animal? YES / NO
e) Is your dog sociable around other dogs? YES / NO
f) Is your dog good at meeting new people? YES / NO
g) Does your dog chew, destroy or scratch furniture? YES / NO
h) Is your dog, house trained? YES / NO
i) Does your dog pull on the lead? YES / NO
j) Any change in behaviour when on lead YES / NO
k) Does your dog bark for little reason? YES / NO
l) Is your dog allowed on furniture? YES / NO
Please give us any details of any other behaviour, abilities you think might help us help your pet to settle more quickly. Any talents like opening
doors, gates etc? ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Feeding Policy
The animals must be provided with a suitable diet in terms of quality, quantity and frequency.
Any new feeds must be introduced gradually to allow the animals to adjust to them.
Adult dogs must be fed at least once per day and in accordance with the individual dog’s needs and as instructed and provided by the owner. The diet must be agreed and documented with the dog’s owner.
Dogs must be separated for feeding unless written consent from owners has been received permitting otherwise. Food and water must be fresh and unspoilt. Feeding utensils to be clean and disinfected daily and most be made of non-porous materials.
Any damaged feed or water receptacles should be discarded. Dried food shall not be left out for more than 24hours. Clean fresh water must always be accessible.
Wet food removed when pet has finished and showing no further interest.
Policy on Cleaning indoors and out
Pet Getaway has a policy to encourage and insist on strict cleaning procedures and practices good hygiene procedures when cleaning and the preventing and controlling the spread of
contagious diseases.
All designated rooms have hard wood floors and are impervious to water. The areas will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day. All bedding, towels etc used by last guest will be washed in the washing machine in the conservatory and toys hot washed and dried. Vira-Care Broad Spectrum Disinfectant-Cleaner DEFRA General Orders tested and approved. Cleaning utensils are used only for pet getaway cleaning.
All resources shall be inspected and discarded if broken. Cleaning products must be suitable,
safe and effective against pathogens that pose a risk to the animals They must be used, stored and disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Designated rooms should be cleaned when dogs are in another secure and safe area and never with the dogs in the same room.
Cleaning products must be kept out of the reach of animals and must never be left in rooms or where dogs might access them.
Standing water must not be allowed to accumulate due to the possibility of germs prospering in moist environments.
Toys must be cleaned and disinfected between use by different dogs. Food preparation areas shall be kept clean and uncluttered.
Excreta is disposed of by bagging in appropriate dog poo bags then directly into the general waste bin and soiled bedding is stored in a heavy-duty bin bag and then disposed of by burning in the fire bin near the stable, Outside area’s shall be inspected before and after exercise periods, any objects or excreta removed and disposed of in bin.
Transportation Policy
Pet owners must sign to give permission for their pets to be transported.
The animals must be transported and handled in a sensitive manner.
Transport must be in accordance with existing legal requirements.
Dogs must be suitably restrained using a dog crate, dog guard or transport harness.
Dog crates must be of adequate size, and provide good ventilation and firmly secured, out of direct sunlight and away from heating outlets.
Vehicles must be regularly cleaned and disinfected after use of any dog. Vira-Care Broad Spectrum Disinfectant-Cleaner DEFRA General Orders tested and approved.
Leaving dogs in vehicles must be minimalised and dogs must never be left unattended in a car or other vehicle where the temperature may pose a risk to the animal. If transporting dogs by road, sufficient breaks must be offered for water and the chance to go to the toilet.
Where the business uses vehicles to collect and return dogs, the dogs must be collected from and returned to houses on a lead to minimise the risk of any dog escaping.
Monitoring Animals Health Policy
Registered person holds qualifications in. Understanding dog behaviour, canine communication, dog grooming and first aid for pets
All animals must be checked at least twice daily or more regularly as necessary to check for any signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour. Both petting and grooming are a good way of checking for physical changes and valuable golden moments shared with pets
Vulnerable animals must be checked more frequently. Any signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour must be recorded on a behaviour form and then advice sought from a professional.
Presence or absence of faeces and urine must be monitored daily.
Changes in appetite should be recorded and monitored Any abnormalities must be recorded and acted upon as appropriate.
Dogs must be handled at least twice daily as part of their care and enrichment regime.
Daily activities, challenges and exercise are routinely provided in order to observe and record changes in behaviour.
Dogs are exercised three times a day and the door to outside is open during the day.
Each dog has a Welfare Care and Enrichment form. On observation of their preferences, concerns etc. Plans are made to accommodate and offer appropriate activities to enhance their time spent and prevent boredom which can lead to depression.
Policy on Cats on Premises.
Pet cats live in the home of the licenced person.
The cats have their own cattery and catio. (outside enclosure) They are indoor cats and do not roam around the gardens.
Dogs that behave inappropriately around cats will be cared for in separate rooms and all movements and locations will be managed carefully. Owners’ cats are familiar with my pet dog and are confident around other dogs.
Death or Escaped Animal Policy
A Provision has been made for the isolation of sick/injured/infectious animals or deceased animals and those that might likely be carrying serious infectious diseases.
The provision is made of wood and security fencing and is fenced and is two gates away from the property. Dogs showing signs of infectious disease will not be allowed in any shared outside exercise area.
Protective clothing and footwear will be worn when handling dogs in the isolation facility.
Whilst in use, the clothing will be kept in the isolation unit and not be removed other than for cleaning and disinfection.
Any dogs in the isolation facility must be checked regularly and unless a separate person is caring for them, they will be visited after the other dogs.
Aprons, gloves and face covering to be worn before contact with animal Separate feeding and water bowls, bedding and cleaning utensils will be stored in the isolation shed.
Any animal that escapes shall be searched for after the relevant owners and authorities have been notified. All dogs in my care wear id discs as required by law.
In the unfortunate circumstances of a pet dying whilst being boarded. The deceased body shall be kept in one of the vacant stables.
Emergency Evacuation of Animals Policy
If the registered person must revoke care of the animals immediately the following shall occur the owner or emergency contact will be advised of the situation and asked to collect their pet immediately. You will not be charged for the session.
In the case of a breakdown in essential heating or electricity failure the same procedure will occur. Emergency contacts made aware and asked to pick up the pet immediately. Leads, Water bottle, bowl and register will be located at the back door as an evacuation bundle in case of urgent vacation of the building.
Register to include owners contact telephone numbers along with emergency services. If an urgent evacuation of the animals is needed the other adults will escort the animals into
the paddock. They shall open both gates to access the secure paddock and lead the animals to the furthest point away from the premises.
A designated person shall pick up the register, dogs owners contact details, telephone number of both the police and the fire services.
Infection Control Policy
Prevention of the spread of disease or infection with dogs/cats Policy.
Should a disease or infectious outbreak become apparent on the premises, the local vets will be notified immediately.
The infected or ill animal will be seen immediately by a vet and either transported by me or the vet will come to the site. Cleaning of vehicle when pet vacates.
An up-to-date vaccination booklet must be seen upon entering the setting were animal’s board.
Dogs must have their annual boosters including the Lepto vaccine. Dogs must have the required vaccinations for their own safety as well as the other animals.
Fleeing and worming your animals is done at the owner’s personal choice. If I notice an animal has worms, fleas or any other parasite, I will be in contact with the owner to arrange a vet visit at the animal owner’s discretion. If a dog, it will then be moved down to the isolation pen. The isolation pen shall already have feeding and water vessels, blankets, change of clothing, change of shoes and gloves and aprons.
Fresh water is on tap close by and electricity in case of heat pads for comfort. After cleaning the isolation pen, I will immediately change my clothing and place the dirty uniform straight in the washing machine alone to be washed thoroughly. I will also change my footwear. All isolation bedding, chemicals, bowls etc will be kept in the block. These will not be moved and will only be handled by me. They will be washed separately. I will be visiting the animal every 30 minutes to ensure they are getting the best care possible. Other person in attendance shall oversee any other boarded pets.
Pet getaway uses Vira-Care Broad Spectrum Disinfectant-Cleaner DEFRA General Orders tested and approved.
Puppy Policy
No puppy under six-month-old will be accepted by Pet getaway.
Puppies over six months old will have a structured action plan to always ensure high quality care.
Puppies shall be exercised in sessions of five minutes for every month of age.
Play/exercise sessions can occur every two hours but never directly after a meal.
Puppies should be given at least one hour to digest food before any rough and tumble exercise.
Puppies shall be fed according to the owners documented specifications.
Puppies will be allocated a quiet place to access for rest and quiet times if they so wish.
Down time will be encouraged by tranquil music, petting and massage.
Grooming is a gentle way of showing dominance over him or her and is an excellent source of therapy and aids to a feeling of security.
Any agreed training methods are by reward only.
Toileting accidents strategies shall be treated as advised by owner but never in a negative way.
Feeding will follow owners documented regime.