Behaviour Consultancy Terms & Conditions

(England & Wales)

1. Definitions

“Behaviourist” means [Your Name / Business Name].
“Client” means the legal owner or person in charge of the dog.
“Dog” means any animal presented for assessment or training.
“Services” means behavioural assessment, advice, written plans, follow-up support, and related consultancy.

2. Nature of Services

2.1 The Behaviourist provides professional behavioural advice and training guidance based on information supplied by the Client and observations made during consultation.

2.2 The Behaviourist does not provide veterinary, medical, legal, or psychological services.

2.3 All advice provided is advisory only. Implementation and management remain the sole responsibility of the Client.

2.4 The Behaviourist does not assume possession, custody, or control of the Dog except during agreed hands-on sessions.

3. Client Warranties & Disclosure

3.1 The Client warrants that:

They are the legal owner or authorised keeper of the Dog.

The Dog is not subject to any undisclosed legal restrictions.

All relevant behavioural history, including previous aggression or biting, has been disclosed.

All relevant medical history and medication changes have been disclosed.

3.2 The Behaviourist relies entirely on the accuracy and completeness of information provided. The Behaviourist shall not be liable for consequences arising from incomplete or inaccurate disclosure.

4. Acknowledgement of Risk

4.1 The Client acknowledges that dogs are animals capable of causing injury, property damage, or emotional distress.

4.2 The Client accepts that behavioural work cannot eliminate inherent risk.

4.3 The Client understands that even well-trained or previously stable dogs may bite or display aggressive behaviour under certain circumstances.

4.4 The Client assumes all risks associated with the handling and management of their Dog.

5. No Warranty or Guarantee

5.1 The Behaviourist makes no warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding:

Behavioural outcomes

Prevention of biting or aggressive incidents

Suitability of the Dog for any specific environment or role

Legal outcomes involving authorities or third parties

5.2 Behaviour modification depends on consistent implementation, environmental factors, health status, and variables beyond the Behaviourist’s control.

6. Limitation of Liability

6.1 Nothing in this agreement limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence where such limitation is unlawful.

6.2 Subject to clause 6.1, the Behaviourist shall not be liable for:

Injury caused by the Dog

Damage to property

Loss of earnings

Legal proceedings

Indirect or consequential losses

6.3 The Behaviourist’s total liability arising under or in connection with the Services shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client.

6.4 The Behaviourist shall not be liable for acts or omissions of the Client in implementing advice.

7. Indemnity

7.1 The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Behaviourist from and against any and all:

Claims

Demands

Proceedings

Damages

Costs (including legal costs)

Losses

arising from the Dog’s behaviour or the Client’s handling, management, or implementation of advice.

7.2 This indemnity survives termination of services.

8. Safety & Right to Refuse Service

8.1 The Behaviourist may recommend management strategies including environmental controls, equipment use, supervision protocols, or veterinary referral.

8.2 The Behaviourist reserves the right to:

Terminate a session immediately if safety is compromised

Refuse to work with a Dog deemed unsafe

Terminate services if critical safety advice is ignored

8.3 No refund is required where termination results from safety concerns caused by the Client’s actions or omissions.

9. Veterinary Collaboration

9.1 Behavioural issues may have underlying medical causes.

9.2 The Behaviourist may require veterinary assessment before continuing Services.

9.3 The Behaviourist accepts no liability for veterinary decisions, medication changes, or medical outcomes.

10. Safeguarding & Legal Disclosure

10.1 The Behaviourist will maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is required:

By law

By court order

In safeguarding circumstances

Where there is a risk of serious harm

10.2 The Behaviourist reserves the right to disclose relevant information to appropriate authorities if required to protect a child, vulnerable person, or animal.

11. Reports & Legal Proceedings

11.1 Written reports are provided for Client use only and must not be altered.

11.2 The Behaviourist is not obliged to provide court reports or attend legal proceedings unless separately contracted.

11.3 Legal reports and court attendance are chargeable at a separate rate.

12. Insurance

12.1 The Client confirms they maintain appropriate third-party liability insurance.

12.2 The Behaviourist confirms they maintain professional indemnity insurance.

13. Fees & Cancellation

13.1 Fees are payable in advance unless otherwise agreed in writing.

13.2 Cancellations require [insert notice period].

13.3 Late cancellations may be charged in full.

14. Termination

14.1 Either party may terminate Services in writing.

14.2 The Behaviourist may terminate immediately where:

There is non-disclosure

Safety advice is repeatedly ignored

The relationship becomes untenable

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Client Declaration

I confirm that:

I have read and understood these Terms & Conditions.

I accept full legal responsibility for my Dog at all times.

I understand that behavioural advice cannot eliminate risk.

Signed: __________________________
Name: ___________________________
Date: ____________________________