Treatment Terms & Conditions

1. Veterinary Consent

A signed veterinary consent form must be in place before any treatment can begin. This is a legal requirement under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Exemptions Order 2015.

Your vet's consent ensures your dog is suitable for massage. Some conditions are contraindicated, and your vet may also wish to share relevant clinical information.

A new consent form may be required following any new diagnosis. Please inform me before your next appointment if your dog's condition has changed.

 

If your vet does not sign the consent form, your deposit will be refunded in full.

 

2. Appointments & Fees

Initial Appointment (up to 90 minutes)

  • Fee: £75 per session

  • Includes a full history, gait analysis, and postural assessment

  • A £25 deposit is required at the time of booking

  • The balance is due once a completed vet consent form has been received

  • Additional travel costs may apply for home visits

 

Follow-up & Maintenance Appointments (up to 60 minutes)

  • Fee: £60 per session

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking

  • Additional travel costs may apply for home visits

 

Accepted Payment Methods

  • Card, bank transfer, or cash

 

3. Cancellations

By You

  • 48 hours' notice is required for all cancellations.

  • Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged the full treatment fee, unless there is a genuine veterinary or medical reason.

 

By Hillcroft Hounds

  • Where possible, 48 hours' notice will be given if I need to cancel.

  • In the event of illness, you will be notified as soon as possible and rescheduled at the next available appointment.

  • I reserve the right to cancel or reschedule appointments in extreme weather conditions (e.g. severe heat, snow, or storms) if it would be unsafe for you or your dog to attend.

 

4. Late Arrivals

Please arrive with enough time for your dog to toilet before the appointment begins. Arriving late may result in a shortened treatment or rescheduling - you will still be charged the full appointment fee.

 

5. Attending the Clinic

  • Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times when entering and leaving the premises.

  • Parking is available on site. The gate will be opened 10 minutes before your appointment.

  • Please ensure your dog arrives in a clean condition and that you clear up after them on and around the premises.

 

6. Treatment Conditions

To keep all clients - human and canine - safe, the following conditions apply:

  • Treatment cannot begin until vet consent is in place (see Section 1).

  • I cannot treat your dog within 7 days of a topical parasite treatment application. Please keep me updated on any parasite control being used.

  • Dogs with an active infection will not be treated until the infection has cleared.

  • Bitches in season or pregnant dogs will not be treated.

  • Dogs with unstable epilepsy will not be treated.

  • If fleas are found during a session, treatment will stop immediately. If at the clinic, an additional £25 will be charged to cover rescheduling and deep cleaning.

  • Some nervous or reactive dogs may require shorter or split appointments.

A risk assessment is carried out before each session. If a dog is in pain or shows aggressive or reactive behaviour, an appropriate muzzle may be used in line with standard health and safety practice. The owner will always be asked to fit the muzzle.

Hillcroft Hounds reserves the right to refuse or stop treatment at any time to safeguard the welfare of the dog, owner, or practitioner.

 

7. Your Responsibilities as the Owner

By booking an appointment, you confirm that:

  • You are the legal owner of the dog and that all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  • You will share all relevant information about your dog's health, history, and behaviour at consultation and during treatment.

  • You will disclose if your dog has ever bitten anyone or has any known behavioural or aggressive tendencies.

  • You will inform me of any changes to your dog's health, behaviour, or diagnoses before their next appointment.

  • You will keep me updated on any parasite control treatments administered.

  • You are responsible for contacting your insurance provider directly regarding any claims arising from treatment.

 

8. Privacy & Data Protection

  • Your personal data is held securely in line with GDPR (May 2018) for the purposes of maintaining treatment and care records for your pet.

  • Your data will not be shared with any third party except professionals directly involved in the care of your pet.

  • A treatment report is sent to your vet following the first three sessions. All other records are shared only with your permission.

  • By agreeing to these terms, you consent to being contacted by Sarah Crimp at Hillcroft Hounds Clinical Canine Massage by phone, text, or email in relation to your pet's care and appointments.

For full details on how your data is used and your rights, please refer to the Hillcroft Hounds Privacy Policy available on the website.

 

9. Professional Standards & Liability

  • Hillcroft Hounds Clinical Canine Massage is a member of the Canine Massage Guild and adheres to its Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics.

  • Hillcroft Hounds Clinical Canine Massage cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings or vehicles, or for any personal injury sustained while on the premises, however caused.

 

10. Complaints

If you have any concerns about the treatment or service provided, please contact Sarah in the first instance so that any issues can be addressed promptly and fairly.

 

11. Changes to These Terms

These terms may be updated at any time. It is your responsibility to review any changes. If you do not agree with any updated terms, please notify Sarah in writing before your next appointment.