Client Service Agreement & Terms and Conditions

Snout & Organisations or individuals affiliated with, or using the name Snout & About are entirely responsible for their own policies on payment. Workint with the direct Snout Team (those with @snoutandabout.ie email addresses) request that invoices must be paid within five (5) days of receipt when working
with a non-deposit model.

Due to the extensive preparation, case analysis, inter-professional
collaboration, and report writing involved,
refunds cannot be provided once a consultation has been
confirmed – or, a percentage of the fee may be required, case dependent.
Please refer to your individual professional for more information on
cancellation fees.

Repeated cancellations or no-shows may require deposits for future
appointments. Travel fees may apply depending on location.

Snout & About operates under the ethical standards of the International
Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC). All professionals
associated with Snout & About are vetted for qualifications, ethics, and
welfare standards.

Snout & About is a collaborative network. Consultants, trainers,
physiotherapists, hydrotherapists, and nutritionists operate as
independent professionals. While some work directly under the
Snout & About name and others are affiliated partners, each maintains full
responsibility for their own financial, legal, and administrative operations.

If a dispute arises, clients may contact
info@snoutandabout.ie for awareness and support in
facilitating resolution.

Behaviour change and physical rehabilitation require client participation. You agree to:

• Follow guidance, management strategies, and training plans as provided;
• Implement safety measures outlined by your consultant;
• Provide accurate updates and communicate changes that may affect progress;
• Seek veterinary intervention when recommended.

Failure to follow professional guidance may prevent progress. In cases where
client actions compromise welfare, safety, or ethical standards, Snout &
About reserves the right to pause or discontinue services.

We cannot provide behaviour or training services if a dog is showing signs of
untreated pain, illness, mobility issues, or suspected medical concerns.
Veterinary assessment may be required before work can continue.

If a guardian refuses medical investigation or attempts to pursue training
instead of addressing health concerns, services will be denied. It is unethical
and unsafe to train a dog who is struggling physically or neurologically.

Where a dog’s welfare, pain levels, or behavioural health require additional
investigation, Snout & About may pause services until appropriate
veterinary or specialist care is sought.

It is the legal responsibility of every guardian to manage their dog safely in
their home and in public.

Snout & About will refuse services where safety protocols have not been implemented, including:

• Muzzle training where required;
• Flooding the dog due to exposure to stressors against our advice;
• Secure management within the home;
• Public safety measures for reactive, fearful, or aggressive dogs;
• Legal compliance for Restricted Breeds;
• Inability to create an environment that meets the animal’s intrinsic needs for safety & welfare against our advice;
• Placing dogs in situations whereby they are overwhelmed against our advice;
• Environments that present risk to staff, the public, or the dog.

If risks cannot be managed or if advice is not followed, Snout & About may
terminate services to uphold professional ethics and public safety.

Snout & About uses humane, science-based, welfare-centred methods. We
will not train a dog wearing equipment designed to cause discomfort,
fear, or pain, including but not limited to:

• Prong collars
• Shock / e-collars
• Choke chains
• Slip leads used as training tools
• Spray collars or punishment devices
• Anti-bark devices

If a guardian insists on using aversive tools, services will be refused in
accordance with international & IAABC ethical standards.

All communication must remain respectful, professional, and within the working
hours defined by your assigned consultant or trainer.

WhatsApp or text messages are only permitted when explicitly agreed (e.g.,
sharing short videos). Email remains the primary channel for all case
communication unless otherwise expressed by your professional.

Harassment, defamatory behaviour, inflammatory discussions about other clients
or professionals, or abusive conduct will result in immediate termination of
services.

Snout & About is a humanitarian, equality-driven organisation. We are
committed to providing services free from discrimination based on race,
ethnicity, gender, disability, neurodivergence, sexual orientation,
socioeconomic status, or any protected characteristic.

We reserve the right to discontinue services where:

• Clients engage in racist, sexist, ableist, homophobic, or derogatory conduct;
• Clients speak about others in inflammatory, defamatory, or abusive terms;
• Safety or welfare standards are compromised.

Snout & About and affiliated professionals are fully insured. Clients are
responsible for the management, handling, and legal compliance of their dog at
all times.

Snout & About accepts no liability for incidents resulting from failure to
implement advice, failure to follow Irish law, or events occurring outside
consultation settings.

By booking with Snout & About, you confirm that you:

• Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions;
• Accept responsibility for your dog’s behaviour and management;
• Understand that behaviour outcomes cannot be guaranteed;
• Will follow guidance to the best of your ability;
• Acknowledge the need for ongoing investigation where required.

Checking “Yes” on any booking form serves as a legally binding agreement to
these Terms & Conditions.