TERMS OF SERVICE:

1. GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

(last updated 15th September 2026. Rewritten for clarity and reduction of repeated wording)

 

Bookings, Payment & Acceptance of Terms

By making a booking with Royal Canine Academy, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

These Terms & Conditions apply to all services provided by Royal Canine Academy unless specific terms for an individual service state otherwise.

Where a service has additional terms specific to that service, those terms will apply in addition to these General Terms & Conditions.

You are responsible for providing complete and accurate information when making a booking and throughout your dog's stay or training programme.

The Royal Canine Academy reserves the right to refuse a booking or future service where we consider this necessary for the safety, welfare or appropriate management of our staff, clients or dogs in our care.

​

Drop-Off & Collection Times

The Royal Canine Academy operates to a structured daily schedule. All drop-off and collection times are fixed and are not flexible.

You will be given a specific date and time for your dog's drop-off or collection. You are expected to attend at the time provided.

We understand that clients have work, family and other commitments, and you should let us know if you have any limitations around the available times. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate those limitations or provide an alternative time.

The Royal Canine Academy has multiple clients and multiple dogs in our care, and our daily schedule is carefully structured around their individual needs. We cannot continually change individual appointments or work around each client's preferred availability.

You cannot select or negotiate your own drop-off or collection time. The date and time provided to you are the date and time available for your booking.

We are closed on Sundays and operate reduced hours on Saturdays. We therefore have a limited number of suitable drop-off and collection times available.

Specific drop-off and collection times may not be confirmed until approximately one week before your scheduled booking. This is because our schedule depends on current bookings, staffing, dog numbers and the individual requirements of the dogs in our care.

You should therefore not make arrangements that depend on a particular drop-off or collection time until your time has been confirmed by us. If you cannot attend at the time provided, you are responsible for making alternative arrangements.

This may include:

• arranging for another person to drop off or collect your dog;

• arranging alternative transport;

• dropping your dog off a day earlier;

• collecting your dog a day later; or

• making another arrangement that has been agreed with us in advance.

We strongly recommend that you have a contingency plan in place before your booking begins.

​

Late Arrival
You are responsible for arriving on time for your scheduled drop-off or collection. You must allow sufficient travel time for traffic, roadworks, delays, parking difficulties and other unexpected circumstances.

You should leave with enough time to allow for unexpected delays so that you can arrive at your scheduled time. If you arrive late, we may not be able to accommodate your drop-off or collection at that time.

You may then be required to make alternative arrangements, including returning at another time or on another day. A late arrival does not mean that we will extend our opening hours, delay another client, interrupt our schedule or rearrange our day to accommodate you. If you are running late, you must contact us as soon as possible. Contacting us does not guarantee that we will be able to accommodate the delay.

The Royal Canine Academy has multiple clients and multiple points of contact throughout the day. While you have one appointment with us, we have a wider schedule of clients, dogs and responsibilities to manage. We cannot allow individual requests for flexibility to compromise the operation of the business or the care and services being provided to other clients.

​

Current Terms & Conditions

If your booking is made weeks or months in advance, you are responsible for checking our current Terms & Conditions before your dog arrives. Your stay or programme will be subject to the Terms & Conditions in place at the time your dog arrives.

​

Your Responsibilities

You must provide complete and accurate information about your dog when booking and during the check-in process. This includes providing accurate information about your dog's behaviour, health, medical history, medication, allergies and any other information that may be relevant to their care or training.

You must disclose any behavioural issue that could potentially place our staff, other dogs or members of the public at risk. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in your dog being required to leave our care immediately.

​

Veterinary Care & Emergencies

Where your dog requires emergency veterinary care while in our care, The Royal Canine Academy will arrange transport to a veterinarian and ensure that appropriate veterinary care is obtained. We will contact you as soon as reasonably possible once your dog has been assessed and an appropriate medical plan is in place.

All veterinary costs incurred during your dog's stay or programme are the owner's responsibility. Any veterinary bills and other out-of-the-ordinary expenses incurred on behalf of your dog will be added to your bill and must be paid as required. If your dog requires life-saving or end-of-life care while in our care, we will endeavor to contact you immediately. If we are unable to reach you or your emergency contact, we will act in the best interests of your dog based on the advice and recommendations of the veterinarian treating them.

​

Medication

We can administer medication to your dog where required. Medication must be provided with a veterinary label and clear instructions. You must tell us about any medication or special medical requirements when booking your dog.

There is a fee of €5 per day, per medication, for medication administration. Any additional or out-of-the-ordinary expenses incurred in caring for or treating your dog during their stay will be added to your final bill and must be paid on collection.

​

Illness & Infectious Disease

We take extensive precautions to protect the health of every dog in our care. However, vaccination and preventative measures do not eliminate the possibility of a dog contracting illnesses such as kennel cough, viruses or other infections.

Dogs can encounter viruses, bacteria and parasites in many environments, including public areas, vehicles, walks and through contact with other dogs.

By placing your dog into our care, you acknowledge that there is an inherent risk of illness or infection despite appropriate preventative measures. We clean and sanitise our facilities to a high standard using professional-grade kennel cleaning products.

​

Damage, Injury & Additional Costs

By allowing your dog to stay with Royal Canine Academy, you acknowledge that dogs may sustain injuries or become unwell despite reasonable precautions. This may include injuries caused by interaction with other dogs, the environment or normal activity during the programme or stay, including bites, scratches, grazes, open wounds, loss of fur, abrasions, infection, parasites and, in rare circumstances, serious injury or death.

We take reasonable precautions to reduce these risks. If your dog causes damage to another dog, our property or other property during their stay, the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged item may be added to your final bill. Any veterinary bills or other out-of-the-ordinary expenses incurred on behalf of your dog will also be added to your final bill.

​

Right to Refuse Service

We reserve the right to refuse services where we consider this necessary. This may include situations involving harassment, bullying, abuse, inappropriate behaviour towards our staff, or a client failing to carry out the required work with their dog. We may also require a dog to leave our care immediately where they display dangerous behaviour that was not disclosed to us before the programme or stay.

​

2. BOARD & TRAIN PROGRAMMES

 

Booking, Payment & Cancellation 

Board & Train programmes require a 20% deposit to secure the booking. Deposits are non-refundable.

The Board & Train programme must be paid in full at least 14 days before the dog's arrival. We cannot accept a dog for a Board & Train programme unless the programme has been paid for in full.

Board & Train programmes are booked for a defined period and are a training service, not a purchase of guaranteed results.

Where a client cancels within these 14 days before the program commences, a refund is not automatically given. We may offer a credit note under these circumstances, so a rescheduled date can be made, less the non-refundable deposit. You may be entitled to a refund if you no longer wish to work with us, within 14 days of agreeing to work with us either in voice during the initial assessment or written format, based on the Consumer Rights Act 2022. We will email this to you as part of the booking process.

​

The Board & Train Programme

The Royal Canine Academy provides a structured residential training programme tailored to the individual dog. The programme includes residential care, training, behaviour modification, management, owner education and a take-home training and management programme.

Every dog is an individual. Genetics, temperament, previous training, behavioural history, home environment, owner ability, owner consistency, management and many other factors can affect a dog's progress both during and after a Board & Train programme.

The Royal Canine Academy will provide professional training, guidance and support based on our assessment of the individual dog. We will always be honest with owners about what we believe can realistically be achieved. We do not guarantee a particular behavioural outcome.

 

Training Methods & Equipment

The Royal Canine Academy respects an owner's right to express preferences regarding training methods and equipment. We do not use training tools with a dog without first obtaining the owner's express permission where permission is required.

However, our training recommendations are based on the individual dog and the behaviour we observe during the programme. During training, we may recommend a particular training method, tool, piece of equipment or management strategy because we believe it is appropriate, beneficial or necessary to achieve a particular training objective.

Where an owner declines a recommendation, The Royal Canine Academy will work within the restrictions imposed by the owner where reasonably possible. The owner acknowledges that restricting the training methods, tools or equipment available to The Royal Canine Academy may limit the progress that can be achieved and may prevent some or all of the owner's desired training goals from being achieved.

A decision by the owner to restrict the methods or equipment available to The Royal Canine Academy does not mean that The Royal Canine Academy is unable to train or help the dog. It means that the training is being carried out within limitations imposed by the owner.

​

Owner-Imposed Limitations & Refusal to Follow Recommendations

Where an owner:

• refuses a recommended training method or tool;

• restricts the equipment that may be used;

• refuses to implement a recommendation made by the trainer;

• fails to follow the take-home training programme;

• fails to carry out required training or management;

• chooses not to use recommended equipment;

• fails to participate in required follow-up training or support; or

• otherwise restricts or fails to participate in the training programme recommended by The Royal Canine Academy, the owner accepts that this may limit the outcome that can be achieved.

This does not constitute The Royal Canine Academy being unable to help the dog and does not create an entitlement to a refund. Where The Royal Canine Academy remains able and willing to provide training and support within the parameters chosen by the owner, the service remains capable of being provided even where the owner's restrictions prevent us from pursuing the outcome or training approach we would otherwise recommend.

​

Take-Home Training Programme & Owner Responsibilities

The residential training is only one part of the Board & Train process. At the end of the programme, the owner will receive a detailed take-home training and management programme explaining how to continue the work carried out during the dog's stay.

The take-home programme is an essential part of the Board & Train service. It is not optional. A dog cannot be expected to maintain and progress its training without the owner continuing the training, handling and management at home.

The owner's consistent implementation of the take-home programme is therefore essential to the dog's long-term success. The take-home programme may include specific training exercises, management strategies, handling instructions, equipment, routines and other recommendations based on the individual dog.

Where an owner does not follow the take-home programme, does not carry out the required training, does not implement the recommended management strategies or does not use recommended equipment, The Royal Canine Academy cannot be responsible for any resulting lack of progress, deterioration or failure to maintain the dog's training.

​

Board & Train Extensions

At the initial assessment, clients are advised that the length of a Board & Train programme may need to be increased if we identify behavioural issues requiring additional time and training.

This is particularly relevant where a behaviour initially described as reactivity, fear or over-excitement is found through assessment and training to involve genuine aggression or a more significant behavioural issue than was originally understood.

While this is not common, it is a possibility and clients are made aware of this before booking. Royal Canine Academy may recommend extending a dog's stay where we reasonably consider additional time necessary or beneficial because of the dog's behavioural needs, the complexity or severity of the issues identified, or the progress being made.

Where an extension is recommended, we will explain the reason for the recommendation, the additional time required and the associated cost before the extension begins.

If The Royal Canine Academy recommends an extension due to the dog's behavioural needs and the client chooses not to extend the programme and instead collects their dog early, this is considered client-requested early termination of the programme.

The unused portion of the original booking is not refundable in these circumstances, subject to any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded. If the client declines a recommended extension, The Royal Canine Academy cannot guarantee that the dog will be ready to return home at the point originally scheduled or that the dog's behaviour will be at the level that could have been achieved had the recommended additional training been undertaken.

​

Early Termination & Refunds

Once a Board & Train programme has commenced, the programme is a booked service for the agreed period. It is not a results-based purchase. A client deciding that they are unhappy with the speed of progress, disagreeing with a training recommendation, refusing a recommended training method or tool, refusing a recommended extension, failing to follow the take-home programme, or choosing to end the programme early or cancelling within the 14 days before the program commences, does not create an entitlement to a refund.

Where the client chooses to terminate the programme for these reasons, this is considered client-requested early termination. The unused portion of the original booking will not be refunded in these circumstances, subject to any statutory consumer rights that cannot legally be excluded.

The Royal Canine Academy may, at its discretion, offer a credit note in appropriate circumstances. A credit note is not an automatic entitlement and will only be offered where Royal Canine Academy considers it appropriate.

​

Where The Royal Canine Academy Cannot Help a Dog

The Royal Canine Academy will always be honest with an owner if, after assessing and working with a dog, we genuinely determine that we are unable to provide the level or type of training and support that the individual dog requires. Where The Royal Canine Academy makes the decision to end a programme because we genuinely cannot provide the appropriate service for that particular dog, we may recommend ending the programme early and will refund the unused portion of the original programme where applicable.

This is different from an owner choosing to restrict the training methods available to us, declining a training recommendation, failing to follow the take-home programme, declining a recommended extension or choosing to terminate the programme themselves. The fact that an owner does not permit us to use a particular training method or tool does not mean that The Royal Canine Academy cannot help the dog.

​

Behaviours Not Disclosed Before Training

Owners are required to disclose all behavioural issues known to them during the assessment and check-in process. If a dog displays behaviours during the Board & Train programme that the owner knew about but failed to disclose, including human aggression, dog aggression, significant reactivity or other dangerous behaviour, The Royal Canine Academy reserves the right to:

• require the owner to collect the dog immediately;

• recommend an extension of the programme at an additional fee; or

• take any other action reasonably necessary to protect staff, other dogs and the dog concerned. Failure to disclose known behavioural issues places our staff and other dogs at unnecessary risk and is taken extremely seriously.

Where the owner is required to collect the dog because of undisclosed behaviour, the unused portion of the Board & Train programme is not refundable.

​

Take-Home Session

Due to the nature of our business, we cannot guarantee flexibility with the date and time of a dog's take-home session. The take-home session is an important part of the Board & Train programme because it allows the owner to be shown how to handle and continue the dog's training.

Take-home sessions are provided to the owner and are not provided to another person collecting the dog on their behalf. If an owner does not attend the take-home session and sends another person to collect the dog, The Royal Canine Academy cannot be responsible for the results of the Board & Train once the dog returns home because the owner has not received the required handover and training. We also cannot guarantee that a later appointment will be available to replace a missed take-home session.

​

E-Collar Training

Where a dog has undergone e-collar training with The Royal Canine Academy, the owner must first have the dog home for the required settling-in period and have the dog's home environment under control while following the trainer's instructions.

The owner must then attend the mandatory e-collar course with their dog before completing the final stages of off-leash training. The e-collar is a significant responsibility and must be taught and used correctly. If an owner is unwilling to undertake the required training, e-collar training may not be appropriate for them.

​

Six-Week-Plus Board & Train Programmes

Our six-week-plus programmes are generally reserved for dogs presenting with intense or extreme nervousness and/or human aggression. If your dog enters a programme involving human aggression, you acknowledge that we cannot guarantee how that dog will behave once they return home.

Human aggression is affected by the relationship between the dog, its owner and its environment. A residential programme can provide training, knowledge, management strategies and practical guidance, but it cannot remove the owner's responsibility for continuing to manage and train the dog appropriately.

Dogs displaying human aggression may require significant long-term management. In some cases, the home environment may not be suitable for the dog following completion of the programme.

In severe cases, behavioural euthanasia may ultimately need to be considered. These are serious possibilities that owners must consider before undertaking a programme of this nature. You must be prepared to take responsibility for continuing the work with your dog once they return home.

We can provide you with the knowledge, training, tools and management strategies required to manage your dog, but we cannot do that work for you once your dog is home.

​

Behaviour After Returning Home

The Royal Canine Academy provides extensive support and detailed instructions for managing your dog after they return home. We cannot be responsible for a dog's behaviour deteriorating after they return home where the owner has not followed the training, handling and management instructions provided.

If your dog's behaviour deteriorates after returning home, we may require:

• videos of the behaviour;

• a detailed description of what happened;

• information about what occurred immediately before the behaviour;

• information about what happened during the behaviour; and

• information about what happened immediately afterwards.

This information allows your trainer to assess what has changed and provide appropriate guidance. Owners are expected to contact us proactively when concerns arise rather than waiting until a serious incident occurs.

​

Board & Train FAQ Booklet and Going Home Booklet

Our Board & Train FAQ booklet and Going Home Booklet form part of the terms of our service and contains important information, requirements and terms relating to the operation of our Board & Train programmes. Clients will be provided with the booklet before their dog's programme begins and are required to read both in full.

​

Lifetime Client Support

When your Board & Train programme is complete, your trainer will provide you with a detailed plan of action for continuing your dog's training at home. Your commitment to this plan is essential to your dog's long-term success.

Lifetime support applies to dogs that have completed a Board & Train programme of at least four weeks, except where the dog is aged one year or under. Dogs aged one year or under and dogs completing a Board & Train programme of less than four weeks are not eligible for lifetime support.

Lifetime support is provided to help you maintain and progress the specific behavioural issues for which your dog attended the Board & Train programme. It does not automatically extend to new behavioural problems or new issues that develop after the programme has been completed.

 

Your Follow-Up Requirements

For lifetime support to remain available, active owner participation is required.

 

Stay in Contact

You must contact your trainer within the first week of returning home with your dog and provide an update on how your dog is settling back into the home environment and how the training is progressing.

You must remain in regular contact with your trainer thereafter.

​

Provide Video Updates

You must provide videos of your dog's progress when requested by your trainer. The type and frequency of videos required will vary depending on your dog and their individual training programme. During the first year following your Board & Train programme, you are required to submit a video update every month. During the second year, video updates are required every two months. Failure to provide the required video updates will result in the forfeiture of your lifetime support.

 

Attend a Support Class

Within the first few weeks of your dog returning home, you are required to attend a support class. This is an important part of continuing your dog's training around other dogs and allows your trainer to identify and address difficulties that may arise once your dog is back in their normal environment. If you do not attend a Social Class within the required four-week period, or fail to remain in contact with your trainer, your lifetime support will be voided and access to the client portal will be removed.

​

Attend Pack Walks or Social Classes

To maintain lifetime support after the initial follow-up period, you must attend at least one Pack Walk or Social Class every six months for the remainder of your dog's life.

Failure to attend within the required six-month period will result in the forfeiture of lifetime support. If you subsequently wish to attend Pack Walks, Social Classes, Boarding or another Board & Train programme after your support has been forfeited, you will be required to complete a new initial assessment.

​

Failure to Participate in Ongoing Training

Lifetime support is provided on the understanding that the owner is actively working with their dog. If you do not carry out the required work with your dog, do not follow your trainer's recommendations, do not provide the required videos and updates or otherwise fail to participate in the ongoing training process, we will discontinue your access to lifetime support. We cannot provide effective ongoing support where the owner is unwilling to carry out the work required with their dog.

​

3. BOARDING/BOARD AND TRAIN GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

​

Booking, Payment & Cancellation

Boarding/Board and Train stays require a 20% deposit to secure the booking. We do not hold spaces without a deposit. Deposits are non-refundable, subject to any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded. Your boarding stay must be paid in full at least 14 days before your dog's arrival.

We cannot accept your dog for boarding unless the stay has been paid in full. If you need to cancel your boarding booking, you must provide at least 14 days' notice.

If you cancel within 14 days of your dog's scheduled arrival, the boarding stay will not be refunded. We will always do our best to transfer your booking to alternative dates where possible, but this cannot be guaranteed and will depend on availability.

All cancellations and requests to transfer dates must be made in writing by email, WhatsApp or text message. If your dog is collected before the agreed end date for any reason, the unused portion of the boarding stay is not refundable, subject to any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded.

If we need to cancel or postpone a boarding stay due to circumstances outside our control, including weather, emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances, we will contact you as soon as possible and either reschedule the booking or provide a refund for the affected period, where applicable.

​

Your Dog's Behaviour

You must provide complete and accurate information about your dog's behaviour when booking and during the check-in process. You must disclose every behavioural issue that your dog displays, including any behaviour that could potentially place our staff, other dogs or members of the public at risk.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• dog aggression;

• dog reactivity;

• human aggression;

• biting or attempted biting;

• resource guarding;

• escape behaviour;

• severe handling issues;

• lunging;

• snapping;

• guarding; 

• unpredictable behaviour; and

• any other dangerous or unwanted behaviour.

If your dog displays behaviour during their boarding stay that you knew about but failed to disclose to us, we reserve the right to require you to collect your dog immediately. Where we have the capacity to provide additional training and believe your dog is suitable for training, we may offer the option of extending their stay to address the behaviour at an additional cost.

If you choose to collect your dog rather than accept the additional training or management arrangements recommended by us, the unused portion of the boarding stay will not be refunded, subject to any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded. Failure to disclose known behavioural issues is taken extremely seriously. It places our staff and other dogs in our care at unnecessary risk.

​

Veterinary Care & Emergencies

You are responsible for organising any routine or non-emergency veterinary appointments required by your dog during their boarding stay. Where a routine or non-emergency veterinary appointment is required, you will be responsible for collecting your dog and taking them to your veterinarian.

In an emergency, The Royal Canine Academy will transport your dog to a veterinarian and ensure that appropriate veterinary care is obtained. We will contact you as soon as reasonably possible once your dog has been assessed and an appropriate medical plan is in place.

All veterinary costs incurred during your dog's stay are the owner's responsibility. Any veterinary bills will be added to your bill and must be paid on collection.

If your dog requires life-saving or end-of-life care while in our care, we will endeavour to contact you immediately. If we are unable to reach you or your emergency contact, we will act in the best interests of your dog based on the advice and recommendations of the veterinarian treating them.

If your dog bites or otherwise injures a member of staff or another dog in our care, you will be notified and may be required to collect your dog immediately. Where your dog is required to leave our care because of dangerous behaviour, the unused portion of the boarding stay will not be refunded, subject to any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded.

​

Illness & Infectious Disease

We take extensive precautions to protect the health of every dog in our care. All dogs attending Royal Canine Academy must have their primary vaccinations, up-to-date boosters and kennel cough vaccination. However, vaccination does not eliminate the possibility of a dog contracting illnesses such as kennel cough, viruses or other infections.

Dogs can encounter viruses, bacteria and parasites in many environments, including public areas, vehicles, walks and through contact with other dogs. By placing your dog into boarding, you acknowledge and accept that there is an inherent risk of illness or infection despite appropriate preventative measures.

We clean and sanitise our facilities to a high standard using professional-grade kennel cleaning products. We cannot be responsible for veterinary costs arising from illnesses or infections contracted during your dog's stay.

​

Vaccinations, Health & Parasite Control 

When booking your dog for boarding, you must provide photographic proof of:

• primary vaccinations;

• up-to-date booster vaccinations; and

• kennel cough vaccination.

We strongly recommend that dogs attending boarding receive appropriate and regular anti-parasitic treatments. We may also require a veterinary health report before your dog's stay.

Where a veterinary health report is requested, it must be completed approximately one week before your dog's arrival and should include:

• your dog's overall health;

• confirmation of their kennel cough vaccination; and

• a full history of any illness or disease.

If your dog's vaccinations are not up to date, kennel cough vaccination must be administered at least 14 days before your dog's arrival. We reserve the right to refuse a boarding stay where the required vaccination or health information has not been provided.

​

​Medication

Medication is administered in accordance with the General Terms & Conditions.

There is a fee of €5 per day, per medication, for medication administration. Any additional or out-of-the-ordinary expenses incurred in caring for your dog during their stay will be added to your final bill and must be paid on collection.

 

Food & Allergies

You are responsible for providing sufficient food for your dog's entire boarding stay. We recommend that your dog remains on their usual diet during their stay. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upset or illness. If your dog is staying with us for an extended period, we will discuss appropriate food arrangements with you. You must notify us of all known allergies when booking your dog.

We cannot prepare for an allergy that has not been disclosed to us. If a known allergy is not disclosed to us, we cannot be held responsible for illness, injury or death resulting from that undisclosed allergy.

​

Grooming, Nails & Coat Care

All dogs attending boarding must have their nails trimmed before arrival. We do not routinely trim nails during boarding unless you specifically request this or nail trimming forms part of an agreed training programme. We do not have a groomer on site.

If you request that we trim your dog's nails, you acknowledge that there is a risk of the nail being cut too short or "quicked", which may cause bleeding or injury.

Long-haired breeds must receive appropriate grooming before arriving for their boarding stay. We do not have a groomer on site, but we will brush your dog's coat to the best of our ability approximately every two days. We will inspect long-haired dogs when they arrive and notify you if we identify knots or mats.

We cannot guarantee that existing knots or mats will not worsen during the boarding stay. Severe knots and mats require professional grooming and cannot always be adequately managed through brushing. By bringing a dog with existing knots or mats to boarding, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

​

Minor Scratches, Grazes & Environmental Irritation

Dogs staying with us spend time outdoors as part of their normal daily routine. Some dogs may develop minor scratches, grazes or irritation to areas such as their feet or belly as a result of normal outdoor activity or environmental allergens.

Some dogs, particularly dogs prone to licking or chewing their paws, may also develop sores or irritation during their stay. Paw licking and chewing can be associated with allergies, emotional stress or anxiety. We will notify you when we become aware of any such issue.

​

Damage & Additional Costs

If your dog causes damage to another dog, our property or other property during their stay, the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged item may be added to your final bill. Any veterinary bills or other out-of-the-ordinary expenses incurred on behalf of your dog during their stay will also be added to your final bill and are payable on collection.

​

Early Collection

If your dog is collected before the agreed end date for any reason, whether due to illness, behavioural issues, owner choice or a decision made by The Royal Canine Academy, the unused portion of the boarding stay is not refundable.

Where appropriate, and entirely at our discretion, we may offer a credit note that can be used towards future boarding or training where those services are suitable for your dog. Credit notes are not guaranteed and are offered at our discretion.

If we do not see your dog for a period of six months after a credit note has been issued, you will be required to complete a new initial assessment before using any of our services, including straight boarding.

​

4. SOCIAL CLASSES & PACK WALKS

 

Booking & Attendance

Social Classes and Pack Walks are structured group activities and are subject to availability. Places must be booked in advance. Clients are responsible for attending at the date, time and location provided by The Royal Canine Academy. Drop-off and collection time provisions in the General Terms & Conditions do not apply to Social Classes and Pack Walks unless specifically stated otherwise.

 

Dog Behaviour & Suitability

You must provide complete and accurate information about your dog's behaviour before attending. This includes any history of aggression, reactivity, biting, attempted biting, resource guarding, escape behaviour or other behaviour that could place another dog, person or member of the public at risk.

The Royal Canine Academy reserves the right to refuse or discontinue a dog's participation where we consider the dog unsuitable for the particular class or walk. Where necessary, we may require additional training, equipment or management before a dog can participate.

​

Owner Responsibilities

You remain responsible for your dog throughout Social Classes and Pack Walks. You must follow the instructions given by The Royal Canine Academy and use any equipment or management strategies recommended for your dog. You must not allow your dog to interact with another dog or person where instructed not to do so.

If your trainer asks you to move, increase distance, change position, use particular equipment or otherwise manage your dog in a particular way, you are expected to follow that instruction immediately. Failure to follow instructions may result in your dog being removed from the activity.

 

Training & Management

Social Classes and Pack Walks are opportunities to continue practising training and management around other dogs and people. They are not a substitute for completing the training or management work required at home. Your dog's behaviour remains your responsibility outside the Social Class or Pack Walk environment, and The Royal Canine Academy cannot be responsible for behaviour that occurs because you have failed to follow the training and management recommendations provided.

​

Cancellation & Missed Sessions

If you cannot attend a Social Class or Pack Walk, you must provide notice in accordance with the booking terms provided at the time of booking. Missed sessions are not refundable unless otherwise agreed by Royal Canine Academy.

The Royal Canine Academy may cancel or rearrange a Social Class or Pack Walk where necessary due to weather, safety concerns, staffing, operational requirements or other circumstances outside our control. Where we cancel an activity, we will provide an alternative arrangement or credit where appropriate.

 

Safety

The safety of dogs, owners, members of the public and The Royal Canine Academy staff takes priority at all times. Royal Canine Academy may remove a dog from a Social Class or Pack Walk immediately where we consider their behaviour to present an unacceptable risk.

Where a dog is removed because of behaviour that was not disclosed before attendance, the owner may be required to complete an assessment or additional training before the dog is permitted to attend again.

We reserve the right to refuse future participation where necessary for safety or where an owner repeatedly fails to follow our instructions.

​

Shipping, Returns & Refunds Policy

​

Business Contact Details

The Royal Canine Academy
Gemma Melton
Duffsland,
Common's Road,
Navan,
County Meath, Ireland.

​

Do not return your item to this address; please contact us via email, and we will forward you the return shipping address 

​

Email: gemma@royalcanineacademy.ie
Telephone: 085 1467964

​

1. Shipping

We currently ship within Ireland only. We do not offer international shipping.

Customers are responsible for checking that the delivery address provided at checkout is correct.

2. Custom-Made Products

Our custom-made and personalised products are made to order according to the options selected by the customer.

Products made to the customer's specifications or clearly personalised are exempt from the statutory 14-day change-of-mind cancellation right under Irish consumer law.

Please check your selections carefully before ordering. If you need to change or cancel an order, contact us as soon as possible. Changes may not be possible once production has started.

This exemption does not affect your statutory rights if a product is faulty, damaged, incorrectly supplied or does not conform to the order.

3. Change-of-Mind Cancellations – Ready-Made Herm Sprenger Products

For ready-made Herm Sprenger products purchased online, you have 14 days from the day after receiving your order to notify us that you wish to cancel your purchase. You do not need to give a reason.

Once you have notified us, you have a further 14 days to return the goods.

You may handle and inspect goods as necessary to establish their nature, characteristics and functioning. You may be responsible for any reduction in value resulting from handling beyond what is necessary.

4. Return Conditions and Postage

Please contact The Royal Canine Academy before returning an item so that we can provide the appropriate return instructions. This does not affect your statutory right to cancel within the applicable period.

For change-of-mind returns, the customer is responsible for the direct cost of returning the goods, provided this obligation has been communicated before purchase.

Where a return relates to faulty, damaged, incorrectly supplied or non-conforming goods, we will cover return costs where required by law.

5. Refunds

For a valid statutory cancellation, we will refund the amount paid for the goods and the cost of the least expensive standard delivery option we offered. Any additional cost arising from the customer's choice of a more expensive delivery option will not be refunded where permitted by law.

Refunds will be made using the original payment method unless the customer expressly agrees otherwise.

We may withhold the refund until we receive the returned goods or evidence that they have been sent back, whichever occurs first, where permitted by law.

6. Faulty, Damaged or Incorrect Products

If a product is faulty, damaged, incorrectly supplied or does not conform to its description or specifications, please contact The Royal Canine Academy.

Under Irish consumer law, you generally have 30 days from receiving the goods to exercise your short-term right to terminate the contract and receive a full refund for faulty or non-conforming goods. You may choose a repair or replacement instead where available.

Where a repair or replacement is required by law, it will be provided at no cost to you, including applicable return and delivery costs.

Nothing in this section limits your statutory consumer rights.

7. Lost or Damaged Deliveries

If your order has not arrived or arrives damaged, please contact us so that we can investigate and arrange an appropriate resolution.

We will address delivery issues in accordance with applicable consumer law.

8. How to Cancel an Eligible Order

To exercise your statutory right to cancel an eligible purchase, notify us within 14 days of receiving the goods. You may contact us by email or post using the details above. You may use the model cancellation form below, but you are not required to do so.

After notifying us of cancellation, return the goods within a further 14 days to the return address we provide.

The customer is responsible for the direct return cost for change-of-mind cancellations.

9. Model Cancellation Form

Complete and return this form only if you wish to cancel an eligible purchase.

To: The Royal Canine Academy
Email: gemma@royalcanineacademy.ie

I hereby give notice that I cancel my contract for the purchase of the following goods:

Order number:

Goods ordered:

Date ordered:

Date received:

Customer name:

Customer address:

Date of cancellation notice:

Date:

10. Statutory Rights

Nothing in this policy excludes or restricts any statutory consumer rights applicable under Irish law.

​

​

____________________________________________________

​

PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION POLICY

Royal Canine Academy

Last Updated: 15th September 2026

​

Royal Canine Academy respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data.

This Privacy & Data Protection Policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, who we may share it with, how we protect it and what rights you have in relation to your personal data.

We process personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and other applicable Irish data protection and privacy legislation.

This policy applies to information collected through our website, booking and enquiry forms, email, telephone and WhatsApp communications, social media, our client portal and in connection with the services we provide.

​

1. Who We Are

Royal Canine Academy is the data controller responsible for the personal data we collect and process in connection with our business.

If you have any questions about how we use your personal data, or wish to exercise any of your data protection rights, you can contact us at:

Email: enquiries@royalcanineacademy.ie

Telephone / WhatsApp: 085 146 7964

You may also contact us through the contact form on our website.

​

2. Information We Collect

​

Depending on how you interact with Royal Canine Academy, we may collect and process information including:

Client information

• Your name

• Address

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Booking and service information

• Payment and transaction information

• Information contained in communications between you and Royal Canine Academy

• Information you provide when making an inquiry or booking

• ​

Dog information

Because our services involve the care and training of dogs, we may also collect information about your dog, including:

• Dog's name

• Breed

• Age or date of birth

• Microchip information

• Vaccination records

• Veterinary information

• Medical information relevant to their care

• Medication

• Allergies

• Behavioural history

• Training history

• Information about behavioural issues

• Information provided during assessments and questionnaires

• Photographs and videos of your dog

• ​

Emergency and veterinary information

Where necessary for the safe care of your dog, we may collect:

• Emergency contact details

• Your veterinarian's name

• Veterinary practice details

• Veterinary telephone number

• Relevant veterinary reports or medical information

You should only provide us with personal information about another person, such as an emergency contact, where you are entitled to do so.

​

3. How We Collect Your Information

We may collect personal information directly from you when you:

• Contact us through our website

• Complete an inquiry or booking form

• Make a booking

• Attend an assessment

• Communicate with us by email, telephone or WhatsApp

• Communicate with us through social media

• Complete forms or questionnaires relating to your dog

• Use our client portal

• Purchase or attend one of our services

• Provide information during your dog's check-in or stay

We may also receive information from third parties where this is necessary to provide our services, such as veterinary practices or other professionals involved in your dog's care.

​

4. Why We Use Your Information

We use personal data for purposes including:

• Providing dog training, Board & Train, boarding, social class, pack walk and other services

• Assessing your dog's individual needs

• Communicating with you about your booking or service

• Providing instructions and follow-up support

• Keeping your dog safe while they are in our care

• Responding to inquiries

• Arranging veterinary care or emergency assistance where necessary

• Processing payments and maintaining business records

• Managing our client relationships

• Maintaining appropriate records of the services we provide

• Protecting our staff, clients, dogs and property

• Preventing and dealing with fraud, misuse or inappropriate activity

• Complying with legal, tax, accounting and other regulatory obligations

• Defending or establishing our legal rights where necessary

• Improving our services and website

• Sending relevant marketing communications where permitted by law and, where required, with your consent

We will only use personal data for purposes that are lawful and appropriate to the circumstances in which it was collected.

​

5. Our Lawful Bases for Processing

Depending on the circumstances, we rely on one or more of the lawful bases provided by data protection law.

​

Performance of a contract

We may process your information where this is necessary to provide the service you have booked or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract.

This includes processing information required to:

• Make and manage bookings

• Provide training or boarding services

• Communicate with you about your booking

• Provide follow-up support

• Manage payments and invoices
   

Legal obligation

We may process and retain information where necessary to comply with our legal obligations, including accounting, taxation and other legal or regulatory requirements.

​

Legitimate interests

We may process personal data where this is necessary for our legitimate business interests, provided that those interests are not overridden by your rights and freedoms.

This may include:

• Protecting the safety of dogs, clients and staff

• Managing and operating our business

• Maintaining appropriate business records

• Managing client relationships

• Preventing fraud or misuse

• Establishing, exercising or defending legal claims

• Improving our services and systems

• ​

Consent

Where we rely on your consent to process personal data, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.

Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before consent was withdrawn.

​

6. Marketing

We may contact existing or prospective clients about Royal Canine Academy services, classes, events, offers or other information that may be relevant to them.

Where consent is required for a particular form of marketing communication, we will obtain that consent.

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time.

You can also object to direct marketing at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe option provided in a marketing communication.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes.

​

7. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent or otherwise sell your personal data to third parties.

We may share personal information where this is necessary to provide our services, operate our business, comply with the law or protect the rights and safety of Royal Canine Academy, our clients, staff or dogs.

This may include sharing information with:

• Veterinary practices where veterinary treatment is required

• Emergency contacts where appropriate

• Payment processors

• Website, booking, client-management and software providers

• Cloud storage and communications providers

• Professional advisers where necessary

• Legal or regulatory authorities where we are legally required to do s
   

Where third-party service providers process personal data on our behalf, we will take appropriate steps to ensure that they provide appropriate safeguards for the protection of personal data.

​

8. International Data Transfers

Some of the technology and service providers we use may process or store information outside Ireland or the European Economic Area (EEA).

Where personal data is transferred outside the EEA, we will ensure that the transfer is carried out in accordance with applicable data protection law and that appropriate safeguards are in place where required.

9. How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable and appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, alteration, disclosure or destruction.

Depending on the information and system involved, these measures may include:

• Access controls

• Password protection

• Restricted access to client information

• Secure systems and software

• Appropriate security procedures

• Staff confidentiality requirements

• Secure storage and deletion procedures

However, no method of transmitting or storing information electronically can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

​

10. How Long We Keep Your Information

We retain personal information only for as long as it is reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including providing services, maintaining appropriate business records, complying with legal obligations and establishing or defending legal claims.

Different types of information may need to be retained for different periods.

Financial, accounting and tax records will be retained for the period required by applicable Irish law.

Where information is no longer required and there is no legal reason for us to retain it, we will securely delete or dispose of it.

​

11. Photographs, Videos & Social Media

We may take photographs or videos of dogs participating in our training, boarding, social classes, pack walks or other services.

Where photographs or videos contain identifiable individuals, we will handle that personal data in accordance with applicable data protection law.

We may use photographs or videos for purposes such as:

• Documenting training progress

• Providing training feedback

• Demonstrating our services

• Educational content

• Our website

• Social media

• Marketing

Where consent is required, we will obtain it before using identifiable individuals in this way.

You should not send us photographs or videos containing another identifiable person unless you are entitled to provide that material to us.

12. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies.

Some cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. Other cookies, such as analytics, advertising or tracking cookies, may require your consent before they are used.

Where consent is required, you will be provided with an appropriate mechanism to manage your cookie preferences.

You can change or withdraw your cookie preferences through the cookie-management tools provided on our website.

Our use of cookies is also subject to applicable Irish ePrivacy requirements.

​

13. Your Data Protection Rights

Subject to the conditions and exemptions provided by law, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

• Request erasure of your personal data in certain circumstances

• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

• Object to certain processing, including direct marketing

• Request data portability where the relevant legal conditions apply

• Withdraw consent where we rely on consent as our lawful basis for processing

The DPC confirms that individuals have these rights under the GDPR, although their application can depend on the particular circumstances and lawful basis involved.

​

14. How to Exercise Your Rights

If you wish to exercise any of your data protection rights, please contact us in writing at:

Email: enquiries@royalcanineacademy.ie

You may also contact us through our website.

We may need to request additional information to verify your identity before providing personal information or acting on certain requests.

We will deal with valid requests within the timeframe required by applicable data protection law.

We will not charge you for exercising your rights unless permitted by law, for example where a request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.

​

15. Complaints

If you have a concern about how we have handled your personal data, we encourage you to contact us first so that we can try to resolve the issue.

You also have the right to make a complaint to the Data Protection Commission (DPC), the Irish supervisory authority for data protection.

​

The DPC's website is:

Data Protection Commission

​

16. Third-Party Websites

Our website and social media accounts may contain links to third-party websites, platforms or services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, security or content of third-party websites.

If you follow a link to another website, you should review that website's own privacy policy before providing personal information.

​

17. Children's Privacy

Our services are directed towards adults and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children for the purpose of providing our services.

If you believe that we have inadvertently collected personal information relating to a child, please contact us so that we can review the information and take appropriate action where required.

​

18. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy & Data Protection Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our business, services, technology or legal requirements.

The most recent version will be published on our website and the date at the top of this policy will be updated.

We recommend checking this page periodically for the latest version.