• The dog owner, hereby known as ‘the client’ must accept that they take full responsibility for their pet, hereby known as ‘the patient’. Although Little Barn Hydrotherapy Ltd (LBH) staff are fully trained and the pool water conditions meet NARCH safety standards, clients agree that their dogs participate in hydrotherapy wholly at their own risk.
• All patients being treated must have a hydrotherapy referral form signed by their general practice vet, showing that their veterinary surgeon is happy for them to use the pool and have hydrotherapy treatment.
• Clients should understand that by registering with LBH, they give permission for LBH to obtain and discuss details of their dog’s medical conditions with veterinary surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists or any other health care or complimentary therapy practitioners.
• Clients should understand that physical exercise together with the pressure of the water on the chest and abdomen can put more stress on your dog’s cardiovascular and respiratory functions. If there is an undiagnosed cardiac or respiratory condition your dog could be at risk.
• Whilst all due care is taken, if your dog has a diagnosed or undiagnosed spinal condition, there is a possibility their condition could be worsened by hydrotherapy.
• Clients will inform LBH immediately if their dog contracts any infectious or contagious disease (eg. kennel cough).
• Clients will not bring any dog to LBH which has contracted or been knowingly exposed to any infectious or contagious disease.
• Clients must inform LBH if their dog has been vaccinated – particularly with kennel cough vaccine as this is normally given as live vaccine and should not mix with other dogs for 3 days.
• Spot flea and tick treatments can contaminate our water and also may be ineffective if a dog swims. Please leave 4 days after application before attending an appointment.
• Clients will inform LBH of any changes to medication, any surgical procedures or changes in veterinary advice affecting their dog.
• All sessions must be paid in full, either on the day of treatment or up front as part of a block booking. Clients intending to pay for sessions under their pet insurance should pay LBH first and claim back from their insurer afterwards. LBH can provide a receipt with full details of the session paid for, to help with your claim.
• Appointments that are missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged in full. Clients who are late for an appointment should realise that their allocated time will be reduced accordingly, as patients following their booking who arrive on time will not be made to wait.
• Bitches in season will not be allowed to swim. Dogs with infectious or contagious conditions should not come to the Centre. Normal cancellation conditions apply.
• Dogs with sores or open wound, including surgical incisions, will not be allowed to swim until their skin has healed.
• Clients agree to notify LBH if the patient’s condition worsens following treatment, or if their vet advises treatment is stopped or postponed.
• Patients will be required to wear a buoyancy jacket or harness during treatment. These are supplied by LBH. At all other times, patients must be kept under control and on a lead.
• Clients are requested not to feed their dog for at least 2 hours prior to hydrotherapy, and to avoid food for at least an hour afterwards.
• Clients are encouraged to arrive early for their appointment to give their dog a chance to empty their bowels and bladder before their session. A fee will be charged, should a dog have an accident in the pool, which could have been avoided, had they been allowed to toilet prior to their appointment.
• Clients are requested to pick up after their dog, and use the bin provided. There is a grass area for the dogs to use behind the barn.
• Clients are requested to wait in their cars or outside while the previous patient is swimming. Each dog has the sole use of the Centre during their session.
• Clients must close the gate each time they go through it.
• Patients must be in a clean condition. Showering may take slightly longer if the dog is wet and muddy. This will reduce the amount of time your dog has in the pool.
• Please bring your own towel for your pet. In colder weather we recommend you also bring a dog coat and warm the car for the journey home.
• Floors may be wet and slippery, and water may be splashed and shaken during the session. The dog shower is located on the walkway next to the pool, and the floor can become quite wet. Clients are advised to be aware and dress appropriately.
• Cleanliness of the pool and pool area is very important. Clients are requested to either remove their shoes or wear shoe covers to reduce bringing in dirt from outside. Anyone with dirty shoes will be asked to remove them.
• LBH request that young children do not attend sessions. Any children who do come along must agree to be quiet and calm during the session. The hydrotherapist and the client must have their full concentration focused on the patient.
• Clients agree that LBH can use photographs and video taken during the treatment sessions for publicity purposes. LBH give you permission to take photos and videos during the session for your personal enjoyment, and if published on social media, please remember to add our company name – Little Barn Hydrotherapy Ltd, and ask your friends to like our page.
• Clients understand that LBH can take no responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles or personal property while you are at the center.
• LBH reserves the right to refuse treatment to any dog.
• Clients are requested not to bring dogs other than those who are going to swim to LBH, without prior consultation with the Centre.