The legal bit

HOUNDS & BOUNDS

Secure Dog Walking Fields – Park Rules, Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Hounds & Bounds. Our secure dog walking fields provide a private, enclosed space for dogs to exercise, explore, train and enjoy time off lead in a controlled environment.

To keep our facilities safe, enjoyable and well maintained for everyone, all customers must read and comply with the following Park Rules, Terms and Conditions before using our facilities.

By making a booking and entering a Hounds & Bounds field, you agree to these terms.

1. General Rules and Responsibility

Use of Hounds & Bounds facilities is at your own risk.
You are responsible for the actions, behaviour and welfare of your dog or dogs at all times during your visit.
You must ensure that your dogs are suitable for the environment and that you can safely manage them throughout your session.
Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times and must not be allowed to operate gates or access equipment unsupervised.
Whilst we take reasonable precautions to maintain a safe and secure environment, dogs can behave unpredictably and outdoor environments carry inherent risks. To the extent permitted by law, Hounds & Bounds accepts no liability for injury, illness, loss or damage arising from the use of our facilities.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
We reserve the right to refuse entry, terminate a session or withdraw permission to use our facilities where these rules are breached, or where we consider this necessary for safety, security or the welfare of people or animals.
Where a customer is required to leave because of a breach of these rules, no refund or credit will be given, subject to applicable law.
We reserve the right to suspend access, amend operating arrangements or reschedule bookings when necessary, including for maintenance, adverse weather, safety concerns or circumstances beyond our control. Where we cancel or reschedule a booking, we will communicate the available arrangements.

2. Bookings, Cancellations and Rescheduling

Bookings

All sessions must be booked and paid for online before arrival. A booking is confirmed once payment has been received and confirmation has been issued.
Our fields are available by appointment only. You must not enter or use the facilities outside your allocated booking.
Each booking is for a one-hour session. You must leave the enclosure by the end of your booked hour, allowing the next customer to enter on time.
Late arrival does not entitle you to extend your session beyond the booked finish time. No credit or additional time will be provided for late arrivals or lost session time.

Cancelling a Session

You may cancel your session online through My Bookings in your account up to 48 hours before your session starts.
When you cancel within this timeframe, the full amount paid for the session will be returned to your Hounds & Bounds wallet as credit for future bookings.
Wallet credit cannot be exchanged for cash, refunded to your original payment method or converted into any other monetary value. Credit can only be used towards future bookings with Hounds & Bounds.
Wallet credit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Any unused credit will expire after this period.
Sessions cannot be cancelled online within 48 hours of the scheduled start time.

Moving a Session

You may move your session to another available date and time at the same field, free of charge, up to 12 hours before your session starts.
Changes must be made through My Bookings in your account and are subject to availability.
The cancellation and rescheduling deadlines for your booking are shown in your account and booking confirmation email.
Sessions cannot be rescheduled online within 12 hours of the scheduled start time.

Changes Outside the Permitted Timeframes

If you can no longer attend and your cancellation or rescheduling deadline has passed, please contact us. We will consider your request where possible, but changes or wallet credit cannot be guaranteed outside the stated timeframes.
No credit or changes will be provided for late arrivals or lost session time. Your session ends at the time you booked.
If you cannot attend, you may offer your session to a friend or family member. You must notify Hounds & Bounds in advance and provide the contact details of the new user.
Anyone using a transferred booking must comply with all Hounds & Bounds Park Rules and Terms and Conditions.

By making a booking, you acknowledge and agree to these booking, cancellation and rescheduling conditions.

3. Field Access, Gate Security and Vehicle Safety

The security of our fields depends on every customer following the correct access procedure.

Field Access and Gate Security

Your booking confirmation email will contain the access code required to enter the field. If you do not receive this email, please contact us before travelling to the site.
Do not enter the field until the previous customer has fully departed and the enclosure is available.
If the previous customer has overstayed, do not enter. Please call us on 07791 438281 so we can contact them.
Do not arrive before your allocated start time, as this may interfere with another customer's booking.
Keep your dog securely inside your vehicle while waiting to enter the field. Dogs must not be allowed to roam outside the enclosure or approach the entrance while you wait.
Never force, pull, push or manually interfere with an automated gate. This may damage the mechanism, and customers may be held responsible for repair costs where damage is caused by their actions, subject to applicable law.
You are responsible for ensuring that the gate closes fully and that the enclosure is secure throughout your session.
Check that the gate has completed its automatic closing cycle and is properly secured before releasing your dog from your vehicle.
Do not release your dog if there is any doubt about the security of the gate or perimeter. Contact us for assistance.
Keep gates closed at all times and never allow another person to enter without the appropriate booking and access arrangements.
At the end of your session, secure your dog before opening the gate to leave, and ensure you have departed before the next booking begins.
Report any damage, malfunction, gap in the fencing or security concern to us immediately.

Vehicle Safety and Gate Operation

Customers are responsible for driving with due care and attention at all times when entering, exiting or manoeuvring within Hounds & Bounds sites.
Please allow sufficient time and space for the gates to open and close fully. Do not attempt to drive through a gate until it has opened sufficiently to allow safe passage, and never attempt to pass through while the gate is closing.
Our gates are fitted with sensors; however, these are safety features and must not be relied upon as a substitute for careful driving and appropriate judgement.
Customers must remain alert to the movement of gates and ensure their vehicle is clear of the gate's operating area before it begins to close.
Hounds & Bounds accepts no responsibility for damage to vehicles arising from the use or operation of the gates or from entering, exiting or manoeuvring on our premises, except where liability cannot legally be excluded or limited. Customers are responsible for taking appropriate care to protect their vehicles and should ensure they have suitable motor insurance in place.
Any gate malfunction, unexpected movement or suspected sensor failure must be reported to Hounds & Bounds immediately. Do not attempt to force or interfere with the gate.

4. Dogs on Site and Responsible Ownership

All dogs must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must never be left unattended.
You remain responsible for your dogs at all times, including when they are off lead.
Only bring dogs that you can safely manage and that are suitable for the facilities.
Dogs showing signs of illness, contagious disease or other conditions that could put dogs or people at risk must not attend.
Do not bring a dog that is displaying behaviour you cannot safely manage within the enclosure.
You must use the field only for the dogs covered by your booking and in accordance with the applicable booking conditions. Dogs belonging to other households must not be brought without prior permission.
Do not deliberately encourage dogs to behave aggressively, chase wildlife or damage the facilities.
If a dog becomes distressed, unwell, aggressive or difficult to control, take appropriate steps to protect everyone present and end the session if necessary.
You must bring any equipment necessary to manage your dog safely, including a lead and a suitable collar or harness.
Any incident involving injury, escape, aggression or damage must be reported to Hounds & Bounds as soon as possible.

5. Dog Waste, Litter and Cleanliness

Cleaning up after your dog is non-negotiable.

You must pick up and dispose of all dog waste immediately, wherever it occurs within the field.
Poo bags and designated waste bins are provided and must be used.
Do not leave filled poo bags on the ground, beside fences, around agility equipment or anywhere else on site.
All other rubbish, including food packaging, bottles, toys and personal waste, must be placed in the appropriate bins or taken away with you if no suitable bin is available.
Do not leave unwanted toys, food or other items in the field.
We regularly check our sites for cleanliness. Where waste has been left behind, we may investigate and contact the relevant customer.
Customers who repeatedly fail to clean up after their dogs or leave litter behind may be refused future bookings.

Please leave the field as you would wish to find it.

6. Poisonous Mushrooms, Dangerous Plants and Other Hazards

Protecting your dog from poisonous mushrooms and dangerous plants is a shared responsibility.

Our fields are outdoor environments, and naturally occurring mushrooms, fungi, plants and other potential hazards can appear at any time. Some may be toxic or dangerous if eaten or chewed by dogs.

Although we regularly inspect and maintain our sites, mushrooms and other hazards can emerge very quickly, sometimes overnight. It is therefore not possible to guarantee that every potential hazard will be identified before every session.

Please remain observant throughout your visit and discourage your dog from eating or chewing mushrooms, plants, berries or any unfamiliar growth.
If you spot a mushroom or suspected poisonous or dangerous plant, keep your dog away from it.
Where it is safe to do so, remove the mushroom using a poo bag, avoid touching it directly, and place it in the designated dog-waste bin. Do not handle anything you suspect may be hazardous if doing so could put you at risk.
Please report the location and nature of the hazard to Hounds & Bounds as soon as possible, even if you have removed it. A photograph taken from a safe distance can be helpful.
If you find a large growth, a widespread patch of mushrooms, an unfamiliar plant or a hazard that cannot safely be removed, keep your dog away from the area and notify us immediately. Do not attempt to remove plants or fungi that may be hazardous to handle.
Please do not assume that a mushroom is safe because it looks familiar or resembles an edible variety.
If you believe your dog has eaten a potentially poisonous mushroom or plant, contact your vet immediately for advice. Do not wait for symptoms to develop and do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional.

We appreciate customers helping us identify and report hazards promptly. Your vigilance helps us maintain the safest environment reasonably possible for all our canine visitors.

7. Agility Equipment and Park Facilities

Agility equipment is provided for dogs to use during their booked session.
All equipment is used at the customer's own risk.
You are responsible for assessing whether individual pieces of equipment are suitable for your dog's age, size, physical condition, confidence and ability.
Do not force your dog to use equipment or encourage activities that may cause injury.
Equipment is intended for dog use only. Customers and children must not climb, sit, stand or play on agility equipment.
Use the equipment responsibly and supervise your dog at all times.
Any broken, loose, damaged or potentially dangerous equipment must be reported immediately.
Do not attempt repairs or alter the equipment yourself.
We reserve the right to close individual pieces of equipment or sections of the field for maintenance or safety reasons.

8. Damage, Misuse and Reporting Incidents

Customers must use the facilities responsibly and take reasonable care of the field, fencing, gates, equipment and other property.
You must report any damage, accident, injury, security issue or dangerous condition to Hounds & Bounds as soon as possible.
Customers may be held responsible for the reasonable cost of repairing damage directly caused by their negligence, misuse or breach of these terms, subject to applicable law.
Deliberate damage, unsafe conduct, failure to secure the gate or repeated breaches of the rules may result in immediate termination of a session and refusal of future bookings.
Do not interfere with fencing, locks, gates, security equipment, signs or maintenance work.

9. Site Closures and Operational Changes

We reserve the right to close a field temporarily where necessary for maintenance, repairs, adverse weather, unsafe ground conditions, environmental hazards or other operational reasons.
We may reschedule a booking where circumstances make it necessary to protect customer safety, animal welfare or the security of our facilities.
Where we need to cancel or reschedule your booking, we will contact you using the details provided at the time of booking and explain the available arrangements.
Customers should ensure their contact details are accurate and check their booking confirmation before travelling.

Where Hounds & Bounds cancels a booking, any applicable refund, wallet credit or alternative arrangement will be communicated to the customer, subject to applicable law.

10. Breach of Terms and Refusal of Access

We reserve the right to refuse entry, end a session or suspend or withdraw a customer's permission to use Hounds & Bounds if they:

Breach these Park Rules or Terms and Conditions.
Fail to follow the booking, entry or gate-security procedures.
Fail to clean up after their dog or leave litter behind.
Damage or misuse the facilities.
Put the safety or welfare of people or animals at risk.
Provide misleading information or fail to comply with applicable legal requirements.

Where a session is terminated because of a customer breach, no refund or wallet credit will ordinarily be provided, subject to applicable law.

We may also refuse future bookings where we reasonably consider this necessary to protect our customers, their dogs, our staff or our facilities.

11. Acceptance of These Terms

By booking or using a Hounds & Bounds secure dog walking field, you confirm that:

You have read and understood these Park Rules, Terms and Conditions.
You accept responsibility for your dog or dogs during your visit.
You will follow the booking, gate-security, vehicle-safety, waste-disposal and site-safety procedures.
You understand and accept the cancellation and rescheduling policy.
You will report hazards, damage and incidents promptly.
You will comply with applicable laws and any reasonable safety instructions issued by Hounds & Bounds.

Thank you for helping us keep Hounds & Bounds safe, secure, clean and enjoyable for every dog and owner.

Hounds & Bounds – Safe spaces, happy hounds.