Client Service
Agreement
& Terms

Organisations or individuals affiliated with, or using the name Snout & About, are entirely responsible for their own policies on payment. Working with the direct Snout & About team (those with @snoutandabout.ie email addresses) requires 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.