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Terms of Service

Requirements for Using Our Services

In order to utilize our services, every client must complete a client and dog profile and acknowledge our waiver. In addition, each dog must remain current with all vaccinations as required by the NYC Department of Health. We also require that dogs are suitable for our unique environment including being safe with other dogs and our staff. We require these things of all dogs so that we can provide them with the best experience possible and so that you can know that we are doing all that we can to ensure the health and safety of your dog and our staff in the context of our cage-free and off-leash environment.  Please note that unless otherwise noted in writing all services and products are non-refundable. 

Vaccinations Required

The health of the dogs in our care is our number one priority. To that end, we require that all dogs using any Pooches Sport & Spa service be currently vaccinated against rabies, distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza, parvo and bordetella. That commonly means that you need the following vaccinations administered by a veterinarian:

  • Rabies

  • DHPP

  • Bordatella

 

Most NYC veterinarians administer a booster commonly referred to as DH2PP, DA2PP, DHPP, or Distemper/Parvo which vaccinates against distemper and parvo, in addition to hepatitis (adenovirus), and parainfluenza. Please consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you have the proper vaccine coverage. Please note that for puppies this means that your puppy must be up to date with their current series based on their age. We keep records of your dog's vaccination expiration dates to help you keep your dog current with his or her vaccinations.

Bordetella Vaccine – Six Month Requirement

Please note that as required by the NYC Department of Health, your dog must receive the Bordetella vaccine either every six months or annually, depending on the type of Bordatella vaccination administered by your veterinarian. This vaccine is intended to prevent the spread of bacteria that can lead to what is commonly known as kennel cough. Please note that there are many strands of "kennel cough", and the vaccine only covers some of those strands, therefore it is possible for your dog to contract symptoms even if he is vaccinated. Also, the bacteria is airborn and can travel across 3-4 city blocks, thus it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the source of the exposure. The NYC Department of Health requires this vaccine done every six months or annually as the vaccine is updated regularly for new strands of the bacteria, much like with the flu vaccine for humans.

Sick Dogs

All dogs using our services must be healthy as we care for a large number of animals. We will not admit any dog that we believe, at our sole discretion, to be a risk to the other animals in our care. It is your responsibility as a parent to notify us of any health related issues affecting your dog so that we can make an informed determination about how to best care for your dog. Customers that do not inform us in a timely manner of any health issues, knowingly bring their dog to us while he or she is sick, or do not make all efforts possible to remove their dog from our facility once determined to be a risk by us will be subject to a surcharge of $500. In addition, at our discretion, those customers may not be allowed to use our services again and in that case will forfeit any unused portion of their package (if applicable) without a refund.

Injuries

While we make every effort to ensure that each dog in our care is as safe as possible, injuries can occur. If your dog is injured while in our care for any reason, and requires outside medical attention, we will take your dog to the local veterinarian for care. Our first priority will always be the care of your dog and therefore getting them to a local veterinarian quickly will be our first step. If your pet, while under Pooches' care or supervision, bites another dog on the Pooches' premises or under Pooches’ care or supervision, and such bite results in an injury that requires veterinary care, Pooches will contact the owner of the bitten dog and upon written request of the bitten dog's owner, Pooches will promptly divulge in writing (1) the name of your pet, (2) your name and contact information, (3) and any medical information necessary for the health and safety of the bitten pet. Under all circumstances, the health of your dog is our first priority and we will make every effort possible to make sure he or she is safe and receives the proper care.

 

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL DOGS AT POOCHES PLAY AT THEIR OWN RISK!

WAIVER

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