Booking, Cancellation, Refund
& Liability Policy
 

Training Services (Your Dog)

• Bookings may be rescheduled up to 24 hours prior to your session.

• No refunds are provided for cancellations or no-shows.

• Sessions may be rescheduled by Serenity Scent Work in the event of extreme weather or emergencies.

• We use positive reinforcement only. Please ensure your dog is on a flat collar or back-attach harness. No prong collars, shock collars, or check chains are permitted.

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Health & Safety Requirements for Client Dogs

If you are booking training services for your own dog, please ensure the following before scheduling sessions:

• Your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, to a level of C5 or C7.

• Your dog is on current flea and tick prevention treatments to protect all dogs on premesis.

• Your dog is in good health and physically fit to participate in outdoor scent work activities.

• Please notify us in advance if your dog has any health concerns or recent injuries.

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Harvesting Services (Using Jess’s Dog)

• Please book well in advance during harvest season to ensure availability.

• A property access plan will be arranged before the visit.

• If sessions must be cancelled due to weather or truffle conditions, they can be rescheduled at no additional cost.

• Invoices are payable within 7 days of service unless otherwise agreed.
   

Working Dog Welfare & Safety Requirements

At Serenity Scent Work, the health, safety, and welfare of our detection dogs is our top priority. To ensure they can perform accurately and without stress, the following must be in place during harvesting sessions:

• Zero Contact with Client Dogs: All other dogs must be securely confined (e.g., indoors or in a secure enclosure) during the duration of the visit. No interaction with our working dogs is permitted at any time.

• No Loose Animals: Livestock, poultry, and other animals must be removed or safely contained away from the search area.

• Safe & Quiet Working Conditions: Please avoid running machinery or loud distractions during the visit. Unsafe terrain (e.g., sharp wire, holes, debris) must be identified in advance.

• Play and Rest Are Part of the Job: Our working dogs will take short breaks for play, decompression, and motivation resets — this is a normal and essential part of effective scent detection work.

• Hydration Breaks: Dogs will be offered water at least every 30 minutes, or more often as needed depending on temperature and workload.

• Supervision or Clear Instructions: A property owner or designated representative must be available at the start of the visit, or clear written instructions must be provided regarding access and the scope of work.

• If any of these safety conditions are not met upon arrival, the session may be aborted or rescheduled at the client’s expense to ensure the safety and welfare of the dog and handler team.

Weather Policy

Sessions may be postponed or rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions, including but not limited to:

• Heavy rain or flooding that makes the orchard unsafe or inaccessible

• Freezing temperatures that pose a risk to dogs or handlers

• Strong winds, icy patches, or hazardous terrain caused by winter weather

• Other extreme weather events that impact safety or the effectiveness of scent work

Clients will be notified as soon as possible if sessions need to be rescheduled for safety reasons.

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Liability Waiver

By engaging services from Serenity Scent Work, the client agrees to the following:

• You acknowledge that truffle dog training and harvesting involves outdoor activity, uneven terrain, and inherent risks.

• You accept responsibility for any risks to yourself, your property, and your animals during our work.

• You confirm that if your dog is being trained, they are physically healthy and able to participate.

• You waive any and all claims against Serenity Scent Work, its trainers, and affiliates, except in cases of gross negligence.
   

Photography Release (Optional – Clients may opt out in writing)

Photos or videos taken during services may be used for marketing or educational purposes. If you do not wish to be included, please notify Serenity Scent Work in writing.
 

Veterinary Communication & Confidentiality

If participating in dog training, you authorise Serenity Scent Work to contact your veterinarian if needed. Your dog's personal and medical information will be treated confidentially.

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Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be communicated to current clients in writing.