Codes of practice

Canine Class Codes of Practice

Canine Class has codes of practice to meet the welfare needs of the dogs in our care, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act). The person with whom you leave your dog will also be legally responsible for your dog’s welfare in your absence. The Animal Welfare Act places a duty of care on people to ensure they take reasonable steps in all the circumstances to meet the welfare needs of their animals This applies to us, Canine Class, your groomer when your dog(s) is in our care.

Canine Class takes all reasonable steps to ensure that we meet the following 5 Welfare needs that your dog has when in our care, which are set out in the Act as follows:

(a) its need for a suitable environment;

During your dog’s stay with us Canine Class will:

• Provide your dog with a safe, clean environment.
• Make sure that we provide adequate protection from hazards.
• Provide your dog with a comfortable, clean, dry, draught-free rest area.
• Provide your dog with somewhere it can go to avoid things that frighten it.
• If your dog is temporarily kept in a cage, holding pen or tethered, we will check it frequently and ensure it is not in danger or distressed.
• Provide your dog with access to an appropriate place, away from its resting area, which it can use as a toilet area regularly as needed.
• Ensure that any place your dog is situated in the salon it will have enough space to at all times and a comfortable area with effective ventilation and temperature control provided by our air conditioning. Dogs are vulnerable to heat stress. In hot weather they rapidly become distressed our air conditioned salon avoids your dog becoming too hot or too cold.
• If transporting your dog will ensure your dog is comfortable and safe at all times.
• Never leave your dog unattended in any situation, or for any period of time that is likely to cause it distress.

(b) its need for a suitable diet;

• We will provide your dog with clean fresh drinking water at all times.
• We do not feed your dog unless requested to but treats will be given unless specified it is not permitted

(c) its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns;

• A dogs behaviour can depend on many factors including age, breed and past experiences. We treat every dog as a completely unique individual with their own set of needs and requirements which we learn as we get to know them.
• We train the dogs to behave well in the grooming room from their first experience, ideally from a very young age and only use positive reward based training. We have a zero tolerance on harsh handling or potentially painful or frightening training methods.
• Every dog can have access to an appropriate place, away from its resting area, which it can use as a toilet area as needed.

(d) any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals; and

• Dogs are sociable animals that need, and enjoy, company which is why most dogs love coming into the grooming room and seeing all the other dogs. However, they have their own space and places away from other dogs and will never be in close physical contact with another dog in the grooming room.
• Very rarely dogs may prefer a quieter environment or may be stressed by the busy salon or just need a slower introduction to grooming whereby we have a separate grooming room upstairs for one to one interaction free from distraction.
• Dogs get to know the people they regularly interact with some dogs prefer to stay with the one groomer whilst others enjoy the change. We cater your dog’s grooming experience to their preference.
• We guarantee all dogs in our care are handled and cared for properly and kindly by a responsible trained member of our staff and are not stressed or endangered by other adults, children or animals.
• Canine Class has a legal responsibility to ensure your dogs welfare and therefore it is vital you communicate any needs and any special requirements that it may have so we can provide it the best care and comfort whilst in our care.

(e) its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

• Regular brushing and grooming will ensure the dog maintains a healthy coat. To protect a dog from pain as described in the Act we will not brush out a very matted coat. Regular grooming means a coat will remain in good condition and not become matted and cause pain and suffering to the dog thus abiding by the law.
• In our opinion dogs feel pain and have similar pain thresholds to people. However, individual dogs and different breeds or types may show pain and suffering in different ways so it is not always easy to tell. Using our initial health check we will assess your dogs ability and suitability for grooming based on its health and fitness.
• We will always take every sensible precaution to keep your dog safe from injury. If any injury does occur the owner will be immediately informed and the vet contacted for advice.
• If we notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour or breathing or suspect that your dog is in pain, showing signs of illness or displays anything that is of concern to us we will contact you and the vet immediately and follow the advice given.
• Any dog with a contagious disease will not be allowed into the salon to avoid cross contamination.