General Terms and Conditions

The subject matter of these General Terms and Conditions (GTC) is the day, holiday and dog-walking care of dogs provided by Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung. Prospective clients may obtain, free of charge, advice on the scope of care and the associated procedures prior to the commencement of the contract.

The dog owner confirms that their dog is healthy and free of contagious diseases. The decision on vaccination rests entirely with the dog owner — there is no vaccination requirement. Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung recommends up-to-date vaccination for the wellbeing of the dog and the other dogs in care, but assumes no liability for any consequences arising from missing or incomplete vaccination; this responsibility lies with the dog owner.

A combination vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirosis is recommended, along with vaccination against kennel cough and rabies. The dog should be dewormed regularly. Bitches in heat must be registered at least 5 days before the start of care.

The dog owner confirms this information with their signature on the Care Agreement.

Contagious diseases, such as fleas or kennel cough, must be reported immediately. Care cannot be guaranteed during such periods.

The dog owner confirms that valid dog liability insurance is in place.

The dog owner assumes full responsibility for any damage caused by themselves or their dog. Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung is not liable for personal injury, property damage or financial loss caused by the dogs under its care, except where a breach of due care or gross negligence has been proven.

In the event a veterinary visit becomes necessary due to illness or accident during care, the dog owner bears the resulting costs. Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung will contact the dog owner before, or as soon as possible after, the veterinary visit.

For injuries sustained by the dog during the care period, Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung bears the costs only where a breach of due care or negligence has been proven.

In emergencies, Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung is authorised to consult a veterinarian of its own choosing and to make decisions in the interest of the dog's wellbeing.

Even with careful supervision, a dog may escape. Should the dog not be found despite intensive efforts, the dog owner has no claim to compensation.

The dog owner is obliged to collect their dog at the agreed time. If collection does not take place on time, any resulting costs will be invoiced.

Holiday care: If the appointment cannot be kept, please notify us at least 7 days in advance. In the case of later cancellations, the full price will be charged.

Day care and dog-walking service: Cancellations must be reported at least 24 hours in advance. In the case of later cancellations, the full price will be charged.

Cancellation fees are due immediately, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Drop-off and pick-up take place within the official opening hours (Mon–Fri, 07–09 and 16–18; Sat/Sun/public holiday by individual arrangement). Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung must be informed by telephone of any expected delays.

Visits and introductory meetings take place outside opening hours, as these are reserved for receiving and handing over the dogs: usually at 11:00 (approx. 30 minutes) or by arrangement.

If drop-off or pick-up occurs outside the official opening hours, an additional fee will be charged in accordance with the current price list.

Payment is due before care begins, by TWINT, in cash or by bank transfer. This applies to all services, including day care.

Exception: for dogs cared for on a regular basis, billing is by monthly invoice (payment term 10 days from the invoice date), in accordance with a separate service contract.

A surcharge as per the current price list is charged for bitches in heat. For unneutered males, a surcharge may also apply in case of a strong sex drive or marking. If a dog damages or destroys furniture, fittings or parts of the building, further surcharges may apply; the dog owner will be informed of these.

For holiday care, the day of arrival is charged as a full day, as is the day of departure – unless the dog is picked up by 12:00 noon, in which case the half-day rate applies. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays the rate set out in the current price list applies. All prices are in Swiss francs (CHF).

Before a new dog is accepted, an introductory meeting takes place and a chargeable trial day is arranged.

Coat care and nail trimming may only be used in combination with a booked day or holiday care session, not as a stand-alone appointment.

Dog owners are obliged to inform Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung of any cantonal requirements applicable to their dog and to provide a copy thereof.

Upon appropriate request, Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung is obliged to disclose customer data to the cantonal veterinary office.

Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung does not assume any costs or follow-up costs arising from the pregnancy of a bitch and the care of any resulting puppies.

Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung reserves the right to fit the dog with a muzzle if necessary.

Sick or injured dogs will only be accepted in consultation with the treating veterinarian.

Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung reserves the right to refuse to accept a dog, or to withdraw from an already concluded contract, if the dog shows symptoms of a (contagious) illness. This applies in particular where the dog owner has not provided the corresponding information. In such cases there is no claim to compensation.

The Care Agreement completed by the dog owner is an integral part of these GTC and must be signed and available at the time the dog is handed over.

Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung undertakes to care for dogs in a manner appropriate to their species and natural behaviour and to comply with the Animal Welfare Act.

Amendments to these provisions must be made in writing. Verbal statements are invalid, with the exception of drop-off and pick-up times.

Personal contract and invoicing data is subject to data protection and will not be passed on to or sold to third parties.

By signing the Care Agreement, the dog owner confirms having received and taken note of these GTC.

Swiss law applies. The place of jurisdiction is the registered seat of Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung.

Photos and video recordings may be taken in which the dog is recognisable. Should publication not be desired, this must be communicated in writing.

These GTC may be amended at any time. The most current version is available from Pfoten-Pfad Hundebetreuung.