Terms & Conditions.

Bookings, Trial Nights & membership

The Dogchester is a members-only hotel. New guests usually complete a Trial Night before a longer stay so we can assess welfare, settling, handling and suitability.

We may accept, restrict, postpone or decline a booking where we believe this is necessary for the welfare or safety of the dog, our team or other guests.

Accurate disclosure

You must provide complete, accurate and up-to-date information about your dog’s health, medication, behaviour, bite history, reactivity, destructiveness, escape risk, reproductive status and any relevant routine needs.

Failure to disclose relevant information may mean that a stay cannot proceed, may need to end early, and may affect any refund due.

Health & veterinary care

You confirm that your dog is fit to board and does not have a contagious illness, open wound or condition that makes a hotel environment unsuitable.

We may seek veterinary advice or treatment where reasonably necessary. All veterinary, transport, handling, medication and related costs remain the owner’s responsibility.

Emergency collection

You must provide a reachable emergency contact who is willing and able to collect your dog promptly if requested.

If your dog becomes unwell, distressed, unsafe to handle, unsuitable to continue their stay or requires an environment we cannot provide, early collection may be required.

Vaccination & parasite prevention

Dogs must meet The Dogchester’s current vaccination or titre-test requirements and be on effective flea and tick prevention. A kennel cough waiver may be considered in some circumstances.

If treatment, isolation or veterinary care is required because of parasites or illness, associated costs may be charged to the owner.

Behaviour, handling & safety

We use welfare-led, positive handling methods. Dogs must be safe for our team to handle and able to wear appropriate walking equipment, including a well-fitting harness, flat collar and lead.

Social Club is assessed separately and is never guaranteed. Dogs may receive solo walks, individual field time and enrichment where this is kinder and more appropriate.

Payment & cancellations

Booking deposits, payment schedules, cancellation periods and any available credits are set out in our Hotel FAQs & Policies and during the booking process.

By booking, you agree to the cancellation terms in force at the time of your reservation.

Damage, cleaning & belongings

Owners remain responsible for reasonable repair, replacement, specialist cleaning and associated labour costs where a dog causes significant damage or requires substantial additional cleaning.

Comfort items are welcome, but we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings during normal care, cleaning or use.

Photos, videos & educational use

During your dog’s stay, The Dogchester may take photographs and videos for owner updates, staff training, education, social media, website content, advertising and other promotional purposes.

By booking, you grant The Dogchester permission to use photographs and video footage of your dog for these purposes, without additional payment or notice.

Privacy & personal data

We use owner and dog information to manage enquiries, bookings, care, welfare decisions and customer communication. We do not sell personal information.

You are responsible for ensuring that the contact information and emergency-contact details you provide are accurate and that you have permission to provide them.

Changes to policies

We may update these Terms, our Hotel FAQs & Policies, procedures, prices and service availability where reasonably necessary. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to that booking unless a change is required for safety, welfare or legal reasons.

Governing law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the law of Scotland. Nothing in these Terms affects any legal rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.