Extreme Weather Policy
Rat Pack Dog Services take the safety of clients and their dogs very seriously and thus have a strict policy regarding weather. We ask that owners read over these thoroughly and respect them.
1. Cancellations
1.1 Rat Pack Dog Services will always aim to give you 24hrs notice, via email, text and Facebook post, about whether or not a class or training session will go ahead but reserve the right to cancel at a moments notice. Rat Pack Dog Services also reserves the right to cut a class or training session short should the trainer or responsible person deem it no longer safe.
1.2 Individual clients are encouraged to consider their particular circumstances and always feel free to withdraw from training if concerned about the effect of the prevailing conditions on themselves and their dog.
1.3 Any monies that have been paid for the service in question will not be refunded but credited to future classes or training sessions within Rat Pack Dog Services.
2. Hot Weather
2.1 During hot weather Rat Pack Dog Services will endeavour to provide training venues with plenty of shade and cover. If a natural water source isn't available, while it is still the owners responsibility to provide water for both themselves and their dog, we will have decanters of water as well. A paddling pool will also be provided for dogs (and clients!) to take a dip to help cool off.
2.2 Rat Pack Dog Services will not conduct, or continue to conduct, training sessions when the ambient temperature exceeds 25°C as measured in the shade of areas or indoor venues used for training on hot days.
2.3 Owners of brachycephalic (short nosed), elderly, young and overweight dogs may be advised against coming to a class or training session even if it is going ahead due to their increased vulnerability in higher temperatures.
2.4 Owners must ensure that their dog is kept sufficiently cool during training if left in their car. If any dog is seen to be suffering ill effects of heat, the owner will be notified. If the situation cannot be resolved then for the safety of the dog, the owner will be asked to leave.
3. Cold Weather
3.1 During cold weather Rat Pack Dog Services will endeavour to provide training venues with shelter from exposing elements and indoor heating where applicable. Rat Pack Dog Services will always notify you whether a class is being held indoor or outdoors and to dress suitably for that environment.
3.2 Rat Pack Dog Services will not conduct, or continue to conduct, training sessions when the ambient temperature exceeds -5°C as measured in the areas or indoor venues used for training on cold days.
3.3 Owners of elderly, young and immunocompromised dogs may be advised against coming to a class or training session even if it is going ahead due to their increased vulnerability in lower temperatures.
3.4 Owners must ensure that their dog is kept sufficiently warm and comfortable during training if left in their car. If any dog is seen to be suffering ill effects of cold, the owner will be notified. If the situation cannot be resolved then for the safety of the dog, the owner will be asked to leave.
4. Extreme Weather
4.1 Rat Pack Dog Services will either not operate or cease operations when the Met Office declares a Yellow Weather Warning in the area of where classes or training is to take place.
4.2 Clients are encouraged to keep in communication with Rat Pack Dog Services if extreme weather in their area prevents them from attending classes or training.
4.3 During high winds, areas such as woodland where likelihood of falling objects is great, will be avoided and venues changed to avoid this. Sheltered areas will also be selected to limit exposure.
4.4. In extremes of weather, Rat Pack Dog Services may make sudden venue changes to provide a suitable training environment. Rat Pack Dog Services will always aim to give you 24hrs notice, via email, text and Facebook post, about venue changes but reserve the right to change the venue at a moment’s notice.