The Summer House – Small Animal Boarding
Last updated: 23/01/2026
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with The Summer House (“we”, “us”, “our”). By making a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
1. Bookings
- All boarding stays must be booked in advance.
- A booking is only confirmed once we have acknowledged it.
- We reserve the right to refuse or cancel a booking if an animal is unsuitable for boarding or if welfare concerns arise.
2. Pricing & Charges
- Boarding is priced per day.
- A full day is charged on the day of collection and drop off, even if the animal is collected in the morning or dropped off in the evening.
This allows flexibility for customers with different collection times. - No refunds are given for early collection.
- Any additional services requested during the stay (for example, collection and delivery) may incur extra charges.
3. Deposits
- In some cases, we may request a deposit to secure a booking.
- Where a deposit is requested, it must be paid or the booking is not confirmed.
- Deposits are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed.
- We do not require deposits for all bookings.
4. Cancellations & Changes
- Cancellations should be made as early as possible.
- Refunds (if applicable) are at our discretion and may exclude any deposit paid.
- Date changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed, particularly during busy periods.
5. Health & Welfare Requirements
Owners confirm that all animals:
- Are in good health at the time of arrival
- Are eating normally and free from infectious or contagious disease
- Have not been exposed to illness in the 14 days prior to boarding
We reserve the right to refuse admission or isolate animals showing signs of illness to protect the welfare of others.
6. Rabbit-Specific Requirements
For the welfare of all rabbits in our care:
- Rabbits over 6 months of age should be neutered
- Rabbits must be fully vaccinated in line with the vaccines specified in our booking form
- Proof of vaccination may be requested before or on arrival
Rabbits not meeting these requirements may be refused boarding.
7. Veterinary Treatment
If an animal becomes unwell or injured during their stay:
- We will make reasonable efforts to contact the owner or the emergency contact provided
- If urgent treatment is required and we cannot make contact, we are authorised to seek veterinary care
- All veterinary fees and associated costs are the responsibility of the owner
8. Loss of an Animal Whilst in Our Care
Caring for animals is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. Unfortunately, even with the highest standards of care, animals may become seriously unwell or pass away due to age, underlying health conditions, or sudden illness.
By boarding with us, owners acknowledge that:
- Some animals may deteriorate rapidly without warning
- Pre-existing, age-related, or stress-related conditions can result in serious illness or death
- Boarding is undertaken with the understanding that these risks cannot be completely eliminated
We will always act with compassion and care and will contact owners as soon as reasonably possible should such a situation arise. We treat every animal in our care as if they were our own.
9. Food, Diet & Belongings
- Owners are encouraged to provide their animal’s usual food to avoid digestive upset (this excludes fresh food, which we can provide)
- Any special dietary requirements must be clearly explained at the time of booking
- While care is taken, we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal items such as toys, bedding, or bowls
10. Handling & Care
- Animals will be handled as necessary for feeding, cleaning, health checks, or welfare reasons
- We do not guarantee handling, lap time, or socialisation unless specifically agreed in advance. We are happy to do this, as long as the animal is content with being handled
11. Photographs & Updates
We are always happy to provide updates.
- Owners are encouraged to contact us if they would like an update, as often as they wish, during their animal’s stay. Ideally via WhatsApp.
- We may take photographs or videos for the purpose of providing updates.
- Images may also be used on our website or social media unless we are informed otherwise in writing.
12. Owner Conduct & Trust
When leaving an animal in our care, trust and mutual respect are essential.
- We expect all customers to communicate respectfully at all times.
- Abusive, aggressive, or rude behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.
- If you do not feel comfortable trusting us with your animal’s care, we kindly ask that you do not proceed with boarding.
We reserve the right to refuse or terminate a booking if communication becomes inappropriate or if trust breaks down.
13. Liability
While every reasonable care is taken:
- Boarding is undertaken entirely at the owner’s risk
- We are not responsible for illness, injury, or death that may occur during boarding
- We are not responsible for stress-related, age-related, or pre-existing conditions
14. Collection & Late Pick-Up
- Animals must be collected on the agreed date
- Late collection or failure to collect without prior arrangement may result in additional daily charges
- Animals not collected and where no contact has been made may be considered abandoned after a reasonable period
15. Right to Refuse Service
We reserve the right to refuse or terminate a booking if:
- These Terms & Conditions are breached
- An animal’s welfare is compromised
- Continued boarding is deemed unsafe, unsuitable, or impractical
16. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.