Terms & Conditions | The Homestead Nottawa

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Effective Date: September 1, 2025

Facility Address: 8023 36/37 Nottawasaga Sideroad, Nottawa, Ontario, Canada L0M 1P0

Welcome to The Homestead Nottawa Dog Daycare Inc. (“The Homestead”). By enrolling your dog in our services, you acknowledge and agree to the following Terms and Conditions. These policies are in place to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and enjoyment of all dogs and staff members at our facility.

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By using the services of The Homestead, the dog owner (“Client”) understands, agrees to, and accepts these Terms and Conditions. Failure to adhere to these terms may result in the refusal of services.

2. DEFINITIONS

Agreement: This contract between The Homestead and the Client.

Client: The person entering into this Agreement and the owner of the dog(s) receiving services at The Homestead.

Dog: The dog(s) owned by the Client and enrolled for services.

HST: Harmonized Sales Tax as the current taxable income rate in Ontario.

Services: The services offered at The Homestead facility, which include but are not limited to:

Half-day Daycare up to 5.5 hours of care
Full-day Daycare up to 9.5 hours of care
Boarding up to 24 hours per overnight care
Grooming by appointment
Wellness by appointment

3. VACCINATION & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

All dogs must continue to be fully vaccinated and up to date on flea and tick prevention and deworming protocols:

DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza)
Rabies
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Current flea and tick prevention
Regular deworming protocol

Proof of vaccinations must be provided before receiving services and updated as necessary.

Medical Exemptions: The Homestead may accept dogs with documented medical exemptions to vaccines, such as titre testing, on a case-by-case basis. The Client agrees to provide The Homestead with documented veterinary exemptions and sign an additional risk acknowledgement.

Dogs must be free from contagious diseases, parasites, fleas, and ticks. If a dog is found to have a contagious condition, they will not be allowed to return until they have received a clean bill of health from a veterinarian.

The Homestead has the right to refuse services if the Client fails to provide proof of these requirements.

The Client agrees to allow two (2) weeks’ waiting period after their dog has received their vaccinations to allow the vaccines to reach full protection potential and to ensure their dog has not negatively reacted to the vaccines before they receive services at The Homestead.

The Client understands that while their dog is fully vaccinated, vaccines are not guaranteed and there is some risk that their dog may contract a contagious disease or illness. The Client understands and acknowledges this risk and agrees that The Homestead cannot be held responsible for any liability related to condition suffered by their dog during or after its stay.

4. NEUTERING/SPAYING POLICY

All dogs over 12 months of age must be neutered or spayed to receive services.

The Homestead strongly recommends dogs aged nine to 12 months be neutered or spayed to receive services.

Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of The Homestead but will be subject to proof of veterinary documentation and an additional daily fee.

5. BEHAVIOUR & SOCIALIZATION

All dogs must be non-aggressive and social with dogs, humans, and other animals. The Client acknowledges that their dog is healthy and agrees to disclose all medical and behavioural matters about their dog to The Homestead prior to every drop-off.

The Homestead reserves the right to refuse admittance to any dog that displays signs of untreated or potentially contagious conditions, demonstrates aggressive behavior, or who fails the standard health and temperament policies.

Behavioural Assessment

All dogs must complete a Meet & Greet assessment and be deemed acceptable by The Homestead to receive services.
First-time overnight guests of more than two (2) nights require a half-day of daycare prior to the overnight stay.

Training & Behaviour Management
The Client consents to The Homestead’s use of positive reinforcement strategies, training tools, and methods to create a safe environment for all dogs.

Structured play and rest periods
Appropriate dog groupings
GPS tracking devices
Training collars for vibration and/or static correction
Muzzles, martingale collars, and leashes

6. EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

The Client must provide up-to-date contact details of their veterinarian and a designated person as an emergency contact before enrolling their dog in services at The Homestead.

In the event of illness or injury, The Homestead will attempt to contact the Client immediately; if unreachable, then the emergency contact.

If urgent medical attention is required and the Client or emergency contact cannot be reached, the Client authorizes The Homestead to

First seek veterinary care with the Client’s listed veterinarian
Use alternative veterinary providers if the Client’s veterinarian is unavailable
Authorize treatment up to $1,000 for emergencies; greater than $1,000 if pre-existing conditions are disclosed
Transport the Client’s dog to the available veterinarian for a minimum fee of $50

In the unlikely event that a veterinarian deems humane euthanasia necessary due to severe injury or illness, The Homestead will not make this decision for the Client’s dog—the Client agrees to designate someone who can be contacted immediately to make this decision on their behalf if they are unreachable.

The Client agrees to cover any associated veterinary and transportation costs.

7. FACILITY HOURS & ACCESS

This facility is the private property of the McFarlane family. All Clients must respect this privacy by strictly adhering to the posted business and operational hours. Access to the premises is permitted only during designated hours or by pre-arranged appointment. Unauthorized presence on the property outside of operating hours is prohibited.

Business Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Homestead responds to questions and concerns during business hours. Email is not monitored on weekends. The Client agrees to contact The Homestead at reception@thehomesteadnottawa.com for all inquiries and refrain from contacting staff on their personal phone numbers.

Operating Hours
Drop-off and pickup times are subject to change.

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Morning: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (drop-off & pickup)
Noon: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (drop-off & pickup)
Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (pickup only)

Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays (Boarding Only): 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Morning: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (drop-off & pickup)
Noon: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (drop-off & pickup)
Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (pickup only)

The Client agrees to follow all arrival procedures:

Text a notice of upcoming arrival to The Homestead primary line at 705-500-4142 ten (10) minutes before drop-off and pickup of daycare and boarding services. Requests for assistance should be included in this is message so a staff member can meet at the vehicle upon arrival.
Drop-off and pickup in the designated periods of the scheduled service.
Ensure their dog is leashed and in their control during drop-offs and pickups.

Closure Dates

Facility Closed

The facility is closed to the public. No drop-offs or pickups for boarding reservations permitted.

New Year’s Day (January 1)
Christmas Day (December 25)

Daycare Closed & Limited Boarding Hours

Saturday & Sunday
Holidays (Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day)
December 27 – 30

After Hours Service (By Appointment Only)

$10/hour fee (maximum $20) for drop-offs and pickups outside scheduled hours.
No service before 6:30 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m.

8. BOOKING POLICY

The Client agrees to the terms of the Booking Policy when they submit their request for services. This policy is updated from time to time without notice.

The Homestead uses a booking software (“online portal”) to operate their booking process and manage all reservations and Client and dog information. Requests made by Clients are not guaranteed and will only be confirmed when the Client receives an email confirmation.

The Client agrees to use the online portal to request services, manage their bookings, update their dog’s information, update their emergency contact and veterinarian contact details, pay invoices, and upload vaccination certificates.

9. PAYMENT TERMS

Pricing: includes HST and is subject to change without notice
Invoices: issued by email upon check-out
Due: within 24 hours of pick up
Methods: cash, e-transfer to info@thehomesteadnottawa.com, or credit card (credit card stored on account is preferred)

Cancellations, rescheduling, and refund terms are outlined in the Booking Policy and updated from time to time.

10. PERSONAL ITEMS

While we strive to ensure the safety of personal belongings, The Homestead is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misplaced items, including but not limited to collars, dog tags, leashes, toys, clothing, or bedding.

11. MEDIA RELEASE

The Client grants permission for The Homestead to take photos or videos of their dog while at the facility. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media and website content. By using The Homestead services, the Client waives all rights to photographs and videos taken by The Homestead involving their dog(s).

12. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLIENTS

Clients must treat staff and other dog owners with respect.

Any form of abusive behaviour will result in the termination of services.

Clients must comply with all rules and requirements as updated from time to time.

13. PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT

The Client understands that the wellbeing of all animals and staff is the priority of The Homestead.

Decision-making Authority: The Client grants The Homestead full authority to make immediate decisions regarding their dog’s care, activities, and interactions based on professional assessment of safety conditions for all dogs and staff.

Trust in Expertise: The Client agrees to trust The Homestead’s professional judgement in all facility operations, including removing dogs from activities, implementing timeouts, or taking other safety measures as deemed necessary.

14. TERMINATION OF SERVICES

The Homestead reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service to any Client at its sole discretion.

Reasons for termination may include but are not limited to:

Persistent late drop-offs and/or pickups
Non-payment of fees
Aggressive or unsafe behaviour from a dog
Abusive behaviour from a Client
Breach of these Terms and Conditions

15. LIABILITY WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Acknowledgement of Risks

I, the Client, understand and acknowledge that:

Inherent Risks: Dog daycare and boarding involves risks including but not limited to
- Dog-to-dog conflicts and injuries
- Environmental hazards (wild animals, terrain, fencing)
- Running and playing injuries (broken bones, torn ligaments)
- Paw injuries, eye damage from branches
- Ingestion of foreign objects
- Risks of dogs running away despite security measures
Off-leash Environment: The Homestead facility operates cage-free with off-leash play under supervision, which involve additional risks from dog interactions.
Unpredictable Nature: Dogs can be unpredictable, and interactions may result in injuries despite supervision and safety measures.
Cleanliness: Dogs play in open and outdoor areas and will inevitably get dirty during normal daycare activities. The Homestead is not responsible for returning dogs in a clean condition.

Release and Indemnification

I hereby

Release The Homestead, its owners, employees, agents, and subcontractors from all liability for any injury, illness, death, or property damage to my dog(s) while in their care.
Assume full responsibility for any harm caused by my dog to other dogs, people, animals, or property.
Agree to indemnify The Homestead against all claims, damages, losses, expenses, and legal fees arising from my dog’s behaviour or presence at the facility.
Accept financial responsibility for all veterinary expenses, medical costs, and related expenses for my dog.
Acknowledge that belongings left with my dog are at my own risk.

Limitation of Liability

The Homestead’s liability is limited to the amount paid for services. This waiver is binding on myheirs, executors, and assigns.

16. LEGAL PROVISIONS

Governing Law & Jurisdiction: The provincial laws of Ontario and federal laws of Canada govern this Agreement. Disputes will be resolved in Ontario courts.
Severability: If anything in this Agreement is unenforceable, illegal, or void, then it is severed, and the rest of this Agreement remains in force.
Entire Agreement: This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements or understanding on anything connected with the services of The Homestead.
Electronic Signatures: Electronic signatures have the same legal effect as original signatures.

17. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read, understood, and agree to all terms and conditions. I acknowledge that I am the legal owner of the dog(s) and have authority to enter this Agreement. By signing this Agreement, I acknowledge that I fully understand the risks associated with The Homestead services, I understand the waiver that limits The Homestead’s liability, and I voluntarily agree to these terms.