TerMs aNd coNdItioNs

1. Rights and Obligations of the Owner

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1.1 Recall & Basic Commands

The dog must be responsive to recall and reliably obey common basic commands.

 

1.2 Pick-up & Drop-off
The dog must be socially compatible and able to stay home alone for several hours, as pick-up and drop-off times may vary depending on the daily route.

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1.3 Duty of Disclosure

The dog owner must provide SmilingDogs with complete and truthful information regarding the dog’s health condition, behavior, and any special characteristics.
In the event of false or incomplete information, SmilingDogs shall not be liable for any resulting damages.

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1.4 Health & Heat
The dog owner assures that their dog is healthy and free from contagious diseases and should be dewormed at least twice a year.

If the dog is sick or exhibits behavioral abnormalities, the owner must inform SmilingDogs in advance. This also applies in the case of a female dog in heat.

 

1.5 Registration
The dog must be properly registered with AMICUS.

 

1.6 Insurance
The dog must be covered by a valid personal liability insurance.

 

1.6.1 Liability of the Dog Owner

The dog owner is fully liable for any damage caused by the dog to persons, animals, or property.
Any injuries sustained by the dog due to its own fault shall be borne entirely by the dog owner. In cases of concealed illnesses, allergies, or limitations, liability shall rest solely with the dog owner.
SmilingDogs expressly declines any liability.

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2. Rights and Responsibilites of SmilingDogs

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2.1 Trial Day

A trial day is mandatory before permanent admission.

 

2.2 Care & Access
SmilingDogs provides proper and species-appropriate care.
To ensure efficient pick-up and drop-off, the dog owner must grant access to the apartment or office in accordance with the daily route schedule.

 

2.3 Emergencies & Veterinary Costs
SmilingDogs will inform all dog owners in the event of major incidents. In the event of accidents or illness, the dog owner will be informed immediately. If the owner cannot be reached, a veterinarian will be consulted without delay.
All resulting costs shall be borne fully by the dog owner.

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2.4 Insurance Coverage
SmilingDogs holds a valid professional liability insurance for dog care service.

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2.5 Official Authorization
SmilingDogs holds an official permit issued by the Veterinary Office of the Canton of Zurich and the legally required FBA certification in accordance with Article 102, Paragraph 2 of the Swiss Animal Protection Ordinance (TschV) (species: dogs).

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3. Cancellations, Reduction & Termination

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3.1 Cancellation of Individual Days

Individual care days must be cancelled at least 48 hours before the scheduled care time.
Days not canceled in time will be charged in full.

 

3.2 Termination & Reduction of Regular Care Days

In the event of termination of care – regardless of whether initiated by the dog owner or by SmilingDogs – a notice period of four weeks (1 month) shall apply.

This notice period also applies to any reduction of regular care/fixed days (e.g. from 3 to 2 fixed days per week).

The notice period is always based on the most recently booked regular weekly care volume prior to termination or reduction.
 

Example:
If a dog was regularly booked for 3 fixed days per week, a total of 12 care days will be charged during the notice period (3 days × 4 weeks), even if fewer or no services are used during this time. During the notice period, the service will either continue as agreed or be fully invoiced.

Early termination or reduction does not release the dog owner from the payment obligation.

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4. General Provisions

 

4.1 Refusal of Care
SmilingDogs reserves the right to refuse care for dogs showing, for example, aggressive, pathological, or group-incompatible behavior.

 

4.2 GPS Trackers
GPS trackers are generally not permitted unless a serious issue justifies their use.

Exceptions apply only in justified special cases and require the obligation to attend at least one private training session per week to work on and resolve the problem promptly.

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4.3 Contractual Acknowledgment
By using the services of SmilingDogs, the dog owner expressly agrees to these Terms and Conditions.

 

4.4 Payment

Single-day care must be paid in cash on the day of service.
Regular care is invoiced monthly and must be paid within the stated payment period (10 days from the invoice date).

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4.5 Late Payment

In the event of late payment, SmilingDogs expressly reserves the right to take legal action (including debt collection).
Any additional costs incurred shall be borne entirely by the dog owner.

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