We very much hope that you and your dogs enjoy your visit to Highfields Hounds.
Please be aware that by visiting the field you are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions outlined below.
The field is to be used solely for the purposes of exercising and training dogs. Entry to the field is strictly by appointment only. Opening times vary depending on the time of year. The field does not have lights so please be mindful of this when booking your slot.
Dogs
The maximum number of dogs per booking is six. If you are a professional dog walker and hold your own insurance and require the field for more than six dogs please email or call us to discuss. Dogs that appear unwell, are coughing, have sickness or diarrhoea, an infectious disease, or have been in contact with an infected animal are not permitted to attend the field. Please ensure your dogs are vaccinated and wormed regularly.
Exempt breeds
XL Bully type or other banned breeds of dogs are more than welcome but may only be brought in a 1:1 ratio ie 1 dog and 1 handler per visit, unless they are from the SAME household. They must be registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED), have up to date Public Liability Insurance, be neutered and microchipped. They must be muzzled and held on a lead until locked inside the field and again before opening the gate to leave the field. Copies of the IED Certificate of Exemption and Public Liability Insurance must be emailed to info@highfieldshounds.co.uk before the booking is made.
Children
Children are very welcome to attend the field with a responsible adult. They must be supervised and are the responsibility of their parent or carer. Please be aware that the field has not been made child safe, please do not allow children to use the dog equipment. Highfields Hounds hold no responsibility for any accidents or injuries that occur to children whilst using our field.
Toilets
Please be aware that there are no toilets or changing facilities on site.
Booking
All bookings should be made in advance through our website. Bookings are for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 75 minutes, by appointment only and payment must be made at the time of booking.
We do have a 15 minute buffer in between each booking to allow the field to be completely clear for those with reactive dogs. Please note this does not mean you get an extra 15 minutes in the field. This buffer can only work if people stick to their time slots.
Bookings can be rescheduled at our discretion, up until 24 hours before the session is due to start, but are non-refundable. You will need to contact us if this is the case.
Please arrive at your time slot and not before and please ensure that you have left on time. Begin to gather your dog (s) towards the end of your session and not when your time has finished. We have a single track drive so passing is difficult so it is very important that times are adhered to.
Your time slot includes the time it takes you to enter and leave the field.
If you arrive late, you must still leave on time.
Parking
We have a gravel car park on site. Each booking may bring up to 2 vehicles to their session. The parking is within the field, please ensure the gate is securely shut before letting your dog (s) out of the vehicle. You will receive a code to get into the field the evening before your session, please do not share this code with anyone else. Please make sure the gate is shut securely before you leave with the padlock locked and the code scrambled.
The pond
We are lucky enough to offer a pond for your dogs to play, swim and paddle in. Please note this is used purely at your own risk, it is a natural farm pond and the deepest part in the middle is around 7ft. Highfields Hounds hold no responsibility for any accidents, illness or injury that may occur whilst using the pond. Please do not allow children near the pond. Please do not swim in the pond with your dogs. The pond is fenced off with a gate so that you can choose whether to use it or not, you MUST close the gate after use. If we find the gate being left open we will lock it and the pond will be out of bounds.
Data
Your personal information will not be shared with any third party without your consent.
During your visit
We have tried our utmost to make the field secure but cannot guarantee that it is absolutely secure and suitable for every dog. We inspect the fencing daily but please notify us immediately on 07590035353 if you have any concerns about the state of the fencing so that we can make other users aware and so that we can fix it as soon as possible. We cannot, however, take any responsibility for any dog escaping whether or not this is through a defect in the fence, and regardless of whether we have notified you in advance or not.
Water
Fresh water is available for your dogs to drink or to wash muddy paws. Drinking bowls are provided. Please make sure the tap is turned off after use.
Professionals using the field
If you use the field for business purposes i.e., for your dog walking services or training classes you must have public liability insurance to cover your business activities i.e., clients and their dogs, and be able to produce proof if asked upon booking.
Cleaning up after your dog
Please clean up after your dogs and place waste in one of the many poo bins provided. Please take any other litter or broken dog toys home with you. The field will be checked daily and if you are found to not be clearing up after your dogs then you won’t be permitted to use the field again.
Neighbours
In the interests of our neighbours please do not allow your dogs to bark excessively.
Please do not allow dogs to dig in the field.
Rights and Responsibilities
Please be aware that the law regarding responsible dog ownership states that you should be always in control of your dog. This law still applies during your visit to the field. Please be aware this is a working farm and there may occasionally be noise from farm animals or operating machinery.
As with any area of countryside, there may be natural hazards in the field such as stones, stinging nettles and uneven ground. Please wear appropriate footwear for the weather conditions on the day of your visit. The grass may be slippery and muddy at times.
Smoking
Please do not smoke or vape on our property. Vaping liquid is highly toxic and dangerous to dogs.
Terms and conditions
We reserve the right to make changes to our Terms and Conditions at any time, without warning. By making a booking, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions on the website at the time of making your booking.
CCTV
Please be aware that CCTV is in operation to protect our customers and our property. We reserve the right to refuse permission or evict any person(s) from the premises at any time.
The field owners do not take any responsibility for any loss, injury, illness or accident that occurs to dog(s), owner, property, vehicles or other family or friends or for any vet bills arising from any incident that occurred during your visit. You are advised to insure your pet for all eventualities. Any logs, tyres, jumps, tunnels or other activities in the field are to be used at your own risk, we accept no responsibility to users or dogs for any accidents while using these items. Equipment is checked regularly to ensure its safety but if there are any issues please call Emily on 07590035353 or email info@highfieldshounds.co.uk.
You use the field at your own risk.
