Arranging contracts with owners of quarantine premises
When agreeing a contract, you are advised to ensure that the following points are covered:(a) Moving your pet to different quarantine premises or re-exporting your pet
If you want to move your pet to other quarantine premises or re-export it, you may have to give a period of notice. If you don't, charges in lieu of notice may be payable. You should agree these before signing a contract.
(b) Illness or death in quarantine
You should agree the procedure that the quarantine premises will follow to notify you should your pet become ill or die while in quarantine, including responsibility for costs involved.
(c) Deposit and other monies paid in advance
You should agree full details of the precise circumstances under which full and/or partial refunds would be payable to you.
(d) Movement from other facilities (e.g. different quarantine premises)
Any variation from the standard prices should be described to cover this. You should agree this before signing a contract.
(e) Postponements / cancellations
You may be subject to financial penalties if you postpone or cancel the arrival of your pet. You should agree these before signing a contract.
(f) Charges
Make sure that you are aware of the total cost of placing your pet in quarantine. For example, are the following items included?
- heating
Method of heating and details of charges
- airport charges
A full description of the airline airport handling and customs clearance charges that you will be required to pay
N.B. If you are bringing an animal into the UK from outside the European Union, you should be aware that H M Revenue and Customs may charge duty on the value of your animal and, under certain circumstances, the cost of the freight. You may also, under certain circumstances, have to pay the cost of holding your animal at the port or airport.
- veterinary fees
You should be given full details of the veterinary charges and how these are passed on to you. If a surcharge is levied to pay for additional supervision, attendance and nursing then this should be specified
- insurance
A full description should be agreed of the insurance available and the associated charges
- supplementary diets (if allowed)
A full description should be agreed of the circumstances in which an extra charge would be made for special diets and whether there is any reduction of boarding fees if you supply the food
- coat care
A full description and costs of grooming, bathing and coat care available at the premises, together with details of the cost, should be agreed
- other charges
All other charges should be described in full and agreed
(g) Visiting
You should note that visiting is allowed only at the discretion of the owner of the premises/veterinary superintendent. Check that the conditions of visiting are acceptable to you.
Page last modified: 11 January, 2007