Dog Injury Policy

Introduction

As a council-licensed home boarding business, we are required to have a number of policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare, health and safety of all dogs in our care. This policy outlines the actions that TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding will take should a dog sustain an injury whilst boarding with us.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that any dog that becomes injured whilst in our care receives prompt and appropriate treatment, that owners are informed as soon as possible, and that accurate records are maintained.

Preventative Measures

TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding takes all reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of injury by:

• Maintaining a safe and secure home environment.

• Conducting regular safety checks of the property, garden and equipment.

• Supervising dogs appropriately during play, exercise and social interaction.

• Managing groups of dogs according to their size, age, temperament and energy levels.

• Following individual care instructions provided by owners.

• Ensuring all dogs have access to suitable rest areas, fresh water and appropriate exercise.

  
  

Procedure Following an Injury

If a dog sustains an injury whilst in our care, the following steps will be taken:

Minor Injuries

Examples may include:

• Small cuts or scratches.

• Minor grazes or abrasions.

• Broken nails.

• Minor limping without obvious distress.

In these circumstances:

• The injury will be assessed immediately.

• Appropriate pet first aid will be administered where required.

• The dog will be monitored closely.

• The owner will be informed as soon as reasonably practicable.

• Details will be recorded in the incident log.

  
  

Serious Injuries

Examples may include:

• Deep wounds or significant bleeding.

• Suspected fractures or dislocations.

• Injuries involving the eyes.

• Head injuries.

• Injuries resulting in significant pain or distress.

• Any injury requiring veterinary treatment.

In these circumstances:

• Immediate veterinary attention will be sought.

• The owner will be contacted at the earliest opportunity.

• If the owner cannot be reached, treatment will be authorised where necessary to protect the welfare of the dog.

• All veterinary advice and treatment instructions will be followed.

  
  

Veterinary Treatment

All owners are required to provide emergency veterinary consent before boarding commences.

Where urgent treatment is required, TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding will:

• Contact the dog's usual veterinary practice where practical.

• Use the nearest available veterinary surgery in an emergency.

• Follow veterinary advice regarding ongoing care and treatment.

  
  

Communication with Owners

Owners will be kept informed of:

• The nature of the injury.

• Any treatment administered.

• Veterinary recommendations.

• Progress and recovery updates.

Open and honest communication will be maintained throughout the incident.

Record Keeping

An incident report will be completed for all injuries and will include:

• Date and time of the incident.

• Details of the injury.

• Circumstances surrounding the incident.

• Treatment provided.

• Veterinary treatment sought.

• Communication with the owner.

• Outcome and any follow-up actions.

All records will be retained in accordance with licensing requirements.

Review Following an Incident

Following any injury, the circumstances will be reviewed to identify whether any improvements can be made to further reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.

Responsibility

TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding is committed to providing a safe environment and to ensuring that the welfare of every dog remains the highest priority. Every reasonable step will be taken to prevent injuries and to ensure prompt and appropriate action should an injury occur.

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