Booking, Cancellation, Refund
& Liability Policy
 

Training Services (Your Dog)

• Bookings may be rescheduled up to 24 hours prior to your session.

• No refunds are provided for cancellations or no-shows.

• Sessions may be rescheduled by Serenity Scent Work in the event of extreme weather or emergencies.

• We use positive reinforcement only. Please ensure your dog is on a flat collar or back-attach harness. No prong collars, shock collars, or check chains are permitted.

​

Health & Safety Requirements for Client Dogs

If you are booking training services for your own dog, please ensure the following before scheduling sessions:

• Your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, to a level of C5 or C7.

• Your dog is on current flea and tick prevention treatments to protect all dogs on premises.

• Your dog is in good health and physically fit to participate in outdoor scent work activities.

• Please notify us in advance if your dog has any health concerns or recent injuries.

​

Harvesting Services (Using Jess’s Dog)

• A deposit is required to secure all harvesting bookings.

• A booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

• The remaining balance is payable on the day of service, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

• Deposits are transferable if the booking is rescheduled with at least 72 hours' notice.

• Cancellations with less than 72 hours' notice may result in forfeiture of the deposit, except in exceptional circumstances at Serenity Scent Work's discretion.

• Weekend appointments may be available by request only and may incur a weekend surcharge.
   

Working Dog Welfare & Safety Requirements

At Serenity Scent Work, the health, safety, and welfare of our detection dogs is our top priority. To ensure they can perform accurately and without stress, the following must be in place during harvesting sessions:

• Zero Contact with Client Dogs: All other dogs must be securely confined (e.g., indoors or in a secure enclosure) during the duration of the visit. No interaction with our working dogs is permitted at any time.

• No Loose Animals: Livestock, poultry, and other animals must be removed or safely contained away from the search area.

• Safe & Quiet Working Conditions: Please avoid running machinery or loud distractions during the visit. Unsafe terrain (e.g., sharp wire, holes, debris) must be identified in advance.

• Play and Rest Are Part of the Job: Our working dogs will take short breaks for play, decompression, and motivation resets — this is a normal and essential part of effective scent detection work.

• Hydration Breaks: Dogs will be offered water at least every 30 minutes, or more often as needed depending on temperature and workload.

• Supervision or Clear Instructions: A property owner or designated representative must be available at the start of the visit, or clear written instructions must be provided regarding access and the scope of work.

• If any of these safety conditions are not met upon arrival, the session may be aborted or rescheduled at the client's expense to ensure the safety and welfare of the dog and handler team.

• Any injury, loss or damage resulting from failure to comply with these requirements remains the responsibility of the client.

Weather Policy

Sessions may be postponed or rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions, including but not limited to:

• Heavy rain or flooding that makes the orchard unsafe or inaccessible

• Freezing temperatures that pose a risk to dogs or handlers

• Strong winds, icy patches, or hazardous terrain caused by winter weather

• Other extreme weather events that impact safety or the effectiveness of scent work

Clients will be notified as soon as possible if sessions need to be rescheduled for safety reasons.
 

Recording & Media

To support training, education and transparency, Serenity Scent Work may use body-worn cameras, vehicle cameras and handheld cameras during visits.

Footage may be used for:

• Reviewing searches and improving training outcomes

• Providing feedback to clients

• Educational presentations and workshops

• Online training resources and membership content

• Marketing, educational and promotional content, including social media, YouTube and other online platforms.

Many clients enjoy being featured as part of the journey, and public content may provide additional exposure for their truffière or business. If you're happy to be included, we'd love to showcase your property, business and the great work you and your dog are doing.

If you would prefer that you, your property, your dog or your business not appear in publicly shared content, please let us know in writing before your visit. This will not affect the use of footage for internal training, safety, record-keeping or private client feedback.

​

Liability Waiver

By engaging services from Serenity Scent Work, the client agrees to the following:

• You acknowledge that truffle dog training and harvesting involves outdoor activity, uneven terrain, and inherent risks.

• You accept responsibility for any risks to yourself, your property, and your animals during our work.

• You confirm that if your dog is being trained, they are physically healthy and able to participate.

• You waive any and all claims against Serenity Scent Work, its trainers, and affiliates, except in cases of gross negligence.
   

Veterinary Communication & Confidentiality

If participating in dog training, you authorise Serenity Scent Work to contact your veterinarian if needed. Your dog's personal and medical information will be treated confidentially.

​

Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time.