This page is an overview of our most important policies. It is not a comprehensive listing, and does not take precedent over any signed contract between you and Play & Train Dog Behavior, LLC. If you register for services, you will be presented with a copy of the applicable contract for your review. You are expected to read the contract in its entirety before agreeing to it.

Payments, Refunds, & Cancellations

Boarding

The nightly rate includes PM drop-off (typically between 1 & 4 PM) and AM pick-up (typically between 10 AM & 1 PM). Early drop-off or late pick-up incur an additional fee.

Payment is due in full at the time of booking for acclimation stays and boarding stays less than 3 days. For boarding stays of 3 days or longer, a deposit of 50% is required to reserve the spot and payment in full is due prior to drop off. All boarding payments are non-refundable. Boarding deposits are transferable to a future stay only if you provide at least 14 days advance notice of cancellation or we are able to fill the spot, otherwise the deposit is non-refundable. Depending on the amount of time since last boarding, we reserve the right to require a new acclimation stay at the current rate and may decline to board the dog if not deemed suitable.

The following additional charges may apply at our discretion:
-$50 for drop off or pick up outside of the agreed upon timeframes
-$10/day if the dog has an estrous cycle (“goes into heat”) or experiences diarrhea or vomiting that requires a special diet or supplements while under our care

Add-on socialization and training packages are fully refundable with 72 hour advance notice of cancellation. Otherwise, we will refund 50% less processing fees.

Private Training/Behavior Consultations

Payment is due at the time of booking for private training and behavior consultation sessions. For packages of 4 sessions or more, a deposit of 50% is required to reserve the package and the remainder is due at the half-way point (e.g. for an 8-session package, 50% is due upfront and 50% is due prior to the 5th session). If a session is canceled more than 72 hours in advance, a credit will be applied toward a future session. Credits expire 2 months after the issue date. Otherwise, all payments are non-refundable.

Group Training Classes

Payment is due at the time of booking to reserve your spot and is non-refundable/non-transferrable. Group training classes must be attended on the dates and times that the dog is registered for. If you miss a session, that session is forfeited. We will provide coaching during the next session to the best of our ability. If your dog is ill, you may attend class without him/her in order to keep up with the class material. Rolling admission classes must be completed within two class cycles of your registration date.

Puppy Socials

Payment is required to reserve your spot the first time you attend a puppy social so that we may add you to the roster and collect appropriate documentation. Payment is non-refundable. In case of illness, injury, or family emergencies, we will issue a credit to be used for another session. Credits expire 4 weeks from the date of issue, or once the dog reaches 5 months of age, whichever is sooner.

Animal Health

Vaccinations/Parasites

Only healthy dogs should attend services, including but not limited to classes, playgroups, boarding, and training sessions. Vaccination records are required at the time of registration and records should be kept up to date so long as you are receiving services. Dogs are required to be parasite free and on a preventative. For puppies being boarded or participating in playgroups, a negative fecal test 2 weeks prior to attending is required.

We also recommend scheduling vaccination appointments at least 24 hours prior to any service to allow time for your pet to recover from potential side effects.

Medical Concerns

In case of illness or injury, please consult with your veterinarian before bringing your dog to class or playgroups. Please also follow your veterinarian’s guidelines regarding rest after spay/neuter surgery and schedule accordingly. We cannot accept dogs for boarding within 14 days of spay/neuter.

Safety & Treatment of Animals

Dogs should wear a flat collar, martingale collar, or harness with identification and a regular 5-6 foot leash. Prong, pinch, choke, and shock collars, as well as slip leads and extendable/retractable leashes are not permitted. Dogs should not be allowed to interact with other dogs unless given permission by the trainer. You are solely responsible for your dog’s behavior.

We do not allow physical punishment or intimidation of dogs by our trainers or our clients. This includes, but is not limited to yelling, hitting, kicking, leash popping, or smacking your dog. Likewise, we do not tolerate aggressive or confrontational behavior from our clients. If you or someone in your party are observed behaving this way toward another client or trainer, you or they will be asked to leave. You are solely responsible for your actions.

Children 6 and over may come to class as long as they remain with their parents throughout class, interact with their dog only unless otherwise given permission, and follow trainer’s instructions.

Group classes are not appropriate for dogs who are not comfortable or are reactive around people or other dogs. Please inquire about private training as an alternative option. If we determine that your dog is unsuitable for the service for which you have registered, we will provide a credit in the amount of your class fee toward private training or a behavior consultation. The credit must be used within 2 months.

At our discretion, we have the right to refuse admission to or expel a client/dog from any service for any policy violation. Dismissal for violating our policies does not create an exception to our refund policy.

Communication

Communications are primarily sent by email. This includes notifications of schedule changes, homework, and additional resources. You agree to check email frequently for the duration of the service. Sessions may be postponed for inclement weather or trainer illness. In inclement weather, we typically postpone if Prince George’s County schools close or evening activities are cancelled.

COVID-19 Policies

Our trainers are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. We do not currently require masking if you are also fully vaccinated and boosted. If you are not, we ask that you please wear a mask when attending class or private training. Regardless of status, please be prepared to mask at any time if requested.

If you feel sick or are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 illness (please refer to the CDC’s current list of symptoms), if you or anyone in your family has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or if anyone in the home has traveled within the last 14 days to/from a state or country identified as a hot spot, please notify us so that we can make appropriate accommodations.

We reserve the right to move services to video at any time depending on the severity of COVID-19 in our area and/or the CDC’s guidance. You may also opt for a video session in place of an in-home session at any time. Please give us 24 hours’ notice for a change to video.