(This copy of our contract is made available online for your review only. An actual copy will be need to be signed at our facility)

This is a contract for boarding, grooming and daycare services between GREEN ACRES KENNEL SHOP (GAKS) and the pet owner whose signature appears below (hereinafter called “Owner”).

1. OWNER agrees to pay the rate in effect the date the pet is checked into GAKS, and further agrees to pay for all costs and charges for any special services requested or required, and all veterinary costs for the pet during the time pet is in care of GAKS. OWNER agrees that the pet shall not leave GAKS until all charges for boarding, daycare, grooming, medicine, veterinary services, playtime, etc. are paid to GAKS by OWNER. Any grooming or daycare pets not called for on the stated pick up date will be boarded at our normal rate. If the pet is not called for within 10 days of the stated pickup date, the pet will be sold for bills due or placed with a humane society or rescue group. OWNER shall be liable for any unpaid charges.
2. OWNER is aware that if pet is found to have fleas or evidence of fleas, that GAKS will administer Capstar^® (nitenpyram) or flea shampoo, at their discretion, before accepting the pet. Charges for any flea treatments will be added to the OWNER’S bill. Due to the nature of the pesticides used, there may be side effects which GAKS cannot be held responsible for. OWNER is aware that any such treatments are not guaranteed 100% effective.
3. Owner is aware that grooming pets, if matted may require shaving or dematting, and that these procedures may have unpleasant consequences such as clipper burn, brush burn, or nicks and cuts resulting in temporary discomfort, including but not limited to, itching scratching and scooting. OWNER is aware that alopecia, the abnormal regrowth of hair, may occur in some instances. GAKS will use all precautions during these procedures but will not be held responsible for the aforementioned side effects.
4. When requested, GAKS will board more than one pet of the same species, from the same household, in a single run, as long as both pets can move freely and be fed appropriately without supervision; however, GAKS reserves the right to place the pets in separate runs if they deem necessary. The single run rate will then apply for each pet.
5. If pet is to be boarded any time over peak and holiday periods, as posted at GAKS, OWNER agrees to pay for ALL DAYS RESERVED, unless said dates are cancelled at least 72 hours prior to the day of the reservation.
6. OWNER is aware of the hours GAKS is open to the public and understands that when boarding, the daily boarding charge applies the day you drop your pet off and each subsequent day the pet is here after 12 noon.
7. GAKS will exercise due and reasonable care for pet and will keep its facility clean and properly enclosed.
8. If pet becomes ill or if the state of the pet’s health is such that GAKS believes the pet requires veterinary attention, GAKS, in its sole discretion, may engage the services of a veterinarian or administer medicine, or a special diet, or give other requisite attention to the pet and the expenses thereof shall be paid by the OWNER.
9. All pets are cared for by GAKS without liability on our part for loss or damage, from disease, death, running away, theft, fire, injury to persons, or other animals or property by said pet, fence climbing, or other unavoidable causes, providing due diligence and normal care and caution having been exercised.
10. It is expressly agreed by OWNER and GAKS that GAKS liability shall in no event exceed the lesser of the current chattel value of a pet of the same species or the sum of $200.00 per pet. The OWNER further agrees to be solely responsible for any and all acts or behavior of said pet while it is in the care of GAKS.
11. By signing this Contract and leaving your pet with GAKS, OWNER certifies to the accuracy of all information provided about pet, that pet is current on all vaccines required by GAKS, that pet has not been exposed to rabies or distemper within a 30 day period prior to receiving services at GAKS, and that OWNER is the legal owner of said pet, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and assumes financial liability for all payments called for in this agreement.
12. This Contract, and the Group Play, Individual/Family Play or Shave Down addendum, if signed, contains the entire agreement between the parties for the Boarding/Daycare/Grooming of said pets. All terms and conditions of this Contract shall be binding on the heirs, administrators, personal representatives and assigns of the OWNER and GAKS.
13. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, or as the result of any claim or controversy involving the alleged negligence by any party to this contract, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by an arbitrator may be entered in any Court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator shall, as part of his award, determine an award to the prevailing party of the costs of such arbitration and reasonable attorney’s fees of the prevailing party.
14. This Contract applies to this visit at GAKS as well as all subsequent visits.

I have read this agreement on this date, ___/___/___, understand its terms and signed it freely.

(This copy of our contract is made available online for your review only. An actual copy will be need to be signed at our facility)

 Green Acres Kennel Shop Group Play Contract

This document is an addendum to the General Contract between GREEN ACRES KENNEL SHOP (hereinafter called “GAKS”) and the pet owner whose signature appears below (hereinafter called “Owner”).  We are pleased to offer group play opportunities for dogs that Board or Daycare at GAKS. Group play is defined as interaction off lead in a secure area between 2 or more dogs that do not reside together in the same household. Dogs in group play will be under supervision by one of our pet care technicians. In order for your dog to participate in group play, we ask that you carefully read and agree to the following by signing below.

1. Group play is for healthy dogs.  Group play is not recommended for dogs that have medical conditions such as diabetes, seizures, hip dysplasia, heart murmurs or any other medical condition that maybe aggravated by excitement or boisterous play. GAKS assumes no responsibility for the aggravation of any medical disorders caused by participation in group play.
2. Group play is for well socialized, happy dogs. Group play is not recommended for overcoming fear related or aggressive behaviors in under-socialized dogs and may in fact exacerbate these conditions. GAKS assumes no responsibility for the aggravation of any behavioral disorders caused by participation in group play.
3. Owner agrees to disclose to GAKS any and all changes in the dog’s physical and mental health which may affect dog’s suitability for group play.
4. To decrease the incidences of aggression, all dogs over 7 months of age must be spayed or neutered to participate in group play. Owner confirms that their pet, if older than 7 months, has been spayed or neutered.
5. GAKS staff reserves all rights to determine if a dog is unsuitable for group play based upon health and/or behavior and to terminate group play activities immediately when deemed necessary. If a dog has been determined ineligible for group play, individual playtime may be offered when possible.
6. Owner fully accepts all risks of illness or injury that may be incurred during normal play activity.  Such risks include, but are not limited to: cuts, scrapes, (and other injuries resulting from boisterous play; and possible contagious illnesses such as upper respiratory infections).
7. Owner understands that he/she is solely responsible for any harm caused by owner’s dog, while participating in group play at GAKS.
8. Owner shall indemnify GAKS against any claims made against the company, or any losses or damage of any kind suffered by GAKS as a result of his/her failure to inform GAKS of any pre-existing condition his/her dog may have (including, but not limited to an illness or known behavior problem).
9. Owner agrees to take precautions against the spread of contagious illnesses and parasite exposure by regularly consulting with a Veterinarian. GAKS reserves all rights to refuse participation in group play until a letter from a veterinarian certifies the health status of a particular animal.

10.  Owner understands that in the event of injury, GAKS staff may or may not notify him/her immediately, at their discretion.  If the injury is not serious, GAKS staff may allow the dog to continue to play, and then notify owner when he/she comes to pick up the dog.  If the injury is serious, and requires that a dog be removed from group activities, the owner will be notified immediately.

Green Acres Kennel Shop Individual/Family Play Contract

This document is an addendum to the General Contract between GREEN ACRES KENNEL SHOP (hereinafter called “GAKS”) and the pet owner whose signature appears below (hereinafter called “Owner”). We are pleased to offer individual/family play opportunities for dogs that Board or Daycare at GAKS. Individual/family play is defined as interaction with a GAKS Pet Care Technician and a single dog, off lead in a secure area or as interaction between up to five dogs that live within the same household, off lead in a secure area, under the supervision of a GAKS Pet Care Technician. In order for your dog to participate in individual/family play, we ask that you carefully read and agree to the following by signing below.

1.  Individual/family play is for healthy, non-symptomatic dogs that routinely play with people or other dogs in their household.  GAKS assumes no responsibility for the aggravation of any medical disorders caused by participation in individual/family play.

2.  Owner agrees to disclose to GAKS any and all changes in the dog’s physical and mental health which may affect dog’s suitability for individual/family play.

3.  GAKS staff reserves all rights to determine if a dog is unsuitable for individual/family play based upon health and/or behavior and to terminate play activities immediately when deemed necessary.

4.  Owner fully accepts all reasonable risks of illness or injury that may be incurred during normal play activity.  Such risks include, but are not limited to: cuts, scrapes, (and other injuries resulting from boisterous play; and possible contagious illnesses such as upper respiratory infections).

5.  Owner understands that he/she is solely responsible for any harm caused by owner’s dog, while participating in play at GAKS, provided reasonable care and precautions are followed by GAKS staff.

6.  Owner shall indemnify GAKS against any claims made against the company, or any losses or damage of any kind suffered by GAKS as a result of his/her failure to inform GAKS of any pre-existing condition his/her dog may have (including, but not limited to an illness or known behavior problem).

7.  Owner agrees to take precautions against the spread of contagious illnesses and parasite exposure by regularly consulting with a Veterinarian. GAKS reserves all rights to refuse participation in individual/family play until a letter from a veterinarian certifies the health status of a particular animal.

8.  Owner understands that in the event of injury, GAKS staff may or may not notify him/her immediately, at their discretion.  If the injury is not serious, GAKS staff may allow the dog to continue to play, and then notify owner when he/she comes to pick up the dog.  If the injury is serious, and requires that a dog be removed from group activities, the owner will be notified immediately.

There are many things people should consider when evaluating a boarding facility:

1. Start looking well in advance of when you will need to use a facility,  especially during peak times such as school vacation, summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some years we will be booked for Christmas in October.
2. To locate a facility, ask your veterinarian and other pet guardians for recommendations. You can also check the yellow pages or the internet however remember that the best way to evaluate a facility is to visit it.
3. Call facilities to inquire about their services, but don't make a decision until you actually visit a facility to see what it's really like. If possible, bring your dog with you when you visit so you can see how the staff responds to your pet, but also understand that you will most likely have to leave your dog in the car during any tour. (We do not recommend this for cats as car rides are often stressful for our feline friends.) During the visit, make note of the following:
   • Is the staff courteous and friendly to both you and your pet?
   • Do they seem to truly enjoy your pet and appropriately respond to your pet’s emotional needs?
   • Is the facility clean?
   • Are the staff PCSA Certified Pet Care Technicians?
   • Is the kennel a member of the PCSA?
   • Does the facility have the proper licenses? (Anyone boarding pets for a fee must have a Maine kennel license.)
   • Does the facility have a formal disinfection protocol?
   • What are the vaccination requirements? Will they accept titers?
   • How are dogs grouped for playtime? What is the staff to dog ratio for playtimes? .
   • What are the facilities feeding procedures? Can you bring your own food?
   • What are procedures and policies for dealing with pets requiring medications?
   • What does the facility do if your pet requires veterinary care?
   • Does someone live on-site? If not, who checks the pets at night?
   • Does the facility have a protocol for dealing with parasites like fleas?
   • Can you bring your pet’s toys?
   • Does the facility require a boarding contract to protect you and the facility from any misunderstandings?
   • Lastly, try to determine if it is a "Pet Friendly" facility by asking how they handle excessive barking or excessively exuberant behavior or shy behavior?