PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED WITH YOUR BOOKING if you do not wish to comply with the requirements.
Everyone that uses our field on their own, or as part of a group, needs to read and accept the T&C’s before being allowed access. We want everyone to enjoy the Hounds of Hertfordshire field and it to be a great place for humans and dogs alike.
All admittance is by prior booking only – under no circumstances are You to turn up please without booking an appointment.
It is your responsibility to check that You have received a booking confirmation email and that You have booked the correct day and times.
On completion of your booking, You will receive a booking confirmation email. If you do not receive a booking confirmation, email you may not have completed the booking or you’ve entered an incorrect email address (typo!), please check your payment with your bank and contact us if you have any problems. If you do not receive the email please check spam first.
General Terms and Conditions
Please read carefully all the details below and then complete the digital signing form at the bottom so we can retain a record on file.
‘We’ or ‘Our’ or ‘Us’- Land Owner/s and/or Hounds of Hertfordshire.
‘Field’ – includes the 2.5 acre playing field.
‘You’ or ‘User’- any persons using the playing Field (including any children/family/friends accompanying).
These Terms and Conditions permit You to use the Field for exercising dogs under your close personal supervision at all times. When making a booking You agree to abide by and accept all of the following:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING BANNED BREEDS
If you own a dog currently on the banned breed list (including XL bully ‘types’) you MUST have a Certificate of Exemption & Public Liability Insurance, copies of which MUST be sent to Us prior to your visit (no later than 48 hours prior), failure to do so will mean your session will be cancelled. Your dog must also be micro-chipped and neutered (in line with the government timescales/age). Your dog must be muzzled and, on a lead, whilst in the parking area and you MUST lock the gate so no one can gain access. Once you are securely INSIDE the field, you can then remove the lead & muzzle. Before returning to the parking area you MUST put your dog back on the lead and place the muzzle back on BEFORE entering the parking area & car.
XL Bullies can be off-lead and unmuzzled (once safely inside the field) with their own household dogs – no requirement for extra household humans – you can have just one human with them (over the age of 18) in the field and with the other household dogs.
There can be no humans from other households. If there are dogs from different households the banned breed will need to remain muzzled and on a lead at all times with a 1:1 handler.
Site Location and Environment
Our dog field is situated in a rural area and may occasionally be adjacent to agricultural vehicles, animals, or livestock. Users must evaluate the suitability of the environment for themselves and their dog(s) prior to use.
Fencing and Security
Our dog field is fully fenced; however, upon arrival, it is the booker’s responsibility to inspect the perimeter, including fence height, gates, and overall security. Certain breeds are capable of jumping considerable heights. If there are concerns regarding a dog’s potential to escape, the dog must remain on a lead at all times. All liability for a dog that escapes our field will remain with the booker and in no way will Hounds of Hertfordshire, it’ staff, managers, directors, volunteers, or the land owners be liable.
Access Gates
Access is provided via two gates:
Gate 1 (Primary Access): A wide metal gate secured with a coded padlock and chain, suitable for vehicular entry from the road to the parking area.
Gate 2: A wide internal metal gate separating the parking area from the main field. This gate must remain closed except when in active use.
Upon confirmation of booking, the access code will be provided via email and/or booking update. This code is confidential and must not be shared. Codes are changed periodically and reissued for future bookings. Gate 1 or 2 must be unlocked upon entry and securely locked upon departure using the provided padlock and chain. Loss of the chain or lock will incur a £60 replacement fee. To prevent loss, secure the chain around the gate during use.
Vehicle and Dog Entry Procedure
After opening Gate 1, vehicles may enter the designated parking area. Gate 1 must be closed before releasing dogs from the vehicle. Dogs must then be led through Gate 2 into the main field. Do not release dogs if another party is present in the field or loading/unloading, unless attending an organised socialisation or training session. Gate 2 must be securely closed during use.
Parking
All vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk. Hounds of Hertfordshire and the landowners accept no liability for damage, theft, or accidents. Exercise caution when parking, particularly in adverse weather.
There is a small parking area prior to entering the Field for your use.
NB – TWO PARKING SPACES PER SESSION – PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE PARKING AREA IF IT IS STILL OCCUPIED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Please DO NOT park OR WAIT in front of the entrance gate (especially if the car park is being used ) and DO NOT park on the passing point opposite the entrance gate. Sessions start on the hour, every hour and are for 50 minutes. This 10 minute buffer is to ensure a smooth transition between visitors. You agree NOT to arrive early for your session and You agree to leave the Field and parking area in good time ahead of the next session. Please remain vigilant when arriving as the previous user of the Field may not have travelled by car.
Once You have parked, the front gate must be padlocked before You let your dog/s out of the car.
Maintenance and Damage Reporting
Our dog field and the fencing around it are regularly inspected and maintained to a high standard. Any damage caused by the booking party must be reported immediately to Hounds of Hertfordshire and will be invoiced to the booker. Pre-existing damage or gaps discovered during use (not caused by the booking party) must also be reported promptly.
Dog Health and Insurance
All dogs must be fully vaccinated with recommended inoculations and associated boosters.
Each dog should be covered by third-party public liability insurance (typically included in pet insurance). If your dog is not covered, you may be personally liable for any liability/damages costs should an incident occur.
Dog Socialisation and Supervision
Only dogs that are well-socialised with one another may use the field simultaneously, unless participating in a Hounds of Hertfordshire-hosted training or socialisation session. All users assume full risk and must always supervise their dogs at all times. Unknown individuals or dogs must not be admitted during a private booking.
Amenities
There are no mains utilities. Users must bring their own water.
Waste Disposal
All dog waste (poop) must be collected and disposed of off-site or taken home. Please ensure you have poop bags before arriving onsite. All litter, including cigarette butts, must be removed and disposed of responsibly.
Public Footpath
A public footpath runs adjacent to the perimeter fence near the road. Users must remain respectful of passers-by and their dogs.
Booking Limits
Bookings are limited to the paid number of dogs and a maximum of two vehicles. Additional dogs may be accommodated for an extra fee, subject to prior approval.
Failure to obtain approval for additional dogs may result in immediate cancellation without refund. These restrictions ensure compliance with local council agreements and minimise impact on local roads and parking.
Session Duration
Each session is 50 minutes from the scheduled start time, including changeover. Arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your slot. Late arrivals do not extend the session end time, and full payment remains due. The site must be vacated by the end of the allocated slot.
Health-Related Cancellations
If a dog has been unwell within 48 hours prior to the booking, do not attend. Contact Hounds of Hertfordshire to reschedule. Report any illness observed during or after use.
Children
Children are permitted but must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. They must not climb on equipment, fences, gates, or play in the sandpit.
Terrain and Safety
The field is generally level but is a natural outdoor space. Surfaces may be uneven, slippery, or contain trip hazards or animal burrows. Use at your own risk and wear appropriate footwear. Do not climb on fences, gates, or equipment.
Do not allow your dogs to dig in the field.
Vehicle Safety
Dogs must never be left unattended in vehicles, particularly in warm weather.
Public Areas
Dogs must be kept under control and on a lead in all public areas surrounding the field to avoid causing nuisance.
Commercial Use
The field may not be used for commercial purposes (including professional dog walking, training, or other business activities) without prior written consent. Unauthorized business use will incur a £100 surcharge per booking, permanent booking ban, and potential legal action to recover fees, including associated costs.
Smoking
Smoking is discouraged. If unavoidable, cigarette ends must be fully extinguished and removed from the site.
Eviction
Hounds of Hertfordshire reserves the right to remove any individual, animal, or property for behaviour deemed unsafe, unreasonable, or in breach of these Terms and Conditions.
Booking Transfer
Bookings are non-transferable. The booker must be present and ensure all attendees have read and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. Subletting is prohibited.
Booking and Payment
All bookings must be made and paid in advance via the Booking page on the website. The access code will be provided upon confirmation. No refunds are issued post-booking.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
Late arrivals do not extend session time.
Cancellations incur full charge due to administrative and card processing costs. Please only use our cancellation links if you are unable to attend and are within your 24hr rescheduling time frame.
Weather-related rescheduling within 24 hours is not permitted unless both access gates are deemed unsafe, in which case an alternative date may be offered.
Rescheduling requires 24 hours’ notice. Same-day rescheduling may result in cancellation without refund. A maximum of three reschedules is allowed.
Refunds (where issued) are subject to a 10% administration fee plus card charges.
CCTV and Data
CCTV may be in operation for security, safety, and site protection. By entering, you consent to image capture. Footage is retained for up to 30 days unless required for legal or insurance purposes. Personal data is retained only as necessary for booking records and in accordance with privacy policies. Data is not shared except where required by law enforcement or insurance claims.
Incident Reporting
Any incident involving conflict, injury, damage, or loss must be reported to Hounds of Hertfordshire within 24 hours.
Liability and Release
Users agree to indemnify and forever discharge Hounds of Hertfordshire, its staff, managers, directors, volunteers, and the landowners against any claims for damage, injury, or loss to persons, property, or animals arising from use of our facility, access tracks, or parking areas. Users release and forever discharge Hounds of Hertfordshire, its representatives, landowners, and other participants from any claims or liabilities, now or in the future, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, executors, assigns, and administrators. Hounds of Hertfordshire retains ownership of all imagery captured on or off-site and may use it for promotional purposes.
We reserve the right to:
- Close the playing Field/parking area at any time, for any reason.
- Ask any user to leave the playing Field/parking area at any time for any
The use of the playing Field does not constitute any rights over any of the land.