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Code of Ethics

 

Happy Tails at Jasmine Cottage

 

Last updated: February 3, 2026

 

This Code of Ethics applies to all staff, contractors, partners, and associates of Happy Tails at Jasmine Cottage. It reflects our commitment to animal welfare, professionalism, transparency, and legal compliance. All individuals working with or on behalf of our business are expected to follow this Code at all times.

 

Our mission is to provide outstanding, compassionate, and responsible care for every dog entrusted to us.

 

1. Our Commitment to Animal Welfare

 

We place the physical and emotional wellbeing of dogs above all commercial or personal interests.

 

1.1 We commit to never knowingly causing pain, suffering, fear, or distress to any animal.

 

1.2 We do not use or endorse aversive equipment or methods, including but not limited to:

 

Choke chains

 

Prong collars

 

Electronic collars

 

Correction sprays

 

Punitive or "balanced" training techniques

 

 

1.3 We promote positive, force-free, and reward-based handling and training practices.

 

1.4 We recognise and uphold our legal duty of care under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Section 9, ensuring that all dogs in our care:

 

  • Have a suitable environment

 

  • Have a suitable diet

 

  • Are able to exhibit normal behaviour

 

  • Are housed appropriately

 

  • Are protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease

 

 

Official DEFRA guidance on animal welfare can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare

 

2. Compliance with DEFRA and Legal Standards

 

2.1 We comply with all relevant guidance and regulations issued by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

 

2.2 This includes, but is not limited to:

 

  • Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

 

  • DEFRA transport and welfare guidance

 

  • Local authority licensing requirements

 

2.3 We regularly review DEFRA publications to ensure our practices remain compliant and up to date.

 

Transport guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare-during-transport

 

Licensing guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities

 

3. Duty to Report Welfare Concerns

 

3.1 If we become aware of any animal whose welfare needs are not being met, we will:

 

  • Inform the owner

 

  • Provide appropriate guidance

 

  • Notify relevant authorities where required

 

 

3.2 We will not ignore, conceal, or tolerate neglect, abuse, or unsafe practices.

 

4. Professional Competence and Continuous Development

 

4.1 We recognise the limits of our knowledge and skills.

 

4.2 Where a dog requires specialist support, we will refer owners to suitably qualified professionals, including veterinarians, behaviourists, or trainers.

 

4.3 We are committed to ongoing professional development through:

 

  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

 

  • Accredited courses

 

  • Industry research

 

  • Evidence-based practice

 

5. Safety, Health, and Environmental Responsibility

 

5.1 We take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of dogs in our care.

 

5.2 During hot or extreme weather, we:

 

  • Adjust or suspend services

 

  • Provide shade and hydration

 

  • Reduce exercise intensity

 

  • Prioritise welfare over bookings

 

 

5.3 We maintain clean, hygienic, and secure facilities and equipment.

 

6. Transport and Handling of Dogs

 

When transporting dogs, we follow DEFRA guidance and best practice.

 

6.1 We ensure that:

 

  • Journeys are kept as short as reasonably possible

 

  • Dogs are fit to travel

 

  • Vehicles are safe, ventilated, and well maintained

 

  • Secure crates or restraints are used

 

  • Dogs have adequate space and comfort

 

 

6.2 During transport, we:

 

  • Check dogs regularly

 

  • Provide water and rest when required

 

  • Avoid overcrowding

 

  • Never use force or intimidation

 

7. Respect and Compassion Towards People

 

We treat clients, colleagues, and members of the public with dignity and respect.

 

7.1 We act with honesty, integrity, and fairness in all professional relationships.

 

7.2 We avoid knowingly causing psychological or emotional harm through our actions, advice, or communication.

 

7.3 We respect client preferences and values. Where disagreements arise, either party may withdraw from services respectfully.

 

7.4 We do not engage in harassment, discrimination, bullying, or defamation.

 

8. Honesty and Transparency

 

8.1 We communicate openly about:

 

  • Our methods

 

  • Our qualifications

 

  • Our limitations

 

  • Our pricing

 

  • Our policies

 

8.2 We ensure that all consent is informed, based on clear explanations of services, methods, and equipment.

 

8.3 We immediately notify owners of:

 

  • Accidents

 

  • Injuries

 

  • Behavioural changes

 

  • Illness

 

  • Incidents involving other animals

 

8.4 We respect client confidentiality and comply with data protection laws.

 

9. Professional Standards and Business Ethics

 

9.1 We do not misrepresent our experience, qualifications, or affiliations.

 

9.2 We maintain appropriate:

 

  • Public liability insurance

 

  • Professional indemnity insurance (where applicable)

 

9.3 Where required, we hold valid local authority licences for our activities.

 

9.4 We conduct our business ethically and transparently by:

 

  • Providing accurate information

 

  • Avoiding misleading advertising

 

  • Displaying valid credentials

 

  • Referring clients when needs exceed our competence

 

10. Legal Compliance

 

We comply with all applicable UK laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

 

  • Animal Welfare Act 2006

 

  • Consumer Rights Act 2015

 

  • Data Protection Act 2018

 

  • UK GDPR

 

  • Local authority licensing regulations

 

11. Accountability and Integrity

 

11.1 We rely on honesty and trust in all communications.

 

11.2 Providing false, misleading, or exaggerated information is considered a serious breach of this Code.

 

11.3 Breaches may result in:

 

  • Termination of services

 

  • Removal from partnerships

 

  • Reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate

 

12. Review and Updates

 

This Code of Ethics is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect:

 

  • Legal changes

 

  • DEFRA guidance

 

  • Industry best practice

 

  • Emerging welfare science

 

The latest version will always be available on our Website.

 

13. Contact Information

 

For questions regarding this Code of Ethics, please contact:

 

Happy Tails at Jasmine Cottage

Email: hello@happytailsatjasminecottage.co.uk

Phone: 07887 514603 

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