Legal

Terms and Conditions

Effective date: June 4, 2026  •  Freedom Found K9, LLC, DBA Freedom Found Dog Behavior & Training

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of services provided by Freedom Found K9, LLC, DBA Freedom Found Dog Behavior & Training, owned and operated by Elizabeth Vanderhoef, located at 3514 Vine Street, McHenry, IL 60050. By engaging our services, you agree to the following terms.

Services offered

Freedom Found Dog Behavior & Training offers the following services:

• Standard boarding — daily care, feeding, potty breaks, supervised yard time, enrichment, and structured rest
• Behavior boarding — structured management for dogs requiring additional supervision, environmental control, or behavioral accommodations
• Board and train programs — immersive 2, 3, or 4-week programs combining boarding with structured behavior work
• In-person behavior consultations and coaching sessions
• Virtual behavior consultations and monthly coaching support
• Online courses, webinars, and digital programs via Thinkific
• Adventure walks — for current boarding and board and train clients only

Formal training services are not included in boarding unless agreed to in writing. Behavior boarding includes management and accommodations only unless otherwise specified.

Test night policy

All dogs boarding for the first time are required to complete a test night before a longer stay is confirmed. A test night is approximately 36 hours. Dogs are dropped off in the morning or midday, spend the day and overnight, and are picked up the following day.

The purpose of the test night is to get a realistic picture of how the dog settles, decompresses, handles separation, and adjusts to the home environment before committing to a longer stay.

If a dog struggles during a test night, that does not automatically disqualify them from future boarding. A plan will be made from there, which may include additional training, shorter acclimation visits, or veterinary support.

Fees and payment

A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve dates. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the start of services. If a booking is made less than 14 days before the start date, full payment is due at the time of booking. Boarding will not begin without confirmed payment unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

All payments are final and non-refundable once the boarding period has begun unless otherwise determined at the sole discretion of Freedom Found K9, LLC.

Payment is accepted via Zelle, Venmo, or credit card through Square. A 3% processing fee applies to all credit card payments.

Any additional days, overstay fees, or emergency-related charges must be paid in full prior to pick-up. Failure to submit payment prior to drop-off may result in cancellation of the reservation.

Boarding rates and pick-up policy

Boarding is charged on a per-day basis. The day of drop-off is considered one full day of boarding regardless of drop-off time. The day of pick-up will also be considered one full day of boarding if the dog is not picked up by 12:00 PM noon. No prorated rates are offered.

Overstay policy

The client agrees to pick up their dog on the scheduled end date and time. If the dog is not retrieved as scheduled and no prior written arrangement has been made, an overstay fee equal to two times the standard daily boarding rate will apply for each additional day or portion of a day.

Failure to retrieve the dog within fourteen days without written communication will trigger the abandoned dog policy below. Freedom Found K9, LLC reserves the right to refuse future services for violation of this policy.

Cancellation policy

Deposits are non-refundable. If a cancellation is made after full payment has been received and before the boarding period begins, a credit may be issued toward a future stay at the sole discretion of Freedom Found K9, LLC. No refunds are issued once boarding has begun.

Health and vaccination requirements

The client affirms that all medical and behavioral information provided is complete, accurate, and truthful. Proof of up-to-date vaccination records is required prior to the start date.

• Rabies vaccination is required by law and must be current
• Core vaccinations appropriate to the dog's age and lifestyle are required unless otherwise discussed in writing
• Leptospirosis vaccination is strongly recommended
• Current flea and tick prevention is required

Failure to provide required vaccination documentation may result in cancellation of services without refund.

Full disclosure requirement

The client must disclose all known behavioral and medical information prior to the start of services. This includes but is not limited to:

• Aggression toward humans or other dogs
• Bite history
• Reactivity
• Resource guarding
• Escape or flight risk tendencies
• Separation anxiety or environmental triggers
• Prior incidents involving injury

Failure to disclose known behavioral or medical concerns may result in immediate termination of services without refund.

Dog interaction and safety

Dogs may interact with other compatible dogs under supervision. While reasonable precautions are taken, the client acknowledges that dog-to-dog interactions carry inherent and unpredictable risk. Freedom Found K9, LLC agrees to take reasonable safety precautions including the use of properly fitted collars, backup safety equipment, long lines, tracking collars for flight-risk dogs, and environmental management strategies as appropriate.

Client responsibilities

The client agrees to provide sufficient food for the full duration of the stay, a properly fitted leash and collar, any medications with clear written instructions, and any additional supplies they wish to include. Crates are available at the trainer's home and are not required from the client.

Property damage

The client agrees to be financially responsible for any property damage, crate damage, fencing damage, or equipment damage caused by their dog during the service period.

Emergency care

Freedom Found K9, LLC will make reasonable efforts to contact the client in the event of a veterinary emergency. If the client is unreachable, the trainer is authorized to pursue emergency veterinary care. The client is financially responsible for all veterinary costs incurred.

Abandoned dog policy

If a dog is not retrieved within fourteen days after the scheduled end date and no written arrangements have been made, the dog will be considered abandoned. If no response is received within 72 hours of contact, ownership of the dog transfers to Freedom Found K9, LLC. The client remains financially responsible for all boarding, care, and related fees incurred.

Photo and video release

By engaging services, the client grants permission for images and videos of their dog to be used for educational, marketing, or promotional purposes without compensation. Clients who do not consent must notify the trainer in writing prior to the start of services.

Scheduling and unannounced visits

All visits, drop-offs, and pick-ups must be scheduled in advance. Please do not arrive at the property unannounced. Unscheduled arrivals may result in no one being available and could disrupt the care of dogs currently in our home.

Insurance

Freedom Found K9, LLC is fully insured for liability coverage through Pet Care Insurance.

Limitation of liability

Freedom Found K9, LLC and its owner accept no liability for injury, illness, death, loss, or damage to a dog that occurs despite reasonable care and precautions. The client acknowledges that working with animals carries inherent risk and agrees to hold Freedom Found K9, LLC harmless from any claims arising from the provision of services, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Refusal of service

Freedom Found K9, LLC reserves the right to refuse or terminate services at any time for any reason, including but not limited to undisclosed behavior or health concerns, failure to follow policies, or circumstances that compromise the safety or welfare of the dogs in our care or the trainer.

Updates to these terms

These terms may be updated occasionally. The most recent version will always be posted on this page with the effective date listed above. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the current terms.

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