Castle Boarding

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Late Collection and Abandonment Policy
Applies To: All rabbit and guinea pig boarding services

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1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy outlines:

• Procedures and charges for late collection of boarded animals

• Steps taken where an animal is not collected

• Legal responsibilities of the Owner

• Castle Boarding’s obligations under UK law

Boarding spaces are reserved exclusively for your animal. Failure to collect on the agreed date impacts welfare planning and availability for other customers.

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2. Agreed Collection Date

2.1 The collection date and time are agreed at the time of booking.

2.2 Owners must collect their animal:

• On the agreed date

• Within agreed collection hours

2.3 If you anticipate delay, you must notify Castle Boarding as soon as possible.

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3. Late Collection Charges

Where an animal is not collected at the agreed time:

3.1 First 24 Hours

• The standard daily boarding rate will be charged.

3.2 After the First 24 Hours

• The standard daily boarding rate continues to apply;

• An additional 20% surcharge will be added on top of the daily fee for each additional day of late collection.

3.3 These charges reflect:

• Continued care, feeding and supervision

• Administrative time

• Loss of availability for new bookings

3.4 Late collection fees must be paid in full prior to release of the animal.

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4. Failure to Make Contact

4.1 If an Owner fails to collect their animal and does not make contact:

• Castle Boarding will attempt to contact the Owner using all contact details provided.

• Emergency contacts may also be contacted.

4.2 All attempts to contact the Owner will be recorded.

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5. Abandonment

5.1 If an animal is not collected within 7 days of the agreed collection date and no satisfactory contact or arrangement has been made, the animal may be considered abandoned.

5.2 In accordance with the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977, Castle Boarding may:

• Issue written notice to the Owner at their last known address;

• Provide a final reasonable deadline for collection and payment of outstanding fees;

• Seek recovery of unpaid fees;

• Arrange for rehoming or transfer of the animal where legally permitted.

5.3 Where necessary, relevant authorities or animal welfare organisations may be contacted.

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6. Welfare Obligations

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Castle Boarding has a legal duty to ensure the welfare of animals in our care.

If an animal is deemed abandoned:

• Welfare will remain the priority.

• Decisions will be made in the best interests of the animal.

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7. Financial Responsibility

7.1 The Owner remains legally responsible for:

• All boarding fees

• Late collection charges

• Veterinary costs incurred during the extended stay

• Any reasonable costs associated with rehoming or transfer

7.2 Outstanding amounts may be pursued through appropriate legal channels if necessary.

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8. Refusal to Release

Castle Boarding reserves the right to refuse release of the animal until:

• All outstanding boarding and late fees are paid in full.

This is consistent with contractual rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, provided charges are transparent and agreed at booking.

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9. Exceptional Circumstances

Castle Boarding understands that emergencies can arise. Where genuine exceptional circumstances occur:

• Owners must communicate promptly;

• We may, at our discretion, agree a temporary extension without surcharge;

• Any agreed variation must be confirmed in writing.

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10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any legal or regulatory changes.