Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions for Country Gate Animal Sanctuary

1. Introduction Welcome to Country Gate Animal Sanctuary. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our services, facilities, website, and any associated programmes (collectively “Services”). By engaging with our Services, visiting our premises, adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, or using our website, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our Services.

2. Definitions

• “We”, “us”, “our” means Country Gate Animal Sanctuary.

• “You”, “your” means any individual, group, or organisation using our Services.

• “Animal(s)” means any domestic or farm animals under our care.

• “Adoption”, “Foster” refer to formal processes facilitated by us for placing animals in new homes or temporary care.

• “Volunteer” means any person providing unpaid services to us.

• “Donor” means any person or organisation providing financial or in-kind support.

1. Services and Opening Hours

• Our Services include animal rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, fostering, rehoming support, education, volunteer programmes and public visits where available.

• Opening hours and availability of specific services may change. We will make reasonable efforts to publicise changes. Visits and meetings are by appointment where specified.

1. Adoptions and Fostering

• Applicants must complete the adoption/foster application form and consent to background checks, reference checks, and home visits as required.

• We reserve the right to refuse any adoption or foster application without providing a reason.

• Adopters and fosters must comply with post-adoption support conditions, including veterinary care, microchipping, neutering/spaying where required, and follow-up visits.

• Animals must be returned to Country Gate Animal Sanctuary if the adopter/foster is unable to continue care. Rehoming an animal without our consent is prohibited.

• Fees: Adoption and foster fees apply and cover a portion of costs incurred. Fees are non-refundable except at our discretion.

1. Veterinary Care and Liability

• We endeavour to ensure animals receive appropriate veterinary care prior to adoption. However, we do not guarantee lifelong health or freedom from congenital or acquired conditions.

• You agree to seek veterinary advice promptly for any health concerns and to assume responsibility for routine and emergency veterinary costs post-adoption/fostering.

• We are not liable for injury or loss caused by animals after adoption or once animals are under your control, except where caused by our proven negligence.

1. Donations and Fundraising

• Donations are accepted subject to our fundraising policies and may be used where the need is greatest unless a specific purpose is agreed.

• Donors may be acknowledged publicly unless anonymity is requested.

• Refunds of donations will only be made at our discretion and in accordance with applicable law.

1. Volunteering

• Volunteers must complete registration, training, and agree to our volunteer code of conduct and health & safety procedures.

• We may carry out eligibility and reference checks. Volunteers must disclose any criminal convictions if required for certain roles.

• Volunteers act under our direction and are covered by our public liability insurance while carrying out authorised duties. Volunteers are responsible for their own personal belongings and should maintain appropriate insurance where advised.

1. Health, Safety and Biosecurity

• Visitors, volunteers, adopters and staff must follow health and safety rules, including biosecurity measures to protect animal and human health.

• You must not visit if you have recently had contact with foreign or farm animals or any condition that could endanger our animals unless authorised.

• We reserve the right to refuse access to anyone who breaches health and safety or biosecurity protocols.

1. Behaviour and Welfare Standards

• We expect respectful behaviour toward staff, volunteers, animals and other visitors. Harassment, abuse or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in refusal or withdrawal of services.

• Animals must be treated humanely at all times. Any concerns about an animal’s welfare should be reported immediately.

1. Privacy and Data Protection

• We collect and process personal data to deliver our Services. Personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

• By applying to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate, you consent to our processing of your personal information for these purposes, including reference and background checks where necessary.

1. Intellectual Property

• All content provided by us, including images, text, logos and materials, is protected by intellectual property rights. You may not reproduce or use our materials without prior written permission.

1. Third Parties and Links

• Our Services may reference third-party organisations or include links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for third-party content and inclusion does not imply endorsement.

1. Fees, Payments and Refunds

• Fees for adoption, services and events must be paid as specified. We accept payment methods as advertised.

• All rehoming fees are unrefundabke