Terms & Conditions – Dog Sports Festival

By entering and participating in the Dog Sports Festival hosted by Scentwork UK, all competitors, spectators, and attendees agree to abide by the following Terms and Conditions. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, visitors, and their dogs.

1. General Rules

1.1. The Dog Sports Festival is a public event where competitors, spectators, and members of the public (including children) will be present, with and without dogs.
1.2. There will be various dog sports competitions taking place, alongside food vendors, trade stands, and other festival activities. All attendees must remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
1.3. Scentwork UK takes no responsibility for any incidents, accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur at the event.

2. Dog Welfare & Handling

2.1. All dogs must be kept on lead at all times, except when competing within the designated Scentwork UK competition arena. Off-lead activity in the arena is at the handler’s own risk.
2.2. Handlers are fully responsible for the behaviour and actions of their dogs at all times.
2.3. We understand that some dogs may be reactive. Please manage your dog accordingly and be mindful of their surroundings. There will be space at the competition where Scentwork UK will be holding the trial to provide some distance, but as this is a public event, there will be dogs with members of the public walking around. You are responsible for ensuring that your dog is managed appropriately. Please consider whether this competition is appropriate and fair for your dog to attend.
2.4. Owners must ensure their dogs are appropriately managed and supervised, preventing excessive barking, lunging, or any behaviour that could cause distress or disruption to others.
2.5. Competitors and attendees must clean up after their dogs and dispose of waste in the designated bins provided.

3. Competitor Responsibility

3.1. Participation in any Scentwork UK event is at the competitor’s own risk. Handlers must assess whether their dogs are comfortable and able to participate safely in the festival environment.
3.2. Scentwork UK holds no liability for injuries to dogs or handlers before, during, or after competition.
3.3. Competitors must follow the instructions of event officials and respect competition guidelines.
3.4. Any use of harsh handling, punishment-based training methods, or inappropriate behaviour towards a dog will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification and removal from the event.

4. Public Interaction & Safety

4.1. The event is open to the public, including families, children, and other dog owners. Attendees must remain courteous and respectful towards all visitors and fellow competitors.
4.2. Children must be supervised at all times, and parents/guardians are responsible for their safety.
4.3. Dogs must not be left unattended at any point.
4.4. Attendees must be mindful of food stalls and ensure their dogs do not interfere with food preparation areas.
4.5. There will be first aiders for both people and dogs, as well as an on-site vet. Further details regarding their locations and availability will be provided in your information pack prior to the event.

5. Liability Disclaimer

5.1. Scentwork UK and event organisers accept no responsibility for any injury, loss, theft, or damage to persons, property, or animals during the festival.
5.2. All competitors and attendees enter at their own risk and agree not to hold Scentwork UK, event staff, or affiliates liable for any claims arising from their participation or attendance.

6. Photography & Media

6.1. By attending the festival, attendees acknowledge and agree that photographs and video footage may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes by Scentwork UK and associated media partners.
6.2. If you do not wish to be included in photographs or videos, please inform event staff upon arrival.

7. Compliance & Event Authority

7.1. Scentwork UK reserves the right to remove any person or dog from the event if these Terms & Conditions are not adhered to.
7.2. The event organisers retain the authority to make final decisions on any disputes, safety concerns, or rule violations.

8. Acceptance of Terms

By entering the Dog Sports Festival, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these Terms & Conditions.

For any questions or further information, please contact the event organisers prior to attending.