Training Policy

• Please see separate certificate of current qualifications – Jack has OFQUAL regulated SEG Awards Level 4 Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Dog Day Care and Home Boarding.
• Kim is currently studying SEG Awards Level 3 Award in Canine Care and Welfare.
• We do not currently employ any staff. We are a husband-and-wife-run business, committed to expanding our expertise by building upon our completed studies and continuing our professional development.
• Annual knowledge assessments to identify individual and collective knowledge gaps on topics critical to dog care, including:
  • Canine body language and communication signals.
  • Common dog health issues (e.g., signs of illness, first aid basics, recognising emergencies).
  • Breed-specific needs and temperaments.
  • Safe handling techniques for various dog sizes and temperaments.
  • Emergency protocols (e.g., fire, escaped dog, medical crisis).
  • Understanding and managing dog behaviour (e.g., fear, aggression, separation anxiety).
  • Administering medications safely and accurately.
• Following these assessments we will develop individualised action plans to address identified knowledge gaps.

Staff Illness and Injury Policy

As a husband-and-wife business, the health and wellbeing of Jack and Kim Rojas Powell is central to the safe operation of Whitstable Dog Care. This policy sets out what happens when either or both of us are unwell or injured, ensuring the dogs in our care always receive the attention and supervision they need.

Minor Illness (One Person Unwell)

Where one of us is unwell but the other is able to continue — for example, a cold, migraine, or minor injury — the following applies:

• The unwell person will rest and avoid direct contact with dogs where their condition could affect the quality of care or the safety of the dogs (for example, severe fatigue, impaired balance, or a contagious illness).
• The well person will assume full responsibility for all dog care duties for the duration.
• If the well person judges that they cannot safely manage the current number of dogs alone, they will contact affected clients as early as possible to arrange early collection or defer the booking. The welfare of the dogs always takes priority.
• No new bookings will be accepted while operating single-handedly if doing so would exceed what one person can safely manage.
• If the unwell person has a contagious illness (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea), they will not handle food, water bowls, or bedding until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, in line with standard food hygiene guidance.

Serious Illness or Injury (One Person Fully Incapacitated)

Where one of us is hospitalised, requires surgery, or is otherwise completely unable to help — including recovery periods — the following steps will be taken:

1. Client notification: All clients with dogs currently in our care, or booked imminently, will be contacted as soon as practicable to keep them informed and agree a plan.