Rules for pool use:

• Please ensure your dog does not eat up to 2 hours before or after swimming.
• Dogs MUST be clean before entering the pool. The pool is not a bathing facility for dogs. Please wash your dog of dirt before coming to the pool or ask us for use of our wash facilities upon arrival. Dirt in the pool ruins the filter system, but also causes the water to become murky for other pool users. 
• If it is your first session, please arrive 5 minutes before your start time to meet us and go through the pool use so we can make it the best experience for your dog. Session times will not be extended if you arrive late.
• Your allotted session time includes time taken entering and exiting the pool. You and your dog must exit the pool swiftly at the end of your session to allow for access to the pool for the next clients.
• You MUST inform us if your dog has a history of biting, is reactive, or unsociable. This does not preclude you from coming, it is simply to ensure the safety of staff and other customers who may be arriving or leaving, and so we can make sure the whole experience is positive for your dog. Please ensure laws around Bully breeds are followed while on the premises. 
• If you choose to enter the pool with your dog, you do so at your own risk.... we recommend wet suit, leggings and/or a t-shirt rather than regular swimwear to protect yourself from scratching; however, this is your personal choice. 
• Children are welcome to join dogs in the pool. Any children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Children who cannot competently swim must have an additional adult supporting them to the one monitoring the dog ( dog monitoring adult does not need to be in the water). Parents/guardians are responsible for their children and dogs at all times. Phin and Paddle take no liability in monitoring them on the premises.
• Dogs must not be pushed, shoved or thrown into the pool. Anyone doing so will be asked to leave.
• All dogs must be fully vaccinated or titre tested.
• All dogs MUST have their claws clipped short to prevent punctures to the pool liner. Entry may be refused if your dog has sharp claws.
• You are responsible for your dog at all times and we request a minimum support of 1 adult to 2 dogs. 
• We advise you use one of our swim harnesses/buoyancy aids if your dog is not a strong swimmer or is a novice. We can help you fit this and will show you how to correctly support your dog in one.
• The platform and ramp are for dogs only. If we are required to ask you not to stand on these on more than one occasion, you will be asked to leave. Upon arrival we go through this rule with you as a reminder. 
• Cancellations can be made up to 48 hours before the session. Cancellations made after this will still be charged at the full rate. On block bookings or lessons, if less than 24 hours notice is given, this session cannot be rescheduled. 

If due to not following any of the above, damage is caused to the pool, pool equipment, buoyancy aids you will be charged with replacement fees and any loss of business if appropriate.  

Canine wellbeing:

• Dogs with injuries, health problems or recovering from surgery must have permission to swim from your own vet, as you feel appropriate. We are not hydro-therapists, physiotherapists or veterinarians and cannot give medical advice. 
• Dogs with infectious or contagious conditions, such as ear, eye, skin infections, gastric upset, kennel cough etc. cannot use the pool until fully recovered. 
• Bitches in season cannot use the pool, especially while bleeding.
• A 1-minute swim equates to a 1 mile high energy walk for your dog, therefore they will not and should not be encouraged to swim for more than a maximum of 20 minutes. We also recommend you encourage your dog to take short breaks on the in-pool ramp. 

Facilities:

• We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles or personal property, howsoever caused, whilst on our premises. 
• We cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury to any person or animal, howsoever caused, whilst on our premises. 
• Please ensure you have appropriate footwear and clothing for walking around the pool and while in it. 
• We do not currently have drying facilities so please ensure you bring a towel or drying coat for your dog. (Phin's dog wash coming soon!)
• We have a curtained off area for you to change if you wish to go into the pool with your dog..

NOTE: for swim lessons, Jodie is in the pool with your dog however you must remain present in the pool area during this time. Please ensure you inform us of your dog/puppies past with water/swimming when you arrive so we can approach the first session appropriately.

For all sessions that are not swim lessons, no staff member is in the pool with your dog. We recommend joining your dog in the water if it is their first time, they are a novice swimmer or they are under 1 year.  

HOW WE BEGAN
Phin and Paddle was started after our own dog, Phineas injured his leg resulting in metal pins and a plate being placed in his knee joint. He received intense hydrotherapy for just over a year, and we knew swimming was the best way for him to continue exercising and building muscle, while not risking further injury as a working dog. This is when we decided to open our small business, with the advice from his hydrotherapist as to where to start! With a background in being a qualified (human) nurse specialist, Jodie completed a canine hydrotherapy diploma and canine first aid course to start up Phin and Paddle and understand Phineas (and Hetty's) needs and health. Our aim with Phin and Paddle is for all dogs to have a safe environment to enjoy water, learn to swim and exercise. 

Alongside opening the pool, we also wanted to provide a shop for swimmers and non-swimmers to access - known as Hetty's Treat Corner. In the shop we ONLY sell 100% natural treats so you don't have to worry about any nasties being in anything you purchase. 
We also sell VOM raw dog food that is used by some of the worlds top sporting dogs to keep dogs healthy and well. This is the only raw food we trust to feed Phineas and Hetty as it is 100% animal derived complete food that focuses on taste, energy and good quality meat. While UK VOM supply is reduced, we are also stocking The Dogs Butcher raw food, which is just as flavourful and nutritious for your dog (Phineas and Hetty tied many raw foods to find one that works!)

As well as all the food, we have lots of gifts and accessories for dogs and their owners. As much as possible, we only stock items from other local small businesses and as we continue to grow, we hope to fill our shelves more and more. Currently we have local small businesses including Rhubarb and Co, and Bicester Candles, as well as bigger brands including Doodlebone, Ruff and Tumble and Ancol!