13. PRODUCT SAFETY & USAGE POLICY

At Paws Garden, we want customers and their pets to have a safe and positive experience when using our products. This Product Safety & Usage Policy provides general information about the responsible use of products purchased through our website.

Customers should always read and follow any instructions, warnings or safety information supplied with a product.

Nothing in this policy limits any statutory rights or protections available to consumers under applicable UK law.

13.1 GENERAL PRODUCT SAFETY

Products should only be used for their intended purpose and in accordance with the instructions provided with the product.

Before using a product, customers should check that:

• The product is suitable for its intended use;

• The product is intact and undamaged;

• Any included instructions have been read;

• Relevant warnings have been understood;

• The product is appropriate for the customer's pet and circumstances.

If a product appears damaged, defective or unsafe, customers should stop using it and contact Paws Garden.

13.2 SUPERVISION OF PETS

Some pet products may require supervision depending on the type of product, the animal using it and the circumstances.

Customers should use reasonable judgement when introducing a new product to a pet.

Particular care may be appropriate for products that could potentially be:

• Chewed;

• Torn;

• Swallowed;

• Damaged through excessive use;

• Used in an unintended manner.

Paws Garden cannot determine the individual behaviour or needs of every pet, so customers remain responsible for appropriate supervision.

13.3 PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS

Where instructions are supplied with a product, customers should carefully read them before use.

Instructions may contain information about:

• Assembly;

• Operation;

• Cleaning;

• Maintenance;

• Storage;

• Intended use;

• Safety precautions;

• Product limitations.

Failure to follow instructions may increase the risk of improper use or damage.

This does not remove statutory rights relating to faulty or defective products.

13.4 INSPECTION BEFORE USE

Customers should inspect products before using them, particularly after delivery.

If a product has visible damage, missing components, unusual defects or other issues that could affect safe use, customers should not continue using the product until the matter has been assessed.

Please contact Paws Garden if you receive a product that appears damaged or defective.

13.5 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Where a product requires regular cleaning or maintenance, customers should follow the manufacturer's or supplier's relevant instructions.

Appropriate cleaning and maintenance may help preserve the condition and functionality of a product.

Customers should not use cleaning chemicals, tools or methods that are incompatible with the product's materials unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

13.6 ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

For products that use electricity, batteries or electronic components, customers should follow all supplied safety instructions.

Where applicable:

• Keep electrical components away from unsuitable moisture;

• Use the correct power source;

• Do not use visibly damaged cables or components;

• Do not attempt unauthorised repairs;

• Keep products away from situations outside their intended operating conditions.

If an electrical product behaves unusually, becomes damaged or appears unsafe, discontinue use and contact Paws Garden.

13.7 WATER-RELATED PRODUCTS

Some pet products may be designed for use with water.

Customers should follow the product-specific instructions regarding cleaning, electrical safety, water levels and maintenance.

Where a product contains electrical components, customers should take particular care to prevent the electrical components from being used outside their intended conditions.

Product-specific instructions take precedence where they provide more detailed safety information.

13.8 SMALL PARTS

Certain products may contain small components that could present a risk if handled improperly.

Customers should consider the individual pet's size, behaviour and chewing habits when deciding how a product should be used.

Small components should not be left where they can be easily accessed if they are unsuitable for the animal.

13.9 PRODUCT MODIFICATIONS

Customers should not modify, dismantle or alter products unless the instructions expressly permit such action.

Unauthorised modifications may affect product safety and functionality.

If a product requires assembly or adjustment, customers should follow the instructions provided.

13.10 AGE AND PET-SUITABILITY CONSIDERATIONS

Where a product has specific suitability requirements, customers should consider the relevant information before purchasing.

Factors may include:

• Pet size;

• Pet age;

• Breed or physical characteristics;

• Behaviour;

• Intended environment;

• Product dimensions;

• Intended method of use.

No product should be assumed to be suitable for every pet simply because it is marketed for pets generally.

13.11 DAMAGED PRODUCTS

If a product becomes damaged during normal use, customers should stop using it if the damage could create a safety concern.

Please contact Paws Garden with details of the issue.

Photographs may be requested to help assess the product and determine an appropriate solution.

Where the product is faulty or does not conform to the contract, applicable statutory consumer remedies remain available.

13.12 PRODUCT RECALLS AND SAFETY NOTICES

If Paws Garden becomes aware of a product safety issue requiring action, we may take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable requirements.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Contacting affected customers;

• Providing safety instructions;

• Requesting products to be returned;

• Offering an appropriate remedy;

• Removing affected products from sale;

• Cooperating with relevant suppliers or authorities.

Customers should follow any safety notice or recall instruction provided by Paws Garden.

13.13 MANUFACTURER INFORMATION

Where applicable, product packaging, documentation or product listings may identify the manufacturer, supplier or other responsible economic operator.

Customers should retain relevant documentation where appropriate.

Where a manufacturer provides specific safety instructions, those instructions should also be followed.

13.14 PRODUCT PERFORMANCE

Product performance may vary depending on factors such as:

• Individual pet behaviour;

• Frequency of use;

• Environment;

• Maintenance;

• Correct installation;

• Proper use;

• Product-specific conditions.

Paws Garden does not guarantee that every product will perform identically in every individual circumstance.

This does not affect statutory rights concerning products that are faulty, unsafe or otherwise fail to meet applicable legal requirements.

13.15 REPORTING SAFETY CONCERNS

If you believe that a Paws Garden product may present a safety concern, please stop using it where appropriate and contact us.

Please provide:

• Order number;

• Product name;

• Description of the safety concern;

• Photographs or videos where relevant;

• Any other information reasonably necessary to investigate the issue.

We will review legitimate safety concerns and take appropriate action where necessary.

13.16 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY

Customers are responsible for using products responsibly and according to their intended purpose.

Customers should also consider the specific needs and behaviour of their pets when deciding whether and how a product should be used.

Nothing in this section removes Paws Garden's responsibility for products that are legally required to meet applicable safety, quality or consumer standards.

13.17 CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Product Safety & Usage Policy when necessary to reflect changes to products, safety information, legal requirements or our business practices.

The latest version will be published on this page.

13.18 CONTACT US

If you have questions about product safety, usage instructions, product suitability or a potential safety issue, please contact Paws Garden using the official contact information provided on our website.