Policies

Methods

Teaching Animals Academy is dedicated to methods using positive reinforcement and least intrusive interventions to shape the behavior of both animals and humans with kindness, cooperation, and clear communication. We welcome all families to our School, and we advocate for those currently using aversive methods to transition toward reinforcement-based methods. We will actively support students as you pursue your goals of a relationship based on trust and clear communication between your family and your pets. If you are currently using a prong, choke, or electronic training collar to safely take your dog out into the world, please schedule a Tutoring Session for assistance with class placement before enrolling in any group class.

Appropriate Dogs for Group Classes

Dogs who lunge, bark, snap, etc. at people or other dogs are not ready for most group classes and may be excused from class at any time by the instructor. If you have seen your dog display these behaviors, sign up for Tutoring Sessions before enrolling in any group class. If you are excused from class, unused tuition may be applied to Tutoring Session fees. No refunds will be given.

Enrollment, Refunds, and Transfer Credits

Teaching Animals Academy offers several enrollment types. Your enrollment type determines when you can begin attending, how tuition is billed, whether your enrollment renews automatically, and what cancellation, refund, or transfer options are available.

Ongoing Classes

What to expect

Ongoing classes reserve your place in a weekly class with no predetermined end date.
Begin attending in the next available week after enrolling.

Billing

Tuition is billed monthly.

Renewal

Enrollment renews automatically each month until you cancel or move to another class level.

Cancellation

To avoid being charged for the next billing cycle, you must cancel at least 10 days before your renewal date.
Your enrollment remains active through the end of your current paid billing period. Cancellations take effect at the end of that billing period.
No prorated refunds or transfer credits are provided for unused time. If you need to take a break, you may cancel your enrollment and re-enroll later. Re-enrollment is subject to availability. If your previous class is full, you may join the waitlist or enroll in another ongoing class with an opening.

Monthly Classes

What to expect

Monthly classes have published start and end dates and run for one calendar month.
New students begin at the start of the next available monthly session.

Billing

Tuition is paid in full at time of enrollment.

Renewal

Enrollment does not renew automatically. Enroll in a future session if you'd like to continue!

Cancellation

Cancel 10 or more days before the first week of class for a full refund or transfer credit.
Cancel 3–9 days before the first week of class to receive a 50% transfer credit.
Cancellations made fewer than 3 days before the first week of class are not eligible for refunds nor transfer credits.
No prorated refunds or transfer credits are provided for unused time.

Eight Week Classes

What to expect

Eight Week classes have published start and end dates and run for eight weeks.
New students begin during Week One.

Billing

Tuition is paid in full at time of enrollment.

Renewal

Enrollment does not renew automatically. Enroll in a future session if you'd like to continue!

Cancellation

Cancel 10 or more days before the first week of class for a full refund or transfer credit.
Cancel 3–9 days before the first week of class to receive a 50% transfer credit.
Cancellations made fewer than 3 days before the first week of class are not eligible for refunds nor transfer credits.
No prorated refunds or transfer credits are provided for unused time.

A La Carte Services

What to expect

Private Tutoring Sessions, Puppy Socials, and other services are booked a la carte.

Billing

Payment is due in full when the service is booked.

Cancellation

Cancel 10 or more days before your scheduled appointment for a full refund or transfer credit.
Cancel 3–9 days before your appointment to receive a 50% transfer credit.
Cancellations made fewer than 3 days before your appointment are not eligible for refunds nor transfer credits.

Memberships

What to expect

Memberships provide ongoing access to designated facilities or member benefits, such as Open Gym.
Memberships begin immediately after purchase.

Billing

Memberships are billed monthly.

Renewal

Memberships renew automatically each month until cancelled.

Cancellation

Cancel at least 10 days before your monthly renewal date to avoid your next payment.
Your membership remains active through the end of your current paid billing period. Cancellations take effect at the end of that billing period.
No prorated refunds or transfer credits are provided for unused time.

Questions? Please contact us.

Class Cancellations

Classes may be cancelled by TAA in the event of instructor illness, inclement weather (temperatures below 20F or above 90F or unsafe road conditions) or other environmental issues beyond our control. If a class is cancelled, a public post will be made on our social media pages and students will be messaged directly no later than 1 hour before the start of class. A refund will be issued for the cancelled class under these circumstances (minus card processing fees).

Dog Illness or Injury

If your veterinarian has diagnosed an illness or injury preventing your dog from attending class, you must notify us at least 2 hours in advance and provide documentation from your veterinarian. We will apply a credit for the missed class to future classes. No refund will be issued.

Make-Up Classes

Make-up classes are not usually available. The owners of TAA reserve the right to offer make-up classes or not at their sole discretion on a case-by-case basis.

Vaccinations

We require every dog attending Teaching Animals Academy to be current on age-appropriate vaccinations for DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella. Puppies 8 weeks and older must have received at least one DHPP vaccine before attending puppy class. For additional guidance on early puppy development and socialization, please see the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's Position Statement on Puppy Socialization.

Questions?

Questions about these policies? Please contact us .