The applicable terms and conditions below depend on your customer type.
Effective Date: August 20, 2025 (last updated: August 20, 2025)
Version Number: 1.2
In these terms and conditions, the following definitions apply:
- PentaVet: the private company “PentaVet BV”, established at Valleistraat 25, 3012 Wilsele (Leuven), Belgium, registered in the Kruispuntbank vanOndernemingen (KBO) under number 0766.557.742, VAT BE0766.557.742.
- Client: any natural or legal person for whom PentaVet performs work or provides services.
- Assignment: the work or services accepted by PentaVet, regardless of the terminology used.
- Written: any communication on paper or by electronic means, provided the authenticity of the message and the identity of the sender can be reasonably established.
- Sample: any material (e.g. blood, tissue, DNA, other biological or veterinary specimen) submitted by the Client to PentaVet for assessment, analysis, or examination.
1. These general terms and conditions apply to every Assignment.
2. They also apply to all offers, quotations, agreements, and services provided by PentaVet, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing by means of a signed contract.
3. The applicability of the Client’s general terms and conditions is explicitly excluded.
4. These conditions are also stipulated for all individuals working at or managing PentaVet, as well as its affiliated legal entities.
5. If PentaVet performs analyses on behalf of a veterinarian, no contractual relationship is formed with the animal's owner. The veterinarian remains fully responsible for all communication with and information provision to the owner.
1. All oral offers made by PentaVet are entirely non-binding.
2. A written quotation from PentaVet remains valid for thirty (30) calendar days, unless expressly stated otherwise in the offer.
The agreement between PentaVet and the Client is only concluded:
a) after written confirmation by PentaVet of the acceptance of the Assignment; or
b) by commencement of the Assignment by PentaVet, if such execution was previously agreed upon or could reasonably have been expected.
3. If the Client modifies a quotation or proposal from PentaVet, the agreement is only concluded if PentaVet has expressly and in writing accepted those changes.
4. PentaVet reserves the right to refuse an Assignment without providing reasons, for example when the nature or origin of the Samples conflicts with applicable legislation regarding public health, animal welfare, biosafety, or data protection.
1. Each agreement is concluded based on the price communicated in writing by PentaVet in the quotation or order confirmation. If no price is agreed upon, the most recent price list applied by PentaVet at the time of acceptance of the Assignment shall apply.
2. All prices are expressed in euros and exclude VAT, levies, shipping costs, administrative fees, or other additional charges, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
3. PentaVet is entitled to adjust prices in the event of external circumstances causing a cost increase beyond its control, such as changes in fiscal or parafiscal charges, increases in transport or energy prices, wages or social contributions, supplier price hikes, or legal amendments affecting performance.
4. If the price increase exceeds 10% of the originally agreed amount, the Client has the right to terminate the agreement in writing within eight (8) calendar days of notification of the change, without any right to compensation.
5. Discounts and promotions are only valid if confirmed in writing by PentaVet and only apply to the specific Assignment for which they were granted.
1. PentaVet shall execute the Assignment to the best of its abilities, in accordance with the rules of good practice, applicable legal provisions, and customary quality and safety standards in the sector.PentaVet may engage third parties or subcontractors without the Client’s prior consent.
2. PentaVet remains responsible for the careful selection of these parties.
3. The Client acknowledges that laboratory results depend in part on the quality and suitability of the provided Samples. The Client guarantees that Samples are correctly and completely submitted according to PentaVet’s instructions and pose no risk to health, safety, or the environment.
4. PentaVet is entitled to refuse or destroy Samples that pose a risk to personnel, third parties, or the environment, without the Client being entitled to compensation.
5. If adjustments are required during execution to comply with legal obligations (e.g., biosafety, animal welfare, public health, data protection), PentaVet may adjust the Assignment accordingly and charge the resulting additional costs to the Client.
1. Delivery periods indicated by PentaVet are indicative and not binding. Delay cannot result in dissolution or compensation unless explicitly agreed in writing.
2. The Assignment is deemed completed:
a) when the results are sent to or made digitally available to the Client; or
b) when PentaVet notifies the Client in writing that the Assignment is complete.
3. Complaints regarding visible defects must be reported in writing within eight (8) calendar days of delivery.
4. Hidden defects must be reported within eight (8) calendar days of discovery or when they reasonably should have been discovered.
5. Complaints do not suspend the Client’s payment obligation.
6. Failure to submit a timely complaint constitutes full and irrevocable acceptance.
7. In case of a justified and timely complaint, PentaVet may, at its discretion, re-execute the Assignment free of charge or offer a proportional price reduction. PentaVet accepts no further liability except in cases of intent or gross negligence.
1. All intellectual property rights related to analyses, methods, reports, data files, software, know-how, and other outcomes of the Assignment belong exclusively to PentaVet unless agreed otherwise in writing.
2. The Client only obtains a non-exclusive, non-transferable right of use limited to the purpose of the Assignment.
3. Reports, advice, or results may only be used internally and may not be published, reproduced, or distributed without prior written consent.
4. PentaVet may use knowledge, experience, and anonymous data obtained during the Assignment for scientific, commercial, or development purposes, provided anonymity is preserved.
5. Any infringement on intellectual property results in a lump-sum penalty of EUR 5,000 per violation plus EUR 500 per day, without prejudice to higher compensation.
6. Reports may only be reproduced or shared in full, unless otherwise approved in writing.
1. Both parties agree to treat all confidential information exchanged during the Assignment as strictly confidential.
2. Confidential information includes, among others:
a) business and research data, methodologies, prices, strategic plans, contracts, and internal communication;
b) medical, genetic, or sensitive data relating to Samples, animals, or owners.
3. The obligation does not apply to information that:
a) is already public;
b) is lawfully provided by a third party;
c) is independently developed;
d) must be disclosed due to legal obligations.
4. Confidential information may only be used for the intended purpose.
5. Parties shall impose similar confidentiality obligations on their personnel and contractors.
6. The confidentiality obligation remains in force for five (5) years after contract termination. For medical/genetic data, the obligation is indefinite if they constitute personal data under the GDPR.
1. PentaVet is only liable for direct damages caused by proven contractual fault or negligence.
2. Direct damage includes:
a) demonstrable material damage;
b) personal injury or death resulting from PentaVet’s fault.
3. PentaVet is not liable for indirect or consequential damages such as lost profits, contracts, data loss, or reputational harm.
4. Liability is limited to the amount paid by its insurer, or if not insured, to the invoice value of the Assignment, with a maximum of EUR 25,000 per claim.
5. These limitations do not apply in cases of:
a) intent or fraud;
b) gross negligence;
c) death or personal injury;
d) product liability under Belgian law;
e) GDPR violations for which PentaVet is the controller.
6. The Client guarantees the safety and correctness of provided Samples and indemnifies PentaVet against third-party claims.
7. The Client indemnifies PentaVet against claims from third parties arising from the execution of the Assignment unless caused directly by PentaVet’s fault.
8. PentaVet is not liable for failure due to force majeure, including natural disasters, epidemics, government measures, power outages, strikes, or transport issues.
1. All invoices are payable within fourteen (14) calendar days of the invoice date unless agreed otherwise in writing.
2. Payments must be made to PentaVet’s registered office or the designated bank account, without discount, withholding, or set-off.
3. In case of late payment, the Client automatically owes, without prior notice:
a) a default interest calculated according to Article 5 of the Belgian Act of 2 August 2002 on combating late payment in commercial transactions, from the due date until full payment; and
b) a fixed indemnity of 10% of the outstanding invoice amount, with a minimum of EUR 150, without prejudice to the right to claim greater damages.
4. In the event of non-payment, PentaVet may:
a) suspend execution of current Assignments;
b) withhold results, analyses, or reports until full payment;
c) terminate the agreement by law without court intervention, without prejudice to the right to damages.
5. In case of structural or repeated late payments, PentaVet reserves the right to require full prepayment before executing further Assignments.
1. Cancellation of an Assignment by the Client must always be made in writing.
2. In case of cancellation:
a) more than seven (7) calendar days before the scheduled start: no charge, unless PentaVet has already made purchases or preparations—these will be fully charged;
b) within seven (7) calendar days before the start: 50% of the agreed price plus any already incurred costs;
c) after the start or if Samples are already being processed: full price is due.
3. Purchased materials, consumables, external services, or incurred staff costs will always be fully charged regardless of cancellation timing.
4. PentaVet reserves the right to claim higher compensation if the actual damage exceeds the amounts above.
1. PentaVet may terminate the agreement by law and without prior notice if the Client:
a) fails to fulfil one or more contractual obligations;
b) is subject to judicial reorganisation, bankruptcy, or liquidation;
c) ceases activities wholly or in part;
d) moves its registered office abroad;
e) is placed under guardianship or subject to seizure of assets.
2. In such case, PentaVet is entitled to:
a) full compensation for performed services and costs;
b) a fixed indemnity of at least 25% of the agreed price, without prejudice to the right to higher damages.
3. If PentaVet itself is in breach, the Client may terminate only if:
a) a prior written notice of default is issued allowing at least fifteen (15) calendar days to rectify; and
b) PentaVet fails to comply within that period.
4. Termination does not release either party from obligations that by nature continue after termination (e.g., intellectual property, confidentiality, payment, liability).
1. Written documents, digital data, and reports submitted by the Client or produced by PentaVet will be retained for at least five (5) years, unless legally required otherwise.
2. After this period, PentaVet may destroy them without prior notice. Clients may request return of originals before expiry; PentaVet may retain copies.
3. Submitted Samples are typically destroyed after completion unless:
a) otherwise agreed in writing;
b) legally required to retain;
c) reused anonymously by PentaVet for validation, quality control, or research, without compromising confidentiality or data protection.
4. Personal data is only retained as long as necessary for execution or legal compliance, after which it is deleted or anonymized in line with GDPR and Belgian law.
5. The Client acknowledges that storage and destruction of Samples is inherent to lab operations and shall not lead to claims for compensation.
6. Where PentaVet processes personal data on behalf of the Client (e.g., from owners or patients), PentaVet acts as a data processor. The Client remains the data controller and ensures lawful data transfer.
1. All agreements between PentaVet and the Client are governed solely by Belgian law.
2. Disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commercial Court of Leuven, unless PentaVet opts to bring the case before the court of the Client’s residence or seat.
3. If these general terms exist in multiple languages, the Dutch version is the only binding version.
1. Services and test results are based on Samples and data provided by the Client, who remains solely responsible for their accuracy, completeness, and representativeness.
2. PentaVet performs analyses using methods, technologies, and processes deemed appropriate per scientific and technical standards.
3. The Client acknowledges that results depend on many factors beyond PentaVet’s control, including genetic variation, environmental or dietary influences, animal health, and scientific limitations.
4. No absolute guarantees are made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or future validity of results. Evolving science may lead to reinterpretation.
5. A genetic predisposition or anomaly does not necessarily result in symptoms, and absence of risk does not exclude disease from other, untested, or unknown causes.
6. Reports and results are strictly informational and advisory and cannot replace the professional judgment of a veterinarian.
7. PentaVet is not liable for decisions or actions taken by the Client or third parties based on its results.
Effective Date August 20, 2025 (last updated August 20, 2025)
Version Number: 1.2
1. Company: PentaVet BV, with registered office at Valleistraat 25, 3012 Wilsele (Leuven), Belgium, registered in the CBE under number 0766.557.742, VAT BE0766.557.742.
E-mail: info@pentavet.com – Phone: +32 (0)16 85 26 85 – Website: www.pentavet.com
2. Consumer: any natural person who, exclusively for non-professional purposes, concludes an agreement with PentaVet.
3. Agreement: the distance or off-premises contract for the provision of services (and possibly goods such as test kits) by PentaVet to the Consumer.
4. Written: communication on paper or electronically, provided the authenticity and identity of the sender can be sufficiently established.Sample: material that the Consumer (or their veterinarian) provides to PentaVet for testing (e.g., blood, swab, tissue, DNA, feces, etc.).
5. Test Kit: set/goods supplied by PentaVet for sample collection by or on behalf of the Consumer.
6. Business Day: any calendar day except Saturday, Sunday, and official public holidays in Belgium.
1. These B2C terms and conditions apply to all offers, orders, quotations, and agreements between PentaVet and the Consumer.
2. These general terms also apply to all oral and Written offers (including quotations) from PentaVet.
3. Deviations are only valid if expressly agreed in Writing.
4. If any provision is invalid or declared null, the remaining provisions remain in force; the invalid provision will then be replaced by a provision that approximates the original intent as closely as possible legally and economically.
5. These B2C terms do not affect mandatory consumer law; in case of conflict, mandatory law prevails.
1. All offers (oral/Written, including website/quotations) are non-binding, unless expressly stated otherwise.
2. The offer contains a sufficiently detailed description of the service(s)/goods, the total price incl. VAT and additional costs (shipping/return), the performance period, the right of withdrawal and any exceptions. Obvious errors/typos do not bind PentaVet.
3. The Assignment is concluded by offer and acceptance. For distance orders (website/e-mail), the Assignment is concluded after Written confirmation by PentaVet (e.g., e-mail order confirmation).
4. PentaVet may refuse an Assignment or impose conditions for objective reasons (biosafety/safety, prohibited or unsuitable Samples, clear indications of misuse). Amounts already paid for non-executable orders will be refunded.
5. PentaVet reserves the right to cancel or suspend orders if there are reasonable suspicions of fraud, misuse, or improper use of the offered services or goods.
1. All prices are in euros and include VAT; additional costs (shipping, return, or administrative costs) will be clearly communicated in advance.
2. Prices in quotations/online apply for the indicated validity period.
3. Price changes after conclusion do not affect the ongoing Assignment, except if legally required (e.g., VAT changes) and insofar as permitted by consumer law.
4. Return costs in case of withdrawal of goods (test kits) are borne by the Consumer (see Art. 11), except in case of non-conformity/defect, for which PentaVet will repair/replace or refund free of charge in accordance with Boek VI WER.
1. PentaVet acts with professional dedication (competence and diligence) and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations (including biosafety, animal welfare, public health, data protection).
2. PentaVet may engage suitable third parties/subcontractors; PentaVet remains responsible for careful selection and coordination.
3. For DNA and laboratory analyses, an obligation of means applies: results also depend on the quality/representativeness of the Sample, available reference databases, and the state of science/technology. PentaVet uses methods and data sources considered reliable in the sector.
4. The Consumer is responsible for correct collection, labeling, packaging, and shipping of Samples according to PentaVet’s instructions. PentaVet may refuse or (safely) destroy dangerous/unsuitable Samples and will inform the Consumer thereof.
5. If adjustments are required to comply with legal requirements, PentaVet may adapt the Assignment accordingly; costs will be transparently communicated and only executed with the Consumer’s consent, insofar as required by consumer law.
6. PentaVet can only ensure correct performance of the analysis if the Consumer strictly follows the collection and shipping instructions. If deviated from, the Consumer accepts that results may be invalid or unusable, without right to refund.
1. The delivery period for services/goods will be stated in the offer. In the absence thereof, the statutory maximum period of 30 days after conclusion of the agreement applies.
2. The delivery period for laboratory analyses applies only if the Consumer has provided a proper Sample.
3. The agreed delivery time is not met, without this being attributable to PentaVet, in case of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances making performance unreasonable.
4. In case of delay, the Consumer will be informed in time; if performance cannot take place within the statutory/promised period, the Consumer may cancel free of charge and will be refunded.
5. Delivery of test kits takes place at the address provided by the Consumer. PentaVet is not liable for delays due to incorrect address details or absence at delivery. The risk of loss or damage of test kits passes to the Consumer from the moment of physical delivery at the provided address, even if accepted by a third person present at that address.
6. Complaints about visible defects of delivered goods must be notified in Writing within a reasonable time after discovery, without prejudice to statutory conformity rights.
1. All IP rights relating to analyses, methods, software, report formats, databases, know-how, and other results supplied by PentaVet belong to PentaVet, unless agreed otherwise in Writing.
2. The Consumer receives a non-exclusive, non-transferable right of use on reports for private use. Publication/commercial use requires prior Written consent.
3. PentaVet may use anonymized data (without Consumer identification) for quality control, validation, training, and research, with respect for privacy.
4. In case of infringement, PentaVet may claim a fixed compensation of €2,500.00 per violation plus €500.00 per continuing day, without prejudice to proof of higher actual damages and statutory consumer protection.
1. PentaVet treats Samples, results, and all confidential information as confidential and will not share them with third parties, except when necessary for performance (subcontractors under equal confidentiality), legally required, or with the Consumer’s consent.
2. The Consumer shall not disclose PentaVet’s internal documentation (report formats, methods not containing personal data) without consent, without prejudice to their right to personal use of the reports.
1. PentaVet is only liable for direct and foreseeable damage that is the immediate result of an attributable shortcoming in the performance of the Assignment.
2. PentaVet is not liable for indirect or consequential damages (including but not limited to loss of profit or revenue, reputational damage, data loss, loss of use, and all immaterial damage). This exclusion does not apply to damage that cannot be excluded under mandatory law.
3. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for: death or personal injury caused by PentaVet’s fault, fraud/wilful misconduct, or gross negligence.
4. In all other cases, to the extent permitted by law, PentaVet’s total liability per damage event and in total per Assignment is limited to the amount paid by the Consumer for the relevant Assignment (excluding VAT and shipping costs), or – if and insofar higher – the amount effectively paid out by the liability insurer, plus the applicable deductible.
5. PentaVet is not liable for damage that (wholly or partly) results from:
(i) non-compliance or incorrect compliance by the Consumer with collection, packaging, labeling, or shipping instructions;
(ii) defective, contaminated, or non-representative Samples;
(iii) late delivery or delayed logistics by third-party carriers;
(iv) use of the results for purposes other than those for which they were provided;
(v) external factors (such as environment, nutrition, animal health) beyond PentaVet’s control.
6. PentaVet maintains adequate liability insurance and complies with the resulting obligations.
7. The Consumer guarantees that they are entitled to submit the Samples and that all necessary permissions (including, where applicable, from the owner/keeper of the animal) have been validly obtained. The Consumer indemnifies PentaVet against third-party claims resulting from unlawful submission of Samples or the absence of required permissions, except to the extent PentaVet itself is at fault.
8. Multiple damage events resulting from the same cause or series of causes shall be regarded as one damage event under this Article.
1. Prepayment is the rule. If PentaVet allows post-payment, the invoice must be paid within 14 calendar days after invoice date.
2. The Customer pays the amounts due (the principal sum) within 14 days after the start of the withdrawal period or, in the absence of such period, within 14 days after the conclusion of the agreement (the Assignment) or receipt of confirmation thereof. The Customer is not entitled to suspend payment.
3. If the Customer has not paid the principal sum within the period referred to in paragraph 1, they are in default and PentaVet will notify them in Writing, simultaneously granting an additional payment term of 15 days. If the Customer still fails to pay, they owe, in addition to the principal sum, extrajudicial collection costs and statutory interest (on the principal sum). These collection costs amount to a maximum of 15% of the outstanding amounts up to €2,500; 10% on the next €2,500; and 5% on the next €5,000, with a minimum of €40. In the said notice, PentaVet will warn the Customer of and specify the collection costs and statutory interest due.
4. In case of non-payment, PentaVet is entitled to (i) suspend ongoing assignments and/or (ii) withhold delivery of results and reports until full payment has been made, without prejudice to other legal remedies.
5. Any objections to an invoice must be made in Writing and with reasons within 8 calendar days after invoice date; failing this, the invoice is deemed accepted.
1. Services: the Consumer has a 14-day right of withdrawal from the day of conclusion of the agreement.
a) At the express request of the Consumer, PentaVet may commence performance within the withdrawal period. The Consumer acknowledges that the right of withdrawal lapses once the service has been fully performed within the withdrawal period.
b) In case of withdrawal after partial performance, the Consumer owes a proportional fee for services already rendered and costs incurred.
2. Goods (test kits): right of withdrawal within 14 days from receipt. The direct costs of return are borne by the Consumer. Exception: sealed goods which are not suitable for return for reasons of health protection or hygiene and whose seal has been broken are excluded from withdrawal.
3. The right of withdrawal never applies to already submitted Samples or biological materials, regardless of whether the analysis has already started, except if expressly agreed in Writing. The Consumer acknowledges that such goods are irreversibly processed by their nature.
4. Exercise: the Consumer may withdraw via an unambiguous statement by e-mail or post (the model withdrawal form is available on the website or upon request).
5. Refund: PentaVet refunds payments received within 14 days after withdrawal notification using the same payment method (unless otherwise agreed); for goods, PentaVet may wait until receipt of the return or until the Consumer proves dispatch. Any proportional fees (11.1.b) and statutory depreciations will be deducted.
6. The Consumer has no right of withdrawal if PentaVet has completed its service during the cooling-off period and the Consumer, when accepting the Assignment or prior to its execution, has expressly agreed to waive the right of withdrawal once the service is completed within the cooling-off period.
1. PentaVet may terminate the Assignment without judicial intervention when the Consumer materially defaults, including: persistent non-payment after statutory reminders, fraud or misuse, submission of prohibited/dangerous Samples, or non-compliance with essential instructions affecting safety or legal compliance, provided that – where appropriate – a prior Written notice of default with reasonable cure period has been given.
2. In case of termination due to Consumer default, the Consumer is obliged to pay: (i) the services already rendered, (ii) reasonably incurred costs and consumed materials, and (iii) any legally permissible recovery costs and interest.
3. If PentaVet defaults, the Consumer may terminate after Written notice of default with a cure period of at least 15 calendar days, provided the default has not been remedied in time.
4. Termination does not affect provisions that by their nature continue to apply (including intellectual property, confidentiality, data protection, liability, payment, applicable law, and disputes).
The Assignment ends automatically once PentaVet has fully performed the service and the Consumer has paid all amounts due, without prejudice to (i) the statutory conformity and enforcement rights of the Consumer and (ii) provisions that by their nature continue to apply.
1. Reports and relevant file data prepared by PentaVet are retained for at least 5 years (or longer/shorter if legally required).
2. Samples submitted by the Consumer are safely destroyed after completion, unless PentaVet deems it necessary to retain them longer.
3. PentaVet may use anonymized data for quality control, validation, training, and research, respecting privacy law.
4. Personal data are processed and stored in accordance with PentaVet’s Privacy Policy and GDPR; they are not kept longer than necessary for processing purposes and legal obligations.
5. The Consumer cannot claim damages for destruction of Samples in accordance with this Article.
6. PentaVet is not liable for loss, damage, or destruction of Samples or data that fall outside statutory obligations.
1. The Assignment is governed exclusively by Belgian law.
2. Disputes shall be settled by the courts of Leuven that are competent under consumer law. This provision does not affect the Consumer’s right to litigate before the courts of their residence if mandatory law so provides.
1. The Customer acknowledges that scientific knowledge and technological possibilities evolve over time, which may affect the reliability of the methods and/or test results used.
2. PentaVet’s services and test results are always based on the Samples and data provided by the Customer. The Customer is solely responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and representativeness of these Samples and data.
3. PentaVet performs the analyses using the methods, technologies, and processes it deems suitable, in accordance with current scientific and technical standards.
4. The Customer acknowledges that the nature of laboratory research implies that results depend on various factors beyond PentaVet’s control, including but not limited to genetic variation, environmental and nutritional factors, animal health, and scientific limitations.
5. PentaVet provides no absolute guarantee regarding the completeness, accuracy, or long-term validity of research results. Scientific insights and technological developments may later lead to different interpretation or revision of results.
6. A genetic predisposition or deviation identified by PentaVet does not necessarily mean that the animal will develop clinical symptoms. Conversely, the absence of a detected genetic risk does not exclude that an animal may still develop symptoms due to other, untested or unknown factors.
7. Results and reports provided by PentaVet are solely of an informative and advisory nature and can never replace the responsibility or clinical judgment of a veterinarian.
8. PentaVet is not liable for decisions or actions taken by the Customer or third parties based on the results provided by PentaVet.
9. PentaVet is not responsible for interpretation of results by third parties (including veterinarians) nor for any decisions or treatments resulting therefrom..
