Terms & Conditions

DogWalk Terms & Conditions

Introduction

DogWalk is committed to providing reliable, caring, and trustworthy pet care services, including dog walking, pet sitting, and related services. These Terms & Conditions outline the responsibilities, expectations, and policies for both DogWalk and the Client, ensuring the welfare, safety, and well-being of all pets under our care.

1. Regular Care Plan (Rolling Monthly Agreement)

The Regular Care Plan is a rolling monthly service designed to provide consistency, guaranteed availability, and structured care.

The plan operates on a monthly booking basis, with clients reserving recurring time slots rather than individual walks.
Monthly invoices are issued on or around the 25th of each month for the following month’s bookings.
Any permanent changes to your regular schedule (such as changing days or reducing the number of walks) must be requested before the next invoicing period. Once the next invoice has been issued, the booked slots for that month are considered confirmed.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

Once an invoice has been paid, cancellations are not possible, as your dog’s reserved slots have been allocated specifically for them.
Where availability allows, we are happy to offer rescheduling within the same invoiced month if your plans change. While we will always do our best to accommodate alternative dates, rescheduling cannot be guaranteed and remains subject to availability.

Holidays and Extended Breaks

We understand that families go away from time to time and are happy to hold your dog’s regular slot during short breaks of up to two consecutive weeks.
Following a two-week break, attendance should resume for at least one week before any further break period.
For absences of more than two consecutive weeks, DogWalk reserves the right to offer the reserved slot to another client. Should this happen, we cannot guarantee that the same days and times will be available upon your return.

Ending Regular Bookings

Clients wishing to stop their regular bookings should notify us before the next invoicing period (15th of each month).
If notice is given after the following month’s invoice has been issued, the upcoming month’s bookings will remain payable, as those time slots have already been reserved on your behalf.

2. Payments

Regular Care Plan

Invoices are issued monthly in advance
Payment is due by the 1st of each month
Late or missed payments may result in immediate suspension of services
Reserved slots may be released if payment is not received

Ad-hoc Services

All ad-hoc bookings must be paid at the time of booking
Bookings are not confirmed until payment is received

3. Pricing

Regular Care Plan clients benefit from preferential pricing
Ad-hoc pricing is subject to change based on availability and demand

4. DogWalk’s Commitment

Welfare Priority

The welfare and safety of all pets are our highest priority. All dogs are treated with care, attention, and respect at all times.

DogWalk will take all reasonable precautions to prevent sickness, injury, escape, loss, or accidents. DogWalk is not responsible for such events unless caused by negligence or wilful misconduct.

Adaptability and Flexibility

DogWalk aims to accommodate client preferences where possible, while always prioritising safety and wellbeing.

Walker Availability

In the event of illness, holidays, or unforeseen absence:

A suitable alternative walker will be offered where possible, or
Credit will be applied to the following month

Emergency Veterinary Care

In an emergency, DogWalk will attempt to contact the client. If this is not possible:

The client’s preferred vet will be used where feasible
Otherwise, DogWalk will select an appropriate veterinary service

All veterinary costs remain the responsibility of the client.

Service Adjustments

DogWalk reserves the right to adjust services based on:

Weather conditions (e.g. extreme heat, storms)
Safety concerns
Emergencies or unforeseen circumstances

This may include shorter walks, alternative routes, or enrichment visits.

Liability

If a dog causes injury or damage, the client accepts full responsibility for any resulting costs.

Regular Updates

DogWalk will provide updates on your pet’s wellbeing and activities where possible.

5. Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

Provide accurate and up-to-date behavioural and health information
Ensure pets are fully vaccinated, insured, and safe to handle
Provide all necessary equipment (lead, collar, food, etc.)
Ensure dogs are microchipped and identifiable
Maintain valid emergency contact details

Clients accept full liability for:

Any injury or damage caused by their pet
Any veterinary costs incurred during care

Home Security

Clients are responsible for securing their home. DogWalk will take reasonable care when entering and leaving the property but is not liable for loss or damage due to burglary or security failures.

Locksmith Services

Clients authorise DogWalk to arrange locksmith services if necessary and agree to reimburse all related costs.

6. Dog Walking Specifics

Scheduling

Walks are scheduled within a time window, not at a fixed time
Priority is given to dogs left alone during the day
Specific times cannot be guaranteed

Hot Weather Policy

DogWalk may adjust walks during hot weather to ensure safety. This may include:

Shorter walks
Shaded routes
Water breaks or cooling opportunities
Adjusted timings

Full fees still apply where adjustments are made for safety.

7. Cancellations

Dog Walking

Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged at 100%

Pet Sitting & Boarding

14 days’ notice: 50% of booking fee
7 days or less: 100% of booking fee

Behaviour-Related Cancellations

If a pet displays unsafe or undisclosed behaviour:

DogWalk may refuse or terminate the service
Full fees will apply

Client Absence (Regular Plan)

Planned absences are covered within the annual allowance
Outside of this, all reserved slots remain chargeable

Force Majeure

DogWalk is not liable for cancellations due to events beyond control (e.g. extreme weather, illness, emergencies), but will make reasonable efforts to provide alternatives.

8. Termination of Services

DogWalk reserves the right to terminate services at any time if a pet poses a risk to:

Itself
Other animals
People

If necessary, the pet may be placed in alternative care at the client’s expense.

9. Right to Refuse Service

DogWalk reserves the right to refuse service at its discretion.

10. Independence of Service Providers

All dog walkers and pet sitters operate as independent, self-employed professionals.

They:

Control how services are delivered
Use their own equipment
Maintain their own insurance
Manage their own tax obligations

DogWalk acts as an introducer and administrator, not an employer.

11. Insurance

Each service provider holds appropriate insurance. Clients may request proof directly.

DogWalk does not provide insurance for individual walkers.

12. Pricing & VAT

Fees are agreed between the client and service provider
DogWalk retains commission for administrative services
Service providers are responsible for their own tax and VAT obligations

13. General Terms

Photography Consent

Clients consent to photos of their pets being used for marketing purposes.

Ongoing Agreement

These Terms apply to all current and future bookings without requiring re-signing.

Applicability

These Terms apply to all pets owned by the client.

14. Dog Training Bookings, Cancellations and Rescheduling

Dog training sessions, assessments, classes, and courses are booked specifically for your dog and reserve a dedicated time slot with our trainer. As such, the following cancellation policy applies:

More than 14 days’ notice: You will be entitled to a 100% refund of the amount paid.
7–14 days’ notice: You will be entitled to a 50% refund of the amount paid.
Less than 7 days’ notice: The booking will remain 100% chargeable, and no refund will be issued.

Where sufficient notice is provided, we will do our best to accommodate requests to reschedule your appointment. However, all rescheduling requests are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Please note that places on training courses and individual appointments are reserved exclusively for your dog. Late cancellations often prevent us from offering the space to another client, which is why the above terms apply.

15. Agreement

By booking or using DogWalk services, clients confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.