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     www.walkieswithelaine.co.uk

   walkieswithelaine@outlook.com

                07922 919778

 

 

Terms and conditions.

The dog owner – named person(s) given at the time of beginning the walks.

The walker – Elaine or Jason Graves.

Bookings – one hour walk or puppy check at home.

 

1.      Bookings

1.1   All bookings must be done as far in advance (preferably the week before) to ensure the correct matches of dogs for each walk. There will be a maximum of six dogs on each walk. Dogs will only be paired up or grouped with other friendly dogs. If the dog owner requests last minute bookings the walker will try their best to accommodate, but unable to guarantee a walk if booked later than the Friday at end of the previous week of walks.

1.2   If any times are given then these are all estimates. In the event the walker is more than two hours later than stated (for any reason, traffic, accident, incidents etc) then only 50% of the cost of the booking is required. The dog owner will be informed as soon as able. Each booking made for the group walks are difficult to provide times for as it is dependent on the route decided to collect all the dogs. Please note in these group walks that some of the dogs may be out of the house for 3+ hours approximately to include pick up, walks, clean, dry and drop off.

1.3   There are no minimum walks/ booking required and no limit to number of “holiday weeks” if regular walks are booked. The dog owner only pays for walks that are provided and payment is not required as a retainer fee to keep any regular slot for their dog.

1.4   A meet and greet must be completed in the first instance with no fee. This is to assess the requirements, needs or issues and plan walks for each individual dog. There is absolutely no obligation to book following this meeting.

1.5   If the walk is a one off booking (ie client visiting from out of area/ only one walk required with little notice for injury or illness of the dog owner/ or just required for the owner to undertake other commitments) and there is no time to assess the dog prior to required needs then the fee is subject to negotiation and payment is required up front.

1.6   The dog walker reserves the right to refuse services for any reason.

 

2.      Cancellations

2.1  There is no cancellation fee, even on the day of the bookings, as it’s always preferred that we all walk our own dogs. However, if this becomes a repeated issue and we are unable to walk other dogs or turning others down repeatedly for the same cancellations then this will be revisited on an individual basis.

2.2   If walks are cancelled on the day by the walker, for any reason, we will revisit any options so we can try to offer any alternatives. Examples of this could be Elaine or Jason to assist the other, another trusted dog walker colleague to assist if able, or home welfare check with no charge from the walker if unable to walk due to injury or illness.

2.3   In the event you wish to cancel any future bookings then there is no notice required, but please send this in text/ email at the earliest opportunity to allow others to book if required.

 

3.      Payment

3.1   Payment is done however the dog owner prefers, cash or bank transfer. Payment as preferred either weekly monthly or ‘pay as you go’.

3.2   Payment is to be made directly to the walker responsible for the dog walk.

3.3   No overdue payment fees occur, although a gentle reminder will be sent if payment not received in a usual way and in a timely manner. Continued overdue payment or no payment may lead to cancelling of the future booking at the walker’s discretion.

3.4   All walkies are pre booked and the dog owner will be notified of the price for each booking prior to the walk. In the event of a change of price (e.g. increase/decrease) then there will be given one months’ notice for the dog owner to decide should they wish to source another walker.

3.5   The booking cost is determined on the walk not an hourly rate for time the dog is out of the house.

3.6   All solo and group walks charged at the same rate and based on individual needs for the dogs not the walker.

3.7   Payment for pet sitting differs. 50% non refundable deposit payable at the time of booking. This secures the dates required and signed contract detailing stay will be discussed and signed at this time. The remainder is due 7 days prior to commencing the pet sitting.

 

4.      Vets

4.1 The walker is not responsible for any veterinary fees or third-party fees that may occur whilst the dog is in our care and out of scope of insurance cover.

4.2 In the event of an emergency, we will endeavour to take your dog to the registered vets practice from details provided. We will contact you or your emergency contact as soon as possible.

4.3 The walker reserves the right to make decisions based on care, in the best interests of the dog and on consultation with the veterinary surgeon, in the unlikely event that we are unable to contact you in an emergency.

4.4 A vet release form will need to be signed prior to any pet sitting and if dog walks in case of emergency.

 

 

5.      Health and safety.

5.1   The walker is fully responsible for having up to date dog walking insurance. Any need to claim for injuries on a walk will be done so on walkers’ insurance.

5.2   The walkers insurance also covers public liability up to £1,000,000.

5.3   All dogs must be microchipped in line with legislation in the United Kingdom since 2016.

5.4   The dog owner is fully responsible for keeping the dog up to date with vaccinations, flea, tick and worming treatment. It is highly advisable to also have the dog vaccinated against kennel cough as mixing with other dogs. Any signs of kennel cough the dog will be unable to come out on walks.

5.5   If any dogs have any sickness or diarrhoea then please inform the dog walker and leave 48 hours between last vomit or loose stool before any group walks.

5.6   It is the full responsibility of the dog owner to disclose to the walker the character, issues or previous incidents involving each dog. Failure to do so may seriously impact the walker and the safety of the dogs in our care.

5.7   It is expected that the dog will have some basic training commands and socialisation (age appropriate) prior to any bookings.

5.8   Any issues with aggression between dogs, to the walker or any other third party, then the walker reserves the right to terminate any future bookings (with immediate effect) until the issues are addressed and satisfies the needs of the walker and other dogs.

5.9   Bitches who are in season or pregnant are not able for walks with the dog walker as preferred responsibility at this time to remain with the dog owner.

5.10           Dogs will be returned as clean and as possible (some are impossible!) and will return them to a confined area of the house if required.

5.11           The walker has the right to cut walking times for any reason if required for safety of dogs in care (ie injury for another dog, incidents involving dogs in care, unsafe to continue walk).

5.12          The dog owner is liable for any costs relating to any damage that may occur to the walker’s car caused by the dog.

5.13          If there are any signs of neglect or animal cruelty seen, or is a sincere suspicion of the walker, they have the right to inform the police or RSPCA if required.

5.14          In the event of a lost dog or kidnap the dog owner will be informed immediately and police will be informed if required. We reserve the right to end any group walks immediately (either secure these dogs or return them home to enable us to search for the lost dog). Local dog walkers will also be notified to enable more search power and safety of their owns dogs via use of social media with prior permission from the dog owner.

5.15          In the event of adverse weather (both too hot or too cold) the dog walker has the right to cancel walks and offer a pop in service instead of required. If this is forecast there will be a discussion prior with the dog owner to make alternative plans should this occur.

5.16          Force majeure clause.

5.17          The dog walker will not put themselves or the other dogs in their care at any risk.

 

6.      Key holding

5.1 The walker will retain a key if required and is fully insured to cover keys.

5.2 The walker will keep any details for access codes to property confidential.

5.3 In the event of a lost key the dog walker will pay for a replacement of a normal standard key.

5.4 The walker will not accept any liability for any break ins or burglaries that may occur at the home address.

5.5 A key release form is needed and signed upon return of the key to the dog owner if walks/sit complete.