Terms and Conditions
Dog Walking, Boarding and/or Home Visit Check-in Service
Our Terms and Conditions are set out below. Please take the time to read them as they ensure a shared understanding of the basis on which our services are provided.
Any reference of “dog” or “pet” refers to both the single animal, and multiple animals from the same household as specified in the Service Agreement.
Pip'sAdventureWalks – P.A.W (hereafter referred to as “P.A.W”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is a one-person entity and/or their representative.
“Client” refers to the person listed as owner in the Service Agreement.
1. Terms of Service
1.1. All Clients will be deemed to have accepted the Terms and Conditions, as laid out below, on signature of the contract.
1.2. An initial introductory face-to-face consultation (meet and greet) will take place with all dogs prior to using P.A.W services. P.A.W reserves the right to refuse services for any dog where it is deemed in their absolute discretion to be, or have the potential to be, dangerous or disruptive.
1.3. The Client agrees that on booking services for their dog, P.A.W has relied on The Client’s representation within the Service Agreement. The Client has truthfully declared their dogs health and behaviour toward any individual and/or any other dog or pet. The Client agrees to notify P.A.W immediately of any unwelcome, aggressive, procreative or dangerous behaviour displayed by their dog that has the potential to cause harm to any other individual or dog.
1.4. The Client must inform P.A.W of any allergies or intolerances that their dog may have.
2. Dog Walking
2.1. All dogs attending P.A.W services must be microchipped and the Client must provide a secure collar and/or harness with the appropriate tags in accordance with The Control of Dogs Order 1992.
2.2. All dogs being walked will undergo a trial period to ensure that they are adequately trained and socialised.
2.3. Dogs attending a group walking service will be walked in groups of no more than four.
2.4. P.A.W is likely to transport your dog to and from suitable dog walking locations (up to approx. 40 mins) by vehicle and therefore your dog should be able to travel in vehicles. Please inform us if your dog has any travel sickness history. P.A.W will ensure the safe and secure transport of all dogs and will maintain appropriate insurance.
2.5. If P.A.W arrives to collect a dog and the dog is visibly unwell and/or sick, or refuses the walk (e.g. due to rain), P.A.W reserves the right to cancel the dog walking services, giving the dog the chance for a toilet break and immediately notifying the Client. P.A.W will charge for a short home visit.
2.6. P.A.W offer services where dogs mingle in groups and meet other dogs. The Client accepts that during normal dog play their dog may sustain injuries. All dog play will be carefully monitored to avoid injuries, but scratches, punctures, torn ligaments, or other injuries may occur despite the best supervision.
2.7. All dogs will be exercised on a lead unless prior agreement has been provided and the “Off Lead Consent” section of the Service Agreement has been signed. Off lead exercise will remain at the discretion of P.A.W.
2.8. In the event of a dog going missing, P.A.W will notify the Client if the dog has been missing for longer than 30 minutes.
2.9. P.A.W will apply their best personal judgement and cut short a walk, if necessary, in the event of extreme weather conditions; including, but not limited to: excessive heat, torrential rain, thunderstorms and snow/ice. The decision to do so lays with the judgement of P.A.W, for the safety of themselves, members of the public, other animals and that of the recipient.
2.10. P.A.W will apply their best personal judgement and cut short a walk, if necessary, in the event of the dog becoming ill, injured, distressed, or refusing to walk. The decision to do so lays with the judgement of P.A.W, for the safety of themselves, members of the public, other animals and that of the recipient.
2.11. P.A.W tries to select green and/or woody areas for walks and dogs may get muddy, wet or dirty (including rolling in fox poo etc). P.A.W wash down & towel dry dogs after a walk, however cannot guarantee full cleanliness, that all mud traces will be removed or that the dog will be smell free. Clients are asked to leave towels by access doors for additional towelling down should the dog require it. Clients will be notified of all poo rolling and extreme muddiness. We recommend protecting household items such as sofas or providing extra covers on these items or having a separate area to keep dogs after a walk.
2.12. P.A.W will always remove dirty shoes etc prior to entering homes.
2.13. All dogs being exercised must be fully vaccinated and on a regular flea and worm control regime.
2.14. The Client accepts that even if their dog has been vaccinated against Kennel Cough, there is still a chance that their dog can contract Kennel Cough. The Client agrees that they will not hold P.A.W responsible if their dog contracts Kennel Cough while attending services.
2.15. P.A.W will not provide services to dogs with any form of contagious, infectious or otherwise communicable diseases. The Client agrees to take any necessary precautions or measures to ensure that their dog is continuously free from contagious, infectious or otherwise communicable diseases. The Client further agrees to notify P.A.W immediately of any contagious, infectious or otherwise communicable disease or conditions that their dog has been exposed to or is affected by. P.A.W reserves the right to refuse to provide dog walking services until satisfied that the condition is resolved.
2.16. P.A.W reserves the right to cancel a dog walking services to bitches while in season or pregnant, but Clients may choose to book a home visit or solo walk instead of an extended dog walk during this time. This however is dependent on availability.
2.17. P.A.W will provide treats, poo bags and use their own leads to walk your dog. If specific treats are required for dietary reasons or allergies the Client agrees to provide these for their dog.
3. Home Visits
3.1. The Client must provide all necessary items for your dog to be adequately cared for in the Client’s absence, including (but not limited to) food if required for feeding meals and medication. If additional supplies need to be purchased in the Client’s absence including, but not limited to, food and medication, a receipt will be obtained and the Client will be responsible for the reimbursement of the cost.
3.2. P.A.W will follow instructions for administering medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result.
4. Bookings
4.1. No bookings will be confirmed until a “P.A.W Client Form” has been completed and the Client has signed agreement of the Terms and Conditions.
4.2. The Client must inform P.A.W of any changes to the information provided on the “P.A.W, Dog Walking Service Agreement”, including contact numbers, emergency contact details, pet’s care needs and any other pertinent information.
4.3. Bookings can be made by telephone, email or WhatsApp and will be confirmed by email or WhatsApp (subject to availability).
4.4. P.A.W will provide an approximate time slot during which the pick up for walks/visits will occur. This time slot may be amended in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
4.5. P.A.W will provide two months notice of staff holidays greater than 1 week to allow Clients time to make alternative service arrangements.
5. Prices and Payment
5.1 P.A.W prices are as published on the website and can be provided to the Client on request.
5.2. Clients are advised that there is a surcharge of x1.5 the rate for services on Bank Holidays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day – prior notice will be given for these.
5.3. On confirmation of the booking, P.A.W will start charging for services provided, with services invoiced via email at the end of each working week.
5.4. P.A.W accepts payment by bank transfer (in preference) or cash. Bank details are provided on all invoices.
5.5. Immediate and full payment for services is to be made upon receipt of invoice.
5.6. If payment is late P.A.W reserves the right to suspend all services until payment has been made in full.
6. Cancellation Policy
6.1. The Client may cancel any service up to 24 hours prior to the start of the service and the service will not be charged for. Any cancellations within 24 hours of the service will be charged in full.
6.2. For regular bookings, the Client is required to provide at least 1 weeks’ notice of their wish to cancel the booking giving P.A.W time to fill the walking or home visit time slot. If the required notice is not given, P.A.W reserves the right to charge in full for the cancelled services.
6.3. P.A.W understands that there are unexpected circumstances that cannot be anticipated and interfere with the notice periods set out in these Terms and Conditions. Please contact P.A.W as soon as possible should such circumstances arise.
6.4. P.A.W reserves the right to cancel any service on short notice in the event of, but not limited to, illness, accidents, extreme weather (e.g. heavy snow) and other unforeseen circumstances. In such an event, P.A.W will provide as much notice to the Client as possible and services will not be charged for.
6.5. P.A.W reserves the right to cancel the booking/service at any time and with immediate effect if the dog does not respond well to the walker and/or other dogs/pets or if it is felt that the working relationship is becoming untenable or unworkable.
7. Security and Keys
7.1. The Client agrees to provide keys or arrange access to their dog for the agreed service and appointment; failure to do so will result in the cancellation of that day's service and will be paid for in full by the Client.
7.2. The Client must advise on the use of burglar alarms or any other security devices.
7.3. The Client must ensure that other pets within the house that are not allowed outside (e.g. cats) are kept away from access doors.
7.4. P.A.W will ensure that all keys provided are kept secure and will not be stored identifying address details.
7.5. P.A.W will take necessary steps to ensure your home is safe and secure in your absence. However, P.A.W cannot be held liable for any accident or injury to your dog or other pets when we are not in your house. This includes, but not limited to, burglaries or accidents/damage caused by your dog/pets.
7.6. Please inform P.A.W of any video cameras or additional security measures in place. In the failure to do so we have the right to terminate the contract.
8. Emergency Contact
8.1. The Client must provide P.A.W with the name and contact number of someone who can be contacted in emergencies and who is capable and authorised to make decisions about their pet in the event of an emergency. If the Client or Emergency Contact is not available, the Client authorises P.A.W to seek veterinary advice and/or treatment and make decisions (based on veterinary advice) that is in the best interests for the animal. Where possible this will be carried out by the Client’s usual/preferred vet, but this cannot be guaranteed (e.g. in an emergency) and the Client accepts that P.A.W may use any registered Vet. The Client agrees to pay all such costs immediately on pick-up of their dog, or by agreement with P.A.W.
P.A.W will always endeavour to contact either the Client or Emergency Contact prior to independently seeking veterinary advice and/or treatment.
9. Medical and Veterinary
9.1. The Client is responsible for the full cost of treatment of any injuries or illness that their dog and/ or pet receives whilst in the care of P.A.W, including any other associated costs e.g. call-out charges.
9.2. Please inform us of any medical history your dog has prior to walking arrangements.
9.3. Pet insurance is always recommended for peace of mind. P.A.W reserves the right to refuse a booking for any recipient which is not insured.
10. Behaviour and Training
10.1. P.A.W must be alerted to any behavioural problems with the Client’s dog at the time of booking. Failure to do so may result in additional charges or cancellation of any future contract.
10.2. All behavioural issues/training will be discussed during the initial meet and greet, or via phone call prior to the first walk/visit please note additional training is not included in the service unless otherwise agreed.
10.3. Please inform us of any likes/dislikes or fears/phobias your dog has prior to walking arrangements.
11. Public Liability
11.1. P.A.W will ensure that appropriate insurance is maintained, including Public Liability cover. The insurance only covers P.A.W for the duration of the selected service and only for the service agreed.
11.2. Although P.A.W holds full Public Liability insurance, pets should also be insured by the Client (wherever possible). P.A.W reserves the right to refuse a booking for any recipient which is not insured.
12. Loss or Injury
12.1. P.A.W will endeavour to care for your dog as you would and, whilst we will make every effort to ensure your dog is well looked after in your absence, P.A.W cannot be held liable for any loss, injury or death to the dog, either inside or outside of the home, whilst in our care.
13. Legislation and Safety
13.1. The Control of Dogs Order 1992, states that ‘every dog while in a highway or in a place of public resort shall wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a plate or badge attached to it.’ A telephone number is optional but advised. P.A.W reserves the right to cancel a walk if the dog is not wearing the appropriate identification, regardless of whether the dog is exercised on or off lead.
13.2. P.A.W will provide (free of charge) an additional tag with our contact number on for the duration of the service offering peace of mind in the unlikely event that your dog goes missing whilst in our care. The additional tag provides a phone number to call if either a) the Client’s phone number is not on the identification tag, or b) the Client is unavailable.
13.3. P.A.W reserves the right to cancel the contract (at any time and with immediate effect) if any dog under the contract does not respond well to the dog walker or other dogs (where the continuing of said contract is deemed, by P.A.W to constitute a risk). In the likelihood of such events the Client (or emergency contact if the Client is not available) will be contacted.
14. Photography and Video
14.1. P.A.W will take photographs and videos of your dog and with the consent of the Client, these will be distributed on social media by P.A.W to demonstrate their services. All such media will remain the property of P.A.W. At no point will these pictures or videos feature the owners, their family, or their homes (in such a way that could result in a compromise of security of the premises). These pictures will not be used for any other purposes other than as described.
14.2. P.A.W may wish to use a picture or video of your dog for specific marketing purposes. If the circumstance arises then P.A.W will seek the Client’s permission and an additional agreement will be made.
15 Boarding
15.1. No bookings will be confirmed until a “P.A.W, Dog Walking Service Agreement” has been completed and the Client has signed agreement of the Terms and Conditions.
15.2. Dogs will need to carry out a trial night prior to bookings of more than 2 nights are confirmed.
15.3. Dogs must be up to date with all vaccinations and proof of these will need to be shown on the meet & greet (or 14 days prior to the booking for dogs that are already using another service).
15.4. Owners must provide food for the duration of the visit in a sealed/sealable container and any specialist treats to be given.
15.5. Owners must provide beds/bedding for the dog for their visit, we also suggest providing a towel / item of clothing from the owners so the dog has a familiar smell, this helps dogs settle in a new environment but this is left to the owners discretion. We may request this on subsequent visits if the dog struggles to settle on the 1st trail night.
16. Agreement
Agreement to these Terms and Conditions are accepted within the P.A.W Client Form