Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: 12 July 2026
Thank you for choosing The Walking Hound. These Terms & Conditions explain the agreement between The Walking Hound and it’s clients. By booking services, you agree to these terms.
Services:
The Walking Hound provides:
Solo dog walks
Dog and Puppy check-ins
Pet sitting
All services are tailored to your pet's individual needs and agreed in advance.
Meet & Greet:
A complimentary Meet & Greet will be arranged before your first booking. This allows me to get to know you and your pet, discuss their routine, collect relevant information and answer any questions.
Pet Health & Welfare:
Owners must inform me of any medical conditions, behavioural issues or special requirements before services begin.
Dogs must be up to date with their vaccinations (where applicable) and receive appropriate flea and worm treatments.
For the safety of all animals, dogs showing signs of contagious illness should not attend walks until fully recovered.
Veterinary Emergencies:
If your pet becomes ill or is injured while in my care, I will make every reasonable effort to contact you immediately.
If you cannot be reached and urgent veterinary treatment is required, I will seek treatment from your registered veterinary practice or the nearest available veterinary surgeon.
Any veterinary fees remain the responsibility of the owner.
Keys & Home Access:
Where house keys or access codes are provided, they will be stored securely and used only for the purpose of providing the agreed services.
Keys will never be labelled with your name or address.
Cancellations:
I understand that plans change, but as your booking reserves a dedicated time slot, I kindly ask for as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange.
48 hour or more notice: No charge.
24-48 hours’ notice: 50% of the booked service fee.
Less than 24 hours’ notice: The full service fee will be charged.
This policy helps ensure I can continue providing a reliable, high-quality service to all my clients. I understand that genuine emergencies can arise, and any waiver of cancellation fees will be considered at my discretion.
Should The Walking Hound need to cancel due to illness, severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, every effort will be made to rearrange the booking.
Payment Terms:
Payment for regular, ongoing services is due in advance at the beginning of each month. An invoice will be issued detailing the services booked.
For one-off occasional bookings, payment is due by the date stated on the invoice and must be received before the scheduled service.
If payment has not been received by the due date, I reserve the right to suspend future bookings until the outstanding balance has been settle.
Off-Lead Walking:
Dogs will only be walked off lead where:
Written owner permission has been given
I believe it is safe to do so
Your dog has a reliable recall
If there is any doubt, dogs will remain on lead or on a long training lead.
Weather:
Walks may be shortened or adjusted during periods of extreme heat, ice or severe weather to ensure the welfare of your dog.
Aggressive Behaviour:
The Walking Hound reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services if a pet displays aggressive or dangerous behaviour that could put people or animals at risk.
Insurance:
The Walking Hound maintains appropriate business insurance for the services provided.
Liability:
Whilst every reasonable care is taken, The Walking Hound cannot accept responsibility for illness, injury, loss or damage that is outside our reasonable control.
Changes to this Policy:
I may update my Terms & Conditions from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with an updated effective date.