Insurance

1. Paws 4 walkies holds third party Public Liability Insurance, is DBS checked and are licensed by the Local Authority which covers all dogs whilst boarding and walking, copies of which are available on request. Paws 4 walkies will not be held liable for loss, illness, injury or death of a dog unless it is proven that professional negligence has occurred. It is recommended that all pet owners should have their own insurance cover. Paws 4 walkies reserves the right to refuse a dog who is uninsured.

2. The owner agrees to pay for any costs incurred if a claim is made against the dog whilst in the care of Paws 4 walkies.

Payment

3. The owner agrees to pay Paws 4 walkies for services within 7 days of the date of the invoice by way of cash, cheque or BACS transfer and understands that Paws 4 walkies reserve the right to charge for late payments under late payment legislation.

Keys

4. House keys will be collected prior to walking and will be kept securely and away from paperwork which identifies them to your property. Keys can be collected from a neighbour if you prefer.

Cancellations

5. The owner is to give a minimum notice period of 24 hours for cancellation or changing of a booking and understands without adequate notice, Paws 4 walkies reserve the right to charge in full.

6. The owner has a duty to inform Paws 4 walkies of any characteristics which may make the dog unsuitable for walking or daycare, eg, aggression, anti-social behaviour, lack of house training.

7. Paws 4 walkies will not be held responsible for illness or loss of life of your dog whilst in our care unless it is proven that professional negligence has occurred.

8. Bookings will only be accepted after an initial meeting with the dog and owner.

9. The owner is responsible for any damage to property whilst your dog is in our care.

10. Paws 4 walkies stipulate that in line with UK law, all dogs must be microchipped and have an ID disc attached to a secure collar for all walks. The owner is to provide the lead.

11. Paws 4 walkies will not accept any dog who is registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976.

12. All dogs whether boarding or walking only will be walked on the lead for at least 3 walks until the dog is familiar with me. After a minimum of 3 walks, dogs may be walked off the lead with the express permission of the owner and only if we are satisfied of your dog’s recall.  If you permit your dog to be walked off the lead the owner accepts full liability for any loss or damage caused as a result.

13. Dogs will be walked in all weather conditions with the exception of extreme weather conditions if it is deemed unsafe for me or your dog (eg, extreme heat or thunderstorms).

14. Unless expressed otherwise, dog owners consent to photographs and videos of their dog for the use of marketing purposes.

15. A maximum of 5 dogs will be walked together at any one time.

Health and Vaccinations

16. All dogs must have up to date vaccinations and a copy of your veterinarian’s details and copy of vaccinations is to be provided prior to walking against Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Canine adenovirus), Leptospirosis (L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagicae) and Canine Parvovirus and other relevant diseases. Any course of injections must be complete at least 4 weeks prior to walking. Dogs must also have had flea treatment (every 4 months) and worming treatment (every 3 months). Please discuss with Paws 4 walkies prior to walking / boarding if your dog has any health or behavioural issues.

17. The owner understands that the dog will not be accepted for walking if s/he appears unwell at the time of walking in our opinion. Paws 4 walkies reserves the right to refuse to walk any dog in this circumstance.

18. Paws 4 walkies will not accept bitches for walking or boarding who are in season or pregnant or who have been so within the last 28 days. Paws 4 walkies is not responsible for any dog who becomes pregnant whilst in our care.

19. Unless professional negligence has occurred, the owner is responsible for veterinarian’s bills whilst the dog is in the care of Paws 4 walkies.

20. In case of emergency or your dog showing signs of illness or disease, Paws 4 walkies reserve the right to consult a veterinarian and act in the dog’s best interests. You will be contacted immediately if this occurs. If you cannot be contacted within a reasonable amount of time, Paws 4 walkies will be guided by the veterinarian. With regards to costs, it is recommended that you have a pre-payment plan in place with your veterinarian. Please note Paws 4 walkies cannot make payment for any treatment costs. If euthanasia is the only course of treatment as advised by the veterinarian, we will accept and follow advice and recommendations by the veterinarian. I authorise an alternative veterinarian in the event that the primary veterinarian is unavailable. The owner will be responsible for any veterinarian’s costs.

Our Commitments

21. Paws 4 walkies will act professionally and competently ensuring your dog is protected, respected, loved and cared for at all times and carry out the services as instructed by the owner.

22. Paws 4 walkies reserves the right to cancel this contract at any time or refuse any dog which is unsuitable to be in our care.

23. Paws 4 walkies will treat all your data in the strictest of confidence and will not be passed to third parties in line with the Data Protection Act 1998.

These terms are governed by English law and are subject to the jurisdiction of the English Courts.