.07

Terms and Conditions

Client and Dog

The Client’s dog’s physical and mental wellbeing is the overriding priority of Woolbeding Walks at all times. All services will be undertaken with the Clients agreement, with consideration to the dog’s age, health, behaviour and fitness.
Woolbeding Walks will meet the Client and dog(s) prior to beginning the service to discuss the needs and requirements of both the dog and the Client. .
The Client will disclose any specific behavioural characteristics needed for safe handling and care of the dog. Any dog that exhibits fearful, anxious or aggressive behaviour towards other dogs or people will need agreement on the services can be delivered.
Woolbeding Walks should be kept informed of any medical issues with the Client’s dog, including any medication the dog is on, any allergies that might be present, and details of the dog’s inoculations, including details of the dog’s registered veterinary practice.
Woolbeding Walks will carry out the services agreed from the Client’s address, unless another address is agreed in writing.

Transport

Woolbeding Walks follows all transport legislation under the Welfare of Animals (Transport)(England) Order 2006, ensuring adequate ventilation, temperature control and drinking water. All dogs are suitably contained to ensure safe and comfortable transport, safeguarding the welfare of each dog. During extremes of weather, distance and time spent in the vehicle will be limited to avoid stress. Dogs will not be left unattended in the vehicle other than when dropping off or collecting.
The Client will either ensure that access is given to Woolbeding Walks to the agreed address at the agreed times or give Woolbeding Walks a key to the place where the dog is kept. Woolbeding Walks will use the key to collect and return the dog or provide other services as agreed and for no other purpose. Woolbeding Walks will keep the key safe, not let anyone else have access to the key or premises, not copy the key and will return it to the Client on demand.

Exercise

The Client will supply suitable collars or harnesses and leads for the dog and any coats or other accessories that the Client wishes to be used. Woolbeding Walks will not use any equipment that could cause fear, anxiety or distress to the dog.
It is a legal requirement that dogs are microchipped (unless an exemption certificate is supplied) and they wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address.
Client dogs will be walked on lead unless agreed in writing with the Client.
Client dogs will be kept on a lead in designated areas, when asked to do so by an authorised officer and on public highways even if the agreement with Woolbeding Walks specifies the dog can be walked off lead.
Client dogs should be trained to walk calmly on a loose lead. Dogs that are walked off lead must be able to be recalled reliably and immediately.
All dogs will be provided with adequate fresh water as needed. Any food or treats will only be given to the dog with prior agreement from the Client.
In adverse weather conditions, Woolbeding Walks will make every effort to continue to operate. If significantly delayed, Woolbeding Walks will notify the client.
In the event of extreme weather, such as very hot or very cold conditions, Woolbeding Walks reserves the right to reduce the walk length to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the dog.
Woolbeding Walks will supply sufficient waste bags and use them on all walks to remove the dog’s faeces, ensuring that dog does not foul any public or private place. Any bagged faeces will be appropriately sealed and disposed of in suitable bins following the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
Client dogs will not be allowed to frighten, threaten or interfere with wildlife when in the care of Woolbeding Walks. If necessary off lead dogs will be put on the lead to mitigate the impact on other animals.

Returning Home

Woolbeding Walks will ensure as far as possible that each dog is comfortable on returning from a walk, including access to fresh water and towelling down if appropriate.
The Client will be informed of any issues regarding the health, behaviour or welfare of the dog whilst it is in the care of Woolbeding Walks.
Woolbeding Walks will ensure that on leaving, the Client property is secured as instructed by the Client.

Emergencies

Woolbeding walks carry a charged mobile phone at all times during business hours should the Client need to get in touch, including when walking the Client dog.
The Client must provide emergency contact details to Woolbeding Walks.
Woolbeding Walks make every effort to contact the Client in the event of an emergency.
Woolbeding Walks may use a tracking device on the dog during the service provision in case of emergencies.
In the unlikely event a dog gets lost, Woolbeding Walks will contact the Client and Dog Warden immediately.
The Client will provide emergency contact details for their registered veterinary practice.
Should the dog become sick or injured whilst in the care of Woolbeding Walks and the Client is not contactable, authority is given to refer the dog to the named (or in emergency any other) veterinary practice for advice or treatment at the Client’s expense. The Client undertakes to reimburse to Woolbeding Walks all expenses incurred in such instance.
Woolbeding Walks keeps a first aid kit designed for dogs in the transport vehicle and has training in canine first aid. Woolbeding Walks has authority to provide first aid to the dog if required and will refer any issues to the Client and or named veterinary practice.

Professional Conduct

Woolbeding Walks holds third party liability insurance, and wherever possible insurance that covers the Client’s dog’s. The client shall provide insurance for their dog covering emergency veterinary fees. Woolbeding Walks shall have no liability to the Client for any claim in respect of the Dog, except such claim if any as covered by the insurance and admitted by the insurer.
If a dog under the care of Woolbeding Walks is involved in an incident with another dog, then the incident will be fully documented and the Client informed.
Woolbeding Walks will ensure that Client dog’s are not left unattended in public places.
Woolbeding Walks has appropriate experience and training to provide a dog walking service, including knowledge of dog behaviour, handling abilities and canine first aid.
As a professional service, Woolbeding Walks has the safety, comfort and security of the Client’s dogs above commercial interests at all times. Woolbeding Walks strives to provide a highly professional and friendly service, setting the highest standards of animal welfare whilst complying with relevant legislation.

Booking and Cancellation

Clients can book services via email or telephone subject to availability. Telephone bookings will be confirmed by email.
The Client may cancel a scheduled booking with at least 24-hours notice without charge. If cancellation is made within 24-hours of the scheduled booking, the full rate will be payable

Charges

Woolbeding Walks services are subject to the rates published. Any changes to the rates will require written notification to the Client subject not less than 4 weeks notice.
Woolbeding Walks keep accurate records of all customer bookings and will, on request, email clients their account balance and invoices.
All invoices raised for services provided by Woolbeding Walks must be paid to Woolbeding Walks within a seven day period. Woolbeding Walks reserves the right to add a late payment admin fee of not more than 25% of the cost of the walk onto the outstanding bill.

Termination Policy

Clients and Woolbeding Walks agree to give no less than one week’s written notice to cancel the agreement. Any scheduled bookings within the notice period will be charged at full rate.
If keys were provided, these will be returned to the Client.
All equipment owned by the Client for use with the dog, such as leads and coats will be returned to the Client.