At Pooches of Poole, your dog’s happiness and wellbeing are my top priority. To ensure the safety and satisfaction of everyone involved, please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully before using my dog walking or day care services.
1. Behavioural Expectations
- Dogs must be well-socialised, friendly, and not display aggressive behaviour towards other dogs or humans.
- If a dog shows signs of aggression, I reserve the right to terminate the agreement immediately for safety reasons.
- I aim to create a safe, calm, and happy environment for all dogs in my care.
2. Vaccinations, Flea and Worming Treatments
- All dogs must be up to date with vaccinations, including kennel cough.
- They must also be treated regularly for fleas and worms.
- Proof of vaccinations may be requested prior to the start of services.
- This ensures the safety and health of every dog in my care.
3. Illness and Emergency Care
- If your dog becomes ill while with me, I will contact you or your emergency contact immediately.
- In urgent situations, I will take your dog to your nominated vet or, if unavailable, my own trusted veterinary practice.
- Owners are responsible for all veterinary costs incurred.
- By signing up to services, you authorise me to seek veterinary treatment on your behalf in case of emergency.
4. Insurance and Liability
- Pooches of Poole is fully insured for public liability, custody, care, and control of animals.
- While every effort is made to keep your dog safe, I cannot be held liable for injury, illness, loss, or death beyond my control.
- Dogs are walked off-lead only with your prior consent and at your own risk.
5. Walking Groups and Safety
- Dogs will be walked in small, manageable groups of no more than six, to ensure safety and attention.
- Dogs are carefully matched based on temperament, age, and activity level.
- Only dogs with reliable recall and suitable temperament will be walked off-lead — and only with written permission.
6. Pick-Up and Drop-Off
- I offer pick-up and drop-off services within a set local radius.
- Dogs must be easily accessible at the agreed time.
- If I am unable to access your dog at the agreed time, you may still be charged.
7. Owner Responsibilities
- Dogs must wear a secure collar with an ID tag (as required by law).
- Harnesses must be well-fitted.
- Owners must inform me of any behavioural issues, allergies, injuries, or medical conditions prior to service.
- If a dog causes harm or damage while in my care due to undisclosed issues, owners may be liable for costs.
8. Payment Terms
- Payments are due monthly in advance, on the first of each month.
- Invoices will be sent via email.
- Late payments may result in a suspension of services.
- Cancellations require 48 hours’ notice, otherwise the full session fee will apply.
- Holidays and planned absences must be communicated with at least two weeks’ notice.
9. Cancellations and Missed Appointments
- Cancellations made less than 48 hours before a booked walk or day care session will still be charged in full.
- Regular clients should give at least two weeks’ notice if pausing or stopping service.
- If I need to cancel (e.g. due to illness or emergency), I will give as much notice as possible and refund or reschedule accordingly.
10. Emergency Contact
- You must provide an up-to-date emergency contact who can make decisions on your behalf if you are unreachable.
- This is essential for your dog’s welfare and in line with my duty of care.
11. Photography and Social Media Consent
- I love to share happy moments from our walks and adventures!
- By using my services, you consent to photos and videos of your dog being used for marketing purposes (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, website).
- If you'd prefer I do not use images of your dog, please notify me in writing.
12. Data Protection (GDPR)
- All client and pet data is stored securely and used only in relation to the services I provide.
- I never share your data with third parties unless required by law.
- I comply with all GDPR regulations to keep your information safe.
13. Key Holding (if applicable)
- If you provide a key to your home, it will be stored securely and used only to carry out agreed services.
- Keys will never be labelled with your full address or personal details.
- I will not duplicate or retain your key beyond the agreed service period.
14. Late Pick-Up (for Day Care or Boarding)
- Please collect your dog promptly at the agreed time.
- Late collections may incur additional charges unless agreed in advance.
- If you are delayed, please notify me as soon as possible.
15. Termination of Agreement
- I reserve the right to terminate services at any time if I believe a dog poses a danger to itself, other dogs, or people.
- Likewise, you may cancel our agreement at any time with two weeks’ written notice, unless in an emergency.
16. Updates to Terms
- These Terms & Conditions are reviewed regularly and may be updated at any time.
- Clients will be informed of any major changes in writing.
- Continued use of services after updates constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to talk through anything and make sure you're comfortable and confident in the care your dog will receive.
Thank you for choosing Pooches of Poole – where your dog’s wellbeing comes first..