Bear Paws Dog Walking – Terms & Conditions
By engaging the services of Bear Paws Dog Walking, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Bookings & Assessments
- Meet & Greet: All dogs must undergo an initial assessment via a “Meet & Greet” before services commence. Bear Paws Dog Walking reserves the right to refuse any dog deemed unsuitable, dangerous, or disruptive.
- Full Disclosure: Owners must disclose all relevant medical and behavioural traits, health issues, or antisocial tendencies (e.g. aggression, incontinence, or lack of house training). Failure to disclose such information constitutes a material breach of this agreement.
- Arrival Windows: Booked times are estimates. Please allow a 30-minute grace period for your walker to arrive, accounting for traffic or unforeseen circumstances. We operate in most weather conditions, however in the event of extreme weather walks may be rescheduled at short-notice.
Health & Veterinary Care
- Vaccinations & Treatments: Owners confirm their dog is microchipped and up-to-date with all vaccinations, flea, tick, and worming treatments.
- Illness & Contagion: You must notify us immediately if your dog is exposed to or diagnosed with any contagious condition (e.g., Kennel Cough, Parvovirus, Fleas, or Giardia). For the safety of other dogs, we cannot walk dogs with infectious illnesses.
- Feeding & Bloat: To prevent the risk of “Bloat” (GDV), please ensure your dog has not eaten within 1-2 hours of their scheduled pick-up. If a dog has just eaten, the walk will be cancelled for their safety and the full fee will apply.
- Emergency Care: In an emergency, we will attempt to contact you (or your emergency contact) immediately. If you are unreachable, Bear Paws Dog Walking is authorised to seek veterinary care and make decisions in the best interest of the dog. A Canine First Aid kit will be carried on all walks.
- Fees: All veterinary fees incurred are the sole responsibility of the owner. Collection & Property Access
- Access: Owners must provide a working key or secure access to the property. If we cannot gain entry after reasonable effort, the walk will be charged in full. • Key Security: Keys are kept securely, labelled only with the dog’s name (no address details), and will be returned upon request. Alternatively, keys may be kept in the owners lock box on site.
- Home Security: If your home has a dog flap, it is your responsibility to ensure the garden/grounds are fully secure.
- Post-Walk: We will towel-dry all dogs to a reasonable standard after wet walks. Please ensure towels and a water bowl are easily accessible at your property. We are not liable for subsequent cleaning or grooming costs.
Equipment & Liability
- Legal Requirements: Per the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs must wear a collar and ID tag with the owner’s name and address. If no tag is present, we will attach a temporary one for the walk.
- Safety Gear: Owners must provide secure, well-fitting harnesses, collars and leads. Bear Paws Dog Walking is not liable for injuries or loss resulting from faulty or ill-fitting equipment.
- Third-Party Liability: Owners are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dog to third parties or other animals. We strongly recommend having valid pet insurance including third-party liability or public liability cover.
Cancellations & Retainers
- Standard Cancellation: Walks can be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations can be made with at least 48 hours, as much notice as possible should be provided. Repeated cancellations will not be tolerated and any cancellations without the required notice period will be forfeited if the relevant notice is not provided. In the event of approved cancellations, the owners pre-paid walks if cancelledwill be credited against future bookings.
- Ongoing Retainer: If you have a regular slot but pause services for an extended period, a 50% monthly retainer fee applies to hold your space. This fee is waived if we can fill the slot with another client.
- Weather Safety: Bear Paws Dog Walking reserves the right to rearrange, shorten or cancel walks in extreme weather (e.g., heatwaves or severe storms) for the safety of the dog and walker. If applicable you will be informed as soon as reasonably practicable.
- Holiday notice: Bear Paws Dog Walking will provide any dates of unavailability when issuing the monthly invoice. Bear Paws Dog Walking will provide at least 7 days’ notice to allow sufficient time to discuss alternative arrangements.
- Termination: Either party may terminate the ongoing agreement with one month’s written notice. If you cancel your final week of service, a fee of 50% of your average weekly spend is due.
Payments
- Rates: Prices are as advertised on our website and are non-negotiable. • Terms: Invoices must be paid via BACS within 7 days of receipt and in advance of the scheduled walks. Services will not be fulfilled if payment is not received in advance.
Media & Marketing
- The owner consents to Bear Paws Dog Walking taking photos or videos of their dog for use on social media and advertising. Media will not include any identifiable information. The media will remain the property of Bear Paws Dog Walking.
- If clients refer new members to Bear Paws Dog Walking they will be granted a 20% discount on one month’s invoice. Referrals are valued and appreciated.
Privacy Information
- Bear Paws Dog Walking is the data controller for the owners’ personal data. Personal data including name, address, contact details and dog walk history will be held securely for the purposes of providing the dog walking service. Bear Paws Dog Walking lawful bases for processing are contract and legitimate interests. Personal data will be provided directly by the owners and will be retained in line with Bear Paws Dog Walking retention period. Bear Paws Dog Walking may share personal data with Vets, only in exceptional circumstances where providing immediate medical care to your dog is required. Bear Paws Dog Walking Telephone: 07836419545 Email: edmundjcole@gmail.com