TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Relationship and Responsibilities

1.1 It is understood that The Owner retains the services of Sophie’s Dog Walks as an Independent Contractor and not as an employee. Sophie’s Dog Walks shall be responsible for her insurance and all statutory declarations and payments with regard to income tax and VAT where applicable.

1.2 Sophie’s Dog Walks agrees to perform the agreed services in an attentive, reliable and caring manner and The Owner undertakes to provide all necessary information to assist in this performance.

1.3 Sophie’s Dog Walks undertakes to notify The Owner of any occurrence pertaining to the dog(s) which may be relevant to the care and well-being of the dog(s).

1.4 Sophie’s Dog Walks will supply and be equipped with waste bags and will duly remove the dog’s faeces from all public places.

1.5 Sophie’s Dog Walks reserves the right to walk other compatible dogs at the same time but undertakes to limit the number of dogs walked together to six.

1.6 Sophie’s Dog Walks will provide a ‘Sophie’s Dog Walks’ identification tag which will be worn for the duration of the walk.

1.7 The Owner will ensure that their dog(s) is wearing an identification tag on with correct and up to date owner contact details.

1.8 The Owner will provide suitable harnesses, collars and leads as approved by Sophie’s Dog Walks as well as coats or muzzles if required.

1.9 Sophie’s Dog Walks shall not be obliged to perform any other duties except those specified on the Dog Information form.

1.10 The Owner agrees that, in admitting their dog, Sophie’s Dog Walks has relied on The Owners representation that their dog is in good health and has not harmed or shown aggression or threatening behaviour toward any person or any other dog.

1.11 All dogs will be subject to an initial assessment by Sophie’s Dog Walks prior to using Sophie’s Dog Walks services and dogs will be monitored over the first few walks. Sophie’s Dog Walks reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog deemed to be or have the potential to be dangerous or disruptive.

1.12 The Owner agrees to notify Sophie’s Dog Walks immediately of any unwelcome, aggressive, procreative or dangerous behaviour of their dog that has potential to cause harm to any other dog or individual.

1.13 Sophie’s Dog Walks offer services where dogs co-mingle in groups. The Owner accepts that during the course of normal dog play their dog(s) may sustain injuries. All dogs play is carefully monitored to avoid injury, but scratches, punctures, torn ligaments, or other injuries may occur despite the best supervision.

1.14 Sophie’s Dog Walks will only let the dog(s) off their lead once the ‘Consent to walk dogs off-lead’ has been signed, and will remain at the discretion for Sophie’s Dog Walks.

1.15 Sophie’s Dog Walks reserves the right to refuse admission if The Owner fails to provide adequate proof of vaccinations including Bordetella (Kennel Cough), or the vaccinations are found to be expired or otherwise incomplete.

1.16 The Owner accepts that even though their dog is vaccinated against Bordetella (Kennel Cough) there is a chance that their dog(s) can still contract Kennel Cough. The Owner agrees that they will not hold Sophie’s Dog Walks responsible if their dog(s) contract Kennel Cough while attending.

1.17 The Owner agrees to take any necessary measures and precautions to ensure that their dog(s) is continuously free of contagious infections or communicable diseases. The Owner agrees to notify Sophie’s Dog Walks immediately of any infectious and/or contagious disease or conditions their dog(s) has been exposed to or is affected by. Such diseases and conditions include, but are not limited to: Distemper, Hepatitis, Kennel Cough, Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Worms, Lyme Disease, Fleas, Pregnancy, Infectious skin or eye diseases or conditions and Internal Parasites. Sophie’s Dog Walks reserves the right to refuse admission until satisfied that the condition is resolved.

1.18 Sophie’s Dog Walks will not walk bitches who are in season or pregnant.

1.19 The Owner consents to their dog being photographed or filmed and used in any media or advertising by Sophie’s Dog Walks without prior approval.

1.20 The Owner agrees to ensure their dog has not eaten in the hour before pick up by Sophie’s Dog Walks to ensure sufficient time to digest food before any exercise or play. Failure to do so may result in the potentially life-threatening condition Bloat (Gastric Torsion).

2. Compensation

2.1 Sophie’s Dog Walks shall be paid the agreed amount for a one hour walk (50 minutes during the muddy months to allow dog cleaning dog time). The Owner will be given a one month notice period of any price increases.

2.2 Additional fees may include the purchase of necessary items for the care of the dog(s) including but not limited to unexpected visits and emergency expenses for health care. Sophie’s Dog Walks shall retain and submit receipts as proof of additional expenses.

2.3 Sophie’s Dog Walks will invoice The Owner by email at the end of each calendar month. Payment from The Owner to be received by Sophie’s Dog Walks within 10 days. Sophie’s Dog Walks reserves the right to terminate the agreement immediately if payment is not forthcoming. Payment can be made by bank transfer, cash or cheque.

3. Cancellation or Termination

3.1 Either party may terminate the Agreement a minimum of 24 hours prior to the first scheduled walk without incurring penalties or damages.

3.2 All cancellations by The Owner must be made 48 hours in advance; failure to do so will incur 100% charges.

3.3 All cancellations by The Owner will be charged a 50% retainer fee of your regular dog walking booking fee.

3.4 If The Owner wishes to terminate any of their regular bookings with Sophie’s Dog Walks a minimum of 4 weeks notice is required. Failure to give notice will incur a 50% charge for the required 4 week notice period.

3.5 Sophie’s Dog Walks will give The Owner a minimum of 4 weeks notice for any holiday arrangements that Sophie’s Dog Walks has made so The Owner can make alternative arrangements for their dog(s) for that period.

3.6 Where Sophie’s Dog Walks as sole proprietor needs to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to, ill health and extreme winter weather conditions, she will contact The Owner as soon as possible so The Owner can make alternative arrangements for their dog(s).

3.7 Should any dog become aggressive or dangerous, Sophie’s Dog Walks will:

(i) Terminate The Dog Walking Agreement with immediate effect.

(ii) The Dog Walking Agreement shall be deemed terminated.

3.8 Any wrongful or misleading information in The Dog Information form may constitute a breach of terms of the Dog Walking Agreement and be grounds for instant termination thereof.

3.9 Termination under the circumstances described in 3.7 or 3.8 above shall not entitle The Owner to any refunds or relief of any outstanding payments due.

4. Liability

4.1 Sophie’s Dog Walks will have in place current liability insurance relative to the services performed for The Owner.

4.2 The Owner is responsible for checking with their own pet insurer that their dog is covered under their policy while being walked by Sophie’s Dog Walks.

4.3 Sophie’s Dog Walks accepts no responsibility for any breach of security or loss of or damage to The Owner’s property if any other person has access to the property during the term of the agreement.

4.4 Sophie’s Dog Walks shall not be liable for any mishap of whatsoever nature which may befall a pet or be caused by a pet who has unsupervised access to the outdoors.

4.5 The Owner shall be liable for all medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to Sophie’s Dog Walks caused by the pet as well as damage to The Owner’s property.

5. Emergencies

5.1 In the event of an emergency, Sophie’s Dog Walks shall contact The Owner at the numbers provided to confirm The Owner’s or, if The Owner cannot be reached, the Guardian’s choice of action. In the event that neither can be contacted Sophie’s Dog Walks is authorised to:

(i) Transport the dog(s) to the listed veterinarian;

(ii) Request on-site treatment from a veterinarian;

(iii) Transport the dog(s) to an emergency clinic if the previous two options are not feasible.

5.2 The Owner is responsible for the full cost of treatment of any injuries or illness that their dog receives while under the care of Sophie’s Dog Walks, together with any associated costs e.g. call out charges. The Owner agrees to pay all such costs immediately on collection of their dog, or by agreement with the proprietor.

6. Keys

6.1 The Owner gives permission for Sophie’s Dog Walks to hold keys to their property, if necessary, which have been provided willingly.  It is understood that Sophie’s Dog Walks will return the keys to The Owner at the end of the agreement period.

6.2 The Owner agrees to provide keys/arrange access to the dog for the agreed appointment.; failure to do so will result in a cancellation fee for that day’s service and will be paid in full by The Owner.