- Canine First Aid

- Level 3 in Animal Management 

- Diploma in Canine Communication

RISK ASSESSMENT

Please find below Dog Club’s pet services Risk Assessment, this covers our services of Dog Walking, Pet Sitting and Pet Visits. This is an ongoing document and will be reviewed monthly and added to or altered when needed. During Meet and Greet you can request to see a copy.

This was completed by Katherine Hawkins on 30/07/24.

 

REGULATIONS

COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL REGULATIONS

Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Offence to not pick up faeces, excluding dogs from children’s play areas etc

• Clean and pick up any faeces that are produced by dogs in our care.
• Not to take dogs in our care into any children’s play areas, avoid using or walking into children’s play areas
• Have a good supply of poo bags in the van/car and on person while walking any dogs.
  
  

 

Animal Welfare Act 2006 Animals must be properly cared for and allowed to exhibit normal behaviour

• Allow dogs to play off-lead, fetch and play.
• Allow the dogs to sniff and explore their surroundings, introduce enrichment toys and games.
• Client to sign off-lead forms, get to know the dog and build relationship before off lead.
• Use paddocks enclosed, with enrichment and toys suitable to the dog.

Control of Dogs Order 1992 Dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on it

• Clients dogs to be chipped and wear a collar with name tag on.
• Check dogs before leaving clients property, to make sure wearing correct collar and tag.

 

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Against the law for a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place – this could include chasing or jumping up at someone

• Get as much information about the dog during Meet and Greet.
• If the dog is known to be anti-social, use appropriate lead as procuration for example a red caution lead.
• Walk dogs in areas with less distraction.

Road Traffic Act 1988 Dogs must be on a lead at all times on roads.

• All clients dog to be on lead while near roads and on footpath.
• Visit parks, woods and paddocks, so the dog can run free. Only if a off-lead consent is signed.
• The company uses their own leads and check regular, for any defects.

 

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 Against the law to allow a dog to worry livestock on farmland. A farmer catching a dog worrying livestock has the right to stop the dog

• Do not walk dogs near live stock, or fields that may have live stock.
• Research the areas of walking before taking any dogs, know the areas we visit.
• Avoid walking in areas with live stock.

 

Dogs Act 1871 It’s an offence if a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control ie on a lead or muzzled.

During meet and greet discuss the dog’s behaviour, while talking observe the dog’s behaviour.

• If the dog becomes out of control, then return to client if it’s safe to do so, if the situation is too out of control, then contact police, RSPCA and client
• Use appropriate measures for reactive a dog, while walking, with the client’s consent. For example, muzzle, caution lead.
• Walk in places with no possible triggers. Keep record of numbers for any local authorities.

Compliance with local regulations (this might include awareness of areas where dog walking is permitted on/off lead)

• Research possible areas for walking the dogs, use familiar areas to the dog walker.
• Consent forms from Client for dog to be off lead, get to know the dog before doing so.

Relevant insurance to cover any adverse incidents

• Public liability insurance
• Van/car Insurance
• Renewed yearly.

Ensure any records/owner details are GDPR compliant

• Store information in locked cabinet, and password protected devices.
• No sharing of information with any third parties.
• Fixed cabinet and locked in office. Several passwords on devices.

PREPARATION

Meet dog and owner before taking on clients

• Visit the client’s home and meet the dog, go through questionnaire to understand the dog more.
• Proper paperwork covering as much information as possible.

Keep record of dog’s requirements, specific behaviours etc

• Detailed information sheet during meet and greet.
• Keep up to date with information
• Keep a paper file as well as digital file.
• Store paper copy in filing cabinet and on computer password protected.

If walking more than one dog, introduce dogs to each other first to ensure they are content together

• Pair up dog’s similar sizes, temperament, age and breed were possible.
• At least 2 walks with new dog, before thinking of group walks.
• Talk with clients before meeting new dogs. Discuss triggers and behaviours.
• Complete relevant paperwork

Securing of owners’ premises if dog is collected and returned

• Have a key to secure property and enter.
• Keys kept in locked cabinet, no details attached to the key, only a number system.
• Never post keys through letterbox or leave on counter.
• Always hand keys back to the client
• Relevant paperwork to be filled

Ensure equipped for a walk with correct leads, poo bags etc

• Vehicle stocked with all supplies
• Backpack available while away from vehicle walking.
• Over stocked on supplies and replenish weekly or when needed.
• Company to use own leads
• Leads to cover different temperaments of dogs for example; Nervous lead

Ensure areas where dog(s) to be walked are suitable and free from hazards

• Use woods, paddocks and fields. Street walking if okay with client
• Scout out different areas before taking clients dogs for possible hazards.
• Maps and knowledge of the local area, also different routes.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS IN PRACTICE

TRANSPORT

Ensure dog(s) are transported in suitable vehicle

• In a van/car with crates and harnesses for safety.
• Ventilation fitted
• Water available

Dog(s) unattended in a vehicle

• Never leave dogs in the vehicle unless picking up other dogs.
• Max time would be 5 minutes, while collecting another dog.
• Vehicle fitted with 2x ventilation spinners, 4 electric fans / half opening side windows with locks.
• Re asses on extreme hot days

 

Breakdown

• Have breakdown cover and courtesy vehicle on insurance
• Another vehicle available for safe return of clients’ dogs

 

Fire in Vehicle

• Two fire extinguishers fitted in the vehicle
• Evacuate any animals immediately and go to safe space at least 10 metres away

 

WELFARE

Ensure your behaviour does not cause adverse reactions in the dog(s)

• Be professional and calm at all times
• Continue training and development
• No shouting at the dogs
• No harsh actions on the lead
• No hurting the dog, for example; hitting

Ensure weather conditions are suitable (not too hot/too cold)

• Check the weather throughout the day and plan the week ahead following guidance from weather reports.
• Notify clients of any changes due to weather. Extreme hot weather will still visit the dog, to let out and make sure clean water and comfortable.
• Ventilation system fitted in vehicle for hot weather.
• Heating system fitted for cold weather in the vehicle.
• If weather is too hot or cold other arrangements would be made with client.

Awareness of any signs of physical or mental distress for the breed of dog(s)

• Monitor the dogs while in our care, keep records and notify owner any concerns or the VET if owner is not available.
• Keep an up-to-date record of the dog for example; vaccines, Vet details.
• Research new breeds and their care requirements,
• Ongoing training for all staff.

Remain aware of welfare of dog(s) throughout walk

• Check hydration, breathing and potential parasites.
• Keep close eye on the dogs at all times, take note of any change in behaviour.
• Carry first aid kit at all times in vehicle and on person.
• Carry water at all times in vehicle and on person.
• Carry tick remover.

Ability to administer first aid

• All main staff to be trained in First Aid and kept up to date.
• Member of staff has to be present all the time, with first aid training.
• First aid bag in vehicle and on person while walking.
• Keep up to date on all new first aid methods or treatment.

Recognition of when a vet should be called

• Observe the dogs at all times while in our care.
• Contact Client and the vets.
• On going training with staff to identify any problems.

HYGIENE

Removal of any faeces deposited and hygienic disposal

• Pick up any faeces, while out walking, in a bag then put in relevant bin.
• Always have a supply of bags in vehicle and on person.

 

Proper cleaning of vehicle used for transport

• If the cage in the vehicle is soiled, clean with disinfectant.
• No dog to go into the area until clean
• Always have disinfectant in vehicle.
• Compartments sealed to stop contamination into other parts of the vehicle.
• Vehicle to be cleaned at the end of each day with animal friendly disinfectant.

 

Pet Sitting Service Agreement

The Customer wishes to engage Dog Club to fulfil services, and the company agrees to undertake services (hereafter referred to as the “Services”) as set out in this agreement and in accordance with the policy and practices document (“Terms and Conditions”) and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.

 

1. Commencement Date and Duration
   • This Agreement shall commence from the date of signing and shall remain in effect until either party terminates the arrangement as per the Termination clause in this Agreement.
   • The Customer is entitled to cancel this Service Agreement and incur no penalty if done one month prior to pet sitting booking date.
   • If Services have been cancelled less than one month before pet sitting booking date then full payment will need to be made if not already done so.
2. The Offering of Services
   • Dog Club shall perform the Services in an attentive, reliable, and caring manner, using all reasonable skill and care, having due regard to the Terms and Conditions and any relevant information as noted on the [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message].
   • For the avoidance of doubt, the Overnight Pet Sitting Services are charged [per day / per night / per 24 hours], meaning that the number of days required are booked in advance and full payment is made before the sit starts. Dog Club commits to not leaving their dog for longer than four and a half hours at a time in each charging period.
   • The standard rate for this Service accommodates one dog with an hour's walk and toilet breaks. Additional, group or solo walks may be booked through the Dog Club Dog Walking service. 
   • The standard rate for this Service accommodates up to 3 (three) other companion animals that live within the home or the garden as family pets. Horses, livestock, inspects and reptiles must be declared on application and shall be considered on a case-by case basis. 
   • Overnight Pet Sitting services shall be offered to groups of pets that are owned by the Customer and that live permanently within the Customer’s address. Requests to also care for extended family pets that do not usually live at the property shall be subject to additional charges and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   • Dog Club shall be responsible for ensuring that it complies with all statutes, regulations, byelaws, standards, codes of conduct and any other rules relevant to the provision of Services.
   • Dog Club shall act in accordance with all reasonable instructions given by the Customer provided such instructions are compatible with the specification of Services including those provided in the Terms and Conditions section of the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, where the Customer’s wishes conflict with relevant current UK legislation, the legislation prevails.
3. Customer’s Obligations
   • The Customer shall read and agree to follow the pertinent information in the Terms and Conditions section of the Agreement, as is applicable for the required Services.
   • The Customer shall use all reasonable endeavours to provide information to Dog Club necessary for the business to provide Services.
   • The Customer authorises Dog Club to carry out the Services.
   • The Customer agrees that the information provided to Dog Club is true to the best of their information, knowledge, and belief.
   • The Customer may issue reasonable instructions to Dog Club in relation to the businesses provision of Services. Any such instructions should be compatible with the specification of Services including those provided in the Terms and Conditions.
4. Booking and Cancellations
   • Booking discussions shall not be considered as ‘confirmed’ until Dog Club provides the Customer with a written confirmation that the booking has been accepted and this will not be done before the registration form is completed. If a deposit is required, the booking shall not be considered as ‘confirmed’ until the deposit [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message] has been paid.  
   • If Dog Club can fill any space that has been cancelled with an alternative, pre-registered Customer, the non-refundable deposit shall be returned to the Customer for those days or held and applied towards the next booking as agreed with the customer.
   • For Overnight Pet Sitting, Dog Club requires a 25% (25 percent) non-refundable deposit to hold an available space when Services are booked. The 75% (seventy five percent) balance is required on or before arrival on the first day of the booking. If a customer cancels, the [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message] for the balance is cancelled and the deposit payment is retained.  If Dog Club can refill the cancelled spaces with another pre-registered client, the deposit payment for those dates shall be returned.
   • Moving or transferring Overnight Pet Sitting dates is considered a cancellation and a re-book of services and is subject to the standard cancellation policy. The Customer is required to send a new deposit for the new amended dates, and if the cancelled dates can be filled by another pre-registered guest, the Customer shall receive a refund of the deposit for the filled days.  This policy item may not come into force if the amendment is 7 (seven) days either side of the originally booked dates.
   • Partial cancellations, or reducing dates (for instance, paying a deposit for two weeks and then cancelling the second week) is classed as a cancellation and the deposit for any cancelled dates may not be transferred to the remaining dates as payment. The balance for the remaining dates remains outstanding as per the original booking [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message].  If the cancelled dates can be filled by another guest, the Customer shall receive a refund of the deposit for the filled days.
   • Please note that should a trial run booking determine that Services cannot be offered, or a potential (un-confirmed) booking cannot be honoured, any deposit paid for the holiday booking will be returned to the Customer, as well as any fees paid for future trial runs that have not taken place. Charges for trial run bookings that have already taken place shall not be refunded.  
   • Dog Club shall use all reasonable endeavours not to cancel booked services, however if cancellation is necessary at short notice due to illness, all monies paid for the Services shall be returned to the Customer.
5. Fees, Additional Charges and Payment
   • Dog Club will charge the Customer for the Services as quoted in the [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message] or the charges message (the “Fees”) and the Customer agrees to pay the Fees, promptly when they fall due.
   • Approved payment methods are listed on the [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message].
   • Payment for an Overnight Pet Sitting deposit is required within 5 (five) days of receiving a deposit request from Dog Club. If payment is not received within the agreed period, Dog Club shall be entitled to cancel the booking and offer the dates to other customers
   • Payment for the balance is required in advance of the Service start date, on or before the first day of service / within 7 (seven) days of receiving the [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message].
   • Care for puppies and kittens under 12 months old shall be charged at an additional £10 per day. This charge is discretionary and is based on the additional needs of the puppy for the period of care.
   • Care for pets with special needs may be charged at an additional rate per day, as advised at the time of booking. This charge is discretionary and is based on the additional needs of the pet for the period of care.
   • Weekend services may be charged at a different rate to weekday services and will be documented in the written [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message].
   • Bookings for Services to be carried out on a public holiday shall be charged at <1.5 x the standard rate (time and a half)>, and Services booked to be carried out on ‘special days’ (where available) are charged at <2 x the standard rate (double time)>. ‘Special Days’ shall be defined as <Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.>
   • The Customer agrees to pay for any damage to possessions arising from the unexpected behaviour of their pet whilst on Dog Club presentation of a valid receipt for replacement goods, or a quote for damage repair, unless the company can be shown as negligent.
   • The Customer agrees to reimburse Dog Club for any additional fees connected to providing emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred, for example (but not limited to) unexpected visits, transportation, housing, food or supplies on proof of a valid receipt.
   • If the Customer fails to make payment on a due date, and the Services have been provided, Dog Club shall, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies, have the right to charge the Customer interest on a weekly basis at the rate of £10 per week.
6. Rate Reviews
   • Service rates are reviewed annually. Customers shall be given a minimum of 3 (three) months’ notice of planned price changes.
   • Customers may provisionally reserve dates into the next calendar year on the understanding that they will be subject to any rate increase that is announced after the provisional booking has been made. Customers have the right to cancel the provisional booking without penalty for 7 (days) after the new rate has been announced.
   • The rate for an Overnight Pet Sitting booking is firm and may not be changed once a deposit request has been made via a [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message] and payment has been made on or before the date requested.
7. Termination and Notices
   • The relationship between Dog Club and the Customer shall remain in place until either party give notice in writing. The relationship shall not be severed until all Services that have been paid or, or partially paid for, have been provided.  Should the Customer wish to terminate the relationship without using the Services that have already been paid for, no refund shall be issued.
   • Dog Club reserve the right to terminate services with immediate effect if a pet shows undeclared aggression toward people or other animals.
   • Any notice required to be served under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be served by hand, post, electronic mail or via a pre-approved message system such as text, Messenger or WhatsApp.
8. Standards and Insurance
   • Dog Club agree to provide a professional and reliable service to their customers. All animals under the care of the company will be given the full care and attention needed to make their experience both fun and safe. 
   • Customers, however, must accept that accidents or illness may occur in such a manner that can neither be foreseen nor prevented by Dog Club.  Dog Club shall be held harmless if the Customer's pet causes harm to a person or another animal, or damages property (unless Dog Club can be shown to be negligent; if the Customer's pet is injured or involved in, or causes an accident; or, if the Customer's pet causes a third party to claim for damages by way of injury to a person or an animal, or damage to property.  In such cases, the Customer will indemnify Dog Club against such claims and will liaise directly with the claiming third party.
   • Dog Club is covered by third party liability insurance, but it is highly recommended that Customers have their own pet insurance to cover liability claims from a third party.
9. Veterinary Waiver
   • If a pet is taken sick or injured during the period of the Service, Dog Club shall notify the Customer as quickly as is reasonably practical using all reasonable methods of communication available to both parties, to request guidance. If Dog Club is not able to contact the Customer or the Customer’s Emergency Contact, Dog Club shall take the pet to a Veterinary Practice on behalf of the Customer and make the best possible medical decisions for the pet with the recommendation and support of a Veterinary Professional.   Any veterinary bills shall be directly chargeable to the Customer.
   • Dog Club shall use its best efforts to use the pet’s normal Veterinary Practice where ever possible. The Customer authorises Dog Club to appoint an alternative Veterinary Practice to examine the pet and carry out such treatment or surgery as may be appropriate if the pet’s normal Veterinary Practice is not available, or the geographic location and severity of the injury predicates that the nearest Veterinary Practice must be used.
   • By signing this Agreement, the Customer gives Dog Club the authority to discuss a pet’s health and treatment with a Veterinary Professional in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (and subsequent revisions of the legislation). The Customer also gives Dog Club permission to present and share this signed Agreement with a Veterinary Practice where it is necessary under GDPR to manage a pet’s care.
10. Force Majeure
    • Neither party shall be liable in damages or have the right to terminate this Agreement for any delay or default in performing its obligations under this Agreement caused by conditions beyond its control including but not limited to acts of God, war, strikes, fires, floods, governmental restrictions or power failures.
    • The Party (the “Affected Party”) prevented from carrying out its obligations shall give notice to the other Party of an Event of Force Majeure upon it being foreseen by, or becoming known to, the Affected Party.
11. Assignment
    • Dog Club shall be entitled to perform any of the obligations undertaken by it through any other member of its group or through suitably qualified and skilled sub-contractors, with written consent the Customer. Any act or omission of such other member or sub-contractor shall, for the purposes of this Agreement, be deemed to be an act or omission of the company.
12. Data Protection and Privacy
    • Personal information shared with Dog Club for the purpose of using Services will not be sold or shared with third parties, in accordance with GDPR 2018 (or subsequent revision). Information is held on paper and electronically for periods required by HMRC.
    • In accordance with GDPR, the Customer gives Dog Club permission to share information from this signed Agreement with Veterinary Practices as is necessary to provide care, and gives the Veterinary Practice permission to discuss pet care with Dog Club where the Customer is not able to be contacted.
    • Customers are advised that Dog Club may take and use photographs of pets for marketing purposes; however no specifics pertaining to the location of the pet or the owner are divulged publicly.  Customers not wishing for their pets photos to be used for advertising or marketing purposes may notify Dog Club in writing via email.
    • It is understood and accepted that Customers may choose to use CCTV to observe or record their pet in their absence. Dog Club requires that Customers inform the business when CCTV is being used.  CCTV must allow for a reasonable degree of privacy within the home, not filming in a bathroom, or any room designed for sleeping or changing clothes. Also no filming whilst Dog Club is in the premises, only when their pet is home alone during the sit.
13. Entire Agreement
    • This Agreement, along with the Registration Form, Terms and Conditions and each [Service Invoice / Payment Request Message] constitute the sole and entire agreement between the Parties, and supersedes all prior agreements, representations and understandings of the Parties written or verbal.
    • Any alteration of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
    • This Agreement, its formation and any contractual disputes or claims shall be governed by and in accordance with English Law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
    • Any Forbearance, tolerance or delay in either party enforcing its contractual or legal rights shall not prejudice, restrict or prevent the right of the injured party to enforce its rights at a later date or later breach.

 

             

              Terms and Conditions

1. Registration
   • It is the Customer’s responsibility to provide clear and accurate information to Dog Club on the Registration Form and any other documents that are provided to the Customer for completion. Changes or updates to the Registration Form must be put in writing to Dog Club.  Email updates are acceptable.  Dog Club shall be held harmless from claims where outdated written information is responsible for the incident, unless the company can be shown to be negligent.  
   • It shall be the sole responsibility of the Customer to inform Dog Club of their pet’s ongoing illnesses and medical conditions or significant illnesses and conditions that they have suffered in the past. Dog Club shall not be held liable for decisions that are made, or their subsequent outcomes based on an omission of information of their pet’s registration form.  In the event of a pet having a contagious illness or disease which has not been disclosed, the Customer may be liable for the costs of treatment given to other pets which become infected.
2. Vaccinations and Parasite Control
   • Dogs
     • Dogs that participate in group walks must be vaccinated in accordance with veterinary recommendation, including the vaccination for Leptospirosis. *Kennel Cough vaccination is preferred but is not mandatory*. 
     • Customers must provide Dog Club with evidence of the vaccination schedule by way of Vaccination Card or a letter / email from their Veterinary Practice.
     • Where titre testing is available and recommended by a Veterinary Professional as an alternative to vaccination, titre test results must be clearly summarised and contain a validation period of immunity (start and end date). Without a period of validity the titre test results may not be used as an alternative to vaccination. 
     • Dogs that are not vaccinated for medical reasons may be offered solo walks from the house as an alternative to group walks, which may incur an additional charge.
     • Dogs must be treated for worms and fleas. If fleas are found to be present, Dog Club shall contact the Customer immediately to arrange steps for remediation.  Customers accept that they will be responsible for the expense of removing transferred fleas from the Pet Sitter’s property and the dog walking vehicle (where the vehicles have been used).  The Emergency Contact shall be called to assist with care of any dogs if the presence of fleas makes the property unfit as overnight accommodation for the Pet Sitter.
   • Other Pets
     • Pets must be treated for fleas. If fleas are found to be present, Dog Club shall contact the Customer immediately to arrange steps for remediation.  Customers accept that they will be responsible for the expense of removing transferred fleas from the Pet Sitter’s property and their vehicle.  Dog Club reserves the right to convert the booking to regular home visits if the presence of fleas makes the property unfit as overnight accommodation for the Pet Sitter.

3. Infectious Diseases and Illness on Arrival
   • The Customer or the Customer’s Emergency Contact must arrange for the treatment of a pet should it be presenting the symptoms of an infectious disease or illness.
   • The Customer may be required to pay for additional infection containment items, such as disposable barrier clothing and shoe covers.
   • Dog Club reserves the right to refuse to supply the Services where those Services may put other pets at risk (in circumstances where there would be insufficient time to disinfect apparel before visiting the next Customer.
4. Aggression
   • The Customer agrees to inform Dog Club immediately should they see any signs of aggression in their pet.  The Customer agrees to act pertaining to the potential aggression in their pet by, at the very minimum, purchasing a muzzle or other similar item to restrict their pet's biting action (where appropriate for the type of pet). 
   • The Customer agrees that should Dog Club see unexpected signs of aggression in a pet whilst in their care, the company will contact the Customer and a plan made to address the aggression. This may include (where safe and appropriate) a visit to the vet. 
   • Where a remedy for aggression cannot be sought, Dog Club commits to continue to the provide the booked Services if adjustments can be made to the property or schedule to protect the Pet Sitter from injury and other harm. If the continuation of the Services places the Pet Sitter into unavoidable harm, the Customer must make alternative arrangements for the care of the pet within 24 (twenty four) hours of notification.  Dog Club shall continue to provide services to other pets within the home if the aggressive pet is removed for the remainder of the booking.
   • Aggressive dogs shall not be walked in public. A plan to address the aggression must be discussed and agreed by both parties prior to any walking service being resumed. 
5. Key Holding and Key Services
   • Dog Club will safeguard keys in a manner consistent with that of the professional dog walking and pet sitting service industry. Keys will be tagged via a coded system and stored in a manner which offers reasonable protection against the theft or loss of keys.
   • If Dog Club arrive and are unable to access the property with the key (scenarios including but not limited to; lock broken, key in back of the lock, key not in key safe as advised), all fees for the service on this day shall still be charged. Return visits to the property to address the issue shall incur additional charges.  All efforts to access the home and the pets within shall me made, with help and guidance from the nominated Emergency Contact. 
   • Requests for keys to be returned or left at the property in the Customer’s absence must be put in writing. Dog Club shall not be responsible for the safety of any keys posted through the letterbox or left at a 'safe location' if this is requested by the Customer.  Should a Customer not wish to take advantage of the Key Holding Service, further collections are charged at £10.  Customers may deliver the keys to the Dog Club premises in advance of Service commencement at no additional cost.
   • Emergency visits to deliver keys are charged at £10 between 8am and 6pm, £25 between 6pm and 10pm, and £75 between 10pm and 8am. Dog Club shall make all reasonable endeavours to deliver keys as quickly as possible but cannot guarantee to be available to deliver keys on the same day.
6. Death or Loss of a Beloved Pet
   • Dog Club agree to provide a professional and reliable service to their customers. All animals under the care of Dog Club will be given the full care and attention needed to make their experience both fun and safe.  Customers however, must accept that occasionally accidents or illness may occur in such a manner that can neither be foreseen nor prevented by Dog Club. Dog Club shall be held harmless in the event of the loss or death of a pet unless Dog Club can be shown to be negligent.
   • Dog Club shall use all reasonably practicable measures to prevent the loss of death of a pet in their care. Claims against the company, where negligence is proven, shall be settled within the boundaries of the company’s business insurance policy.
   • In the event of the temporary or permanent loss of a pet, Dog Club shall contact the customer immediately to apprise of the situation and agree next steps. If a Customer is not contactable, the Customers nominated Emergency Contact shall be used.
7. Customer Complaints
   • Customer complaints must be received in writing within 14 (fourteen) calendar days of the end of the service which has triggered the complaint. Dog Club shall respond to the Customer within 14 (fourteen) calendar days of receipt of the complaint.  Dog Club shall use all reasonably practical measures to resolve the issue, and discussions about the complaint are made in good faith.   
8. Provisions
   • Customers will supply sufficient food, bedding, toilet and cleaning products for their pets as is necessary for the duration of the Service. Where supplies are inadequate or missing, Dog Club will contact the Customer and agree a method to resolve the issue.  Any agreed costs incurred by Dog Club shall be reimbursed by the Customer on their return.
9. Housekeeping and Security
   • Dog Club will properly dispose of pet waste during the Service period, as determined on the Registration Form completed by the Customer.
   • Dog Club shall do everything that is reasonably practical to clean up after Customer’s pets during the period of Service. Whilst all reasonable efforts will be made, Dog Club cannot be held liable or responsible for any stains, marks or damage caused by the pet’s behaviour or the attempts to clean it.
   • Any damage to the property or possessions of the Customer caused by the pet shall be notified to the Customer at the earliest opportunity.
   • The Customer shall advise Dog Club of anyone who will access their property during a period of Service, including but not limited to cleaning services, maintenance personnel, friends, family and neighbours. In the event that damage occurs to the Customer’s possessions or property or in the event of loss or injury of the Customer’s pet during a Service period where additional parties are able to access the premises, Dog Club shall be held harmless from all damage and loss claims unless Dog Club can be shown to be negligent.
   • The Customer shall advise Dog Club of anyone who will be staying overnight in property during a period of Service. Dog Club reserves the right to refuse to conduct the overnight portion of the Services in the event that another party is staying in the property during the period of the Services.  The Customer shall not be entitled to any reimbursement of fees in this event.
   • Dog Club requires the Customer to leave their property in a secure condition. The Customer shall hold Dog Club harmless from claims for loss or damage in the event that windows are left open or doors unlocked by the Customer.
   • Dog Club agrees to leave the property in the same level of cleanliness than that at arrival. The Customer agrees to make available cleaning materials and equipment to enable the cleaning of the property during the period of the Services.
   • The Customer accepts and confirms that CCTV within the home is for the surveillance of their pets and not for the surveillance of the Pet Sitter. In rooms where the Pet Sitter shall sit and relax within the home, CCTV shall not be trained on seating and shall be trained on the areas where the pets rest, such as pet beds.
   • The Customer accepts and confirms that the Pet Sitter shall have reasonable expectations to privacy in rooms such as the bathroom and the room that they sleep or change clothes in, and that internal CCTV is not present in these rooms (or is switched off). The Customer agrees that where CCTV equipment cannot be removed or disconnected in these rooms, it may be covered to afford the Pet Sitter adequate privacy. 
10. Pet Sitter Accommodation
    • The Customer shall designate a bedroom for the Pet Sitter to use whilst providing the Services. The Customer shall leave sufficient bedding for the bed to be changed as agreed in the Overnight Pet Sitter Registration and Consent form.
    • It is agreed that the Pet Sitter shall have access to all rooms within the property and all appliances within the home unless specified otherwise on the Overnight Pet Sitter Registration and Consent form.
    • The Customer agrees to leave the property in a clean and tidy condition for the Pet Sitter’s arrival. The use of bed linen and towels must be covered in the Registration Form. 
    • There must be access to sufficient hot water and a reasonable heating level within the property for the Pet Sitter to be clean and comfortable. Where heating is not sufficient for the current climate, the business reserves the right to use portable electric heaters to supplement the heating system within the property. 
11. Dog Walking Offered as Part of Overnight Pet Sitting
    • The Customer agrees that dogs will routinely be walked on a lead, and only walked off-lead if written and signed consent is given by the Customer. 
    • The Customer agrees, understands and accepts that dogs may be walked in groups, but will always be accompanied by sufficient Dog Walkers as to remain in control of all dogs present.  Dog Club commit that dogs identified as nervous or 'not dog friendly' will not be walked in groups.
    • Customers must provide a collar and lead (plus harness if used) that correctly fits the dog and is fit for purpose and is in a good state of repair. The dog must have a Customer ID tag attached to either their collar or harness to be able to join walks.
    • For safety and insurance reasons, Dog Club will not walk dogs on extendible / retractable leads and will use their own equipment if this is all that is provided.
    • The Customer understands and agrees that females in season will not be walked away from the home, and that Dog Club shall not be held responsible for the unsolicited behaviour of un-neutered or un-spayed dogs, or for the dogs around them, unless the company can be shown to be negligent.  Issues regarding unwanted pregnancy are the responsibility of the Customer and the affected third party.  Where possible females in season will be offered enrichment activities within the home until the season is finished.

 

This is Version <1.0> of this Service Agreement.  [All previous versions have been superseded].  In signing this Agreement, both parties acknowledge they are legally authorised and entitled to do so, they fully understand and accept the terms (having taken legal advice if they consider it appropriate or necessary) and agree to be bound by the terms.

Dog Walking Registration Form

 

Pet Visit Registration Form

 

I offer pet sitting in your own home in Sidmouth, and some local areas, fitting around my working hours.

Weekends
From 6pm on a Friday, through the weekend to 8am on Mondays, I rarely have work booked in, so I can take your dog/s on longer walks. I charge £45 a night, £5 extra per dog.

Weekdays

If your dog is a Dog Club Member who walks with me at least once a week already, then I will take them on any group walks that I think are suitable for them (and the other dogs in the groups), and where I have the capacity. Any normal booked-in walks are charged at the normal group walk fee, any additional group walks that I may take them on would be free of charge. 
If your dog/s does not already walk with us then I will walk them in the morning and evening for a toilet break. If you would like additional walks then these can be booked and charged at the normal rate, depending on available spaces for that day.

I charge £40 a night for 1 dog. Any additional dogs are charged at £5 per night extra. My sits start at 4pm on the day, if you require an earlier start at the beginning of the sit please kindly contact me to discuss so that this can be arranged.

Additional small pet care is included and any house requirements such as watering plants, putting bins out etc. Some additional animals such as Chickens, Ducks, Parrots etc may incur an additional fee.

A 25% non refundable deposit is required 2 months prior to stay to secure the dates, remaining payment due date before first date of stay. If booked further in advance, dates will be pencilled in until deposit is due for payment and booking confirmed.