Legal Notice

Terms of Business

These Terms of Business are the standard terms which apply to the D.O.G.E. walking company. Please read them carefully and ensure that you understand and agree to them. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Any reference to ‘us’, ‘we’ or ‘our’ means your the D.O.G.E. walking company.
Any reference to ‘Form’ means the ‘Your Details’ Form, used to book a Service from us.
Any reference to ‘Service’ means a pet service detailed by the D.O.G.E. walking company which you have booked.

Contract & Order

a. These ‘Terms of Business’, the Form and the ‘Service Agreement’ forms our Contract and Agreement with you.

b. When (but not before) you have returned the signed Form a legally binding Contract between you and us is created for us to provide a Services detailed on the Form and for you to pay for the Service.

c. Each time you wish to order a new Service you must complete a new Form, either by emailing us or by complete our online booking.

d. No Service will be confirmed until we have conducted a visit to your property and met with your pet.

2. Price

a. The price of the Service will be the price detailed on our branch website at the time of booking the Service.

b. All prices are

2.b.1 In Pound Sterling (£), and

2.b.2 Include VAT unless otherwise stated.

c. We take all reasonable care to ensure that the price of the Service stated on our website are correct and up to date.

d. We will notify you in writing with notice of 14 days of any price increase. You may cancel the service within 7 days of this notice if you are unhappy with the price increase.

3. Payment

a. We will invoice you for the Service provided.

b. You must pay each invoice within 7 days of receiving it.

c. We accept the following methods of payment:

3.c.1 BACS; and

3.c.2 Cheque.

d. If payment is made by cheque, the cheque must clear within 14 days of the invoice date.

e. We reserve the right to pass on the bank’s administrative fees for processing the cheque, in addition to the cost of the service.

f. If you do not pay an invoice by the due date we may:

3.f.1 Send you reminder letters charged at £10 per letter until the debt is paid off.

3.f.2 Suspend your walking schedule until debt is paid off

g. If you have promptly contacted Us to dispute an invoice in good faith, we will not charge interest while such a dispute is ongoing.

h. We can recover our costs for recovering late or non-payments. You will be responsible for paying the costs we incur in recovering, or attempting to recover, any unpaid fees or supplemental charges from you (including reasonable legal costs being costs that would be allowable by the courts if judgment was made in the D.O.G.E. Walking Company's favour).

Payment terms 
Any Payments must be made in full before a walk. Deposits can be made to reserve bookings and can be refunded if appointments are canceled. If you have regular bookings and a weekly payment schedule, the payments must be made before the beginning of the weeks walks. If for any reason an appointment could not be made, the paid amount can be either refunded or used towards another walk (dependant on cancelation/termination circumstances). If a payment is missed or late by 7 days we will not continue walks until debt has been cleared.

4. Our Services

a. We will provide the Service in accordance with the specification set out in the Form (as may be amended by agreement between you and us from time to time) and in the Service Agreement.

b. We will begin to provide the Service on the agreed start date and will continue to provide the Services until the Contract is terminated by you or us in accordance with these Terms of Business.

c. All Services are subject to availability. We’ll confirm availability before your Service begins.

5. Problems with Our Service

We always use reasonable efforts to ensure that our provision of the Services is trouble-free. If however there is a problem with the Services, we request that you inform us as soon as is reasonably possible. We will use reasonable efforts to remedy problems with the Services as quickly as is reasonably possible and practical.

6. Complaints and Feedback

We always welcome feedback from our customers and, while we always use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that your experience as a customer of ours is a positive one, we nevertheless want to hear from you if you have any cause for complaint.

If you wish to complain about any aspect of your dealings with us, please contact us by email or telephone.

7. Your Rights to Cancel a Pet Service

a. Dog walks and pop-in visits must be cancelled with at least two working days’ notice.

b. Cancellations need to be made by email, phone call or text

c. If you cancel outside the notice period detailed in this Clause 7, we have the right to charge you in full for the service.

8. Events Outside of Our Control (Force Majeure)

We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations under the Contract where the failure or delay results from any cause that is beyond our reasonable control. Such causes include, but are not limited to: power failure, internet service provider failure, strikes, lock-outs or other industrial action by third parties, riots and other civil unrest, fire, explosion, flood, storms, earthquakes, subsidence, acts of terrorism (threatened or actual), acts of war (declared, undeclared, threatened, actual or preparations for war), epidemic or other natural disaster, or any other event that is beyond our reasonable control.

9. Other Important Terms

a. We may from time to time change these Terms of Business without giving you notice.

b. We endeavour to provide you with consistency and use the same employee for the services you order, however we may freely assign, sub-contract or otherwise transfer in whole or in part the Contract to an employee or worker.

c. In the event that your walks are cancelled we will advise and recommend alternative dog walkers.

d. If any provision of the Service Agreement or these Terms of Business is held by any Court to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part the validity of the other provisions of the Contract and the remainder of the provision in question will not be affected.

e. When using our website, please refer to our website user conditions. We may provide links to other, third party websites on our website. These links are for your information only and do not constitute any endorsement of any third-party products, services or information and you acknowledge and accept that any reliance upon such information shall be at your own risk.

f. All intellectual property belonging to A J Reynolds of The D.O.G.E. Walking Company (including, without limitation, any information, documentation and/or materials produced in connection with the Services) are and shall remain fully vested in us. Nothing in these Terms shall grant to you any rights to, or in, patents, copyrights, database rights, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks (whether registered or unregistered), or any other rights or licences in respect of the Services. 

g. We shall hold and process your data in accordance with The General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679. See our Privacy Policy.

h. The views and/or opinions expressed by any of our employees (including, without limitation, any training personnel) during the provision of the Services (or otherwise) may not represent our views and/or opinions and we shall have no liability to you or any third party (whether in contract, tort, negligence or otherwise and howsoever arising) for any loss, damage, suffering, costs and/or expenses incurred resulting from the expression of such views and/or opinions by our employees.

i. We appreciate that customers may have CCTV or smart doorbells in their homes. We request that staff are not recorded in bathrooms or  during a visit or pick up service.  

10. Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Business, the Agreement, and the relationship between you and us (whether contractual or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England & Wales.

Service Agreement

Please read them carefully and ensure that you understand and agree to them. If you have any questions, please contact us.

The Agreement

Any reference to ‘us’, ‘we’ or ‘our’ means The D.O.G.E. Walking Company.

Any reference to ‘you’ is its natural meaning: you the customer.

Any reference to ‘Service’ means a pet service detailed at http://www.thedogewalkingcompany.co.uk which you have booked.

(1) We provide pet care services to customers pets and we have the reasonable skill, knowledge and experience in this field.

(2) You wish to engage our services as set out in this Agreement, the Terms of Business and the ‘Service Information Order Form’ (“Form”), subject to the terms.

(3) We agree to provide the Service to you on the following terms. This Agreement, the Terms of Business and the ‘Service Information Order Form’ (“Form”) constitute a Contract between us and you.

Photography terms 

Photo sesions can be booked as package deals or bespoke. Once an agreement is made for a shoot this should not be changed without prior permission from the photographer and it must be made in writing 1 week ahead of the shoot. Digital copies are supplied as JPG files unless specified. Images are downloadable from a Google Drive account supplied after the shoot, these are stored for up to 6 months for reprints. 

Photo sessions are conducted at open locations (sometimes with long lines if required) which means the general public will have access to the space therefore we must act accordingly and respectfully. You the owner are solely responsible for yourself and your dog's well-being on a shoot. The Photographer/ dog-walker is not to be held responsible for any; loss/damage of personal possessions, injuries to dogs, injuries to themselves (the customer) or for cancelations due to weather.  We are full insured for worst case scenarios.   

For photography visits the customer should make whatever allowances are needed to facilitate the shoot. We do accept responsibility for any damage or injury to personal possessions or individuals caused by pets in the home during a photoshoot.  

Cancelation terms: 

• Either party may cancel a shoot Contract a minimum of 24 hours prior to the session/visit without incurring penalties or damages. 
• Cancellation by the Customer of scheduled shoot with less than 24 hours notice may be charged /loose deposit unless rescheduled at the discretion of the Photographer. 
• Cancellation by the photographer with less than 24 hrs notice will gift the Owner with a replacement session or a refund. 
• Should any dog become aggressive or dangerous, the photographer may terminate this photoshoot with immediate effect.

Payment terms - To ensure a booking is made we ask for a deposit to be paid ahead of the shoot to cover step up costs. This is refundable if canceled a week in advance. Invoices are sent by Email. Payments must be made in full to receive any images or products after completion of the photo session. Payments can be made either by BAC's, Transfer, Card or Cash.

Photos taken on phones are for walk documenting (report cards) only and not intended for display use.

Monthly free shots are subject to change if enough photos are unavailable.

Prints that are free are not subject to return or exchange. 

Prices are subject to change, any deposit made will lock in a price for 72 hours prior to contract signing.

Photography is styled at the discretion of the photographer/artist (AJReynolds) as should not be brought into question unless specific requirements are made.

We must be informed of any issues with prints or printed products within 48 hours of collection or delivery. Products outsourced ( not made 'in-house') will likely have a warranty to a minimum term provided by UK law for returns and exchanges. Any issues outside this time are subject to re-purchase or cancelation. We will only exchange or return goods that have not been accidentally damaged by either the customer or in transit. We will only replace items or products with a manufacturing issue. Any issues with colour, style, editing or image adjustments must be mentioned prior to production and will only be changed if the artist (AJReynolds) feels it necessary.

Agreements are arranged ahead of walks and details can be changed 24 hours ahead of a shoot. Weather or adverse conditions can change booking arrangements for photography shoots outdoors. These are subject to changes in date and location at the walkers/photographers choice. Photographs are the property of the photographer and standard copyright laws apply ‘All rights reserved’. Some media is used for advertising purposes unless specified by the Owner. All images and designs created by Antony J Reynolds are in the ownership of A J Reynolds & the D.O.G.E.Walking Company and can be used as required by the company. Any breach of copyright or stolen artwork digital or physical can result in court action.

The D.O.G.E. Walking Company is not responsible for any injuries sustained from products/prints in a customers own home and the customer is solely responsible for the appropriate hanging or display of products.

What we will do for you

1. We agree to provide our services in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner.

2. Provide you with our full details in the Form, including; address, branch name, contacts details and Vat number (if applicable).

What you agree to do

3. You agree to pay the rates that are in effect at the time your pet is in our care.

4. Cancellation or Early Termination 

• Either party may terminate this Dog Walking Contract a minimum of 24 hours prior to the first scheduled visit without incurring penalties or damages. 
• Cancellation by the Owner of scheduled walks with less than 24 hrs notice may be charged at the full rate or rescheduled at the discretion of the Walker. 
• Cancellation by the Walker with less than 24 hrs notice will gift the Owner with a replacement walk and a free walk as way of apology. 
• Should any dog become aggressive or dangerous, the Walker may terminate this dog walking contract with immediate effect. 
• Any wrongful or misleading information in the Pet and Owner's information sheets may constitute a breach of terms of this Dog Walking Contract and be grounds for instant termination thereof. 

5. You agree to provide us with all information necessary for the satisfactory performance of our services, including any dietary, nutritional or exercise requirements of the pet and any other instructions for the wellbeing of the animal.

6. You are responsible for supplying any necessary, safe equipment, medication, food and supplies needed for the care of your animals.

7. You agree to provide keys, or arrange for keys to be available, for the appointment. If the provided key does not work, or an incorrect key is supplied, you authorise us to obtain keys or access from emergency contacts, landlords or using a locksmith. Keys are looked after with high importance and kept in a safe when not used. The Walker will return the key post cancellation within 7 days. The Walker will respect the wishes of the owner regarding entering and exiting the home. The owner agrees to the use of mains water supply for the dog water bowl post walk.
8. You agree to provide us with an emergency contact person who will be available, and can make decisions about your home, pet and property, in your absence.

9. In case of an emergency, every effort will be made by us to contact the emergency contact person. If we are unable to get hold of anyone, we will then phone the local vet for specific advice regarding your pet.  Subject to the advice we may then contact a locksmith/emergency services. You accept responsibility for any charges related to this.

10. You authorise us to obtain any emergency veterinary care that may be necessary during the time spent with your pet. We will make every effort to contact you prior to obtaining emergency care. You also authorise us to utilise an alternative veterinarian in the event your regular veterinarian is unavailable, doesn’t operate an out of hours service or cannot be reached. If you cannot be reached in the case of an emergency, you authorise the sitter to act on your behalf to authorise any treatment (excluding euthanasia) and assume full responsibility upon your return for payment and/or reimbursement for all veterinary services rendered.

11. You authorise us to obtain veterinary care to treat an existing or new medical condition or health issue. We will make every effort to contact you prior to obtaining care for any medical or surgical treatment . You accept responsibility for any charges related to this care. You agree to reimburse us for any additional fees for providing emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred for unexpected visits, transportation, housing, equipment, food, access or supplies. We may also contact our external 24/7 veterinary support provider for advice, where appropriate. This service is included as part of our duty of care and does not carry any additional charge to you, even if we are unable to reach you beforehand.

12. You will be responsible for any medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to persons or animals by the pet.

13. You agree to indemnify us in the event of a claim by any other person injured by the pet.

14. Upon termination of your contract with us, for a period of 6 months you agree not to contact any member of our staff (past or present) requesting them to provide pet care services.

Your Pet

15. We require that your pet should be up to date with all vaccinations, worm and flea treatments. If your pet has a parasitic infection your pet will be treated, in consultation with your vet, and you will be responsible for reimbursing the cost.

16.If agreed to by the Owner, the Walker has permission to walk the dog(s) off lead. Only advised if the Owner has done recall training to a confidant standard. By doing so, the Walker agrees to only walk the dog(s) off lead at safe and appropriate times and places. 

17.Collections & Drop offs are done at flexible times to allow for different pick ups and walks. We aim to spend no more than a few minutes at a home picking up and dropping off. Travel times are not included in walk times. A harness must be worn for car travel for safety purposes.

18.Dogs are limited to 4 per pack. If a dog does not get on with the pack, they will need to be reassessed and possibly solo walked until behaviour has improved. Small dogs are not recommended to be walked with large breeds due to risk of injury.

19. We are unable to walk females that are in season but we can provide visits instead.

20. Pets must have pet insurance that covers for illness, accident or loss while you are away, or a third party is caring for your pet.

21. Unfortunately, we are unable to carry out any pet care service if your dog is a banned breed.

22. We reserve the right to terminate this contract at any time if we or the employee, in his/her sole discretion determines that the owner’s animal poses a danger to the health or safety of itself, other pets, other people, or the employee. If concerns prevent the employee from caring for the pet, the owner authorises the animal to be placed in the care of another, with all charges (including but not limited to transportation, housing, tranquilising, treating, accessing, and liability) to be the responsibility of the owner.

23. The D.O.G.E. Walking Company has a strict no-aggression policy for the safety of our team, clients, and the public. We are unable to provide care for any dog that has ever shown, or currently shows, any signs of aggression towards people or other animals. This includes, but is not limited to, biting, lunging, excessive reactivity, or any behaviour that could pose a risk. By using our services, you confirm that your pet has no history of aggression and does not require any legal restrictions such as a muzzle order, community protection notice (CPN), or community protection warning (CPW). If a pet in our care displays aggressive behaviour, services will be terminated immediately, and the customer will be liable for any associated costs or damages.

24. We reserve the right to cancel, shorten, or offer an alternative service in extreme weather conditions at short notice. These extreme weather conditions may include, but are not limited to, excessive heat, torrential rain, thunderstorms, and snow or ice. We will make reasonable efforts to notify affected customers as soon as possible and provide alternative arrangements if feasible.

Our Liability

25. We do not accept responsibility for security of your premises, or loss, during the term of this agreement. During all assignments our employees will only undertake pet care, unless prearranged with you.

26. If you have given permission for your dog to be walked off lead you will not hold us, or any of our staff, liable for damage, loss or injury if your dog runs away.

27. We are not responsible for damage caused by a pet escaping because of a faulty lead, collar or harness, or equipment that is not properly fitting.

28. We cannot be held responsible for any loss of pets if they have access to an open cat flap/window/door within their own home.

29. We shall not be held responsible for any damage to your property, or that of others, caused by your pets during the period in which they are in our care.

30. You understand that there is always a risk of injury to a dog, especially when other dogs are present. You agree not to hold The D.O.G.E Walking Company, or their staff, liable for any illness, injury or incident whilst in the care of The D.O.G.E. Walking Company.

31. You understand that there is always a risk of illness, injury or incident to a pet when left at home. You agree not to hold The D.O.G.E. Walking Company, or their staff, liable for any illness, injury or incident whilst in the care of The D.O.G.E. Walking Company and in between visits.

32. We shall not be held responsible for injury or illness to your pet if you fail to remove hazards or dangers from your home.

33. We shall not be held liable for any injuries that pets may sustain while being transported by us. This includes injuries that are direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential, which may arise during transportation. You acknowledge that there are risks involved in pet transportation and agree to assume all responsibility for the risks associated with the transportation of your pet. We commit to handling all pets in line with animal safety guidelines contained within our standard transportation policy and bicycle transportation policy.

34. The Owner will not blame and payback the Walker against any and all costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and claims arising from said dogs behaviour unless the dog walker is wilful or negligent. 

35. The Walker warrants to keep safe and confidential all keys, remote control entry devices, access codes and personal information of the Owner and to return same to the Owner at the end of the contract period or immediately upon demand. Body cameras are worn for extra protection on walks, video is not continuous but activated when needed. All video and photo data is property of the Walker but will not be used without the permission of the owner ‘All rights reserved’.

36.You agree to notify us of any concerns within 24 hours after any appointment.

Termination

37. Termination on Notice. We may terminate this agreement for any reason on 5 business days’ notice to you. 

38. Termination for Material Breach. We may terminate this agreement with immediate effect by delivering notice of the termination to you, if you materially breach these terms and conditions , any of its obligations, covenants, or representations, and the failure or breach continues for a period of five business days after we deliver notice to you detailing the breach.

39. Termination for Insolvency. If either party becomes insolvent, bankrupt, or enters receivership, dissolution, or liquidation, either party may terminate this agreement with immediate effect

40. Personal data is kept confidential until the 1 month after the end of a contract after which it is destroyed. Basic contact details are kept (email/social media/tel) for marketing and advertising unless stated otherwise by the owner.  
 

Assignment 
No party may assign any of its rights or delegate or assign any of its obligations in terms of this Dog Walking Contract without the prior written consent of the other party, except where otherwise stated. 
 

Whole Agreement 
This Dog Walking Contract and Pet and Owner's information sheet(s) and the Veterinary Release Form (to be signed) constitute the sole and entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and the parties waive the right to rely on any alleged expressed or implied provision not contained therein. Any alteration to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. The Owner agrees to all pick up and drop off rules held by the walker and will provide all details and information about the dog to give the best possible care.