Client Responsibilities

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1. I agree to provide keys/ arrange for keys to be available/ to arrange for keys to be

left in a safe place for Doggy Steps dog walking services.

 

2. I authorise Doggy Steps to obtain any emergency veterinary care that may

be necessary during the time spent with my doggy. Every effort will be made to

contact the owner prior to obtaining emergency care. I accept responsibility

for any charges related to this emergency care. I authorise Doggy Steps to use

an alternative vet/care giver in the event that my regular vet is unavailable.

 

3. I agree to compensate Doggy Steps for any additional fees for providing

emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred for unexpected visits,

additional transportation costs and loss of income following cancellation of

clients.

 

4. I understand I will be responsible for any medical expenses and damages

resulting from an injury to the dog walker, other doggies or persons by my doggy.

I agree to cover all costs in the event of a claim by any person injured by my doggy.

I accept full liability for any loss or damage caused by my doggy whilst being walked.

 

5. I agree to notify Doggy Steps of any concerns or complaint within 24 hours of

any appointments.

 

6. I understand any misleading or false information may result in termination of

my dog walking agreement.

 

7. I understand I must state if my doggy shows aggression in any way. I understand

I must fully disclose any quality or characteristic problems which might make walking

my doggy unsafe. Doggy Steps will not care for or walk doggies that imperil their

safety or others.

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Doggy Steps Responsibilities

 

8. Doggy Steps agrees to provide the services stated in this agreement in a kind,

reliable and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an

express condition thereof, the client specially waives and relinquishes any and

all claims against Doggy Steps and its employees except those occurring from

the negligence of the dog walker.

 

9. Doggy Steps will abide by the dog walking industry standards and regulations

at all times.

 

10. Doggy Steps accepts no responsibility for security of the premises or loss if other

individuals have access to the home during the term of this agreement. During all

assignments, dog walking will only be carried out by Doggy Steps owner or

employees, unless alternative arrangements have been discussed and prearranged

with the client.

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We cannot be held liable for any theft or damage to your property or injury/illness to

your doggy unless we can be shown to be negligent.

 

11. Doggy Steps will not let any doggy off his/her lead unless the owner has given

written consent.

 

12. If unforeseen circumstances occur when Doggy Steps cannot attend to your

pet's needs due to illness etc, you will be notified straight away.

 

13. Doggy Steps is not responsible for damage sustained by a doggy escaping or

"becoming loose" because of a faulty lead, harness or collar or a collar or harness

that is not properly fitted or of sub quality.

 

14. Doggy Steps will not be liable for unsecured escape routes in the clients home

or garden.

 

15. Doggy Steps will not be liable for the injury, disappearance, death, fines or

theft of any doggy with unsupervised access to the outdoors.

 

16. It is clearly understood that Doggy Steps shall not be held responsible for any

damage to the clients property, or that of others, caused by the client's doggy.

The client has advised Doggy Steps of all situations, which will relieve it of

liability for damage.

 

17. This agreement is valid for all future walks until a new agreement is signed.

Doggy Steps reserve the right to terminate this agreement at any time without

reason, at its sole discretion.

The client may terminate this agreement at any time with 14 days notice before the

final booked date.

 

18. If CCTV cameras, internal cameras and alarms are used, Doggy Steps must

be made aware of these and appropriate instructions provided.

 

19. Doggy Steps agree to love and care for your doggy whilst in their care.

 

20. In case of an emergency Doggy Steps will contact the owner using the phone

numbers provided on the introduction forms. The owner will instruct the handler of

their preferred course of action. If for whatever reason the handler is unable to make

contact the owner directly, the emergency number from the introduction forms will

then be called. If no contact is made, the handler will then be authorised to

transport the doggy to their requested veterinary practice and seek medical care.

All costs to be paid by the owner.

 

21. Any extra supplies that may be required from Doggy Steps on board medical

supplies should be reimbursed along with fee for time.

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Cancellation Policy

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22. Permanent Slots

 

If permanent days are booked each week continuously, you will be paying for the

permanent slot whether it is used or not. Any cancellations will be at your

discretion and will still be chargeable. Less than 1 month's notice will be charge at

half rate. A maximum of 12 working days can be cancelled for a holiday, anything

over 12 days will be charged at a half rate to keep your slot open.

Term time only permanent slots are not offered by Doggy Steps.

 

23. Non Permanent Slots

 

Infrequent walks require a minimum notice of 1 week for cancellation, less than this

will still be chargeable.

 

Home Security

 

24. Doggy Steps will keep all house keys, key codes, security codes, and any

personal information from the client safe and confidential

 

25. All keys and the doggies personal items will be returned to the owner at

the end of the walk unless agreed otherwise.

 

26. Client must ensure that all keys provided are the correct ones before the

walk commences.

 

Cleaning

 

27. All doggies will have their feet and bellies cleaned before returning home,

unless advised otherwise by the owner.

 

28. Weather

 

Extreme Heat

When the weather is extremely hot and it's evident the doggies are struggling in

the heat, hour walks will be shortened accordingly. The visit will still be 1 hour

in duration, but the walk may be shortened to enable Doggy Steps to cool

the doggies down and make sure they are comfortable before leaving.

 

Excess rain and gale force winds

Walks will be normal unless winds are gale force, in this case, owners will be

informed that walks may have to be shortened in order for Doggy Steps to

reach all dogs booked in for walks due to traffic disruption.

 

Freezing, ice and snow

If the weather is below freezing and pathways are icy, walks may need to be

cancelled due to safety issues.

 

29. Dog Walker days off

14 days notice will be given for any days off the dog walker will be absent from

walks.

 

30. Leads and Harnesses

 

It is extremely importnat that suitable leads and harnesses are provided. If your

doggy pulls excessively, please provide a lead to cater for this. If suitable leads are

not provided appropriate leads owned by Doggy Steps will be used. If you do not

wish this to happen please inform the dog walker.

 

Payment

 

Invoices will be sent out 5-7 days before they are due to be paid on the 1st of each

month. This can be done by bank transfer only. Cash payments may be left weekly

on the first walk of the week. A reminder that the balance is due will be sent out to

all clients on the 1st of each month. If payment is late, without prior agreement

a late payment charge of £1 per day may be added to your invoice.