Terms & conditions

§ 01Bookings & cancellation

Bookings can be made by phone, text, WhatsApp, email or Facebook message. A free meet & greet is required before any booking is confirmed so that I can assess your dog and make sure we're a good fit.

I ask for at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellation or change to a scheduled walk. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at the full rate. I understand that emergencies happen, and I will always use my discretion for genuine unforeseen circumstances.

If I need to cancel a walk for any reason (illness, family emergency, extreme weather), I will let you know as soon as possible and no charge will apply.

§ 02Payment terms

For ad-hoc and occasional walks, payment is due within 7 days of the walk by bank transfer. Bank details will be provided on request.

For regular weekly clients, walks will be invoiced weekly or monthly by agreement, payable by bank transfer within 7 days of invoice date.

Late payment may result in further walks being suspended until the outstanding balance is cleared.

§ 03Vaccinations & health

Before any walks can take place, I require confirmation that your dog is:

• Up to date with all core vaccinations (including kennel cough if joining group walks)
• Up to date with flea, tick and worm treatments
• Microchipped and wearing a collar with an ID tag, as required by UK law
• In good general health and not showing signs of contagious illness

If your dog develops any health issue, I ask that you let me know before the next walk. Dogs showing signs of contagious illness will not be walked in groups until fully recovered.

§ 04Off-lead walking

Off-lead walking will only take place with your explicit written consent, and only once I am confident in your dog's recall and behaviour around other dogs and people. A consent form will be completed at or after the meet & greet.

If at any time I have concerns about your dog's recall or behaviour, I reserve the right to keep them on a lead or long line for their safety and for the safety of others. While every reasonable precaution will be taken, I cannot accept liability for dogs that run off, become injured, or cause injury while off-lead if recall is known to be unreliable.

§ 05Emergency vet care

In the unlikely event that your dog becomes unwell or injured during a walk, I will attempt to contact you immediately. If you cannot be reached and urgent treatment is required, I am authorised by you (on booking) to seek emergency veterinary treatment on your behalf.

Where possible, I will take your dog to your registered vet. If this is not practical, I will use the nearest available vet. All veterinary fees incurred are the responsibility of the owner and must be reimbursed promptly.

I am DogSafe Canine First Aid certified and carry a fully stocked first aid kit on every walk.

§ 06Weather conditions

Walks will go ahead in most weather — rain, wind and cold are all part of proper Dartmoor life. However, in extreme heat, severe storms, heavy snow or when an amber/red weather warning is in place, I may at my discretion:

• Shorten the walk to a safer length
• Move to a secure field session instead of an open moor walk
• Provide a drop-in visit (comfort break, water, play) instead of a full walk
• Cancel the walk entirely if conditions are genuinely unsafe

You will be informed of any changes as soon as possible, and no charge will apply if I cancel for safety reasons.

§ 07Keys & home access

If I am collecting your dog from home in your absence, you may provide me with a key or key safe code. Keys are stored securely and are never labelled with your name, address or any identifying information.

I will take reasonable care when entering and leaving your property. Please ensure the property is left secure (alarm information, lock preferences) as agreed at the meet & greet.

§ 08Photos & social media

I often share photos of the dogs in my care on Facebook, Instagram and other social media, because a happy dog on a walk is lovely to see and helps my business grow. By default, I will ask you at the meet & greet whether you are happy for photos of your dog to be shared.

You may withdraw this consent at any time by letting me know. No photos will ever identify you, your home, or your child(ren).

§ 09Liability & insurance

I hold full public liability insurance and am DogSafe Canine First Aid certified. Every reasonable precaution will be taken to keep your dog safe during walks.

You remain the legal owner of your dog and are responsible for any damage or injury caused by your dog to a third party, their property or other animals, in line with the Animals Act 1971 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. I cannot accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising from the behaviour of a dog in my care, except where caused by my own negligence.

Clients are strongly advised to maintain their own pet insurance covering veterinary treatment, third-party liability and theft.

§ 10Data protection

Any personal information you provide (name, address, phone, email, vet details, emergency contacts) will be used solely for the purpose of providing dog walking services and contacting you about your booking. Your data will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Records will be kept securely and only for as long as necessary. You have the right to request a copy of the data I hold on you, to have it corrected, or to have it deleted — please contact me directly to do so.

§ 11Changes to these terms

These terms and conditions may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page, with the "last updated" date shown at the top. Any significant changes will be communicated to regular clients by email or message before taking effect.

§ 12Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English and Welsh courts.