Terms & Conditions

1. Keys & Access Policy

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Key Collection

 

• Keys can be collected during the initial meet-and-greet or by prior arrangement.

• If using a keysafe, the code must be provided in advance and tested for functionality.

• Please inform me of any alarms or security systems and provide instructions to arm/disarm them.

 

Key Labelling & Identification

 

• Keys are tagged with the dog’s name — no addresses or personal information.

• All keys are catalogued and securely logged in a confidential key list.

 

Storage & Transportation

 

• Keys are stored at my residence when not in use.

• During working hours, keys may be carried on my person or kept in a lockable vehicle compartment, depending on what is safest.

 

Keysafe Requirements

 

• Keysafes should be in an accessible, well-lit area and maintained free of debris or rust.

• Owners are responsible for faulty or broken keysafes and must notify me of any code changes immediately.

 

Lost or Stolen Keys

 

• Owners will be notified immediately.

• I will cover replacement key or locksmith costs if necessary.

• If security is compromised, I will support and cover lock changes.

• A full incident report will be provided, and measures reviewed to prevent recurrence.

 

 

2. Property Condition

 

• Your home will be left in the same condition as found unless specific instructions are given.

• At the end of our relationship, all keys will be returned in person or via tracked post as agreed.

• You may retrieve your key at any time with prior notice.

 

 

3. Off-Lead Consent & Walk Behaviour

 

• Dogs are only allowed off-lead with express consent and reliable recall.

• Recall must be demonstrated over three consecutive walks while on a longline before off-lead privileges are granted.

• Recall will be tested in various environments with distractions.

• If recall is inconsistent, dogs remain on a longline or short lead until re-evaluated.

 

Dogs with unreliable recall:

 

• Will be walked on a Flexi, long line or short lead for safety.

• While every effort is made to ensure safety, animals are inherently unpredictable and there is always a small risk involved.

 

 

4. Group Walks

 

• Group walks are naturally more energetic and may result in dogs becoming muddier.

• Cleaning supplies, towels, dry shampoo, and a portable shower will be used to clean dogs to a reasonable standard.

• Lighter-colored dogs may show more visible dirt. Towels should be left out for use, especially in wet weather.

• If dogs are very dirty, protective blankets or towels will be used to protect your furniture.

 

 

5. Injuries & Emergencies

 

• Minor scratches or bumps may occur during group play and are considered normal. I am not liable for minor injuries.

• Medical Emergency:

  • I will contact you immediately; if unreachable, your emergency contact will be called.

  • If neither can be reached, I will act in the dog’s best interest.

  • My insurance covers emergency vet costs unless related to pre-existing conditions.

• Aggressive behaviour resulting in injury may lead to immediate removal from walks and termination of services. Owners are responsible for any vet costs or damages caused by their dog.

 

Pre-Existing Conditions: Owners must disclose medical or behavioural issues prior to care.
Flea/Tick Control: Dogs must be up-to-date on prevention; House of K9 is not responsible for infestations resulting from lack of treatment.

 

6. Behaviour Assessment & Safety Policy

 

• All dogs must be temperament-assessed prior to joining group walks.

• Dogs showing aggression or unsafe behaviours may be removed immediately.

• Safety of all dogs and myself is a top priority; I reserve the right to refuse or terminate services for dogs that present a risk.

 

 

7. Insurance & Liability

 

• House of K9 is fully insured for dog walking and pet care.

• Liability is limited to the terms outlined in this agreement.

• I am not responsible for incidents arising from pre-existing medical conditions, behavioural unpredictability, or failure to disclose relevant information.

 

 

8. Payment Terms

 

• Ad-Hoc Clients: Invoices sent before walks take place.

• Monthly Clients: Invoices sent last Friday of the month, due following Monday 5pm.

• Late payments may result in temporary suspension of services. Repeated late payments may require full payment in advance.

 

 

9. Cancellations, Attendance & Holding Fees

Cancellations:

 

• Minimum 48-hour notice required to avoid charges.

• Late cancellations (<48 hours) incur 50% of the walk rate unless due to emergency.

• Same-day cancellations or no-shows are charged at full rate.

 

Attendance Requirement:

 

• Dogs on regular schedules must attend at least 50% of walks each month to maintain their reserved spot.

• Missed walks beyond this incur a £5 holding fee per walk.

 

Cancellations by Me:

 

• Clients will be notified as soon as possible if I need to cancel due to illness, weather, or emergencies. Alternative arrangements will be offered where possible.

 

 

10. Leads & Equipment

 

• I use a combination of my own equipment and client-provided items.

• Unsafe leads or harnesses will be replaced with suitable alternatives.

• Lost leads will be replaced with a similar value item (up to £15).

 

 

11. Hot Weather Policy

 

• Walks are replaced with drop-ins or moved to earlier morning, shaded walks with access to water when temperatures exceed 24°C (dog & breed dependant)

• Forecasts are monitored, and clients notified in advance.

• Walks may be shortened or rescheduled to prevent overheating.

• Fresh water and collapsible bowls are always carried.

 

 

12. Water Access

 

• Outdoor taps may be used for cleaning dogs; indoor taps may be used to fill water bottles or operate the portable shower.

• Clients should inform me if certain taps should not be used.

 

 

13. Wet Weather Adjustment

 

• Extra cleaning may be required in muddy conditions, potentially reducing walk time by up to 5 minutes.

• Towels should be provided for drying.

• Please leave out coats/equafleeces if you would prefer your dog walked in these.

 

 

14. Lost Dog Policy

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Initial Response:

 

• Search begins immediately with other dogs secured if necessary.

• Owner is contacted if the dog is missing for more than 10 minutes.

 

Continued Search:

 

• Route retraced, hiding spots checked, local contacts enlisted if possible.

• Other dogs secured safely while search continues.

 

If Not Found:

 

• Local vets, dog wardens, and rescue centres notified.

• Social media alerts may be posted with owner permission.

• Regular updates and a detailed incident log provided.

 

 

15. Force Majeure / Emergency Clause

 

• In cases of extreme weather, illness, or other unforeseen events, services may be modified, rescheduled, or cancelled.

• I will communicate promptly and provide alternatives where possible.

• House of K9 is not liable for events beyond reasonable control that affect service delivery.

 

 

16. Photos & Updates

 

• Daily updates, photos, and notes will be provided unless opted out.

• Photos may be used for promotional purposes unless requested otherwise.

 

 

17. Data & Privacy

 

• All personal information, including your contact details, dog information, and property access instructions, is stored securely and used only for providing House of K9 services.

• Information will never be shared with third parties without your consent, except where legally required.

• Digital records are protected, and physical records (such as keys or notes) are kept safely and confidentially.

• You can request access to, correction, or deletion of your personal data at any time.