Terms & Conditions

1. General

1.1 All clients will be deemed to have accepted Witham Whiskers and Walks terms and conditions (as laid out here) on signature of the consent form.

1.2 Witham Whiskers and Walks will not confirm any booking until a meet and greet has been carried out with the client, and the contract with full details of client requirements has been signed by the client.

1.3 Full payment for services must be paid prior to the session taking place. Invoices for the upcoming week will be sent out via email on Friday and we encourage the payments to be made by the Sunday (allowing 2 days for payment). At the very latest, payment must be received on the morning of the session, or else the session will not take place.

1.4 Sessions will be arranged on a first-come-first-served basis. Clients with regular time slots take priority over ad-hoc bookings, unless the ad-hoc sessions were booked before we began working with the regular client.

1.5 The client must provide Witham Whiskers and Walks with a name and a contact telephone number of someone capable of making a decision relating to their pet in an emergency.

1.6 If your pet requires Emergency Veterinary attention whilst in our care, we will take it to your nominated vet wherever possible. All pets in our care MUST be registered with a vet. If we are unable to go to your vet; we will utilise the nearest vet available. If Witham Whiskers and Walks is unable to contact the client or emergency contact in the case of an emergency, we will act on the advice of the veterinary surgeon. Any consultation, call-out or treatment costs will be charged to the client. Your pet will be treated under your name and address. When you sign the Contract, you are confirming that you are giving Witham Whiskers and Walks your authority to request any such treatment and that you will pay ALL fees, to the Vet concerned directly in full.

1.7 Witham Whiskers and Walks must be alerted to any behavioural problems with your pet(s) at the time of booking. Failure to do so may result in additional charges or cancellation of any future contract.

1.18 Cancellations for dog walks and drop-ins must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the agreed booking otherwise payments for each session will be non-refundable. For pet sitting, the cancellation window is 1 week for pet sits of up to 2 nights. For longer pet sits, a non-refundable 25% deposit must be paid 2 weeks before the sit. Witham Whiskers and Walks may apply discretion depending on the circumstances of the cancellation. Sessions will be fully chargeable if Witham Whiskers and Walks arrive but cannot gain entry through no fault of our own. Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to cancel at short notice and if such an event should occur a full refund will be given.

1.9 Witham Whiskers and Walks holds Public Liability insurance, wherever possible pets should be insured by the client. Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to refuse a booking for any animal which is not insured.

1.10 Witham Whiskers and Walks cannot be held liable for any loss, injury or death to a pet either inside or outside of the home whilst in our care.

1.11 A spare key is required for each household to gain access to your pet. House keys will be kept securely and only marked with the name of your pet.

1.12 Paperwork relating to your pet is kept separate and secure away from keys. No personal details will be forwarded or passed on to any third party.

1.13 The Client agrees that Witham Whiskers and Walks is not responsible for any damages within the home or garden during our visit.

1.14 All holiday dates for Witham Whiskers and Walks will be provided at least 1 month before, or at the time of the initial meet and greet if this falls shorter than the 1-month notice.

1.15 Witham Whiskers and Walks will inform the client of any price rises at least 1 month before they are enforced.

1.16 Witham Whiskers and Walks must be informed if your dog does or has ever used a muzzle and this should be made available for use at our discretion.

1.17 Cancellations for dog walks and drop-ins must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the agreed booking otherwise payments for each session will be non-refundable. For pet sitting, the cancellation window is 1 week for pet sits of one to three nights, and 1 month for pet sits of four nights or more. Witham Whiskers and Walks may apply discretion depending on the circumstances of the cancellation. Sessions will be fully chargeable if Witham Whiskers and Walks arrive but cannot gain entry through no fault of our own. Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to cancel at short notice and if such an event should occur a full refund will be given.

1.18 Witham Whiskers and Walks may take photos of your pet(s) and upload them to our social media sites (including website). These images will not include any personal information such as tags. If you have any preferences on this, please let us know during the initial meet and greet or contact us any time.

2. Dog walking

2.1 All dogs will be exercised on a lead unless prior agreement has been reached with Witham Whiskers and Walks and a disclaimer form has been signed. This will be discussed at the time of the initial meet and greet.

2.2 Witham Whiskers and Walks will apply personal judgement and cut short a walk if necessary because of extreme weather conditions (i.e, heat, thunder storms) for the safety of both the dogs and the walker. The walk will still be charged for at the agreed rate.

2.3 In extreme weather conditions where a walk may be dangerous for the dog, Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to change the session to a drop-in session (with chances for the dog to toilet in the garden) or a short lead walk (in a shaded area in hot conditions) to eliminate if there is no garden access.

2.4 Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to refuse or discontinue walks for any dog that doesn’t respond well to the walker or is deemed to be unsuitable for group walks (if applicable).

2.5 Should your dog be in season then the walk will be swapped to a drop-in session for the safety of the dog and walker.

2.6 Dogs must be physically fit enough to partake in the walk booked. If at any point the dog appears to be in discomfort, the dog will be returned home and the rest of the session will become a drop-in (no refund).

2.7 The Client agrees that Witham Whiskers and Walks is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged leads, collars, tags, clothing or any other item left with their dog.

2.8 Witham Whiskers and Walks will provide poo bags, towels for drying, and dog treats unless the client prefers to provide their own dog treats (these will need to be made available at collection time). If the client would like towels to be placed around the home after the dog’s session (e.g. on soft furnishings), these must be provided by the client. Witham Whiskers and Walks cannot be held accountable to potential mess in the home following a session.

2.9 All dogs must be in a secure location prior to collection by the Witham Whiskers and Walks. Being loose in the garden does not constitute this. Details of where dogs are to be left following the session must be detailed in the consent form.

3. Home visits/pet sitting

3.1 Specifics will be agreed at the time of booking. Witham Whiskers and Walks will make every effort to ensure your home is left safe and secure in your absence however we cannot be held responsible for any burglaries or accidents caused by your pet(s). We cannot be held liable for any loss or injury or death to a pet(s) either inside or outside your home.

3.2 It is the client’s responsibility to ensure the home is a safe and clean environment for their dogs and the pet sitter with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.