Terms & Conditions

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Terms and Conditions of Service Effective 1st April 2024.  Somerset Dog Father (hereafter referred to as “SDF”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is a one-person entity that provides dog and pet related services including dog walking and pet visiting / boarding (collectively known as the “services”).  These services are offered at somersetdogfather.co.uk where Clients can analyse, enquire and/or request services.

1.0 General Terminology 

1.1.    An initial introductory visit and assessment will take place with all dogs/pets prior to using SDF services.  SDF reserves the right to refuse to provide services for any dog/pet where it is deemed in their absolute discretion to be, or have the potential to be, dangerous or disruptive.
 

1.2.    The Client agrees that on booking services for their dog(s)/pet(s), SDF has relied on the Client’s representation that their dog(s)/pet(s) is in good health and has not harmed or shown aggressive or threatening behaviour to any individual and or any other dog or pet, and the Client agrees to notify SDF immediately of any unwelcome, aggressive, procreative or dangerous behaviour of their dog/pet that has the potential to cause harm to any other individual or dog/pet.
 

1.3.    The Client must inform SDF of any allergies or intolerances that their dog/pets may have.
 

1.4.    SDF will not agree to provide services for aggressive animals.
 

1.5.    SDF will ensure all reasonable care is taken to look after your pet, and whilst we will make every effort to ensure your pet is well looked after in your absence, SDF cannot be held liable for any loss, injury or death to a pet either inside or outside of the home whilst in our care.
 

1.6.    SDF will ensure that appropriate insurance is maintained, including Public Liability cover.  The insurance only covers SDF, for the duration of the selected service and only for the services agreed.
 

1.7.    The Client is responsible for the full cost of treatment of any injuries or illness that their dog and/or pet receives whilst under the care of SDF, including any other associated costs e.g. call-out charges.
 

1.8.    Pet Insurance is always recommended for peace of mind.

1.9.    The Client must provide SDF with the name and contact number of someone who can be contacted in emergencies and who is capable and authorised to make decisions about their pet in the event of an emergency.  If the contact is not available, the Client authorises the staff of SDF to seek such veterinary advice and/or treatment and make decisions (on veterinary advice) that is in the best interests of the animal.  Where possible this will be carried out by the Client’s usual/preferred vet, but this cannot be guaranteed (e.g. in an emergency) and the Client accepts that SDF may use any registered Vet.  The Client agrees to pay all such costs immediately on pick-up of their dog, or by agreement with SDF.  SDF will always endeavour to contact either the Client or Emergency Contact prior to independently seeking veterinary advice and/or treatment.
 

1.10.    The Client agrees to provide keys or arrange access to dogs and/or pets for the agreed service and appointment; failure to do so will result in the cancellation of that day’s service and will be paid for in full by the Client. SDF will ensure that all keys provided are kept secure and will not be stored identifying address details.  The Client should advise on the use of burglar alarms or any other security devices. The Client must ensure that other pets within the house that are not allowed outside (e.g. cats) are kept away from access doors.

 

1.11.    The Client consents to their dog/pet being photographed and videoed and to photos or videos being used in any media or marketing by SDF.  All such media will remain the property of SDF.

2.0 Services

2.1. SDF will perform the services for you on the dates and times agreed between us, in accordance with my available working times which are generally:

Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00

2.3. The times and dates upon which i will perform the services will be agreed between us by using the relevant booking method (as defined below in section 3).

2.4. I will typically be walking other pet's with your pet (unless specifically specified differently by you), but I will never walk more than 6 pets at any time.

2.5. At the start of each walk, I will collect your pet from the address specified in the Client Details Form.

2.6. At the conclusion of each walk, I will return your pet to the address specified in the Client Details Form.

2.7. I may transport your pet to an appropriate walking location in my vehicle which meets all legal requirements and safety features to transport your pet.

2.8. All walks will take place within thefollowing areas: Taunton, Somerset, UK TA Post code Area 

2.9. Any trips outside of the agreed area will be explicitly agreed upon by us.

2.10. There may be times when i cannot perform the Services due to reasons beyond my control.  Such circumstances may include illness or adverse weather conditions which would make it unsafe to perform the Services.  In these circumstances, I will provide as much notice as is reasonably practicable and you will not be required to pay for any booked Services if I am unable to provide them.  I will not be liable for any breach of this Agreement in those circumstances.

2.11. I will perform the Services with reasonable care and skill.

2.12. I will perform the Services in accordance with the RSCPA Professional Dog Walker's Guidelines.

2.13. I will ensure that i perform the Services in accordance with all relevant legal requirements, including (but not limited to):

  (a). The Animal Welfare Act 2006

    (b). The Animals Act 1971

    (c). The Control of Dogs Order 1992

    (d). The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended)

    (e). The Highway Code

    (f). The Countryside Code

2.14. I hold public liability insurance and I am insured with Pet Business Insurance Ltd. If you would like to see a copy of my policy details or my insurance certificates, please ask me.

3.0 Booking

3.1. You must provide me with the following documents before i can provide the Services to you: 

   (a). A completed signed copy of the Client Details Form ( all pet's detailed if more than one pet will be using the services).

    (b). A signed copy of the Agreement.

3.2. The Agreement will commence and will be in force once i have accepted your first booking and once we have both signed a copy of this agreement (the Start Day).  I will meet you at your home address to finalise our agreement and the details of your first booking.

3.3. Due to the fact that we have reached this Agreement at your home address, you will have the right to cancel this Agreement within 14 days from the Start Day (the cooling-off period) if the payment to be made is more than £42.  I will therefore not commence the Services within any applicable Cooing-off Period unless you give your explicit instructions for me to do so, in accordance with the provisions of section 4 below.

3.4. Monthly booking / recuring bookings - We may reach a mutual rolling agreement about a regular walking schedule for your pet, or alternatively, you can make future individual bookings by providing no less than 14 days of notice by telephone or message. 

3.5.  Ad-hoc – periodic and occasional use of services, bookings must allow 14 days before service start date for an initial meeting and forms to be completed or any updates / change of details to be reviewed and processed.

3.6. SDF will provide a time slot during which walks/visits will occur, this interval may be amended in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

3.7.  SDF will provide 2 months’ notice of staff holidays greater than 1 week to allow Clients time to make alternative service arrangements.

3.9.    The Client must inform SDF of any changes to the information provided on theClient Details Form, including contact numbers, emergency contact details, pet’s care needs and any other pertinent information.
 

3.10.    Bookings can be made by telephone, email or via our website and will be confirmed by email (subject to availability).
 

4.0 Cancellations

4.1. If you are due to pay more than £42 in accordance with the Agreement, you can cancel the Agreement within 14 calendar days of the Start Date without giving any reason (the Cooling-off Period).

4.2. The Cooling-off Period will expire 14 calendar days from the Start Date.

4.3. I will not provide any of the Services during the Cooling-off Period unless you explicitly request that I do so in writing.  If you do request that i perform the Services in the Cooling-off Period, you will lose the right to cancel once the Services are fully performed (once I have walked your pet in accordance with your first booking).

4.4. To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform me of your decision to cancel the Agreement by a clear statement (e.g a message or email to the company).  You can use the attached example Cancellation Form (but it is not obligatory).

4.5. To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the Cooling-off Period has expired.

4.6. If you cancel this Agreement in accordance with this section, I will reimburse you for any payments received from you for Services not used.

4.7. I will make the reimbursement without undue delay and not later than 14 calendar days after the day on which you have informed me about your decision to cancel the Agreement.

4.8. I will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement.

After the Cooling-off Period / No Cooling-off Period

4.9. If you would like to cancel a single confirmed booking after the Cooling-off Period (or from the Start Date if no Cooling-off Period applies), I ask that you do so not less than 48 hours prior to the agreed start time of the walk.  You should do this via a telephone call to me.

4.10. If you would like to cancel a monthly booking, the Client is requested to provide at least 14 days notice of their wish to cancel the booking.

4.11. Either party can also terminate the whole of this Agreement (i.e. all future bookings) at any time by giving not less than 48 hours of notice prior to the next booking.

4.12. If you cancel less than 48 hours prior to your booking, you will still be required to pay for the Services.  I may however waive this requirement if i can fill the slot with an alternative customer.  This will be at my discretion.

4.13. I can cancel this agreement without the need for notice if your pet poses a risk or danger to other people or pets.  This will be at my discretion.

4.14. We understands that there are unexpected circumstances that cannot be anticipated and interfere with the notice periods set out in these Terms and Conditions. Please contact us as soon as possible should such circumstances arise.

4.15.    If the required notice is not given, SDF reserves the right to charge in full for the cancelled services.
 

4.16.    SDF reserves the right to cancel any service on short notice in the event of, but not limited to, illness, accidents, extreme weather (e.g. heavy snow) and other unforeseen circumstances.  In such an event, SDF will provide as much notice to the Client as possible and services will not be charged for.

4.17.    SDF reserves the right to cancel the booking/service at any time and with immediate effect if the dog/pet does not respond well to the walker/carer and/or other dogs/pets or if it is felt that the working relationship is becoming untenable or unworkable.

5.0 Payments

5.1. I will charge you for each walk and service.

5.2. Payments must be made in arrears within 5 calendar of date of submitted invoice.  I will provide you with a request for payment within 24 hours of completion of a single service.

5.4. If you are instructing me on a long-term basis, I will accept regular monthly payments in arrears to cover all Services performed in the previous monthly period.  We will agree in writing a payment date each month by means of Invoice and you must make payment on that date or before.

5.5. I will accept the following methods of payment: Cash or Bank Transfer

5.6. In the event that any payment becomes overdue by more than 5 calendar days, I may cancel your future bookings for the Services.

5.7. I may increase my prices from time to time.  I will notify you of any changes to my prices and these will apply to any new bookings made after the relevant increase date and will supersede any noted in this Agreement by default.

5.8. Any additional services must be agreed upon in writing by both parties and may be subject to additional fees.

5.9.    SDF prices are as published on the website and can be provided to the Client on request.  Please be aware that our rates are competitive for the services provided and are not negotiable.
 

5.10.    On confirmation of the booking, SDF will start charging for services provided, with services invoiced (via email) as per the type of booking either monthly or ad-hoc.
 

5.11.    Full payment for one off services is to be made within 24 hours of receipt of invoice or by the date specified on the invoice.  If the Client fails to make payment to SDF by the due date, then a penalty fee of 10% of the invoice total may be charged for every 7 days the invoice is overdue thereafter at the discretion of SDF.

5.12. Full payment for monthly services is to be made within 5 days of receipt of invoice or by the date specified on the invoice.  If the Client fails to make payment to SDF by the due date, then a penalty fee of 10% of the invoice total may be charged for every 7 days the invoice is overdue thereafter at the discretion of SDF.
 

5.13.    SDF reserves the right to suspend all services until payment has been made in full.

 

5.14.    SDF reserves the right the request a non-refundable deposit for services booked.

6.0 Your Responsibilities And Consent

6.1. In signing this Agreement, you consent to the nature of the Services as described in this Agreement and all of the other terms and conditions.

6.2. You must ensure that you fill out the Client Details Form accurately with all the relevant information.  I is your responsibility to update me with any changes to any of the information on that form during the course of this Agreement.

6.3. You must ensure that you provide suitable leads, harnesses and collars for your pet for all walks.

6.4. You will ensure that your pet is fit and ready to attend the Service in the booked slot.  You understand that your pet should not eat a full meal for at least 2 hours before walking.

6.5. You confirm that your pet is microchipped.

6.6. You accept and agree that your pet will come into contact with other pet's and animals whilst I perform the Services.

6.7. In the event that urgent or emergency treatment is required during a Service, I will contact you as soon as reasonably practicable.  In the event that you cannot be contacted, you authorise me to consent to any necessary emergency treatment from an appropriate veterinary surgery.

6.8. You agree that you will provide proof of all current and up-to-date vaccinations in relation to your pet upon request.

6.9. You agree that you will notify me prior to any booked Service if your pet has become infected with any infectious or contagious disease or condition.  You understand that, in those circumstances, I may choose to cancel the booking.

6.10. You agree and understand that I will not provide Service to dangerous or aggressive pet's and you warrant that your pet has never displayed dangerous or harmful behaviour towards humans or other pet's.

6.11. You agree and understand that your pet must be neutered if they are to booked on to Services that involve group activities and off lead.

6.12. You consent to your pet's being photographed and videoed by me and you understand that any such photos or videos of your pet may be used as part of promotional content in relation to the Services.

6.13.  By signing this Agreement you authorise us to hold and to provide keys or arrange access to dogs and/or pets for the agreed service and appointment; failure to do so will result in the cancellation of that day’s service and will be paid for in full by the Client. SDF will ensure that all keys provided are kept secure and will not be stored identifying address details. The Client should advise on the use of burglar alarms or any other security devices. The Client must ensure that other pets within the house that are not allowed outside (e.g. cats) are kept away from access doors.

7.0 Liability

7.1. I will always take reasonable care in relation to equipment and toys provided to me by you, but I am not responsible for any accidental loss, theft, damaged equipment.

7.2. You understand that, whilst your pet will always be monitored and supervised to an appropriate standard, accidents may happen during the normal course of the Service.  Provided that I conducted the Services to the required standards (as set out in section 2 above), I shall not be responsible for any illness or injury to your pet and you agree that you will be responsible for all veterinary costs for any treatment for your pet.

7.3. I may be required by law to compensate you for any losses or damage should I fail to conduct my duties in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and legal standards, provided that such loss or damage was reasonably foreseeable in the circumstances.  I will not compensate you if such loss or damage was your fault or the fault of any other third party.

7.4. My total liability to you under this Agreement (howsoever incurred) will not exceed £500.

7.5.  Nothing in this section or the Agreement will limit or exclude my liability for any other loss which cannot be excluded or limited by law.

7.6. SDF will ensure all reasonable care is taken to look after your pet, and whilst we will make every effort to ensure your pet is well looked after in your absence, SDF cannot be held liable for any loss, injury or death to a pet either inside or outside of the home whilst in our care.

7.7.  SDF will ensure that appropriate insurance is maintained, including Public Liability cover. The insurance only covers SDF, for the duration of the selected service and only for the services agreed.

7.8.  The Client is responsible for the full cost of treatment of any injuries or illness that their dog and/or pet receives whilst under the care of SDF, including any other associated costs e.g. call-out charges.

7.9.   Pet Insurance is always recommended for peace of mind.

8.0 Your Personal Information

8.1. In order to provide the Services to you, I will need to process your personal information.

8.2. I will only process personal information in accordance with the relevant data protection laws.

8.3.  All personal information and data is processed in accordance with Somerset Dog Father GDPR Policy.  This is available on request.

8.4. Please refer to Somerset Dog Father Privacy Policy document at www.somersetdogfather.co.uk.

9.0  Severance

If any provision or part of any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable, it shall be treated as though it is erased from the Agreement but the erasure of the provision or part-provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the rest of the Agreement.

10.0  Governing Law and Jurisdiction

The laws of England and Wales apply to this Agreement.  Any disputes in relation to this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of England and Wales.

11.0  Third-Party Rights

No one other than a party to this Agreement has any right to enforce a term of this contract or bring proceedings in relation to it.

13.0  Pandemics

13.1. SDF has prepared a risk assessment and working protocols in accordance with the advice and guidance produced by the UK Government and will ensure these are updated as and when required to ensure continued compliance.  These protocols will take precedent during any pandemic arrangements and therefore some normal working arrangements may not be in place during such time.

13.2.  SDF will take all reasonable and possible steps to minimise the risk of disease transmission, but cannot guarantee that this will not happen and the Client accepts this risk if purchasing services during this time.

13.3.In the event that bookings need to be amended or cancelled as a result of a pandemic situation, e.g the development of symptoms or changes in government guidance, the standard booking and cancellation notice period will not apply.