1. General
1.1 Paws & Claws Neston promises to care and respect your pet(s) to a very high standard. To enable us to care for your pet(s) owners must provide all essential items to do so. This includes (but is not limited to) leads, a fitted harness, collar, food, water, bowls, muzzle and coat. However, Paws & Claws Neston may use their own leads and safety equipment and carry all dog walk necessities such as poo bags, treats, water and first aid supplies.
1.2 It is the Owner’s responsibility to ensure that their pet(s) are microchipped by law and have tags with the appropriate information and up to date contact details.
1.3 All owners are required to give Paws & Claws Neston access to their home in their absence purely for the purpose of completing the agreed service. All keys and sensitive/personal information will be stored in a secure, locked safe. A key/fob may be left accessible in the owner’s chosen location (i.e. under a doormat or flowerpot). However, Paws & Claws Neston will not be held accountable for any lost, stolen or damaged keys when not directly in their possession. In the event of a lost, stolen or damaged key/fob whilst in Paws & Claws Neston possession, an exact replacement will be provided, or monies to that value will be reimbursed.
2. Declaration and Relationships
2.1 It is implied that you declare that you are the legal owner or approved guardian of the pet(s) being serviced by Paws & Claws Neston. All the information and details provided are true, correct and complete to the best of your knowledge at the time of submission, and that you will update any information as soon as possible should it change.
3. Services
3.1 All bookings of Paws & Claws Neston services are subject to these Terms and Conditions. Information given in the initial registration form will be used for all subsequent bookings unless we are notified otherwise.
3.2 Pet sitting is done in the owner’s home and will include two dog walks (am and pm) unless agreed otherwise, garden let outs (where appropriate), play time, feeding and any additional tasks required for your pet. Pets can be left alone for up to four and a half hours a day, unless agreed otherwise (this will incur an additional charge).
3.3 The owner is to provide all food and sundry items and equipment for the care of their pet(s).
3.4 Paws & Claws Neston reserves the right to walk your dog(s) in a group of up to four other dogs at the same time, unless the service booked is a solo walk. The majority of dog walks are solo, or as a group from the same family.
3.3 Your pet(s) will be left in the location in your home in which they are found unless specified; any belongings left in reach of your pet(s) are the owners responsibility and no accountability or responsibility for destroyed property or injury arising from items or furnishings in your home lie with Paws & Claws Neston.
4. Injuries, accidents & emergencies
4.1 Paws & Claws Neston is insured if your pet is injured while in our care. We cannot accept responsibility for any accident or injury that we could not have prevented. We highly recommend that all pets are insured with a reputable insurance provider and that owners are aware of what their policies cover.
4.2 Should your pet(s) become ill or injured in our care, Paws & Claws Neston will follow The Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 4 and always take the animal to the nearest Veterinary surgeon in the event of an emergency.
4.3 Any medical conditions, medications, allergies, training details and general behaviour information must be disclosed prior to booking.
4.4 Owners will have been issued a Veterinary Release form which must be completed and sent back to Paws & Claws Neston prior to the first walk/pet sit. This allows us to give permission on behalf of the owner for the signed veterinary treatment (listed in the Veterinary Release form) to be given if needed. It is the Owner’s responsibility to ensure that all veterinary fees are paid in full.
4.5 In admitting your pet(s) to our care, you understand and accept that Paws & Claws Neston have relied on your representation that your dog is in good health and has not harmed or shown aggression or undue threatening behaviour towards any person or any other animal unless stated. You further agree to notify Paws & Claws Neston of any unwelcome, aggressive, or dangerous behaviour that has potential to cause harm to any other pet or individual when in their care.
4.6 Paws & Claws Neston will inform the owner of any incident or observations which the owner ought to know about. Your pet(s) will be cared for to the best of Paws & Claws Neston ability, ensuring they are not a nuisance or danger to any member of the public, or any other animal and wildlife.
4.7 If you are unhappy for your dog(s) to be let off the lead when in a safe environment to do so, this must be specified to Paws & Claws Neston explicitly. The owner takes full responsibility for any disappearance of their dog(s) and their actions whilst off the lead.
5. Insurance
5.1 Paws & Claws Neston is insured to look after up to six dogs at one time, although our maximum group walks is four dogs. Most walks are solo or from the same family.
5.2 Paws & Claws Neston is insured for Public and Products Liability, Key and Lock replacements (if damaged or lost), Care Custody and Control as well as Non-negligent cover.
5.3 Paws & Claws Neston is insured to provide Dog Walking and Pet Sitting (owners own home).
6. Bookings
6.1 Paws & Claws Neston aims to be on time for the allocated time slots. In the event of any severe delays the owner will be notified.
6.3 A 50% extra charge may be applied to those requiring pet pop-in visits or dog walks before 7AM and after 7PM, during weekends, and on bank holidays.
6.4 Initial meet and greets are free of charge. Trial visits or walks are chargeable at the normal rate, unless agreed otherwise in advance.
7. Payment
7.1 A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking.
7.2 Additional payment for services is weekly, unless agreed otherwise. We accept cash or bank transfer (BACS), and payment should be made within 5 working days of the invoice date.
Please contact me directly for bank details.
7.3 A late payment fee could be issued at 20% of the invoice received.
8. Your right of cancellation
8.1 Cancellations made more than 28 days before the service start date will not be charged and any deposit returned.
8.2 Services cancelled by the owner with more than 48 hours’ notice, but within 28 days will not have their deposit refunded.
8.3 Any service cancelled by the owner with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged and payable at full price.
8.4 In the event of sickness or cancellation on behalf of Paws & Claws Neston, the owner will not be charged.
9. Social Media
9.1 Paws & Claws Neston posts photos/ videos of pets in our care. These will appear on social media, websites and advertising for the business unless you inform us otherwise, in writing, before the service commences.
9.2 All content is subject to Copyright and remains the property of Paws & Claws Neston.
10. Data Protection
10.1 Name, address, contact number and email address of the owner, along with the emergency contact, are required for the purpose of the pet service agreement. Pet details are also required and will be obtained via the Pet Information Form.
10.2 This information in 10.1 above will be kept secure for the purpose of the pet service only and will not be shared with anyone outside of Paws & Claws Neston, except for the purpose of providing the service.
By signing/booking any service, you (the owner) agree that you have read, understand and accept all terms, conditions, and statements of this agreement. Any exceptions to these terms must be proposed in writing before this agreement is accepted. This agreement applies on every occasion your pet is in the care of Paws & Claws Neston.