Legal
Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 7 October 2025
Terms covering Saltaire Dog Walks services including owner responsibilities, cancellations, weather policies, payment terms and governing law for England and Wales.
Summary at a glance
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Contents
1. Definitions
- “We”, “us”, “our”
- Saltaire Dog Walks, the service provider.
- “You”, “owner”, “client”
- The person purchasing services and responsible for the pet(s).
- “Services”
- Dog walking (solo/group), puppy drop-ins, pet sitting, overnights, and related care.
- “Care plan”
- Agreed written instructions you provide (routines, access, feeding, equipment, vet details, emergency contact).
- “Working hours”
- Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00 (earlier/later by arrangement; Sundays limited).
- “Saver slot”
- Discounted window we offer when grouping calm, compatible dogs on a route.
2. Scope of services
- Dog walking (solo and small group), puppy drop-ins, daytime pet sitting and overnight stays as agreed in writing.
- Service area: Saltaire, Shipley, Baildon and nearby neighbourhoods unless otherwise agreed.
- We hold enhanced DBS checks and public liability insurance; documents available on request.
3. Owner responsibilities
- Provide accurate information about behaviour, health, vaccination status and any bite history.
- Supply safe equipment in good condition (collar/harness/lead/ID tag) and microchip details where required.
- Provide secure access arrangements and any alarm codes or key instructions in advance.
- Notify us promptly of changes to routines, medication, behaviour or household security.
- Ensure your dog is ready for collection (collar on, access clear) at the agreed time.
Equipment standards
- A well-fitted collar or harness complying with UK law (with ID tag as required).
- A secure, good-condition lead; retractable leads are discouraged on roads.
- Any required muzzle or headcollar, if used in your normal routine.
- Weather-appropriate gear (e.g., coats for short-haired breeds in winter).
4. Keys & home security
- Keys are labelled by code only (no addresses) and stored securely. Keys are returned immediately on request.
- We lock doors, set alarms and leave the property as found. We are not liable for existing faults in locks or alarms.
5. Health & safety
- Stop at every kerb; cross at visible points; short leads by roads; hi-viz in low light.
- Max three compatible dogs per group; we may change pairings to keep walks calm.
- Reactive/nervous dogs may be walked solo (+£3) or at quieter times.
- In heat: adjust times/routes, seek shade, carry water; may shorten or convert to enrichment visit.
- In ice/storms: shorten or reschedule for safety; we’ll message you with options.
- We may shorten or end a walk if safety issues arise, charging only for time delivered where reasonable.
6. Off-lead policy (consent required)
Off-lead exercise can be beneficial but carries additional risk. We only walk off-lead with your explicit written consent and when conditions are suitable.
- Written consent from you confirming you accept the additional risk of off-lead exercise.
- Reliable recall in varied environments; we may test recall on a long line first.
- No off-lead near roads, livestock, or where local rules prohibit it.
- We may re-attach the lead at any time for safety; our decision is final on the day.
7. Weather & emergencies
- Heat/ice/storms: we may adjust times, shorten walks, switch to enrichment visits or reschedule. Your pet’s welfare and handler safety come first.
- Emergencies: we will contact you and your emergency contact immediately and act in your pet’s best interests.
8. Bookings, cancellations & reschedules
Regular weekday walks
Regular weekday walks
Ad-hoc / weekend bookings
Overnight sits
We always try to be fair. If we can fill a cancelled slot, we’ll reduce or waive any late fee.
9. Payments & deposits
- Invoices issued weekly or monthly by email, payable within 7 days unless agreed otherwise.
- Accepted: bank transfer, debit/credit card, and Stripe Payment Links (for pre-paid packs).
- Late payment: reasonable late fee and/or pause on future bookings until settled.
- Pre-paid packs and deposits are non-transferable unless we agree in writing.
10. Updates, photos & social media
- We send photo updates after walks as part of the service.
- We only use photos for social media/website with your consent; you can opt out any time.
- We never publish your address or personally identifying home details.
11. Liability & insurance
- We hold public liability insurance (details available on request).
- Except where unlawful, our liability is limited to the level of insurance cover.
- We are not liable for issues arising from withheld information, inaccurate instructions, or defective equipment you supply.
- We cannot guarantee recall or behaviour once the dog is back under the owner’s control.
12. Veterinary authorisation & medications
- You authorise us to seek veterinary advice/treatment if we reasonably believe it is in your pet’s best interests.
- We will attempt to contact you and your emergency contact immediately.
- You agree to reimburse vet fees and associated costs (transport, time) unless caused by our proven negligence.
- We will use your nominated practice where practical; otherwise, the nearest suitable practice.
We will administer simple oral/topical medications as per your written instructions. We do not perform injections unless specifically agreed, trained, and safe to do so.
13. Force majeure
- Events beyond our reasonable control (e.g., severe weather, road closures, strikes, utility outages, illness) may affect scheduling.
- We will communicate promptly and offer alternatives (shorter walk, enrichment visit, reschedule, refund as appropriate).
14. Privacy & data protection
We handle your data in line with our Privacy Notice, which forms part of these terms. It explains what we collect, why, how long we keep it, and your rights.
15. Concerns & complaints
If you’re unhappy at any point, please contact us so we can put things right quickly. We aim to resolve issues informally and fairly.
16. Changes, severability & waiver
- We may update these terms with notice on this page; material changes will be highlighted to active clients.
- If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remainder remains in force.
- No waiver of any right shall be effective unless in writing.
17. Governing law & jurisdiction
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute, except that we may seek injunctive relief in any jurisdiction to protect safety or property.
18. Acceptance of these terms
By making a booking, purchasing a pre-paid pack, handing over keys, or allowing us to collect your dog, you confirm you have read and accept these terms. If you have questions, reach us at saltairedogs@proton.me.
Signature & confirmation (for paper forms)
Client name: ____________________________ Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
(If signing digitally, a typed name or e-signature counts as confirmation.)
19. Version history
- v1.1 — 7 October 2025: Added off-lead consent, vet authorisation, cancellation matrix, force majeure, and acceptance/signature section. Clarified payments and safety.
- v1.0 — 1 October 2025: Initial publication.
Get in touch
Questions about these terms? Email saltairedogs@proton.me or send a message through our contact form.
