Updated: 2/10/2024
Business Name: Happy Waggers and Sleepy Whiskers Ltd.
Physical Address: 12 Lichfield Road, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST7 1SQ.
(Hereinafter referred to as “HWSW”)
DOG WALKING & PET SITTING VISITS
The parties choose the above stated addresses as their physical addresses at which legal proceedings may be instituted. Whereas the Owner wishes to engage HWSW and HWSW agrees to undertake the services under the terms and provisions defined in this Contract.
1. Relationship and Responsibilities
1.1. It is expressly understood that the Owner retains the services of HWSW as an Independent Contractor and not as an employee.
1.2. HWSW undertakes to perform the agreed-on services in an attentive, reliable and caring manner and the Owner undertakes to provide all necessary information to assist in this performance.
1.3. HWSW undertakes to notify the Owner of any occurrence pertaining to the pet which may be relevant to the care and well-being of the pet.
1.4. The Owner must provide HWSW with the necessary keys, remote control entry devices and access codes to pick up and drop off the dog(s).
1.5. For dog walking, HWSW reserves the right to walk other compatible dogs at the same time but undertakes to limit the number of dogs walked with one person to 6 (six).
1.6. For dog walking, the Owner will provide suitable harnesses, collars and leads as approved by HWSW as well as coats or muzzles if required.
1.7. For dog walking, HWSW shall not be obliged to perform any other duties.
2. Compensation
2.1. For group walks, HWSW shall be paid the amount of £9 per half hour walk and £13 per hour walk. Each extra dog from the same household will add an additional £7 per half hour walk and £11 per hour walk.
2.2. For one-to-one walks, HWSW shall be paid the amount of £15 per half hour walk and £20 per hour walk. Each extra dog from the same household will add an additional £7 per half hour walk and £11 per hour walk.
2.3. For early morning, evening and weekend walks and walks on bank holidays, HWSW shall be paid the amount of £18 per half hour walk and £23 per hour walk. Each extra dog from the same household will add an additional £7 per half hour walk and £12 per hour walk.
2.1. For pet sitting visits, HWSW shall be paid the amount of £15 per visit and no deductions shall be made for late departure or early return of the Owner.
2.2. Additional fees may include the purchase of necessary items for the care of the pet(s), including but not limited to pet food, litter or cleaning supplies, transportation, unexpected visits and emergency expenses for health care. HWSW shall retain and submit receipts as proof of additional expenses.
2.4. The above prices are base area prices, additional charges may apply.
2.4. Late booking fees will apply.
2.5. The booking is confirmed once payment has been received.
3. Duration
3.1. This Contract shall come into effect once the contract has been agreed by both parties and shall terminate when either party gives 7 (seven) days written notice of termination.
4. Cancellation or Early Termination
4.1. Either party may terminate this Contract a minimum of 24 (twenty four) hours prior to the first scheduled booking without incurring penalties or damages.
4.2. Cancellations which occur after payment has been received will result in the loss of the full rate of the booking(s).
4.3. Where HWSW needs to cancel a scheduled booking due to unforeseen circumstances, he/she may appoint a substitute with the written approval of the Owner and any difference in the fees charged shall be for the account of HWSW.
4.4. Should any dog become aggressive or dangerous, HWSW may terminate this contract with immediate effect.
4.5. Any wrongful or misleading information or lying by omission, may constitute a breach of terms of this Contract and be grounds for instant termination thereof.
4.6. Termination under the circumstances described in 4.4 or 4.5 above shall not entitle the Owner to any refunds.
5. Liability
5.1. HWSW accepts no liability for any breach of security or loss of or damage to the Owner’s property if any other person has access to the property during the term of this agreement.
5.2. HWSW shall not be liable for any mishap of whatsoever nature which may befall a pet or caused by a pet who has unsupervised access to the outdoors.
5.3. The Owner shall be liable for all medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to HWSW staff caused by the pet as well as damage to the Owner’s property.
5.4. HWSW is released from all liability related to transporting of pet(s) to and from any veterinary clinic or kennel, the medical treatment of the pet(s) and the expense thereof.
5.6. When the care of the pet(s) is shared with someone else, HWSW cannot take responsibility for the actions of the other care provider(s).
6. Indemnification
The parties agree to indemnify and hold harmless each other as well as respective employees, contractors, successors and assigns from any and all claims arising from either party’s wilful or negligent conduct.
7. Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, HWSW shall contact the Owner at the numbers provided to confirm the Owner’s choice of action. If the Owner cannot be reached in time for the appropriate treatment to satisfy the level of emergency, HWSW is authorised to:
7.1. Transport the pet(s) to the listed veterinarian;
7.2. Request on-site treatment from a veterinarian;
7.3. Transport the pet(s) to an emergency clinic if the previous two options are not feasible.
8. Security
HWSW warrants to keep safe and confidential all keys, remote control entry devices, access codes and personal information of the Owner. At the end of the contract period or upon termination of this Contract, the Owner must collect all keys and remote control entry devices from HWSW’s physical address.
9. Relaxation of Terms
No relaxation, indulgence, waiver or release by any party of any of the rights in terms of this agreement on one occasion shall prevent the subsequent enforcement of such rights and shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of any of the terms.
10. Whole Agreement
This Contract constitutes the sole and entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and the parties waive the right to rely on any alleged expressed or implied provision not contained therein. Any alteration to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
11. Assignment
No party may assign any of its rights or delegate or assign any of its obligations in terms of this Contract without the prior written consent of the other party, except if inclement weather or a bona fide emergency prohibits HWSW from fulfilling his/her duties in which event the Owner may be called upon to care for the pet(s).
12. General
Paragraph headings are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to have any effect in the interpretation or determining of rights or obligations under this agreement. Where appropriate words signifying one gender shall include the others and words signifying the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
HOME BOARDING & OVERNIGHT PET SITTING
Policies & Procedures
1. Booking
1.1. All services are charged at a calendar day rate.
1.2.There are no reductions for early check out or late check in.
1.3. For Home Boarding Check in Appointments are between 2pm and 6pm and Check out Appointments are between 8am and 12pm. An extra £10 is charged for Check in and Check out Appointment times outside of the times listed previously and must be agreed at the time of booking.
1.4. Bank Holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter may incur additional fees which you will be advised of at the time of booking.
1.5. For Home Boarding all new dogs are required to complete a charged trial stay of 1 night (2 days). You must be available during the trial to collect your dog at any time.
1.6. Full payment of the total cost of the service is required to book dates. The booking is confirmed once full payment has been received. 50% of the total cost is a non-refundable booking fee. The other 50% is refundable under certain circumstances, see section ‘2. Cancellations’.
2. Cancellations
2.1. In the event of cancellations that are notified to us 46 days or more prior to the start of the booking period, all fees less the non-refundable booking fee (50% of the total cost), will be refunded, or held over for subsequent bookings.
2.2. In the event of cancellations that are notified to us between 45 days and 31 days prior to the start of the booking period, 75% of the total cost of the service will be kept by HWSW and 25% of the total cost of the service will be refunded, or held over for subsequent bookings. The payment kept by HWSW cannot be used towards other bookings.
2.3. In the event of cancellations that are notified to us 30 days or less prior to the start of the booking period, 100% of the total cost of the service will be kept and no refund will be offered. The payment kept by HWSW cannot be used towards other bookings.
2.4. If we cannot provide the service agreed, we will do our best to arrange an alternative, unless in extreme circumstances, where we will endeavour to give 24 hours notice.
3. Aggressive Animals
3.1. HWSW will not accept aggressive animals.
3.2. The Owner agrees to be responsible for all costs (including but not limited to medical care, legal fees, etc) if the Owner’s pet(s) should bite another animal.
3.3. The Owner agrees that on booking services for their dog(s) that they have represented that the dog(s) to have not shown aggression or caused harm, or threatening behaviour to any individual and/or any pet(s), and the Owner agrees to contact HWSW as soon as possible if any of these behavioural changes presents itself or if it has the potential to cause harm to any individual or pet(s).
3.4. HWSW will not accept unruly or untrained dogs, this includes toilet training.
3.5. If the Owner’s dog(s) shows aggressive tendencies towards HWSW staff or their family, or should its behaviour become unacceptable or a nuisance beyond reasonable acceptance, the Owner agrees that he/she be placed either with the emergency contact or in a boarding kennel, until the Owner returns. In this situation, placement in alternative care will be subject to a transfer charge, and full payment for the new alternative pet care will be the responsibility of the Owner.
4. Unforeseen Purchases
4.1. In the event that additional items need to be purchased in the absence of the Owner – i.e. pet food, litter or other necessary items that contribute to the health and wellbeing of your pet, HWSW will purchase these, retain a receipt and the Owner is responsible for reimbursement of these items on their return.
5. Updates
5.1. Please inform us of any changes regarding your contact numbers, your pet’s care needs, your emergency contact details and other pertinent information.
6. Privacy Policy
6.1. All of your information will be kept private and confidential.
6.2. HWSW highly respects our clients’ entrusting us with the care of their pets.
6.3. All of our records will be stored in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
7. Insurance
7.1. All reasonable care is taken to ensure the integrity and suitability of the care provided.
7.2. HWSW has valid public liability insurance, for the peace of mind of its clients.
7.3. The insurance only covers the staff when working for HWSW, for the duration of the selected service, and only for services arranged with HWSW.
7.4. HWSW recommend that you purchase your own separate pet insurance.
8. Medication/Vaccinations/Immunisations
8.1. HWSW will follow instructions to administer medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result.
8.2. Under no circumstances will HWSW accept any pet that has any form of active contagious illness.
8.3. We require a copy of a valid vaccination certificate.
8.4. If a HWSW staff member is bitten or exposed to any disease or ailment received from the client’s pet(s) which has not been properly or currently vaccinated, the client will be responsible for all costs and damages that may be incurred as a result.
8.5. HWSW requires dogs to be on a flea and worm treatment plan.
8.6. HWSW does not insist on the Kennel Cough vaccination. However, if the vaccination/booster is given, we require 2 full weeks after vaccination before the pet can be allowed back on the premises for home boarding. We reserve the right to refuse a dog entry if verification of the date of vaccination/booster cannot be provided.
9. Collars/Leads
9.1. Please provide secure collars with appropriate tags.
10. Changes to return date
10.1. HWSW carefully schedules our time to serve you and our other clients, therefore, there are no refunds or credits for early returns or last minute changes to pet care.
10.2. In the event that the client is delayed on return, they must inform HWSW immediately, and HWSW will use its best endeavours to make alternative arrangements for continued cover, even when they are unable to continue with care following the assignment end date.
11. Payment
11.1. The pet service provider accepts bank transfer.
11.2. Full payment of the total cost of the service is required to book dates. The booking is confirmed once full payment has been received. 50% of the total cost is a non-refundable booking fee. The other 50% is refundable under certain circumstances, see section ‘2. Cancellations’.
11.3. Where services are required long term, the client may make payment on a monthly basis if agreed with HWSW.
12. Liability
12.1. HWSW shall not be liable to the client or be deemed to be in breach of the contract by reason of any delay in performing, or any failure to perform, any of it’s obligations in relation to the services, if the delay or failure was due to any cause beyond the HWSW’s reasonable control.
All policies and guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of the pet service provider.
Service Agreement
1. The Owner authorises HWSW to carry out pet services as outlined in the Policies & Procedures and accompanying ‘Pet Section’ on Pet Sitter Plus. The Owner agrees that the completed ‘Pet Section’ on Pet Sitter Plus provided in association with this document is true to the best of their knowledge and may be used by HWSW when needed.
2. HWSW reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time, at its sole discretion; likewise, the Owner may terminate the contract at any time. Notice must be given in writing by either party wishing to terminate the contract.
3. HWSW agrees to provide the services stated in this agreement and the ‘Pet Section’ on Pet Sitter Plus in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services, and as an express condition thereof, the Owner expressly waivers and relinquishes any or all claims against HWSW, it’s employees, contractors or assigns.
4. HWSW cannot be held responsible for any incident or injury resulting from misinformation given in the ‘Pet Section’ on Pet Sitter Plus by the Owner.
5. Fees are earned upon acceptance of agreement and are due as outlined in the Policies and Procedures.
6. The Owner authorises HWSW to obtain any emergency veterinary care that may be necessary during the time spent with their pet. The Owner accepts responsibility for any charges related to this emergency care. The Owner authorises HWSW to utilise an alternative veterinarian in the event that their primary veterinarian is unavailable. Every effort will be made to contact the owner prior to emergency care. The Owner agrees to reimburse HWSW for any additional fees for providing emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred for unexpected visits, transportation, housing, food, or supplies.
7. The Owner confirms that all vaccinations, licences, and any other lawful requirement for this service are current.
8. The Owner authorises this contract to be valid approval for all future services so as to permit HWSW to accept their telephone/email/Pet Sitter Plus reservations and enter their premises without additional signed contracts or written authorisation.
