Client Agreement & Authorization
A copy of this document will be given to you at the Meet and Greet to be signed and dated.
I, the undersigned, agree to the following terms and conditions in relation to services provided by Bark & Bracken, including but not limited to dog walking, pet sitting, pet taxi and small animal care and all dogs walked will undergo a week’s trial period to determine if they are adequately trained and socialised.
1. Access to Property
The client agrees to provide Bark & Bracken with keys, access codes, or other necessary arrangements to access the property in order to carry out the agreed services. The client will ensure that keys and access details are safe, functional, and provided in a timely manner.
2. Emergency Veterinary Care
The client authorises Bark & Bracken to obtain any emergency veterinary care deemed necessary for the health and welfare of their pet(s) during the period of care. Every reasonable effort will be made to contact the client before treatment is sought. The client accepts full responsibility for all costs incurred for such emergency care. If the client’s regular veterinarian is unavailable, Bark & Bracken is authorised to use an alternative licensed veterinary professional.
3. Additional Expenses
The client agrees to reimburse Bark & Bracken for any additional fees incurred in providing emergency care, as well as any costs relating to unexpected visits, transportation, accommodation, food, or supplies required for their pet(s).
4. Liability & Indemnity
The client understands and accepts that they are responsible for any medical expenses or damages resulting from injury to the pet walker or sitter, representatives of Bark & Bracken, or any other person caused by their pet(s). The client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Bark & Bracken from any claims, losses, or legal actions resulting from such incidents. The client also accepts full liability for any loss or damage caused by their dog(s) whilst being walked.
5. Concerns & Complaints
The client agrees to notify Bark & Bracken of any concerns, complaints, or issues within 24 hours of the relevant appointment or service so that they can be addressed and resolved promptly
6. Standard of Care & Liability Waiver
Bark & Bracken will provide the services outlined in this agreement in a professional, reliable, and compassionate manner. In consideration of these services, the client expressly waives and releases any and all claims against Bark & Bracken, its employees, contractors, or representatives, except in cases of proven negligence by .
7. Access & Security
Bark & Bracken accepts no responsibility for the security of the client’s premises or for any loss or damage if other individuals have access to the property during the term of this agreement. All services will be carried out solely by the owner or employees of Bark & Bracken, unless prior written consent is obtained from the client. Bark & Bracken will endeavour to keep your property clean and tidy during our visits.
8. Off-Lead Walking
No dog will be walked off-lead unless the owner has provided prior written consent. Off-lead walking will only take place in suitable locations and Bark & Bracken will endeavour to clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately. All bitches in season can only be walked on a lead.
9. Unforeseen Circumstances
If Bark & Bracken is unable to attend to a scheduled service due to illness, emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, the client will be notified at the earliest possible opportunity, and alternative arrangements will be discussed where feasible.
10. Equipment Responsibility
Bark & Bracken is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the failure or malfunction of pet equipment (including leads, collars, harnesses) or from equipment that is improperly fitted.
11. Outdoor Access
Bark & Bracken accept no liability for injury, disappearance, death, or penalties incurred if a pet is allowed unsupervised access to outdoor areas, whether by the owner’s instruction or otherwise.
12. Liability & Insurance
Bark & Bracken holds full public liability insurance covering all dog walking activities. The client remains responsible for any costs, claims, or damages arising from injury caused by their dog(s) to people, property, or other animals. While every effort will be made to ensure the safety and well-being of all pets in our care, Bark & Bracken cannot be held liable for injury, loss, or death of a pet resulting from circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to unforeseen accidents, sudden illness, or theft.
13. Duration of Agreement
This agreement shall remain in effect for all future services until a new agreement is signed. Bark & Bracken reserve the right to terminate this agreement at any time, at its sole discretion. The client may terminate this agreement with a minimum of one (1) month’s written notice.
14. Duty of Care
Bark & Bracken is committed to providing reliable, compassionate, and attentive care for your pet(s) while you are at work or away from home. All walks will be conducted by the owner of Bark & Bracken or an approved employee/contractor. Walk durations refer to active walking time only and do not include travel, pick-up, or drop-off. Services will be provided in all reasonable weather conditions, with necessary adjustments made in cases of extreme heat, cold, or adverse weather to ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs. Fresh water will be provided after each walk, and dogs will be towel-dried if wet whenever possible.
15. Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Dogs will be collected from and returned to the agreed address at the scheduled times, using a safe and secure method of transport that complies with UK Animal Welfare regulations and the Highway Code. If the client is not at home, access will be arranged through the provision of keys, access codes, or other agreed methods to ensure the service can be carried out as scheduled.
16. Cancellation Policy
Permanent Slots
A permanent slot refers to specific days booked each week on an ongoing basis.
The client is responsible for payment of all permanent slots, whether or not they are used.
Cancellations are at the client’s discretion but remain chargeable.
Less than 1 month’s notice will incur FULL payment.
Non-Permanent Slots
Infrequent or ad-hoc bookings require a minimum of 7 days’ notice for cancellation.
Cancellations with less than 7 days’ notice will remain chargeable in full.
17. . Payment Terms
A 50% deposit will be required for all pet sitting services.
Invoices will be issued weekly and payment is due within 48hrs of invoice.
Payment is accepted by bank transfer only, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Cash payments, if agreed, must be provided upfront on the first walk of the week.
Late payment may result in termination of agreement.
18. Lead Requirements
The client is responsible for providing a safe and appropriate lead for their pet(s) together with a tag displaying the clients contact details at all times. In cases where a dog pulls excessively, a suitable lead, or harness must be supplied to ensure safe handling. If appropriate equipment is not provided, Bark & Bracken reserve the right to use its own lead or handling equipment for safety purposes. Should the client wish to decline the use of alternative equipment, this must be confirmed in writing prior to the commencement of services.
19. Health, Behaviour & Suitability
All clients will require an initial free consultation prior to any booking to assess suitability and agree requirements and sign all necessary paperwork. All dogs must be up to date with vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and microchipping in accordance with UK law. The client is responsible for informing Bark & Bracken of any health issues, injuries, allergies, or behavioural concerns prior to walks. Dogs must not display aggressive behaviour towards people or other animals, and if such behaviour occurs, Bark & Bracken reserve the right to terminate services immediately. If medication is to be administered, clear instructions must be given and an authorised signature.
20. Weather Policy
During periods of extreme weather, such as heatwaves, heavy snow, ice, or high winds, walks may be shortened, rescheduled, or replaced with home visits or garden breaks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the dogs in our care. Safety will always be the highest priority, and alternative arrangements will be discussed with the client in advance wherever possible. If earlier walks, adjusted timings, or alternative garden visits are offered but declined by the client, our standard cancellation policy will apply, which may result in the full service fee being charged in accordance with the agreed terms. In the event of rain or moderate wind, walks will proceed as normal. However, if winds reach gale force, owners will be informed that walks may need to be shortened to allow Bark & Bracken to safely reach all dogs scheduled for that day, taking into account potential traffic disruptions. During periods of freezing temperatures, icy conditions, or heavy snow, walks may be cancelled entirely if it is deemed unsafe for both the dogs and the walker. All decisions will prioritise the safety and well-being of the animals in our care, as well as compliance with our duty of care obligations.
21. Day Off Policy
Bark & Bracken will provide a minimum of 28 days’ notice to all clients when taking planned time off to ensure sufficient opportunity to make alternative arrangements for pet care. Notice will be given in writing, either by email, text message, or other agreed communication method. In the case of unforeseen circumstances such as illness or emergencies, clients will be notified as soon as possible, and every reasonable effort will be made to arrange cover where feasible. This policy is in place to minimise disruption to your pet’s routine while ensuring a fair and professional level of service.
22. Updates
Walk updates, photos, or notes can be provided to the client upon request to keep them informed about their pet’s activities and well-being. Any incidents, concerns, or notable changes in behaviour observed during the service will be communicated to the client promptly to ensure transparency and allow for any necessary action.
Acknowledgement
By engaging Bark & Bracken for dog walking services, the client confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this policy.