Use of the services of Muddy Puddles Dorset will be deemed acceptance of the following terms and conditions.
1. An initial introductory meeting will happen with the client to ensure the client and the Muddy Puddles Dorset animal carer are happy to proceed with the booking.
2. The Muddy Puddles Dorset animal carer will ask the client to review the relevant forms about the animal(s) to be completed and signed to confirm all information is correct. The booking will not be accepted if all relevant forms have not been completed and signed by the client.
3. If the Muddy Puddles Dorset animal carer or the client does not want to continue with the booking they must inform either party within 24 hours of the initial visit.
4. We have a 48 hour free cancellation policy. However, if services are cancelled by the client on the day of the scheduled service or the day before, the client shall be responsible for the full payment of the agreed upon service fee. Cancellations are to be in writing, whether by text, email or WhatsApp. The time of cancellation shall be determined based on the time of the communication received and read by Muddy Puddles Dorset.
5. Dog walks in inclement weather - the default assumption is that dog adventures will take place even in unfavourable weather conditions. Exceptions include, but are not limited to, situations where there is a danger to life or if the assigned Muddy Puddles Dorset animal carer is unable to attend due to specific extreme circumstances like flood, high winds or snow. If the client cancels the service but the Muddy Puddles Carer is still able to attend, the full service fee will be charged.
6. If the Muddy Puddles Dorset animal carer is forced to cancel a booking after it has been confirmed, a full refund will be provided, unless we secure a replacement carer.
7. In the event the Muddy Puddles Dorset animal carer is en route to or has arrived at the booking, or the client returns early during a booking, the fee must be paid in full by the client.
8. The client shall ensure all their pets are up to date with vaccinations, insurance, worming, flea and tick treatment.
9. It is the legal responsibility of the owner to ensure all microchip details and collar tag details are up to date and present.
10. We cannot accept bookings for badly behaved or aggressive animals. Muddy Puddles Dorset may terminate the contract immediately if it is reasonably thought the animal in our care is badly behaved or aggressive, either towards humans, animals or property.
11. It is your responsibility to insure your dogs. We have suitable insurance in place but it is not a substitute for your own insurance.
12. House and small holdings sittings – unless otherwise arranged any dogs will be walked for at least half an hour twice a day. Any animals will not be left for more than 4 hours at a time, unless agreed otherwise with the client.
13. A daily sustenance allowance for the Muddy Puddles animal carer has been factored in to the price for all house and small holdings sittings and is not an additional cost for the client.
14. For house and small holding sittings, the client should undertake to advise Muddy Puddles Dorset of any extension or change in booking dates to avoid inconvenience to our other clients.
15. Regular weekly bookings require full settlement in advance at the time of the first booking and then monthly in advance on the last working day of each month thereafter, unless otherwise agreed with Muddy Puddles Dorset.
16. One off bookings will require full settlement prior to the job commencing.
17. House sitting and smallholding sittings require a non refundable 50% deposit to secure the booking and full settlement at the start of the job.
18. Late payment or non payment can render the booking liable to cancellation without notice and without liability on the part of Muddy Puddles Dorset.
19. Muddy Puddles Dorset does not accept liability for loss or injury of pets in our care.
20. If any animal in the care of Muddy Puddles Dorset becomes ill or injured and needs veterinary assistance, the owner is responsible for the associated veterinary bills. If the illness or injury is the direct result of the carer’s actions or negligence, the responsibility for the veterinary bills may be reconsidered.
