Dog Walking Terms and Conditions
All dogs will undergo a trial period to ensure that they are adequately trained and socialised and the service meets theirs, the client’s and other walked dogs needs, prior to any regular booking.
Taking The Lead will walk the dog booked for no less than the time and on the dates booked from the start location.
If Taking The Lead is notified more than 24 hours in advance of a cancellation for a booked walk they will be no charge. Less than 24 hours, Taking The Lead reserve the right to payment in full for the booked walk.
The client will ensure that access is given to Taking The Lead to collect the dog from the agreed address at the agreed time. Taking The Lead prefers that clients provide a key safe at the property, the number will be stored in a password-protected location and not shared.
However, if a key safe is not available, owners are required to provide Taking The Lead with a key to their home. Taking The Lead will use the key provided to collect and return the dog(s) and for no other purpose. It will be kept safe, will not be stored with any documents identifying the property or client, no one outside the company shall have access to it and it will be returned it to the owner upon request.
Where a dog flap is fitted, it is the owner's sole responsibility to ensure its good condition and to ensure that the garden and its fences are secure.
While in the care of Taking The Lead a temporary identity tag bearing the contact details for Taking The Lead will be attached to the collar or harness. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the dog wears its own identity tag in accordance with The Control of Dogs Act 1992 in a public place and to ensure that the registered details are kept up-to-date.
All dogs must be microchipped under The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015. The microchip number be supplied to Taking The Lead.
All street walks will be on a lead.
Dogs will only be walked off-lead if they have been assessed as reliable, the location and enviroment are suitable and the client has completed the off-lead consent.
All owners are required to complete, fully and honestly, the Pet and Client Registration Forms and agree to terms and conditions. The client is required to update Taking The Lead with details of all medical or behavioral conditions that may affect the dog.
Failure to do so may result in additional charges or cancellations of any future contract. Taking The Lead will inform the owner of any incident or anything which Taking The Lead notices about the dog which the owner ought to know.
While the dog is walked in a group walk with Taking The Lead they will be walking with other owners’ dogs. Taking The Lead will have assessed these in terms of behaviour and temperament. All dog activities are carefully monitored by Taking The Lead to avoid injury, however, injuries may occur despite the best supervision.
Should the dog attack, or be involved in a fight with another animal or person, causing injury to that dog or person the owner will be responsible for any losses incurred as a result, including (but not limited to) payment of medical fees in respect of injuries to any third party, animal or property caused by the owner's dog.
Taking The Lead will make any necesary decisions regarding the dog's health providing they are acting in the best interests of the dog: they have made every attempt to contact the owner or the Emergency Contact person and that it is on the advice of a qualified veterinary surgeon. Vet bills that the dog may incur will be settled by the owner.
Although Taking The Lead carries a portable washer system it is limited in what it can achieve, dogs may be returned in a damp or muddy condition. Taking The Lead recomends a suitable enviroment to return the dog to and the use of aqua fleeces and/or drying coats.
In the event that the dog becomes ill or distressed while on a walk, an attempt to contact the owner will be made and if deemed necessary we will return to the dog's home, provide access to the garden and provide stimulation for the remainder of the booked time unless a vet visit is necessary. If the unlikely event that the service provided is shorter than the booked walk the charge will reflect the service provided.
When an unneutered bitch comes into season it can be a stressful time for her and other dogs. She can be at risk of unwanted attention or unplanned pregnancies. To avoid this Taking The Lead does not routinely offer a walking service to bitches during their season. The owner is required to inform and discuss the situation with Taking The Lead as soon as they are aware of the situation. Taking The Lead reserves the right to amend a booking for a walk, if upon arrival the bitch appears to be in season.
A drop-in service may be offered, instead, to provide stimulation and exercise from the safety of the home providing access to a secure garden. Taking The Lead may choose to provide access to the garden with the bitch on a lead to prevent escapes.
Clients may cancel a walk without any notice due to a bitch coming into a season without charge.
Whilst we do our best to ensure a dog gets their much loved and needed walk regardless of the weather there are unfortunately times when it can be dangerous, unsafe, and irresponsible to venture out. In the event of extreme weather, the owner will be contacted to discuss and kept updated. We reserve the right to cancel or shorten walks accordingly. In the unlikely event we are forced to cancel a booked walk, don’t worry, we will provide a drop-in service to check the dog’s welfare, provide stimulation and allow access to the garden. If the visit is shorter than your booked walk the charge will be reduced accordingly.
Taking The Lead may terminate the arrangement if the dog continues to show any behaviour previously discussed with the owner, as being aggressive or harmful either towards humans, animals or property.