Aurora’s Explorers Dog Walking & Pet Services
Policies & Client Agreement
These policies are in place to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and happiness of every pet in our care, while providing a reliable, professional, and friendly service. If you ever have questions, please feel free to get in touch.

1. General Care & Welfare
All dogs are cared for with kindness, patience, and respect at all times.
Walks are tailored to suit each dog’s age, breed, health, and individual needs.
Fresh water is offered during and/or after every walk.
Dogs are only walked off-lead if it has been agreed in advance and it is safe to do so.

2. Client Information & Responsibilities
All dogs must have a completed Client Form before services begin.
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure all information provided is accurate and kept up to date.
Any changes to health, behaviour, routine, or contact details must be communicated in writing as soon as possible.

3. Health, Vaccinations & Parasite Control
Dogs must be in good general health to attend walks.
Dogs must be up to date with vaccinations or have a valid titre test.
Regular flea, tick, and worm treatment is required.
Any medical conditions, injuries, allergies, or medication requirements must be disclosed via the client form. For suspected short-term conditions, illnesses, and medication, please inform us in writing. 

4. Behaviour & Handling
Dogs must be safe to handle on-lead and in public environments.
Any history of aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or bite incidents must be declared.
We use positive, reward-based handling only. Harsh handling methods or aversive equipment are not used.
We reserve the right to decline or suspend services if a dog’s behaviour poses a risk to themselves, other dogs, the public, or the walker.

5. Group Walks
Group walks are carefully matched based on size, temperament, energy levels, and behaviour.
Group sizes are kept small to ensure safety and individual attention.
If a dog becomes unsuitable for group walks, we will discuss alternative options such as solo walks.

6. Puppies
Puppies must have completed their vaccinations before joining group walks.
Puppy walks focus on positive experiences, confidence-building, and appropriate rest periods.
Walk duration and structure will be age-appropriate.

7. Equipment
Owners must provide suitable collars or harnesses and a secure lead. All dogs must have an up-to-date ID tag securely attached to their collar or harness. We have the right to attach our own ID tags with Aurora's Explorers Dog Walking contact details on for the duration of the walks. 
We reserve the right to use our own equipment if we believe it is safer for the dog.
Choke chains, prong collars, or aversive training equipment will not be used.

8. Access to Property
Clients must provide safe and clear access to their property, including instructions for keys, alarms, entry systems, and parking requirements.
We will take all reasonable care to ensure your home is left secure.
We cannot be held responsible for issues caused by faulty locks, unsecured keys or unclear instructions. 

9. Weather & Environmental Conditions
Walks may be adjusted during extreme weather conditions (including heat, storms, or icy conditions) to protect dog welfare.
Adjustments may include shorter walks, shaded routes, or enrichment-based visits instead. If the weather is unsafe to travel in, we reserve the right to cancel dog walks/visits on the arranged day. 

10. Emergencies & Veterinary Care
The owner authorises Aurora’s Explorers Dog Walking and Pet Services to seek veterinary advice and/or treatment, and to administer appropriate first aid, including canine CPR, in the event of illness, injury, or emergency while the dog is in our care.

Every reasonable effort will be made to contact the owner or their emergency contact prior to any action being taken. However, in urgent situations requiring immediate care to preserve the dog’s life or prevent further injury, the business reserves the right to act without prior consent.

Any veterinary costs or related costs incurred will be the responsibility of the owner.

All decisions will be made in good faith and in the best interests of your dog.

11. Cancellations & Changes
We kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or changes.
Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged.
We understand emergencies happen and will always aim to be fair and reasonable.

12. Payments
Payment terms will be agreed in advance.
Invoices must be paid on time to secure ongoing services.
Continued late payment may result in suspension of services.

13. Photos, Videos & Updates
With permission provided via the Client Intake Form, we may take photos or videos during walks for updates or social media. At times, your dog's name may be included.
If you prefer your dog not to be featured, this can be updated at any time by notifying us in writing.

14. Liability
Aurora’s Explorers Dog Walking and Pet Services will take all reasonable care while your dog is in our care and control. However, by agreeing to these terms, the owner acknowledges and accepts that dogs may behave unpredictably and that certain risks are inherent in group walks, transport, and outdoor environments.

The business shall not be liable for:
• Any injury, illness, loss, or death of a dog, except where this is caused by proven negligence on the part of Aurora’s Explorers Dog Walking and Pet Services
• Any damage caused by the dog to property, persons, or other animals while in our care

The owner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Aurora’s Explorers Dog Walking and Pet Services against any claims, damages, or losses arising from their dog’s behaviour.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot be excluded under UK law.

Where liability is established, it shall be limited to a maximum of £5,000,000 as per our Pet Business Insurance policy Public Liability cover.

The owner confirms that their dog is fit, healthy, and not known to be aggressive or dangerous, and that all relevant information about the dog’s behaviour has been fully disclosed prior to services commencing.

15. Acceptance of Policies
By using our services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these policies.
Completion of the Client Intake Form forms part of this agreement.
Policies may be updated from time to time, and clients will be informed of any significant changes.

Thank you for trusting Aurora’s Explorers Dog Walking & Pet Services.
We’re proud to be part of your dog’s adventures.