Hart’s Happy Hounds reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, effective upon issuing a copy of the modified Terms and Conditions to the client.

1. General 

1.1 All clients will be deemed to have accepted Hart’s Happy Hounds terms and conditions (as laid out here) on signature of the Service Agreement.

1.2 Hart’s Happy Hounds will not confirm any booking until a consultation has been carried out with the client, and the Service Agreement with full details of client requirements has been signed by the client.

1.3 Full payment for services (agreed either at the time of booking or subsequently) is to be made within 3 days of receipt of invoice or, by the date specified on the invoice via cash or bank transfer. If payment is not made within this time 2.5% of the total bill will be added for each day that payment is overdue.

1.4 The client must provide all items necessary for their dog to be adequately cared for in the client’s absence. (i.e., food, medication, leads, tags, collars). Please note that tags are a legal requirement. Should dogs require any additional supplies whilst in the care of Hart’s Happy Hounds, these will be purchased and added to the bill with copies of receipts.

1.5 Hart’s Happy Hounds will provide poo bags, towels for cleaning, and dog treats unless the client prefers to provide their own dog treats (these will need to be made available at collection time).

1.6 All dogs must be in a secure location prior to collection. Being loose in the garden does not constitute this.

1.7 The client must provide Hart’s Happy Hounds with a name and a contact telephone number of someone capable of making a decision relating to their dog in an emergency. A nominated vet’s details will also be recorded, and they will be contacted if we are unable to communicate with the client or their representative. The client is responsible for any veterinary bills, no matter how they are incurred, whilst their dog is in the care of Hart’s Happy Hounds. 

1.8 If your pet requires Emergency Veterinary attention whilst in our care, we will take it to your nominated vet wherever possible. All pets in our care MUST be registered with a vet. If we are unable to go to your vet; we will utilise the nearest vet available. Any consultation, call-out or treatment costs will be charged to the client. Your pet will be treated under your name and address. When you sign the Service Agreement you are confirming that you are giving Hart’s Happy Hounds your authority to request any such treatment and that you will pay ALL fees, to the Vet concerned directly in full.

1.9 Hart’s Happy Hounds must be alerted to any behavioural problems with your dog(s) at the time of booking. Failure to do so may result in additional charges or cancellation of any future contract.

1.10 Hart’s Happy Hounds must be informed if your dog does or has ever used a muzzle and this should be made available for use at our discretion.

1.11 Hart’s Happy Hounds reserves the right to refuse or discontinue walks for any dog that doesn’t respond well to the walker or is deemed to be aggressive towards humans, animals or property.

1.12All dogs will be exercised on a lead unless prior agreement has been reached with Hart’s Happy Hounds and a disclaimer form has been signed. This will be discussed at the time of booking.

1.13 Hart’s Happy Hounds, walk a maximum of 4 dogs per walk to ensure a safe and enjoyable walk for all dogs in our care. Walks are time booked for either 30 minutes or one hour this does not include pick up or drop off.

1.14 Should your dog be in season then she will have to be lead-walked in a quiet area. 

1.15 Hart’s Happy Hounds holds Public Liability insurance, wherever possible pets should be insured by the client. Hart’s Happy Hounds reserves the right to refuse a booking for any animal which is not insured.

1.16 Hart’s Happy Hounds will care for your animal as you would. All dog play is carefully monitored to avoid injury, but scratches, punctures or other injuries may occur despite the best supervision. Whilst we will make every effort to ensure your pet is well looked after in your absence, Hart’s Happy Hounds cannot be held liable for any loss, injury or death to a pet either inside or outside of the home whilst in our care.

1.17 A spare key is required for each household to gain access to your pet. House keys will be kept securely and only marked with the name of your dog and any internal alarm code.

1.18 Paperwork relating to your dog is kept separate and secure away from keys. No personal details will be forwarded or passed on to any third party.

1.19 Hart’s Happy Hounds will provide at least 3 months notice of any holiday greater than 1 week to allow clients time to make alternative arrangements. 

2 Client Responsibilities

2.1 The Client undertakes to make full disclosure to Hart’s Happy Hounds of any characteristic, behaviour or health problems that may make their pet(s) unsuitable for Hart’s Happy Hounds services. (For example; excessive loud barking, aggression towards other dogs or children)

2.2 The Client confirms that they are the owner of the pet(s) named on the Agreement Form, and that they authorise Hart’s Happy Hounds to act as guardians during their absence and to take any action which Hart’s Happy Hounds considers suitable in order to protect and keep in good health the pet(s) named on the Agreement Form.

2.3 The Client will be responsible for any costs which might be incurred, either Veterinary or other as a result of any sickness, accident or damage caused to or by the pet(s) named on the Agreement Form – except third party liability. The Client will pay any such costs or expenses on demand. The Client understands that no liability will attach to Hart’s Happy Hounds.

2.4 The Client must inform Hart’s Happy Hounds immediately if their Pet(s) become ill with a contagious condition. Until the Pet(s) have been declared in good health by the Clients Vet, the Pet(s) must remain away from other animals and, therefore, alternative arrangements may be necessary on a temporary basis.

2.5 The Client will be responsible for informing Hart’s Happy Hounds of any changes to details recorded on the Agreement Form.

3. Cancellations 

3.1 Cancellations of a single walk must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled walk time. Walks cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged 50% of the walk fee. Walks cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged in full. 

3.2 Cancellations of walks for a period of 1 week or more require 1 week's notice. If the required notice is not given charges will be applied in full for the cancelled period. 

3.3 No-Show Policy: If we arrive at your home and are unable to access your dog due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., no key left, gate locked), the full fee for the scheduled walk will be charged.

3.4 Emergency Cancellations:  We understand that emergencies happen. If you need to cancel due to an emergency, please contact us as soon as possible. We will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis and may waive cancellation fees at our discretion.

3.5 Hart’s Happy Hounds reserves the right to cancel any service on short notice in the event of, but not limited to, illness, accidents, extreme weather conditions (e.g., severe storms, extreme heat), and other unforeseen circumstances. In such an event Hart’s Happy Hounds will provide as much notice as possible to the clients, and services will not be changed for.