Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions

As a sole trader, I pride myself on providing personal, reliable, and attentive care for your beloved pets. To keep this business healthy, sustainable, and running long-term- so I can keep showing up for your gorgeous pets- please review the following terms and conditions.

1. Health, Vaccinations & In-Season Bitches

  • Vaccination & Kennel Cough Proof: All dogs must be fully vaccinated, including the Kennel Cough vaccine, especially if participating in group walks. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations must be provided prior to services commencing. Kennel cough is easily transmitted when dogs interact and play, so this is strictly enforced for the safety of all pets in my care.

  • Bitches in Season (Heat): Owners must inform me immediately if a female dog comes into heat. For safety and control reasons, dogs in season cannot participate in group walks. Owners must switch and pay for 1-to-1 walks for the duration of the dog's season.

2. Behavioural Disclosure & Handling

  • Full Behavioural Disclosure: Please disclose all known behavioural traits or reactivity in advance- particularly regarding triggers such as cyclists, runners, pedestrians, or other animals.

  • Prior History: A prior history of aggression or reactivity does not automatically mean I cannot walk your dog; however, advance notice is required so I can prepare and handle your dog safely.

  • Handler Discretion: For the safety of myself, the public, and other animals, I reserve the right to adjust or decline walks for dogs whose behaviour presents a safety risk, especially during periods of handler injury or physical limitation.

3. Bookings, Notice Periods & Cancellations

To ensure smooth operations and fair availability for all clients, the following cancellation notice periods apply:

  • Dog Walks: Require 5 days’ notice to cancel, or the full fee applies. If cancelling the day before, the walk must be rescheduled to another day within that same week to avoid being charged.

  • Pop-Ins: Require 2 days’ notice to cancel, or the full fee applies.

  • Overnight Sits: Require 2 weeks’ notice to cancel, or the full fee applies.

  • Weekend Walks: Rates are subject to weekend pricing tiers. Please refer to the home page of my website for the latest updated rates.

  • Exceptional Circumstances: Cancellation fees may be waived at my sole discretion in exceptional circumstances (e.g., sudden pet illness), as outlined in your service contract.

4. Safety & Weather Adjustments

  • Walk Duration Adjustments: For the health and safety of your dog and myself, I reserve the right to shorten or end a walk early in cases of extreme or dangerous weather (such as severe heat) or if a dog displays uncontrollable or dangerous behaviour towards me, other people, or other dogs.

  • Payment for Shortened Walks: If a walk needs to be cut short during a session due to dangerous weather or behavioural issues, full payment for the session remains required.

  • Advance Weather Cancellations: No fee will be charged if a walk is cancelled by me or rescheduled prior to its start time (e.g., in the event of an advance heatwave warning).

5. Illness, Injury & Sickness Protocol (Sole Trader Operations)

  • Sole Trader Operation: As an independent business owner, I personally carry out services, supported on occasion by two fully insured and DBS-checked family members.

  • Arranging Cover: In the unlikely event that I am unwell or recovering from an injury, every reasonable effort will be made to arrange cover. However, due to operating as a sole trader, alternative coverage cannot always be guaranteed.

  • Assessment of Safe Walks:

    • If I am recovering from an injury or illness, I will assess on a case-by-case basis whether it is safe for me to walk specific dogs.

    • Dogs that require lower physical exertion or do not pull on the lead may still be walked, whereas dogs that pull strongly or require specialized handling (e.g., reactive or high-energy dogs) may need to be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons.

    • Decisions regarding safety will be made at my sole professional discretion to ensure both my safety and the well-being of your dog.

  • Compassion & Understanding: I appreciate your kindness, compassion, and understanding during rare personal emergencies, illnesses, or physical injury recovery periods.

  • Unforeseen Cancellations: If a booking must be cancelled or adjusted by me due to an emergency, illness, or injury, I will give you as much notice as possible. While I deeply regret any inconvenience, I cannot accept liability for external expenses incurred as a result of unforeseen personal emergencies.

6. Zero Tolerance Policy (Respect & Communication)

  • Mutual Respect: I am dedicated to offering a professional, friendly, and compassionate service. Bullying, harassment, abusive behaviour, misinformation, or any action or communication that makes me feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unfairly targeted will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

  • Termination of Service: I reserve the right to immediately terminate contact, cancel upcoming bookings, and discontinue services for any client who exhibits abusive, harassing, or unreasonable behaviour, without prior warning or liability.

7. Pet Sitting Availability & House Rules

  • Limited Availability: Due to maintaining my own resident dogs, pet sitting services are strictly limited and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Unattended Time: Client dogs must be comfortable and safe being left alone in the client’s home for up to three (3) hours at a time during the day while routine daily dog walking appointments are fulfilled for regular clients.

  • Owner Routine & Mid-Day Care: Between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, the sitter will need to pop in and out of their own home periodically to tend to and let out their own dogs until a family member/partner returns home.

  • Pet Suitability: By agreeing to these terms, the Client confirms that their dog(s) do not suffer from severe separation anxiety or destructive behaviours when left unattended for the periods outlined above.

8. Acceptance of Terms

By booking services with me (The North Yorkshire Furry Godmother), you acknowledge and agree to these Terms and Conditions. When you sign the form before a petsit/walk, you will be agreeing to these terms.

Thank you for taking the time to read my terms and conditions.