1. Introduction

1.1 These Terms and Conditions govern how Pawentential Instinct (“the Provider”, “we”, “our”, “us”) will fulfil the obligations set out in the document put forward (“the Service”). This offer is conditional on your (“the Client”, “the Owner”, “you”) agreement to all the terms and conditions contained in this agreement. 

1.2. By using the Service or by exercising any rights provided to parts of it, you accept and agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of Service. Pawtential Instinct only grants you the rights contained in this Agreement in consideration of your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of Service. 

1.3 If you do not agree to the Terms and Conditions of Service you should not use the Service and therefore decline this Agreement. 

2. The Service

2.1 Pawtential Instinct provides professional dog walking services to dogs from the same household, as booked by the Client

2.1.1 Pawtential Instinct reserves the right to walk your dog(s) in a group of up to 6 dogs at the same time, unless the service booked is a solo walk, this will always be discussed with the Client first

2.1.2 Pawtential Instinct reserves the right to walk your dog(s) in a group made up of those from your household and their own ‘stooge’ dogs, primarily to aid with socialisation and walk training, this will always be discussed with the Client first 

2.2. Pawtential Instinct provides professional dog walking services of groups made up from multiple different households

2.2.1 Pawtential Instinct reserves the right to walk your dog(s) in a group of up to 4 dogs at the same time

2.3 Pawtential Instinct provides professional dog training services, encompassing one-to-one sessions, and additional training services introduced at our discretion

2.4 Pawtential Instinct provides pet “pop-in” services within the Client’s home 

2.5 Services are delivered in-person at the client’s residence, public spaces, or authorised private venues

3. General 

3.1. All bookings are subject to these Terms and Conditions. These can be altered from time to time, any changes will result in a new document being issued to all clients and posted on our website with highlights below to the changes made. 

3.2. It is implied that you declare that you are the legal owner or approved guardian of the pet(s) being serviced by Pawtential Instinct, all the information and details provided are true, correct and complete to the best of your knowledge at the time of submission, and that you will update any information as soon as possible should it change. 

4. Your Pet

4.1 Pawtential Instinct promises to care for your pet(s) to a very high standard. To allow us to do this, owners must provide all essential items to do so. This includes (but is not limited to) leads, a well-fitted harness, collar, with ID tag, food, water, bowls, muzzle, coat, and treats, as required. However, Pawtential Instinct may use their own leads and safety equipment, and will always carry poo bags, water and first aid supplies. 

4.2 It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that their pet(s) are microchipped and are wearing valid ID tags as required by law. 

4.3 Pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations

4.3.1 We always recommend that pets are seen routinely by a veterinary professional. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is up to date with any other necessary treatments 

4.4 Clients must disclose any behavioural issues, including aggression, fear, or nervousness, before sessions are booked.

4.4.1 Withholding, misrepresenting or failing to disclose pertinent details such as previous aggression, medical conditions or behavioural concerns may pose a significant risk to safety, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, all animal owners have a legal duty of care to ensure the welfare of animals and to prevent harm to others. You accept full responsibility for any legal repercussions that may arise from undisclosed behavioural issues or other relevant factors.  

4.5 Clients with dogs falling under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 must comply with all relevant laws and regulations including providing us with a copy of all relevant paperwork and insurances we request. 

5. Bookings

5.1 Pawtential Instinct will always strive to arrive promptly for allocated appointment times, in the event of unforeseen, drastic delays (more than 15minutes) the client will be notified

5.2 All bookings are subject to an initial meet-and-greet, with the exception of any training services booked, where this is replaced with the initial consultation

5.3 Clients may be required to give Pawtential Instinct access to their home in their absence for the purpose of completing the agreed upon service(s). All keys, and sensitive/personal information will be stored in a secure, locked safe. 

5.3.1 Where it is agreed that keys/fobs may be left accessible in the clients chosen location Pawtential Instinct cannot be held accountable for any lost, stolen or damaged keys whilst not directly in their possession. 

5.3.2 In the event of a lost, stolen or damaged key/fob whilst in Pawtential Instincts possession, an exact replacement or monies to that value will be provided with the owner notified straight away

5.4 During services, particularly Dog Walking and Training your pet may get dirty. We will always towel any wet/dirty dogs and get them clean to the best of our ability. However we remain unable to ensure an animal's cleanliness and as such cannot be held responsible if your dog makes something dirty, particularly if you haven’t left specific instructions/provisions. 

5.5 Pets will be left in the location in your home in which they are found, unless otherwise specified in writing by the client. Pawtential Instinct cannot accept any responsibility or accountability for destroyed property or injury arising from items or furnishings in your home. 

5.6 Clients are expected to continue any training at home and in various environments after the booking has taken place. Ongoing training is fundamental to achieving positive outcomes and is the client’s responsibility. 

6. Cancellations made by Pawtential Instinct

6.1 Pawtential Instinct reserves the right to cancel, or amend, any services booked in advance under the following circumstances

6.1.1 Dangerous Weather, including but not limited to, severe weather warnings for storms, ice, snow and lightning, cold weather below -6 degrees, and/or heat over 25 degrees 

6.1.1.1 In the situation of dangerous weather, we will realistically assess the situation and make fair judgement in order to keep our clients, their pet(s) and ourselves safe, where possible we will adapt the services offered for this including supplementing walks to pop-in visits, shortening walks and/or moving walk times to earlier/later in the day. These changes will always be communicated to clients as soon as possible. 

6.1.2 Illness and Injury

6.1.2.1 We reserve the right to decline a service for any animal we consider to be visibly unwell upon arrival. In this scenario we will act in the animals best interests, and in accordance with The Animal Welfare Act 2006, whilst attempting to contact the owner. 

6.1.2.2 Should your pet(s) become ill or injured in our care Pawtential Instinct will act in your pet(s) best interests. Please see Section 8 Injuries, Accidents and Emergencies for more information. 

6.1.2.3 Arrangements with Pawtential Instinct are put together in good faith, in the event of a member of our team becoming unwell or injured to the point they cannot go ahead with the service, and we cannot find a suitable replacement, we will regrettably have to cancel your booking. In this scenario you will be entitled to a full refund of any monies paid.

6.1.3 Animal/Client Behaviour 

6.1.3.1 We strive to ensure all animals in our care are content and positively impacted by our services. Therefore if any activity is deemed to have a detrimental impact to the animals care, health and/or overall physical and mental wellbeing we reserve the right to alter, postpone and/or terminate the service being provided

6.1.3.2 Any behaviour by you which we deem detrimental to activities, including but not limited to

6.1.3.2.1 Failure to adhere to these Terms and Conditions

6.1.3.2.2 Failure to adhere to Animal Welfare Standards as defined by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 

6.1.3.2.3 Failure to adhere to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and related legislations 

6.1.3.2.4 Withholding, misrepresenting or failing to disclose pertinent details regarding the animal we are servicing.

6.1.4 Force Majeure

6.1.4.1 We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is affected by reason of circumstances amounting to Force Majeure. For the purpose of these terms and conditions “Force Majeure” means any event which we could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. This may include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or similar events. 

6.2 Pawtential Instinct can also apply personal judgement at any time regarding shortening the length of time a service is provided due to, but not limited to excess heat, or cold, torrential rain, thunder, snow, ice, flooding, illness and/or injury (of either dog or human), and the animals behaviour. 

7. Cancellations made by the Client

7.1 If the Client decides to cancel the Service it could still incur a charge. This varies depending on the service booked, and when the cancellation takes place

7.2 Dog Walking (2.1)

7.2.1  If the cancellation occurs with less than 24hrs til the start time, we reserve the right to charge the full booking amount 

7.2.2 If a client decides to cancel with less than 48hrs, but more than 24hrs, until the start time, we reserve the right to charge 50% of the full booking amount

7.3 Dog Training (2.2) 

7.3.1 If the cancellation occurs with less than 48hrs til the start time, we reserve the right to charge the full booking amount 

7.3.2 If the cancellation occurs with less than 5 days til the start date, we reserve the right to charge up to 50% of the full booking amount 

7.4 Pet “Pop-In” Services (2.3) 

7.4.1 If the cancellation occurs with less than 24hrs til the start time, we reserve the right to charge the full booking amount

7.4.2 If the cancellation occurs with less than 3 days til the start date, we reserve the right to charge up to 50% of the full booking amount

7.5 In all circumstances, Pawtential Instinct will make arrangements in order to fill the cancelled service slot, where successful this will make the client eligible for remuneration of any charges paid up to 75% of the total booking amount 

8. Injuries, Accidents and Emergencies

8.1 Pawtential Instinct is insured in the event that your pet is injured whilst in our care. However we cannot accept responsibility for any accident or injury that we could not have prevented. 

8.2 Should your pet(s) become ill or injured in our care, Pawtential Instinct will follow The Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 4 and take the animal to the nearest Veterinary surgeon in the event of an emergency

8.3 Any medical conditions, medications, allergies and general behaviour information must be disclosed before booking

8.4 As evidenced on the Veterinary Release Form, the Client has given us permission for the signed veterinary treatment to be given on the owners behalf if needed. It remains the owners responsibility to ensure that all veterinary fees are paid in full

8.5 Pawtential Instinct will inform the Client of any incident or general observations which they ought to know about 

8.6 Clients are obliged to adhere to safety instructions, actively participate and refrain from activities that disrupt any training sessions/services

8.7 During training sessions, clients assume responsibility for maintaining control over their dogs and acknowledge liability for any harm, damage or illness arising from failure to do so, either to their dog or others.

8.8 Pawtential Instinct implements reasonable safety measures to safeguard clients, their dogs, and third parties during service provision. Clients acknowledge the inherent risks in dog training, and Pawtential Instinct shall not be held liable for injuries, damages or losses incurred during or after sessions.

9. Liability and Limitations

9.1We make no guarantees or claims as to yours or your pet’s success in training as this is contingent on many different and variable factors. Each individual and their pet(s) are unique, and their abilities, temperament and behaviour are unique to them.

9.2 We are not responsible for any action or inaction which you take as a result of the information provided to you within the session(s)

9.3 No information provided should be construed as veterinary or nutritional therapeutic advice. If you believe that your pet requires veterinary attention you should seek assistance from a veterinary professional immediately

9.4 Any testimonials used within our website and marketing are provided freely and independently, but they are illustrative only. We cannot guarantee results as to outcome or in respect of timescales

9.5 Nothing in these terms shall limit or exclude our liability in respect to fraudulent misrepresentation, death, or personal injury, resulting from our negligence, or any other liability which cannot be limited or excluded by law

10. Payment

10.1 All our prices are advertised on our website

10.2 Any additional services, or extra requirements, may incur extra charges, this will be discussed with the Client, and confirmation of any extra charges detailed on the invoice. 

10.3 Charges are fixed at the time of booking and in the event of any price changes when reviewed, the price agreed at booking shall remain in force. 

10.4 All services are to be paid for prior to commencement, as stated on our website, communications and invoices. 

10.5 Payment is accepted by cash or bank transfer

11. Data Protection and Confidentiality 

11.1 We are committed to protecting your data. It will be held securely in accordance with our Privacy Policy

11.2 Pawtential Instinct or an authorised photographer may capture photographs or videos whilst the services are being provided. Any clients wishing to abstain from being photographed should notify Pawtential Instinct before any services take place. 

11.3 Pawtential Instinct regularly posts photos/videos of pets in our care. These will appear on social media, our website and on advertising for the business. Please inform us whilst filling out your initial meeting form if you do not wish for your pet’s to be put on social media

12. Governing Law and General Provisions

12.1 This Agreement constitutes a legally binding contract between the said parties

12.2 The section headings contained within this agreement are for convenience purposes only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement

12.3 Where the context so implies, words importing the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa and words importing the masculine shall include the feminine and vice versa.

12.4 These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales

12.5 The English Courts will have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any claim, or dispute arising out of this agreement or any matter arising from it. 

12.6 By engaging in our Services you acknowledge having read, comprehended and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. For any inquiries or concerns, please contact us at pawtentialinstinct@gmail.com or 07598 245464

12.7 Any exceptions to these terms must be proposed in writing before the agreement is accepted

12.8 This agreement applies on every occasion a service is booked, or your pet is in the care of Pawtential Instinct