Updated – August 2017

GENERAL

Paws For Thought Essex means Lisa Turner trading as Paws For Thought Essex.

1. Client Registration: is required for all work involving Paws For Thought Essex (hereafter shown as P4TE) this will normally be completed during the initial meeting or phone call, to provide a complete overview of your needs before I provide you with a quote and if you choose to use my services thereafter. For On-Holiday Services; a pre holiday personal visit is undertaken and a special form to be completed by the client.
2. Clients Care Plan Instructions: P4TE agrees to follow the clients (clearly written or typed) plan wherever possible and offer loving care for your pet/s whilst you are away. It is the client’s responsibility to provide all food, play items (like a ball), a lead and bedding where applicable.
3. P4TE agrees to provide the services requested in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner.
4. One Emergency Contact: MUST ALWAYS be provided: client contact (for holiday bookings) plus someone different to the client but doesn’t necessarily have to be someone local. This person will need to be reachable throughout the duration of the booking. They will only be called when I am unable get hold of the client in an emergency.
5. Entry to Clients Home or temporary Holiday accommodation: The client gives consent to P4TE to enter their Home or any other accommodation specified; only for the purposes of Pet collection or other services requested such as house sitting.
6. Key holding: The Client will be responsible for providing or making available any keys required for the P4TE appointment, where applicable. Clients keys can be retained for future bookings or for  Emergency Call-Out Service where requested. Please note there is no charge for key holding service. Your keys will be kept securely and separate from your contact information. And will NEVER be used for any other purposes, than those specified by client.
7. Security alarms in client’s premises: It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that P4TE can enter the client’s home or temporary accommodation without setting off any intruder alarms.  Arrangements must be made prior to the booking if alarm codes need to be given. This must include clear instructions of how to turn off or disable an activated alarm. P4TE will ensure clients property is always left safe and secure.
8. It is expressly understood that P4TE shall not be held responsible for any damage to client’s property, or that of others, caused by client’s pets during the period in which they are in my care.
9. Payments for registered customers: P4TE will invoice the client on completion of the work (for occasional bookings) or monthly for regular clients. Payments should be made within 7 days.
10. For My Holiday Service; 50% of the payment must be received in advance; to secure the booking. No deposit is therefore required.
11. ALL payments must be received in the form of either cash or transfer no more than 7 days after issue of invoice or before the booking takes place for my Holiday Service.
12. Booking cancellation & Delayed return: Clients must give a minimum of 24 hours notice to cancel any booked appointments or the full amount can be payable. Likewise if owners using my On-Holiday Service do not return to their dog/s on time (without prior arrangement) they will be charged extra for the inconvenience and time, where the dogs cannot be left unattended.
13. All Pet Health conditions: to be discussed with P4TE prior to the job commencing. Any serious conditions can then be accommodated given prior warning. I can orally medicate pets where requested.  My aim at all times is to keep your pets healthy and away from any potential risks.
14. I cannot care for any Pets showing signs of an undisclosed illness, disease or injury. If your pet should become ill whilst in my care; I will immediately contact you or your emergency contact after I have consulted a Vet in more serious situations.
15. I accept no liability in the unlikely event that your pet becomes ill or passes away, whilst in my care. If this should occur I will immediately contact you, so that I can carry-out your wishes. I will endeavour to do all I can to prevent such a sad event.
16. If you’re pet requires Emergency Veterinary attention whilst in my care: I will take it to your nominated vet wherever possible. All pets in my care MUST be registered with a vet. If I am unable to go to your vet; I will utilise the nearest one available. Any consultation, call-out or treatment costs will be charged to the client. Your pet will be treated under your name and address. P4TE may also charge extra for any transportation or other costs incurred. When you sign the Contract you are confirming that you are giving P4TE your authority to request any such treatment and that you will pay ALL fees, to us and to the Vet directly in full.
17. If your Pet gives birth whilst in my care, I will take care of the litter during the remainder of my pre-arranged agreement; I will notify you of the situation wherever possible or if requested.
18. It is the client’s responsibility to raise any concerns prior to the booking or make any complaints as soon as possible thereafter. I cannot improve my service if I don’t know when a customer is unhappy. I welcome any feedback, comments or suggestions about my services.

DOG WALKING: (General Terms and Conditions also apply)

1. Clients Consent: P4TE cannot walk your dog/s off their lead without your written consent to do so (for Insurance purposes). The client must sign the consent section on their contract with P4TE if this option is required.
2. Dog behaviour: P4TE cannot walk dogs with aggressive tendencies. (Towards Adults, Children or other Dogs) unless you are happy for them to wear a muzzle.
3. It is the owner’s responsibility to inform P4TE of any potential difficulties.
4. Dog ID: P4TE can only walk dogs that have a collar or harness to wear for the duration of the walk; with some form of id tag and ideally all dogs should be micro-chipped.  Microchipping is now the law since April 2016.
5. In the event of extreme conditions: such as blinding rain or snow, unusual high winds or thunder storms & fireworks for the more timid customers; I will let your dog out to relieve themselves, then I will spend the remainder of the visit with your dog, doing owner-approved indoor activities.
6. It is the responsibility of the client to inform P4TE if their Bitch is in season (on heat) so that I can make alternative arrangements.
7. Contract Termination: These Terms & Conditions are valid for all future visits or call-outs, unless the client or P4TE wishes to terminate the contract. The client may terminate their contract with P4TE at any time in writing giving 7 days notice.  P4TE reserves the right to terminate the contract where deemed necessary.