Terms and Conditions – Dog Walking

Extreme Weather Conditions

• Dogs will be provided with extra drinking water and shade where possible.
• Dogs will NOT be walked in the hottest parts of the day, they will only be walked early in the morning and late in the evening during the warmer months when it is safer to do so. There may be days where the dogs will not be walked if the weather is too hot, this is for the welfare of the animal to protect them against heat stroke. Other means of safe enrichment can be provided for them. They will not be walked on a hot pavement.
• Water is available during and after walks and at absolutely no point will a dog be left in a hot vehicle for any amount of time.

• Dogs will be walked if safe to do so in all cold or wet conditions, always putting the dogs’ welfare first.
• Areas that have been gritted will be avoided. Paws will be rinsed and dried after exercise in snow conditions.

Health and Vaccinations

• Dogs must be fit and healthy to attend walks. If your dog is unwell, please reschedule.
• Dogs must be fully vaccinated and must be up to date with all preventative care including flea/worming treatment.
• Dogs must be registered to a veterinarian.

Equipment

• Sophie’s Canine Academy does not walk dogs on any equipment designed to be aversive (including choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable by Sophie). Slip leads may be used in an emergency situation but will not be used as general walking equipment.
• The Owner is responsible for providing suitable, secure, and properly fitted collars, harnesses and any other equipment required for their dog. It is the Owner’s responsibility to ensure that all equipment is in good condition, free from defects, and correctly fitted.
• While every reasonable care will be taken during the provision of dog walking services, Sophie’s Canine Academy accepts no liability for any loss, injury, damage, or other consequences arising from a dog escaping due to equipment that is faulty, worn, damaged, or incorrectly fitted.
• Sophie’s Canine Academy uses its own leads that are regularly cleaned and sanitized. This includes a long line lead, slip leads (for emergency only) and regular flat leads.

Payment and Cancellation

• Invoices will be sent on a weekly basis, clients will have 48 hours after the invoice has been sent to provide full payment.
• Consistent failure to pay invoices in a timely manner will result in services being revoked.
• Cancellations must be made by text message, telephone, or email.
• Walks cancelled with 48 hours’ or more notice will not be charged.
• Walks cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged at 100% of the scheduled fee, as the appointment has been reserved and cannot usually be rebooked at short notice.
• If Sophie’s Canine Academy is unable to access the property due to missing or incorrect key/access arrangements, the full fee for the scheduled walk will still be payable.
• If Sophie’s Canine Academy is unable to provide the agreed service due to illness, emergency, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, the Owner will be notified as soon as reasonably possible. Where possible, an alternative time or suitable replacement will be offered. If this is not possible, no charge will be made for the cancelled service.
• Owners are encouraged to provide as much notice as possible for holidays or planned absences.

Dog Behaviour and Temperament

• The Owner confirms that they have disclosed any known history of aggression, biting, reactivity, or behavioural issues that may pose a risk to people, other animals, or property.
• Sophie’s Canine Academy does not walk any human aggressive dogs. Dog aggressive dogs must be suitably muzzle trained and will be walked in the muzzle in public places.
• Sophie’s Canine Academy reserves the right to refuse or immediately terminate a walk if, in their reasonable opinion, the dog’s behaviour presents an unacceptable risk to her, other people, other animals, or the dog itself.
• The Owner agrees to notify Sophie’s Canine Academy immediately of any changes in the dog’s behaviour, temperament, or health that may affect the safe handling of the dog.
• The Owner accepts full responsibility for any injury, damage, or loss caused by their dog’s aggressive or dangerous behaviour.
• Where a dog displays unexpected aggressive behaviour during a walk, Sophie’s Canine Academy may return the dog home immediately or take any reasonable steps necessary to ensure the safety of all parties. The full fee for the scheduled service will remain payable.

Liability

• Sophie’s Canine Academy agrees to provide services as discussed in a trustworthy manor. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives any and all claims against Sophie’s Canine Academy, unless arising from gross negligence on the part of Sophie’s Canine Academy.
• The client agrees to notify Sophie’s Canine Academy of any concerns within 24 Hours of the dog returning home.
• Dogs walked with Sophie’s Canine Academy will be walked on lead at all times unless in a secure area.
• The Owner acknowledges that, while every reasonable care will be taken to supervise and manage dogs during walks, interactions with unfamiliar dogs in public places cannot be entirely controlled or prevented.
• Sophie’s Canine Academy will take reasonable steps to avoid unsafe situations and will exercise professional judgement when allowing interactions during walks. However, Sophie’s Canine Academy cannot be held responsible for the behaviour or actions of third-party dogs or their owners encountered during the course of a walk.
• The Owner accepts that there is an inherent risk of injury, illness, or other incidents arising from interactions with other dogs in public spaces.
• Except where caused by Sophie’s Canine Academy’s negligence, she shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, veterinary costs, or other consequences resulting from the actions or behaviour of another dog or its owner.
• If an incident occurs involving another dog, Sophie’s Canine Academy will make reasonable efforts to protect the Owner’s dog, obtain the other owner’s details where possible, and inform the Owner as soon as reasonably practicable.
• Sophie’s Canine Academy will take all reasonable steps to ensure that dogs are transported safely and comfortably at all times. Dogs will be secured using suitable restraints, crates, or other appropriate safety equipment in accordance with current road safety guidance and Sophie’s Canine Academy’s professional judgement.
• While every reasonable precaution will be taken, the Owner acknowledges that travel by road carries inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated. Sophie’s Canine Academy will not be liable for any injury, illness, loss, damage, delay, or other consequences arising from a road traffic accident or other unforeseen event beyond reasonable control.

Veterinary Treatment and Emergency Contact

• If the Owner’s dog becomes ill, injured, or requires urgent veterinary attention while in Sophie’s Canine Academy’s care, she will make every reasonable effort to contact the Owner immediately. If the Owner cannot be reached, Sophie’s Canine Academy will contact the emergency contact provided by the Owner.
• Where immediate veterinary treatment is considered necessary to protect the health or welfare of the dog, the Owner authorises Sophie’s Canine Academy to transport the dog to the Owner’s registered veterinary practice or, if this is not practical or the practice is closed, to the nearest available veterinary surgeon.
• The Owner agrees to reimburse Sophie’s Canine Academy for all reasonable veterinary fees, transportation costs, and any other expenses incurred in obtaining emergency treatment on the Owner’s behalf.
• Sophie’s Canine Academy will keep the Owner or emergency contact informed of the dog’s condition and any treatment recommended by the attending veterinary practice as soon as reasonably practical.

Photography and Social Media

• Photos, videos or recordings may be taken during walks for training, educational or promotional purposes.
• By booking a service, you consent to their use across Sophie’s Canine Academy platforms, including website and social media.
• If you would prefer for your dog not to be included, please inform us in writing prior to your walk.