Terms & Conditions

Terms of Business for Services Effective 7 May 2025

Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

• “Client” refers to the individual or entity who contracts Ask Bark for pet care services.
• “Ask Bark” refers to the service provider offering dog walking, pet sitting, and related pet care services, including its owner(s), staff, or authorised agents.
• “Pet” means the animal(s) owned by the Client and placed in the care of Ask Bark.
• “Service” refers to any pet care offering provided by Ask Bark, including but not limited to dog walking and sitting.
• “Agreement” means the contract formed by these Terms and Conditions and the confirmation of a booking.

General

1. No variation of these Terms and Conditions shall be valid unless confirmed in writing by Ask Bark. The Client is solely responsible for any and all harm or damage caused by their pet while in the care of Ask Bark, and agrees to indemnify Ask Bark against any related liability.

2. The Client is responsible for the full cost of treatment for any injury or illness their pet may incur while under Ask Bark’s care, including any associated veterinary fees. Ask Bark staff may seek veterinary care at their discretion, using the Client’s preferred vet where possible, though alternatives may be used in emergencies. The Client agrees to pay all such costs immediately upon collection or as otherwise agreed.

3. The Client agrees to take any necessary measures or precautions to ensure that their pet is free of contagious, infectious, or otherwise communicable diseases. The Client further agrees to notify Ask Bark immediately of any infectious and/or contagious disease or conditions their pet has been exposed to or is affected by. Such diseases and conditions include, but are not limited to: Distemper, Hepatitis, Kennel Cough (Bordetella), Parvovirus, Coronavirus, worms, Lyme disease, Fleas, Pregnancy, Infectious Skin Diseases, and Intestinal Parasites. Ask Bark reserves the right to refuse service until satisfied that the condition is resolved.

4. The Client consents to their pet being photographed, videotaped, and/or used in any media or advertising by Ask Bark unless previously specified. All such media remain the property of Ask Bark. No personal information will be disclosed with the exception of the pet’s name(s).

5. The Client must provide access to the pet at the agreed appointment time. Failure to do so will be considered a cancellation, and the full service fee will apply.

6. The Client agrees that, by signing the key holder waiver form this will indemnify Ask Bark in full against any liability arising from loss or damage to the property or its contents, in present and future circumstances.

Dog Walking

7. The Client agrees that Ask Bark will perform on lead walks only.

8. The Client agrees for Ask Bark to perform a solo walk only with the exception of a second dog from the same Client’s household. If the Client has more than two dogs requiring walking, multiple walks may occur.

9. The Client agrees that Ask Bark will walk the dog in the locality of their home. Dogs will not be transported by vehicle to other locations. This maximises the time spent exercising and minimises risk.

10. The Client agrees that Ask Bark has relied on the Client’s representation that their dog is in good health and has not harmed or shown aggression or threatening behaviour toward any person or any other dog.

11.  Ask Bark reserves the right to refuse to walk any dog deemed in their absolute discretion to be, or have the potential to be, dangerous or disruptive.

12. The Client agrees to notify Ask Bark immediately of any unwelcome, aggressive, procreative, or dangerous behaviour of their dog that has potential to cause harm to any other dog or individual.

13. Each dog must wear a suitable collar or harness with a lead and a legally compliant ID tag displaying the owner’s name and address, including postcode, as required under UK law. This is in addition to microchipping.

14. The Client agrees that Ask Bark is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged leads, collars, tags, clothing, or any other item left with their dog.

15. The Client agrees to ensure their dog has not eaten in the hour before collection by Ask Bark to ensure sufficient time to digest food before any exercise or play. Failure to do so may result in the potentially life-threatening condition Bloat (Gastric Torsion).

16. Ask Bark reserves the right to shorten or cancel walks during extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety of both dog and walker. In such cases, remaining time may be used for indoor enrichment activities.

Payments & Cancellations

17. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all bookings. The remaining 50% balance must be paid no later than 7 days before the service commencement date. Services will not be provided unless full payment has been received.

18. Clients may cancel their booking without incurring the final 50% fee by providing a minimum of 7 days’ notice prior to the first scheduled visit. The 50% deposit will be retained by Ask Bark.

19. In the event that Ask Bark must cancel a booking less than 7 days prior to the service start date due to unforeseen circumstances, every effort will be made to find a suitable replacement sitter, subject to the Client’s written approval. If a replacement cannot be arranged, a full refund, including the deposit, will be issued.

20. Ask Bark reserves the right to cancel any service with immediate effect if aggression of any kind (animal or human) is encountered at the Client’s property. In such cases, no refund or alternative care will be provided, except for notifying the Client and/or their emergency contact.