Terms & Conditions

Terms of Business for Services Effective 1st May 2024

General

1. No variation of these Terms and Conditions will have effect unless confirmed by Ask Bark in writing.

1. The Client is solely responsible for any and all harm or damage caused by their pet while it is under the care of Ask Bark or is using any services provided by Ask Bark and agrees to indemnify Ask Bark in full against any liability arising from such harm or damage to property or third parties.

2. The Client is responsible for the full cost of treatment of any injuries or illness that their pet receives while under the care of Ask Bark together with any associated costs e.g. call-out charges. The Client authorises the staff of Ask Bark to seek such veterinary advice and/or treatment as they deem necessary; where possible this will be carried out by the Client’s usual/preferred Vet, but this cannot be guaranteed (e.g. in an emergency) and the Client accepts that the staff of Ask Bark may at their discretion use any registered Vet. The Client agrees to pay all such costs immediately upon pick-up of their dog, or by agreement with the proprietor.

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 agrees to provide keys/arrange access to the pet for the agreed appointment; failure to do so will result in a cancellation for that day’s service and will be paid in full by the client.

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 that two dogs requiring walking, multiple walks will 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. The Client agrees to provide Ask Bark with a suitable lead plus a collar or harness with a legally compliant ID tag attached including a minimum of owner name and address including postcode for each dog requiring walking in public. The ID tag is a legal requirement in the UK and is separate to a microchip.

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 not walk or to limit the walk duration during extreme weather conditions that may cause harm to human or dog. Should such a situation arise, the remaining time will be spent with indoors enrichment play.

Payments & Cancellations

17. A non-returnable 50% deposit is required for all bookings with the remaining 50% payable a minimum of 7 days before service is due. No service will take place unless full payment has been received.

18. The client may cancel the contract a minimum of 7 days prior to the first scheduled visit without incurring the final 50% fee. The deposit payment of 50% will be retained by Ask Bark.

19. Where Ask Bark needs to cancel later than 7 days prior to service due to unforeseen circumstances, he/she may appoint a substitute with the written approval of the client and any difference in the fees charged shall be for the account of Ask Bark.

20. Ask Bark reserves the right to cancel with immediate effect any service where aggression of any kind (via animal or human) is encountered at the client’s property. No refund or alternative care will be provided save for notifying the client and / or their emergency contact.