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Hols Pets
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Services
 Terms and Conditions of Engagement

​These terms and conditions form a binding agreement between Hols Pets (operated by Holly Astbury, registered address: available upon request) and you, the client. By engaging our services, you agree to these terms. Please read them carefully.

 

1. Entire Agreement

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  • 1.1 Hols Pets is a trade name of Holly Astbury.

  • 1.2 This agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all previous agreements and understandings.

  • 1.3 Each party acknowledges that they do not rely on any representation, warranty, or document not forming part of this agreement.

  • 1.4 These terms and conditions are governed by English law.

  • 1.5 Your understanding and acceptance of these terms is confirmed by your signature or by engaging our services.

  • 1.6  Hols Pets is responsible for any NI, income tax and pension contributions incurred because of receipt of payment from you.

 

2. Free Consultation and Enrolment

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  • 2.1 A free initial consultation will be provided to discuss your pet’s needs, assess their behaviour, and explain our services.

  • 2.2 Enrolment includes completing the Client Registration form, Veterinary Release form, and Key Release Trust form.

 

3. Financial Terms: Costs, Invoicing, and Payment

Costs:

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  • 3.1 Costs are at the pre-agreed rate discussed before the start of services.

  • 3.2 Rates are subject to annual review at the start of the calendar year or on other occasions with prior notice.

  • 3.3 Hols Pets reserves the right to charge a session retainer fee at its discretion to secure time slots.

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Invoicing:

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  • 3.4 Invoices are issued weekly and/or monthly via text, email, or house reports unless agreed otherwise.

  • 3.5 Payment methods accepted include cash or bank transfer. Prompt payment is appreciated.

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Payment Terms:

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  • 3.6 Ongoing services must be paid within seven days of the invoice date or before the service begins.

  • 3.7 Ad hoc services must be paid immediately upon completion of the agreed block or in advance.

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Late Payment:

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  • 3.8 Late payments may result in advance payment requirements or temporary suspension of services.

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Cancellation Policy:

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  • 3.9 Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice incur a 50% fee of the agreed rate.

  • 3.10 Prepaid services cannot be moved to another month but can be rescheduled within the same month.

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Holding Fee for Extended Absences

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  • 3.11 A holding fee of £5 per session will apply if Hols Pets services are not needed for over 2 weeks due to sickness or holidays. This fee secures your regular time slot, particularly during peak hours (11am - 3pm), when demand is high. The holding fee ensures your booking and availability are maintained upon your return.

 

4. Hours of Work, Holidays, and Sickness

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  • 4.1 Dog walking services are typically available Monday to Friday. Weekend services must be booked in advance and may incur higher charges.

  • 4.2 Pet sitting services are available Monday to Sunday as per booking agreements.

  • 4.3 Clients will be notified of holidays or blocked days as far in advance as possible.

  • 4.4 Sickness will be communicated promptly, and any prepaid amounts will be refunded for cancellations caused by illness.

 

5. Documentation

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Hols Pets holds the following certifications, available for inspection:

  • 5.1 Full commercial insurance, including Public Liability, Care, Custody and Control, and Key Cover.

  • 5.2 DBS verification.

  • 5.3 BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology.

  • 5.4 Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management.

  • 5.5 Level 4 Advanced Canine Behaviour qualification.

  • 5.6 Animal First Aid Certificate.

  • 5.7 Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters Association Certificate.

 

6. Health, Safety, and Legal Requirements

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  • 6.1 The welfare, safety, and security of your pet and premises are our top priorities.

  • 6.2 All dogs must have their own collar, lead, and identity tag. Microchipping is also required by law.

  • 6.3 Dogs will be walked subject to a behaviour assessment and trial period.

  • 6.4 Dogs will be kept on leads unless explicit permission for off-lead walking is provided, and conditions are safe.

  • 6.5 Pets must be fully vaccinated and treated for worms and fleas. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations is required before services commence.

  • 6.6 Female dogs in season, pregnant dogs, or ill dogs are not permitted to walk unless requested otherwise. 

  • 6.7 Reactive dogs may require muzzling for safety.

  • 6.8 Services may be curtailed or adjusted due to adverse weather conditions (e.g., wet weather, snow). Clients will be notified promptly.

  • 6.9 Permission is required to take pets to a vet in emergencies.

  • 6.10 You must disclose any information about your dog if he/she is subject of any control order, breaches and/or prosecution, particularly under the latest revisions of the Animal Welfare Act, the Dangerous Dogs Act, Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act, the Dogs Act or any other applicable laws and advise immediately should your dog become subject to any orders, breaches or prosecutions after your booking has been accepted.

 

7. Commitment to Clients

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  • 7.1 Dog walking services include collection and safe return, agreed exercise, mess clean-up, insurance, and daily reports (if required).

  • 7.2 Home visits include agreed services, such as feeding, litter changes, and medication administration.

  • 7.3 Short-notice and emergency bookings are accommodated where feasible.

  • 7.4 Feedback on activities is provided after each visit or walk (if required).

  • 7.5 Security of keys is ensured, and keys are stored without identifiable client information.

  • 7.6 We will endeavour not to interrupt your busy day unless there is an emergency. If we telephone, please be aware that I would need to speak to you urgently.

  • 7.7 Your training / command words will be used. 

  • 7.8 The security of your key and premises is always assured. Keys issued to Hols Pets will not be labelled in any way that identifies you or your address, ensuring your privacy and security. Keys will be returned to you at the end of the contract or upon your request. Hols Pets will not loan, duplicate, or use your keys in any unauthorised manner.

  • 7.9 In the event that keys are lost, stolen, or misused while in possession of Hols Pets, we accept full responsibility for the cost of replacement keys, rekeying locks, and any associated damages or losses. During our service period, we will only access the areas of your home agreed upon for carrying out our duties. If required, the use of your toilet or cleaning facilities (e.g., for hand washing) would be appreciated.

  • 7.10 We are not liable for any failure or delay in service due to events beyond our reasonable control, such as power or internet failures, strikes, civil unrest, natural disasters, terrorism, epidemics, or acts of war. Once the event is over, we will update you on new dates, times, or availability of services.

  • 7.11 If such an event occurs, we will inform you as soon as possible. Service may be suspended, and deadlines extended. We reserve the right to charge a session retainer fee.

  • 7.12 Some cats are house cats, we promise to be vigilant so that no cats escape through the door we enter and exit by. 

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8. Client Responsibilities

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  • 8.1 Provide truthful and accurate details about your pet’s behaviour, health, and needs.

  • 8.2 Bookings must be confirmed in advance and accompanied by required documentation.

  • 8.3 Ensure that pets are appropriately trained and vaccinated. You are responsible for ensuring that your dog is properly trained to come back to us on command. Should you give permission for your dog to be walked off the lead and your dog then fail to return on command, this is entirely at your risk and we cannot accept responsibility or liability for any loss or injury sustained. If you are in any doubt that your dog may not return on command, you should not give permission for your dog to be walked off the lead.

  • 8.4 Notify Hols Pets promptly of any changes to your pet’s health or behaviour.

  • 8.5 Gardens and gates must be secure to prevent pet escapes.

  • 8.6 Provide adequate supplies, such as food, treats, and cleaning materials for Hols Pets to use for your pets for the duration of the booking. With regards to pet litter trays and housing (cats, small animals etc) they must be cleaned prior to Hols Pets services starting. 

  • 8.7 Full and easy access to dogs / pets is required. For expediency, you shall allow access to Hols Pets via a mutually compatible method.

  • 8.8 Keep Hols Pets up to date with emergency and full daily contact details as applicable.

  • 8.9 You agree to reimburse Hols Pets for any additional fees for providing emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred for unexpected visits, transportation, housing, food, or supplies.

  • 8.10 Any Vet fees / associated transport costs incurred because of non-negligent (accidental) injury to your pet whilst in the care of Hols Pets may be payable by you.

  • 8.11 You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hols Pets in the event of any claim, loss, damage, cost, expense, including legal fees, demand or proceedings however incurred or brought in respect of any damage or injury caused by your dog to 3rd parties, persons or their possessions as a result of non-negligence by us.

  • 8.12 We would suggest that you hold appropriate insurance to protect you in the case of any liabilities arising.

  • 8.13 You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hols Pets of any key / entry related occurrences and/or damage to property if other third parties also have access to your home.

  • 8.13 For overnight pet sitting, an adequate sleeping area and wash facilities for myself must be provided. This will be reviewed and discussed during our Meet and Greet. 

  • 8.14 You must show Hols Pets where the stopcock, fuse box and alarms (including fire alarms) are located in case of an emergency. 

  • 8.15 For overnight pet sitting, hot water and heating may be required to complete my services.

 

9. GDPR and Privacy

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  • 9.1 We respect the information that we hold about you and we take the security of that information very seriously. All information held about you remains strictly confidential. 

 

10. Updates to Terms and Termination

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  • 10.1 Hols Pets reserves the right to update terms at any time, with notice provided to clients.

  • 10.2 Either party may terminate this agreement with reasonable notice.

  • 10.3 For terms and conditions you may visit our website at www.holspets.com

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If you would like a hard copy of your signed terms and conditions please send me an email at info@holspets.com

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© 2024 by Hols Pet Services

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