Terms & Conditions

Wags and Wisdom

Effective Date: 1st November 2025

1. Liability and Indemnity

The client is solely responsible for any and all harm or damage caused by their dog while under the care of Wags and Wisdom. The client agrees to indemnify Wags and Wisdom in full against any liability arising from such harm or damage to third parties. The client also agrees to reimburse Wags and Wisdom for any damage caused to company property by their dog (e.g., chewed beds, equipment).

The client agrees to provide keys for access to the dog for the agreed appointment(s) and will indemnify Wags and Wisdom in full against any liability arising from loss or damage to the property or its contents in present and future circumstances.

2. Dog Health and Behaviour

The client confirms that their dog is in good health and has not exhibited aggression or threatening behaviour toward other dogs or people unless previously disclosed. The client agrees to notify Wags and Wisdom of any changes in behaviour that could pose a risk to others.

At Wags and Wisdom, the health and safety of every dog in our care is our top priority. To maintain a safe environment for all dogs and handlers, we require the following:

Vaccinations: All dogs must be up to date on core vaccinations, including distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Proof of vaccination may be requested prior to services.

Illness Reporting: Clients must notify Wags and Wisdom immediately if their dog shows signs of illness or has been exposed to contagious conditions such as kennel cough, gastroenteritis, or parasites.

Emergency Procedures: In the event of an accident or medical emergency, Wags and Wisdom will seek veterinary care as deemed necessary. We will attempt to contact the client and use their preferred vet when possible, but reserve the right to act in the dog’s best interest if immediate care is required.

Aggressive or Reactive Dogs: Dogs with a history of aggression or reactivity must be disclosed during registration. We may require a behavioural assessment and reserve the right to refuse or modify services based on safety concerns.

3. Assessment and Trial Period

All dogs will undergo an initial assessment and a trial period of 1–2 weeks. Wags and Wisdom reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog deemed, at its sole discretion, to be dangerous or disruptive. Dogs will only be walked off-lead once an Off-Lead Consent Form is signed, and off-lead activity remains at the discretion of Wags and Wisdom.

4. Group Walks and Injuries

Wags and Wisdom offers group walks where dogs may co-mingle. The client accepts that during normal dog play, injuries may occur (e.g., scratches, punctures, torn muscles or ligaments). All play is closely monitored, but injuries may happen despite best supervision.

Wags and Wisdom offers off-lead walking and training only with prior consent from the client. This policy ensures transparency and safety for all dogs under our supervision.

Consent Requirement: Clients must sign an Off-Lead Consent Form before any off-lead activity is permitted.

Supervision and Environment: Off-lead walks are conducted in secure, appropriate areas and are closely supervised by trained staff.

Risk Acknowledgement: While every effort is made to ensure safety, clients acknowledge that off-lead activity carries inherent risks, including unexpected behaviour, injury, or escape. Wags and Wisdom is not liable for incidents resulting from off-lead activity unless due to negligence.

Group Interaction

In some cases, Wags and Wisdom facilitates group walks with careful planning and supervision.

Grouping Criteria: Dogs are grouped based on size, temperament, age, and play style. We aim to create balanced groups that promote safe and positive interactions.

Supervision: All group activities are monitored by experienced handlers trained in canine body language and behaviour management.

Injury Risk: Clients accept that during normal dog play, minor injuries such as scratches, sprains, or muscle strains may occur despite best supervision. Wags and Wisdom is not liable for injuries sustained during appropriate group interaction.

5. Veterinary Care and Emergencies

The client is responsible for the full cost of treatment for any injuries or illnesses their dog sustains while under the care of Wags and Wisdom. The client authorises Wags and Wisdom to seek veterinary advice or treatment as deemed necessary. Where possible, this will be done through the client’s preferred vet, but this cannot be guaranteed in emergencies. Wags and Wisdom cannot be held liable for the death of a pet due to old age or pre-existing medical conditions.

6. Reproductive Status

Unneutered dogs may join group walks provided they do not show aggression toward other dogs or people. Bitches in season will not be accepted on group walks; however, solo walks or house visits may be arranged. Wags and Wisdom is not responsible for any related incidents but will monitor dogs closely.

7. Illness and Contagious Conditions

Clients accept that co-mingling dogs may result in exposure to illnesses. Wags and Wisdom is not responsible if a dog contracts an illness. Dogs with contagious conditions (e.g., gastro bugs, kennel cough) will not be walked. If a dog appears unwell at pickup, Wags and Wisdom reserves the right to refuse group walks and offer a drop-in visit instead. Clients must notify Wags and Wisdom immediately of any exposure to infectious diseases. Wags and Wisdom reserves the right to refuse service until the condition is resolved.

8. Media Consent

The client consents to their dog being photographed or videoed for use on Wags and Wisdom’s social media and advertising platforms. All media remains the property of Wags and Wisdom.

9. Personal Items

Wags and Wisdom is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items such as leads, collars, tags, clothing, or other belongings left with the dog.

10. Weather Conditions

Walks may be shortened or cancelled due to extreme weather (e.g., heat, snow, storms) for the safety of the dog and walker. This decision is at the discretion of Wags and Wisdom.

11. Feeding and Exercise

The client agrees not to feed their dog within one hour before pickup to reduce the risk of bloat (gastric torsion), a potentially life-threatening condition.

To ensure the health and safety of dogs during physical activity, Wags and Wisdom enforces the following feeding and exercise guidelines:

Pre-Session Feeding: Dogs should not be fed within one hour prior to any walk or training session. This reduces the risk of bloat (gastric torsion), a potentially life-threatening condition.

Exercise Safety: We tailor exercise intensity to each dog’s age, breed, and fitness level. Dogs showing signs of fatigue, overheating, or distress will be rested and monitored.

Hydration and Breaks: Fresh water and rest breaks are provided during longer sessions or warm weather conditions.

12. Service Interruptions

In the event of personal illness, vehicle breakdown, or other unforeseen circumstances, Wags and Wisdom may cancel walks at short notice. Any prepaid walks will be reimbursed or carried over. The client is responsible for alternative arrangements for their dog during such times.

13. Data Protection

Wags and Wisdom processes personal data in accordance with GDPR. The client authorises Wags and Wisdom to release personal information to relevant parties (e.g., veterinarians) in case of emergency. Personal data will be retained for the duration of the client relationship and destroyed when no longer necessary or upon request.

 

Client Signature: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________