Dog Walking Safety

All dogs must wear a collar and an identification tag with the owners name and address including post code. This is in accordance with the Control of Dogs Order 1992 where failure to comply can result in a £5,000 fine. If dogs are not wearing an identification tag then the dog may not be be able to be walked by Wombourne's Happy Tails. Full walking rate will still be charged. As of the 6th April, 2016 all dogs in the UK must also be microchipped by their owner.

 

We ask that all dogs wear appropriately fitted collars or harnesses with secure and intact leads. Certain breeds may require a coat for walks during wet and cold weather. They are highly recommended for small breeds and sighthounds. Dogs being walked in low light conditions should wear reflective equipment. If we deem it unsafe to walk the dog without suitable equipment, we will advise the owner where necessary, and the walk may be shorter or cancelled with full rate still charged.

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During extreme weather conditions we may change the time of the walk and may walk a shorter time than agreed upon. Where possible a walk may be exchanged for a shorter house visit. This is in the best interest of the dogs health and full rate is still charged.

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Transported dogs are suitably restrained with either a dog crate, dog guard or seatbelt harness, in compliance with Highway Code rule 57. To keep dogs under control, dogs will be walked on leads unless in a secure field with owners written permission and satisfactory examples of the dog showing good recall with their walker.

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Booking and Cancellation

Any walks cancelled by the owner with less than 48 hours notice will be charged at full rate. If access to the dog or home is blocked, and we are unable to complete the service, then full rate will still be charged. Walks cancelled by Wombourne's Happy Tails due to personal reasons will not be charged. 

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We kindly ask for 4 weeks notice of any upcoming holidays or dates where our services will not be needed. Owners agree to give at least one week’s notice to fully cancel our regularly scheduled dog walking services. If you do not require the service for that week a cost of 50% of that weeks scheduled walks will be due.

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When booking in advance for house visits or block booking walks  we ask for a 20% non refundable deposit. This payment holds your space as space for these is limited. We request at least a week's notice of cancellation for these services otherwise 50% of the total bill will be due. Full payment should be made the week before services are due to start.

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Wombourne's Happy Tails hold the right to cancel future services if payments are not made in reasonable time. If payment is not made after two weeks of the service end date then £5 is added for each week since the service ended. For regularly scheduled walks we recommend paying at the beginning or end of each week to avoid late fees.

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Health and Behaviour 

Owner is responsible for and will ensure that their dog is up-to-date with their vaccinations, flea and tick treatments and de-wormer treatments.

 

Owner accepts full liability for any loss or damage to Wombourne's Happy Tails property caused by their dog whilst their dog is in our care.

 

Owner is to make full disclosure of any quality or characteristic problems which might make your dog not suitable for us to walk, including behavioural or health problems, antisocial behaviour; including aggression, incontinence or lack of house training and excessive loud barking or whining. Failure on the part of the owner to disclose any matter which might render the owner's dog unsuitable for Wombourne's Happy Tails.

 

We hold the right to refuse group walks for any dog with severe aggression, reactivity or any reason that impedes our ability to control the dog and keep others safe. Where possible solo walks will be offered.​

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We make every effort to contact the owner in the event of an emergency. We recommend owners provide us with a contact number of a trusted third party should we be unable to make contact. However, we reserve the right to make decisions regarding your dog’s health provided it is in the best interests of the dog and on the advice of a veterinary surgeon. Owner is responsible for payment of any veterinary fees incurred. In an emergency, dogs will be taken to the closest veterinary practice.