1. General

1.1 All clients must agree to the terms and conditions, as laid out here, before any booking is made.

1.2 Witham Whiskers and Walks will not confirm any booking until a meet and greet has been carried out with the client, and the full details of the pets provided.

1.3 Full payment for services must be paid prior to the session taking place. Invoices will be visible on the “Time to Pet” app upon booking. Payment reminders for unpaid invoices will be sent out via email on the Friday prior to the booking. Payment must be received by the morning of the session, or else the session will not take place; the service will be considered as a cancellation and payment must be made in order to book future services with us.

1.4 Sessions will be arranged on a first-come-first-served basis. Clients with regular time slots take priority over ad-hoc bookings, unless the ad-hoc sessions were booked before we began working with the regular client. We recommend ad-hoc clients have back-up arrangements in the in the event that we are not available.

1.5 The client must provide Witham Whiskers and Walks with a name and a contact telephone number of someone capable of making a decision relating to their pet in an emergency.

1.6 If your pet requires Emergency Veterinary attention whilst in our care, we will take it to your nominated vet wherever possible. All pets in our care MUST be registered with a vet. If we are unable to go to your vet we will utilise the nearest vet available. If Witham Whiskers and Walks is unable to contact the client or emergency contact in the case of an emergency, we will act on the advice of the veterinary surgeon. Any consultation, call-out or treatment costs will be charged to the client. Your pet will be treated under your name and address. When you sign the Contract, you are confirming that you are giving Witham Whiskers and Walks your authority to request any such treatment and that you will pay ALL fees, to the Vet concerned directly in full.

1.7 Witham Whiskers and Walks must be alerted to any behavioural problems with your pet(s) at the time of booking. Failure to do so may result in additional charges or cancellation of any future contract.

1.8 Cancellations for walks and drop-ins must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the agreed booking otherwise payments for each session will be non-refundable. For pet sits, a non-refundable 25% deposit must be paid upon booking to reserve the dates. The full cost of the pet sit must be paid at least 2 weeks before the pet sit begins. Cancellations for pet sits must be notified at least 2 weeks prior to the agreed booking otherwise full payment for the pet sit will be due. Witham Whiskers and Walks may apply discretion depending on the circumstances of the cancellation. 

1.9 Sessions will be fully chargeable if Witham Whiskers and Walks arrive but cannot gain entry through no fault of our own. Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to cancel at short notice and if such an event should occur a full refund will be given.

1.10 Witham Whiskers and Walks holds Public Liability insurance, wherever possible pets should be insured by the client. Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to refuse a booking for any animal which is not insured.

1.11 Witham Whiskers and Walks cannot be held liable for any loss, injury or death to a pet either inside or outside of the home whilst in our care.

1.12 Any house keys given to us will be kept securely and only marked with the name of your pet.

1.13 No personal details of clients will be forwarded or passed on to any third party.

1.14 The Client agrees that Witham Whiskers and Walks is not responsible for any damages within the home or garden during our visit.

1.15 All planned weekday holidays for Witham Whiskers and Walks will be communicated at least two weeks in advance, or at the initial meet-and-greet if this occurs within the two-week period. It is the clients’ responsibility to arrange alternative pet care for the holiday period if required.

1.16 Weekend availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed. Weekend dates are not included in the two-week holiday notice provided for weekdays; therefore, clients are advised to enquire regarding availability for specific weekends as needed. We also recommend arranging an alternative care option for weekends when services are unavailable.

1.17 Witham Whiskers and Walks will inform the client of any price changes at least 1 month before they are enforced.

1.18 Witham Whiskers and Walks must be informed if your dog does or has ever used a muzzle and this should be made available for use at our discretion.

1.19 Witham Whiskers and Walks may take photos of your pet(s) and upload them to our social media sites (including website). These images will not include any personal information such as tags. Please let us know if you do not want your pet’s name to be shared.

1.20 We must be made aware of any cameras inside and outside of the home. If we find any hidden cameras, this will result in a termination of services and no refund given.

1.21 Clients are advised to have alternative care arrangements in place should we be unable to attend due to illness or unforeseen circumstances at short notice. 

1.22 Amelia is the sole individual with access to the administrative functions of the “Time to Pet” system and is therefore the only person able to send messages and view personal and pet information. In the event of an emergency (such as an accident or serious illness), access may be temporarily granted to a close family member solely for the purpose of contacting owners on her behalf.

2. Dog walking

2.1 All dogs will be exercised on a lead unless prior agreement has been reached with Witham Whiskers and Walks and a disclaimer form has been signed. This will be discussed at the time of the initial meet and greet.

2.2 Witham Whiskers and Walks will apply personal judgement and cut short a walk if necessary because of extreme weather conditions (i.e, heat, thunder storms) for the safety of both the dogs and the walker. The walk will still be charged for at the agreed rate.

2.3 In extreme weather conditions where a walk may be dangerous for the dog, Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to change the session to a drop-in session (with chances for the dog to toilet in the garden) or a short lead walk (e.g. in a shaded area in hot conditions) to eliminate if there is no garden access.

2.4 Witham Whiskers and Walks reserves the right to refuse or discontinue walks for any dog that doesn’t respond well to the walker or is deemed to be unsuitable for group walks (if applicable).

2.5 Should your dog be in season then the walk will be swapped to a drop-in session for the safety of the dog and walker. Owners must notify us if you think your dog is in season. We recommend dogs to stay on solo on-lead walks for at least a month after the end of the season.

2.6 Dogs must be physically fit enough to partake in the walk booked. If at any point the dog appears to be in discomfort, the dog will be returned home (no refund).

2.7 The Client agrees that Witham Whiskers and Walks is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged leads, collars, tags, clothing or any other item left with their dog.

2.8 Witham Whiskers and Walks will provide poo bags, towels for drying, and dog treats unless the client prefers to provide their own dog treats (these will need to be made available at collection time). If the client would like towels to be placed around the home after the dog’s session (e.g. on soft furnishings), these must be provided by the client. Witham Whiskers and Walks cannot be held accountable to potential mess in the home following a session.

2.9 All dogs must be in a secure location prior to collection by the Witham Whiskers and Walks. Being loose in the garden does not constitute this. Details of where dogs are to be left following the session must be detailed in the “Time to Pet” app.

2.10 Witham Whiskers and Walks may, on occasion, be accompanied by an assistant during dog walks, provided your dog is comfortable with new people. Please note that any accompanying person will not enter your home.

3. Home visits/pet sitting

3.1 Specifics will be agreed at the time of booking. Witham Whiskers and Walks will make every effort to ensure your home is left safe and secure in your absence however we cannot be held responsible for any burglaries or accidents. We cannot be held liable for any loss or injury or death to a pet(s) either inside or outside your home.

3.2 Overnight pet sits are charged on a nightly basis, with each night constituting of up to 24 hours of care. If care is needed beyond 24 hours, any further drop-ins or walks are charged at their usual rate.

3.3 It is the client’s responsibility to ensure the home is a safe and clean environment for their pets and the pet sitter with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

These Terms and Conditions were last updated in December 2025.

Upon setting up your “Time to Pet” account, you will be prompted to read these and approve before booking services.

Current clients must confirm that they have read any updated copies of the Terms and Conditions before booking further services.