Rehoming Page

Terms and Conditions - Dog Sitting

1. The commissioning of The Mutt House (the Company) by the Client (the owner of the dog(s)) to carry out Dog Sitting and/or training assignments, whether verbally or in writing constitutes acceptance of these Terms of Business. These general terms and conditions are designed to be used with the pet information sheet completed for all customers. Any booking where an information sheet has not been completed and signed by the client will NOT be covered by The Mutt House’ s Insurance.
2. All bookings are to be made through The Mutt House (Nicky or Colin Pickford). All Mutt House pet carers are agents of the Company. As such, Mutt House pet carers are not permitted to work directly for the client and infringement of this will result in removal from our register of carers. We respectfully ask that you do not place our pet carers in that position. Any assignments carried out privately and not directly through the Company will NOT be covered by The Mutt House’s insurance.
3. Bookings for dog sitting are charged at daily rates not overnight rates. Arrival days and departure days are charged as full, separate days
4. A deposit is required to secure all bookings. This will normally be payable at the consultation visit. Until it is received the booking is not confirmed.
5. Should the original carer be taken ill and/or unable to finish the booking, another suitable pet carer will be allocated and all owners informed of the change.
6. Any carers used by the Company are visited personally by Nicky and/or Colin to ensure that their property is suitably safe, clean and secure for any breed or size of dog that the carer is prepared to accept. Carers will be assessed for attitude, handling and ability with dogs. The Mutt House uses calm assertiveness and force-free methods wherever possible. Similar attributes will be sought in any carers we choose to use. Subsequent visits during booking periods may be arranged to ensure continued maintenance of these standards.
7. The client confirms that all pets are fully vaccinated, have up to date flea and worm treatments, are not in heat, and in good health (unless so stated in information sheet).
8. All clients must specify if they wish their dog to be let off the lead. The Mutt House’s insurance covers eventualities whether on or off lead, but your knowledge of your dog’s recall abilities should decide this option.
9. If you wish to shorten your booking (e.g. you return early from your holiday), you will not be entitled to a refund nor any compensation.
10. Should The Mutt House staff or one of its carers be bitten or otherwise exposed to any disease or ailment received from the client’s pet, the client shall be responsible for all payment of costs incurred by the carer in receiving treatment and subsequent care plus any legal costs arising as a consequence.
11. If your pet(s)’ behaviour or condition prohibits the Company or its carers from caring for them, the client authorises their pets to be placed in a kennelling establishment or other suitable accommodation with all charges incurred payable by the client. There will be a minimum £20 charge for transporting the animal in this instance plus mileage costs. In this event no part of the booking fee is refundable.
12. The Mutt House is insured by Pet Business Insurance and covers public liability as well as full care custody and control of animals.. However the Company and its carers cannot be held responsible for any injury or fatality of a pet whilst in their care.
13. Customers must make pet carers aware of any unsociable, violent or otherwise undesirable behaviour prior to the booking. Whilst pet carers are fully competent in their handling of animals, failure to disclose any relevant information may result in the customer being liable for any costs that arise through the actions that could have been prevented through the disclosure of this information. This includes but is not limited to cleaning costs, furniture repair, damage to personal items, and kennelling costs.
14. Wherever possible, The Mutt House will endeavor to follow the emergency procedures agreed in the information sheet. However, in instances where this is not possible (eg emergency contact is not contractible) the Company reserves the right to make decisions to ensure the welfare of the pet.
15. If your pet requires veterinary attention during the course of the booking, The Mutt House will arrange for your dog to see a veterinary surgeon. This may incur additional mileage (40p per mile) and time charges at a cost of £20 per hour. The cost of this must be paid in full to The Mutt House within 7 days of completion of the booking. All veterinary fees are the client’s responsibility.
16. If you request us to terminate our services once a booking has commenced , no refund will be given
17. Any additional expenses incurred by the pet carer during the course of the booking must be paid directly to The Mutt House within 7 days of the end of booking. This may include, but is not limited to, additional food, emergency home repairs emergency kennels and vets bills and will all be supported with receipts. Please note that the owners are responsible for any damage done to the carer’s property by their dog and fully liable for any costs arising from that damage.
18. The following days are subject to special rates: all bank holidays, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. An additional £10.00 per dog will be charged on these days..
19. If the client fails to collect the dog without informing the Company as to why, or abandons the pet, after 7 days the pet animal becomes the property of The Mutt House, who may rehome it. A daily rate of £25 will be applied to all bookings in this instance and the client will be billed for any further costs incurred ie food, bedding, clothing, medication needed by the dog until it is rehomed.

I HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

SIGNED………………………………......................................................

PRINT NAME……………………………….............................................

DATE………………………………...........................................……………