Terms of Service

Effective Date: 25/07/2025
Business Owner: A Helping Hand
Contact: 07495417829 | adminteam@ahelpinghand-petservices.co.uk | www.ahelpinghand-petservices.co.uk

These Terms of Service ("Terms") outline the agreement between you ("Client") and A Helping Hand ("Service Provider") for the provision of dog walking, pet sitting, and equine care services. By booking any service, you agree to these terms in full.

1. Services Provided

A Helping Hand offers the following services:

• Dog walking (solo and group walks)

• Pet sitting (in-home visits or overnight stays)

• Equine care (including feeding, mucking out, turnout, grooming, etc.)

Services are provided with professionalism, care, and attention to the individual needs of each animal.

2. Client Responsibilities

• You must provide accurate and complete information regarding your pet(s), including any behavioural or medical conditions, allergies, or special requirements.

• All pets must be up to date with vaccinations, flea/worm treatment, and registered with a veterinary practice.

• You agree to inform A Helping Hand of any changes to your pet’s health, behaviour, or care needs.

• For equine clients, tack and equipment must be in safe, working condition.

3. Safety and Behaviour

• Dogs must wear secure collars or harnesses with identification tags.

• Reactive, aggressive, or anxious animals must be disclosed before booking. Failure to disclose behavioural issues may result in cancellation of services.

• A Helping Hand reserves the right to refuse or terminate a service if an animal poses a safety risk to staff, the public, or other animals.

4. Emergencies and Veterinary Care

• In the event of illness or injury, A Helping Hand will make reasonable efforts to contact you immediately.

• If you are unavailable, you authorise us to seek veterinary care at your expense.

• All veterinary costs incurred during our care remain the responsibility of the client.

5. Insurance and Liability

• A Helping Hand is fully insured for dog walking, pet sitting, and equine services.

• All staff are DBS checked and trained in pet first aid.

• While every effort is made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of animals in our care, A Helping Hand cannot be held liable for:

  • Injury or illness of your pet unless due to negligence;

  • Loss or damage to property caused by your pet;

  • Incidents arising from incorrect or withheld information.

6. Keys and Home Access

• For pet sitting services, clients may provide house keys or access codes. Keys are securely stored and never labelled with identifiable information.

• A Helping Hand is not responsible for any damage or loss unless caused by negligence.

7. Cancellations and Refunds

• Dog Walking: 24 hours’ notice required for cancellations; otherwise, cancellation fee applies.

• Pet Sitting / Equine Care: 48 hours’ notice required; late cancellations will be charged for the first full 24 hours of the cancelled service.

• In cases of extreme weather, illness, or emergencies, A Helping Hand may cancel or reschedule at no charge to the client.

8. Payments

• Payments must be made in advance or by the date agreed upon at booking.

• Accepted methods: [Bank transfer / Cash / Other]

• Late payments may result in suspension of services.

9. Photographs and Social Media

• With your permission, we may take photos of your pet(s) during visits for use on our website and social media. Please notify us if you do not consent.

10. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate services with reasonable notice. Repeated cancellations, failure to pay, or breach of these terms may result in permanent suspension of services.

11. Agreement

By using any service offered by A Helping Hand, you confirm that:

• You have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.

• You accept full responsibility for your pet(s) and their behaviour.

• You understand that these terms may be updated at any time, with notice provided.