Hicks Dog Services

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These terms and conditions apply to all services provided by Hicks Dog Services to the pet owner (hereinafter referred to as the "Owner," "You,” or "Your"). By engaging our services, you agree to the following provisions.

Dog Walking Services

Hicks Dog Services agrees to provide dog walking services as stated on the client intake form in a professional, diligent, and responsible way, maintaining open and clear communication with the Client regarding the well-being of the dog and any issues that may arise during walks. Hicks Dog Services will walk a maximum of 6 dogs simultaneously and is insured to do so.

Should Hicks Dog Services be unable to access the property at the scheduled time due to a designated key not being available or a similar access issue, the Owner agrees to pay for the scheduled walk in full. Hicks Dog Services makes every attempt to towel-dry a dirty or wet dog before returning them to the property. However, we cannot guarantee that the dog will not soil carpets or furniture. The responsibility for any soiling lies with the Owner, unless the Owner has provided specific, written instructions to leave the dog in a designated area (e.g., the kitchen with the door closed).

Pet Home Visit Services

Hicks Dog Services agrees to provide pet home visit services as detailed on the client intake form. I will maintain open and clear communication with you regarding the well-being of your pets and any issues that may arise during my visits. Each home visit will be approximately 15-30 minutes in duration. The following exceptions apply to the scope of each visit: if your cat is not present at the residence, or if a pet such as a fish or reptile does not require direct interaction, I will complete the agreed-upon care tasks before concluding the visit.

Health & Safety:

The Owner must provide information that is accurate to the best of their knowledge about their pet. If the pet has any known behavioral issues or aggression triggers, the Owner must disclose these details to Hicks Dog Services. We reserve the right to refuse services if the pet displays aggressive or dangerous behaviour.

The Owner confirms that all pets are up to date with core vaccinations, as well as flea and worming treatments. For the safety of the pack, the Owner must inform Hicks Dog Services immediately if their pet shows signs of a contagious illness (e.g., Kennel Cough).

Lead Policy: Dogs will be walked on-lead unless the Owner has provided explicit written consent via the Client Intake Form. Hicks Dog Services reserves the right to keep any dog on a lead at our discretion if we feel it is necessary for the safety of the dog or the public.

The Owner will ensure that all necessary equipment (e.g., harness, collar, ID tag) is provided.

Bitches in Season: We cannot accept bitches in season for group walks. The Owner must notify us as soon as possible to discuss switching to solo walks or home visits during this period, subject to availability.

Payment and Fees;
The Owner agrees to pay Hicks Dog Services the following fees:
Standard Rates: Home Visits (30 mins): £13 | Group Walks (60 mins): £15 | Solo Walks: (30 mins) £13 or (60 mins) £19

Multi-Dog Household Rates

Group Walks: 1 Dog: £15.00 | 2 Dogs: £25.00 | 3 Dogs: £35.00 | 4 Dogs: £45.00

Payment is required upfront for new clients and for all one-off bookings. For clients with a pre-arranged walking schedule, payment can be made at the end of each week/month. Invoices can be issued on request. A five-day grace period may be offered for overdue payments, after which a daily £5 late fee will be applied. Hicks Dog Services reserves the right to terminate services for non-payment.

BACS Payments: Mrs L Hicks | Sort Code: 20-26-21 | Account No: 83825035

Cancellations & Emergencies
To cancel or alter services without incurring a fee, you must provide notice by 9:00 AM at least one full working day prior to the scheduled service. Working days are Monday through Friday.

Monday walks: Notice must be given by 9:00 AM on the preceding Friday.

Tuesday–Friday walks: Notice must be given by 9:00 AM the day before.

Notice must be made via written message or direct verbal conversation. A missed call does not constitute a confirmed cancellation. If a cancellation is made after this deadline, the Owner will be charged the full price of the service.

Hicks Dog Services reserves the right to cancel or terminate services at any time for reasons including, but not limited to, aggressive pet behaviour or non-payment.

Medical Emergencies:

In the event of a pet medical emergency, Hicks Dog Services will make every reasonable effort to contact the Owner or their emergency contact immediately. If contact cannot be made, the Owner authorizes Hicks Dog Services to seek emergency veterinary care. The Owner agrees to reimburse Hicks Dog Services for any reasonable and documented expenses incurred.

Weather Policies

Hicks Dog Services prioritizes the safety of your pets and myself while working. I may choose to cancel a normal walk for any Met Office weather warning at my discretion to ensure the safety of the dogs, and I will inform the Owner in any event. If a walk cannot be carried out due to a weather alert, I will endeavour to provide potty breaks for any dogs left alone for long periods, provided it is safe for me to travel. If Hicks Dog Services is operating and the weather is not severe, the standard cancellation fee applies for any Owner-initiated cancellations made with less than the required notice.

Red Weather Warnings; Under a Red Met Office Weather Warning, either Hicks Dog Services or the Owner may cancel services without penalty as these conditions are deemed dangerous and safety is the priority.

Amber Weather Warnings; For Amber Weather Warnings, wind alerts may result in cancellation or time adjustments for safety, while rain warnings will generally proceed as normal.

Yellow Weather Warnings; All services will continue during Yellow Weather Warnings with the exception of Snow and Ice. Due to the nature of local country lanes, if road conditions are deemed unsafe for travel, services may be cancelled or adjusted without penalty.

Extreme Heat Safety regarding Extreme Heat is monitored from 23°C, taking into account wind, cloud cover, and the dog’s breed, age, and weight. In these conditions, the duration of the walk will be significantly reduced for safety. Depending on specific conditions, I will provide either a shaded session in a cool environment (e.g., woodland/water) or, where necessary, a short garden potty break to ensure dogs have comfort breaks.

Legal Provisions

Confidentiality: Hicks Dog Services will keep all of the Owner’s information strictly confidential and will not disclose it to any third parties without explicit written consent.

Insurance: Hicks Dog Services holds valid pet business insurance with Pet Business Insurance (LRMS Insurance Services Ltd).

Liability: The Owner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Hicks Dog Services from any claims, liabilities, or harm to the pet arising from the Services, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Force Majeure: Neither party shall be held accountable for unforeseeable circumstances beyond their control (e.g., acts of nature, government actions). Severability: If any provision is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect.

Acceptance of Terms; These terms may be updated periodically. By continuing to book or utilize the services of Hicks Dog Services, the Owner acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the most current version of these Terms and Conditions.

Last Updated 1st February 2026