Dog Walker Agreement

This document can be used by a dog walker in England and Wales who charges for their services. The document is designed for use where the dog walker is an independent dog walker who operates as a casual dog walker, a sole trader or as a private limited company.

The document takes the form of a services agreement, where the agreement for the dog walker to provide services to the dog owner/customer is defined in the contract. This agreement does not create a relationship of employment between the parties because an employment contract must be used where the parties wish to create this kind of relationship.

It can be helpful for a dog walker to specify their terms and conditions in order to:

• formalise and regulate the agreement between the dog owner (the customer) and the dog walker
• confirm the responsibilities of each party
• confirm how booking and payment for the services will operate
• specify the liability of the dog walker

There is no single national law that requires professional dog walkers to hold a licence and many dog walkers will therefore not hold a licence. However, some local rules may require a professional dog walker to hold a licence. For example, if a commercial dog walker wishes to walk dogs around the Royal Parks then a licence is required. It is therefore important to check local rules and regulations.

Dog walking is not currently regulated, but some professional dog walkers choose to register with a professional association such as the Professional Dog Walkers Association.

How to use this document

This document should be completed with all the relevant information about the dog walker and their services. A signed version of the document should be kept by the dog walker.

The customer should be invited to read the document carefully before signing it. The dog walker may meet the customer in their home or at the dog walker's trading address in order to finalise the agreement. In this case, a physical signature or an electronic signature may be obtained on two copies of the document (so that each party can retain a copy). Alternatively, the agreement may be finalised remotely and signed electronically via email.

The customer will be required to specify important information about their dog. The dog walker will then review this information and the booking request. They will notify the customer once the request for services is accepted, and the agreement will then commence. The dog walking services may then be conducted in accordance with the agreement.

Relevant law

The general principles of contract law will apply to this agreement.

The customer will be protected as a consumer under:

• The Consumer Rights Act 2015
• The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, SI 2013/3134

There are also important laws applicable to walking dogs in public, including:

• The Animal Welfare Act 2006
• The Animals Act 1971
• The Control of Dogs Order 1992
• The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended)
• The Highway Code
• The Countryside Code

Help from a lawyer

You can choose to consult a lawyer if you need help.

The lawyer can answer your questions or help you through the process. You will be offered this option when you complete the document.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.