​​​​​

1. Legal Requirements

It’s the law that all dogs are microchipped and wear a collar with an ID tag showing your name and address.
We cannot accept any dog that doesn’t meet these requirements, as it’s important for their safety and ours.

​

2. Meet and Greet Consultation

Before your dog’s first walk, we ask that you book a free meet and greet. This gives us the chance to:  

• Get to know your dog and understand their personality.

• Chat through their routine, needs, and any special requirements.

• Make sure they’re comfortable with us and any other dogs in our care.

You’ll also complete a Client Registration Form and sign these Terms and Conditions.

Please be honest and open about your dog’s health, temperament, and behaviour — including any history of aggression or incidents under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This helps us keep everyone safe and happy.

​

3. Payments and Bookings

• Payment for walks is due at the end of each service unless we’ve agreed another arrangement.

• We accept BACS or cash.

• For regular walkers, invoices may be sent weekly or monthly as agreed.

• Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged at the full rate.​

​

4. Veterinary Care and Emergencies

The health and safety of your dog are our highest priority. If your dog becomes unwell or has an accident while in our care, we will contact you or your designated emergency contact as quickly as possible.

If urgent veterinary treatment is needed and we cannot reach you, we will act in your dog’s best interests and ensure they receive prompt attention.

While Ridgeback Rambles will take every step to support your dog, any veterinary costs will need to be settled directly between the dog’s owner and the veterinary practice.

We strongly recommend that all dogs have comprehensive pet insurance, including coverage for third-party liability, to provide reassurance and support in any situation.

​​

5. Safety and Behaviour

Your dog’s safety and happiness are our top priorities.
We may need to refuse or stop services if a dog:

• Shows aggressive or dangerous behaviour.

• Is unwell or poses a risk to others.

• Becomes difficult to manage safely during walks.

If we have to stop a service for safety reasons, you will be refunded for any unused pre-paid walks.

​​​

6. Off-Lead Exercise

If you consent for your dog to be walked off the lead, please understand there is a small risk they may behave unpredictably or not return immediately.

For safety, we may keep dogs on lead if recall isn’t reliable or conditions aren’t suitable for off-lead exercise.

​​​

7. Home and Property Access

If we collect or return your dog from your home:

• Please provide safe and secure access (keys, codes, or instructions).

• Any keys will be kept securely, only used for your dog, and returned when no longer needed.

• We will always ensure your property is locked and secure after visits.

Please note, Ridgeback Rambles cannot accept responsibility for burglary, damage, or incidents while your property is unoccupied.

​​​

8. Liability and Risk

We take every precaution to keep your dog safe and happy. However, all dogs are walked at the owner’s risk.

Ridgeback Rambles cannot be held responsible for loss, injury, or death caused by circumstances beyond our control, including natural causes, theft, or unpredictable behaviour.

Dogs are never left unattended for long periods, and all dangerous items are kept well out of reach.

​​

9. GDPR and Data Protection

We take your privacy seriously. Ridgeback Rambles follows the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

• We collect your name, contact details, emergency contacts, and information about your dog(s).

• This information is used only to provide safe, tailored dog walking services.

• We never share your information with third parties, unless required by law (for example, in veterinary emergencies).

• You can request access, correction, or deletion of your personal data at any time.

• All information is stored securely and deleted when no longer needed.

​

10. Agreement

By completing our Client Registration Form and using Ridgeback Rambles services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

​

​​