Do I need a dog walking contract?

Thinking about starting a dog walking business? You probably have lots of questions. For example, do I really need to bother with a contract?
Dog walking and pet sitting contracts are not a legal requirement for running a pet business in the UK. So are they worth the hassle?
Do I need a dog walking contract?
The short answer is “Yes” but here are 5 reasons why:
- You (and your customers) are protected from unforeseen events.
- They remove any assumptions your customer makes about the service they will receive.
- Your insurance will require a contract.
- You will look more professional.
- You will protect yourself from getting sued.
Where to start?
There are lots of free dog walking contracts online. Just Google: dog walking contract uk or pet sitting contract uk.
There is also a free template here.
Start by reading through a few templates and pick out any which match the type of service you want to provide.
Once you have put together your contract get it checked by a legal adviser. Although this will cost you money it is a great investment in your business.
Things to include
A good contract will clearly state the service you will provide, your policies, your procedures and any obligations on the customer’s side.
A typical contract will include the following sections:
- A description of the service. Be as specific as possible. e.g. visiting hours, the number of dogs, location etc.
- The price and payment terms.
- Your cancellation policy.
- Your limits of liability. e.g. pets who run away.
Don’t forget to leave somewhere for your customer to sign!
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