Terms and Conditions of Business
Effective as of 2nd September 2024
1. Definitions
“Service”: Dog walking, let-out, pet care, and dog training services provided by Bark Side of Midlothian Limited.
“Client”: The person or entity purchasing the Service.
“Walker/Trainer”: Any individual employed or contracted by Bark Side of Midlothian Limited to perform the Service.
“Dog(s)”: The canine pet(s) owned by the Client and receiving the Service.
2. Services Provided
Bark Side of Midlothian Limited agrees to provide Services as per the Client’s requirements, subject to availability and agreement on terms.
Services may include dog walking, let-outs, pet care, and training.
Additional services (e.g., feeding, medication administration) must be pre-arranged and may incur extra charges.
3. Service Hours and Availability
Bark Side of Midlothian Limited will strive to accommodate all requests but cannot guarantee availability at all times.
Clients should provide as much notice as possible when booking to avoid disappointment.
4. Fees and Payment
Fees are charged according to the rates published on Bark Side of Midlothian Limited’s website or as otherwise agreed in writing.
For all training services, a 20% non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due within 7 days of the appointment/service date.
Payments may be made via BACS transfer or other agreed methods.
Late payments may incur a fee of 20% of the outstanding amount per 30 days, and services may be suspended until payment is received.
5. Client Obligations
Dogs must be up to date with vaccinations, flea treatments, and worming; proof may be requested.
Clients must disclose any relevant medical conditions, dietary needs, or behavioural issues.
Dogs must wear a suitable collar/harness with ID tag, and properties must be safe and secure for service delivery.
6. Health and Safety
Bark Side of Midlothian Limited reserves the right to refuse or discontinue Services if a Dog displays aggressive or dangerous behaviour, or if the Walker/Trainer believes the Dog poses a risk to safety.
In a medical emergency, Bark Side of Midlothian Limited will attempt to contact the Client. If unreachable, veterinary treatment may be sought at the Client’s expense.
7. Liability
Bark Side of Midlothian Limited is insured for public liability.
We will not be liable for loss, injury, or death of Dog(s) arising from pre-existing conditions, unforeseeable accidents, or circumstances beyond our control.
Clients agree to indemnify Bark Side of Midlothian Limited and its staff against any claims, damages, or expenses caused by their Dog(s).
8. Holding of Keys
Keys may be held to access the Client’s property for Services.
Keys will be stored securely and labelled without direct property identification.
In the event of loss/damage to keys in our possession, replacement costs up to £30 will be covered.
We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss resulting from key loss or misuse.
9. Cancellation & Refunds
Dog Walking/Let-out Services:
Cancellations with at least 48 hours’ notice – deposit retained, remaining balance (if paid) refunded.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice – full service charge applies.
Dog Training Services:
Cancellations with at least 7 days’ notice – deposit retained, remaining balance (if paid) refunded.
Cancellations with less than 7 days’ notice – 50% of the service fee due.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice or no-shows – 100% of the service fee due.
If Bark Side of Midlothian Limited cancels a booking, a full refund including the deposit will be issued, or the session rescheduled.
10. Training Services
Training uses positive, reward-based methods. Results may vary depending on consistency and commitment from the Client.
The Client understands training is not without risk to themselves, household members, or their Dog(s).
Aggressive or highly reactive dogs may be referred to a specialist if deemed unsafe.
The Client agrees to indemnify Bark Side of Midlothian Limited against any liability, claims, or expenses relating to participation in training.
11. Data Protection
Personal data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
Data will only be used to provide Services and will not be shared without consent.
12. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Scotland.
Disputes will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.