Terms of service
Hunter’s Hounds Peebles
Terms & Conditions
Dog Walking • Pet Sitting • Let-Outs • Puppy Visits • Vet Transport
Scotland, UK
Last updated: 25 August 2026
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) set out the agreement between Hunter’s Hounds Peebles (“Hunter’s Hounds”, “we”, “us” or “our”) and the Client (“you” or “your”) for the provision of dog walking, pet care, let-out, puppy visit and pet/vet transport services.
By requesting, booking or accepting any service provided by Hunter’s Hounds, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms.
These Terms apply whether services are provided by the owner of Hunter’s Hounds, an employee, assistant, authorised representative, subcontractor or other person acting on behalf of Hunter’s Hounds.
1. Definitions
Client
The person who books or receives services from Hunter’s Hounds and who is responsible for the dog or pet concerned.
Pet / Dog
Any animal entrusted to Hunter’s Hounds by the Client.
Services
Dog walking, group walks, solo walks, puppy visits, let-outs, feeding, basic pet care, pet sitting, medication administration where agreed, and pet/vet transport.
Booking
Any confirmed appointment, recurring arrangement or service request accepted by Hunter’s Hounds.
Hunter’s Hounds Representative
The owner, employee, assistant, authorised representative or subcontractor engaged by Hunter’s Hounds to provide or assist with the Services.
2. Client Responsibilities
2.1 Accurate Information
You must provide complete, truthful and up-to-date information about your dog or pet, including:
• age, breed and relevant history;
• medical conditions and allergies;
• medication requirements;
• behavioural characteristics;
• anxiety, nervousness or reactivity;
• aggression or bite history;
• recall ability;
• interactions with dogs, people, livestock and other animals;
• known triggers;
• escape or separation behaviour;
• any restrictions or special requirements.
Information provided must be complete and accurate to the best of the Client’s knowledge and must be kept up to date throughout the period that Services are provided.
You must notify Hunter’s Hounds immediately of any material change.
Failure to disclose relevant information may result in the immediate suspension or termination of Services.
2.2 Health, Vaccinations, Parasite Control and Disease
Dogs participating in group walks must be suitably healthy and fit to participate.
Hunter’s Hounds may require evidence of appropriate vaccinations where reasonably necessary for the safety of dogs in its care.
Kennel Cough vaccination is a condition of participation in group walks where Hunter’s Hounds requires it.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that their dogs are appropriately protected against fleas, ticks, worms and other common parasites through suitable preventative treatment.
Dogs showing signs of contagious illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, unexplained discharge, suspected infectious disease or other potentially contagious conditions, must not attend group walks.
The Client must inform Hunter’s Hounds as soon as possible if their dog develops a contagious illness or has been exposed to one.
Hunter’s Hounds reserves the right to refuse or suspend a service where a dog is considered unfit to participate or presents a foreseeable health or safety risk.
3. Harnesses, Collars and Equipment
3.1 Mandatory Harness Requirement
All dogs must be provided with a suitably fitting, secure and suitable harness for use during walks unless an alternative arrangement has been specifically discussed and agreed with Hunter’s Hounds in advance.
The harness must:
• fit the dog correctly;
• be in good condition;
• be secure and appropriate for the individual dog;
• not be damaged, excessively worn or capable of being easily escaped from.
Hunter’s Hounds may decline to walk a dog if the supplied harness, lead, collar or other equipment is considered unsafe or unsuitable.
A suitable collar and legally compliant identification information should also be provided where appropriate.
3.2 Additional Equipment
Where appropriate, the Client must provide:
• suitable lead(s);
• collar and identification;
• suitable harness;
• muzzle where previously agreed or required for safety;
• coat or protective clothing where necessary;
• dog towel where appropriate;
• medication and instructions where applicable.
Hunter’s Hounds may recommend alternative equipment where the existing equipment is considered unsuitable.
The Client remains responsible for ensuring that all supplied equipment is properly maintained, safe and in suitable working condition.
4. Behaviour and Safety
The Client must disclose any known behavioural issue that could affect the safety of the dog, another animal, a Hunter’s Hounds Representative or a member of the public.
This includes, but is not limited to:
• aggression;
• biting or attempted biting;
• dog-to-dog aggression;
• human-directed aggression;
• resource guarding;
• extreme fear or anxiety;
• escape behaviour;
• livestock chasing;
• poor recall;
• reactivity;
• unpredictable behaviour.
Hunter’s Hounds will assess whether a dog is suitable for a particular service.
We reserve the right to change a dog from a group walk to a solo walk, keep a dog on lead, use additional safety equipment, alter the walking location or suspend Services where reasonably necessary for safety.
5. Dog Walking
5.1 Group Walks
Dogs will only participate in group walks where Hunter’s Hounds considers the individual dog suitable for group participation.
Group composition may be changed at any time according to:
• temperament;
• behaviour;
• size;
• energy level;
• compatibility;
• weather;
• location;
• staffing;
• safety considerations.
Hunter’s Hounds will normally operate small groups and will not exceed its established operational or insurance limits.
There is no guarantee that a particular dog will always be walked with the same dogs or in the same location.
5.2 Lead and Off-Lead Walking
A dog will only be allowed off lead where:
the Client has provided appropriate written consent;
Hunter’s Hounds considers the dog suitable for off-lead walking; and
the location and circumstances are considered reasonably safe.
Written consent does not require Hunter’s Hounds to allow a dog off lead.
Hunter’s Hounds may keep any dog on lead at any time where it considers this necessary or appropriate.
5.3 Collection and Return
Clients must ensure that dogs are safely accessible at the agreed collection time.
Hunter’s Hounds will take reasonable care when entering and leaving a Client’s property.
The Client is responsible for ensuring that:
• gates and doors are secure and suitable;
• access instructions are accurate;
• alarm information is correct;
• dogs cannot escape through unsecured areas;
• any relevant hazards have been disclosed.
Where a dog cannot safely be collected or returned because of access problems, Hunter’s Hounds may be unable to provide the booked service.
6. Weather and Environmental Conditions
The safety and welfare of dogs takes priority over completing a particular route or maintaining a precise walking location.
In extreme or unsuitable weather, including excessive heat, ice, storms, flooding or other hazardous conditions, Hunter’s Hounds may:
• shorten or alter a walk;
• change the walking location;
• replace an outdoor walk with appropriate enrichment or care;
• reschedule the service where reasonably possible.
No dog will knowingly be exposed to unreasonable risk merely to complete a scheduled walk.
7. Puppy Visits, Let-Outs and Pet Sitting
Services will be provided according to the agreed booking.
The duration of a visit includes the reasonable time required for agreed care, which may include:
• toilet breaks;
• feeding;
• fresh water;
• basic cleaning;
• play;
• enrichment;
• medication where specifically agreed;
• other reasonable tasks agreed in advance.
Hunter’s Hounds will not undertake tasks outside the agreed service without prior agreement.
The Client remains responsible for providing suitable food, equipment, medication and instructions.
Hunter’s Hounds is not responsible for damage caused by a pet to property, furniture, fixtures, fittings or possessions, except where caused by proven negligence or other liability that cannot legally be excluded.
8. Medication and Veterinary Instructions
Hunter’s Hounds may administer medication where this has been specifically agreed in advance and clear written instructions have been provided.
Medication should, where reasonably practicable, be supplied in its original packaging with clear instructions regarding dosage and administration.
We will take reasonable care when administering medication but cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of a pet's underlying medical condition or where instructions supplied by the Client are incomplete, inaccurate or unclear.
Where a veterinary professional gives instructions directly to Hunter’s Hounds, those instructions may be followed where reasonably necessary for the animal's welfare.
9. Emergency Veterinary Care
If a dog or pet becomes ill, injured or appears to require urgent veterinary attention while in our care, Hunter’s Hounds will make reasonable efforts to contact the Client.
If the Client cannot be contacted promptly, Hunter’s Hounds may arrange veterinary assessment or emergency treatment where reasonably necessary for the animal's welfare.
The Client authorises Hunter’s Hounds and its authorised representatives to transport the animal to a veterinary practice and seek appropriate veterinary assistance where reasonably necessary.
All veterinary fees, treatment costs, medication costs, consultation fees, transport costs and other reasonable expenses arising from emergency veterinary care remain the responsibility of the Client.
The Client remains responsible for such costs whether or not the Client was immediately contactable at the time of the emergency.
Hunter’s Hounds cannot guarantee any particular veterinary outcome.
10. Pet and Veterinary Transport
Animals transported by Hunter’s Hounds will be secured using suitable and appropriate restraint, carrier, crate, harness or other safety equipment according to the circumstances.
The Client must disclose any transport-related behavioural or medical issue.
Hunter’s Hounds may refuse transport where an animal cannot be transported safely.
The Client remains responsible for veterinary treatment and associated costs.
11. Keys, Access and Security
Where Hunter’s Hounds holds keys or access information, reasonable care will be taken to keep them secure.
Clients must provide accurate instructions for:
• keys;
• doors;
• gates;
• alarms;
• access codes;
• parking;
• emergency contacts.
Hunter’s Hounds cannot accept responsibility for problems arising from faulty locks, defective alarms, insecure property, incorrect instructions or circumstances outside our reasonable control.
Keys will not be labelled in a way that unnecessarily identifies the associated property where reasonably practicable.
12. Payments
Payment arrangements will be agreed at the time of booking.
Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due in advance.
Hunter’s Hounds may operate weekly or monthly payment arrangements.
Where payment is overdue, Hunter’s Hounds may suspend future Services until the account is brought up to date.
Any additional charge for late payment will only be applied where permitted by law and where the Client has been informed of the charge.
13. Cancellations
13.1 Individual Bookings
Hunter’s Hounds asks Clients to provide as much notice as reasonably possible when cancelling a booked service.
Our standard cancellation arrangements are:
More than 7 days' notice:
No cancellation charge.
Between 7 days and 24 hours' notice:
50% of the booked service fee may be charged.
Less than 24 hours' notice or failure to make the dog available:
The full booked service fee will be charged.
Cancellation charges are intended to reflect the time reserved and the reasonable loss arising from a late cancellation and will be applied fairly and reasonably.
Nothing in these Terms limits any statutory rights the Client may have.
14. Holidays and Extended Absences – Reserved Regular Slots
Hunter’s Hounds understands that Clients will take holidays and periods away from home and asks, as a matter of courtesy, that at least two weeks' notice is given wherever reasonably possible.
Short holidays or absences of up to two weeks will normally be accommodated without a holding fee, subject to reasonable notice.
Where a Client intends to suspend regular Services for more than two consecutive weeks, including extended school or summer holidays, the Client may request that their regular dog-walking slot is held open for their return.
Where Hunter’s Hounds agrees to reserve the slot, a holding fee equivalent to 50% of the normal booked service fee will apply for the period of the extended absence.
The holding fee reserves the regular slot and is not payment for walks that are not provided.
The purpose of the holding fee is to allow Hunter’s Hounds to retain capacity for the Client rather than allocating the regular slot to another dog during an extended absence.
If a Client takes an absence of more than two weeks without arranging a holding fee, Hunter’s Hounds cannot guarantee that their previous regular slot will remain available.
If the original slot has subsequently been allocated to another Client, Hunter’s Hounds will offer an alternative suitable slot where one is available.
Hunter’s Hounds cannot guarantee that an alternative slot will be available.
Where possible, Clients should provide holiday dates as early as possible so that the regular schedule can be planned fairly for all Clients.
15. Cancellation by Hunter’s Hounds
Hunter’s Hounds may cancel or alter a booking where reasonably necessary because of:
• illness;
• injury;
• emergency;
• severe weather;
• unsafe conditions;
• vehicle failure;
• staffing issues;
• unforeseen circumstances;
• a risk to the safety or welfare of an animal, person or member of the public.
Where a service is cancelled by Hunter’s Hounds and cannot reasonably be rescheduled, the Client will not be charged for the service not provided.
Where appropriate, we will endeavour to offer an alternative time or date.
16. Employees, Assistants and Representatives
Services may be provided by the owner of Hunter’s Hounds or by an employee, assistant, authorised representative or subcontractor acting on behalf of Hunter’s Hounds.
All persons acting on behalf of Hunter’s Hounds are expected to follow these Terms, agreed care instructions and relevant safety procedures.
The Client agrees to provide the same accurate information and instructions to any authorised Hunter’s Hounds Representative who is providing care.
Hunter’s Hounds remains responsible for the services it provides through its authorised representatives, subject to these Terms and applicable law.
17. Liability
Hunter’s Hounds will provide Services with reasonable care and skill.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation would be unlawful.
Subject to applicable law, Hunter’s Hounds cannot accept responsibility for loss, injury, illness, escape, death or damage arising from:
• a pre-existing medical condition;
• an undisclosed medical condition;
• an undisclosed behavioural problem;
• unpredictable animal behaviour;
• inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by the Client;
• unsafe or unsuitable equipment supplied by the Client;
• the actions of the Client or another third party;
• circumstances outside Hunter’s Hounds' reasonable control.
The Client remains responsible for damage or loss caused by their dog to people, animals or property, subject to applicable law.
Nothing in these Terms affects the Client's statutory consumer rights.
18. Insurance
Hunter’s Hounds maintains appropriate insurance for the services it provides, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the relevant insurance policy.
Insurance does not remove the Client's responsibilities under these Terms.
19. Photos, Videos and Social Media
Where the Client has provided consent, photographs or videos of their dog may be used by Hunter’s Hounds for legitimate business purposes, including social media, marketing and promotional material.
Client names, addresses, telephone numbers and other private personal information will not knowingly be published alongside such material.
Consent may be withdrawn for future use by contacting Hunter’s Hounds.
20. Data Protection and Privacy
Hunter’s Hounds will process Client personal information in accordance with applicable UK data-protection legislation.
Information may include:
• client name;
• contact details;
• address;
• emergency contact information;
• payment information;
• pet information;
• veterinary information;
• care instructions;
• access information necessary to provide the Services.
Personal information will be used for legitimate business purposes including:
• arranging and providing Services;
• communicating with Clients;
• maintaining care records;
• dealing with emergencies;
• processing payments;
• meeting legal and insurance requirements.
Information may be shared where reasonably necessary with veterinary professionals, emergency services, insurers, professional advisers or other relevant third parties where permitted or required by law.
Hunter’s Hounds will take reasonable measures to keep personal information secure and will retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose or to meet legal, insurance or accounting requirements.
A separate Privacy Notice may provide further information about how personal data is collected, used, stored and retained.
21. Confidentiality and Client Property
Hunter’s Hounds will treat information about Clients, their homes and their pets as confidential and will not disclose it unnecessarily.
Client property will be treated with reasonable care.
Hunter’s Hounds cannot accept responsibility for valuables, cash or other property left in a home unless specifically entrusted to us.
22. Right to Refuse or Suspend Services
Hunter’s Hounds reserves the right to refuse, suspend or terminate a service where reasonably necessary because:
• a dog presents a safety risk;
• relevant information has not been disclosed;
• required equipment is unavailable or unsuitable;
• payment is overdue;
• the Client repeatedly fails to make the dog available;
• the Client breaches these Terms;
• the welfare of the dog, another animal, a person or a member of the public may be compromised.
Where reasonably possible, Hunter’s Hounds will explain the reason for suspension or termination.
23. Termination of the Client Relationship
Either the Client or Hunter’s Hounds may end an ongoing service arrangement by giving reasonable notice.
Hunter’s Hounds may terminate Services immediately where there is a serious safety concern, serious breach of these Terms, non-payment, abusive behaviour towards the owner, employees or representatives, or other circumstances where continuing the relationship would be unreasonable or unsafe.
Any outstanding legitimate fees remain payable.
24. Changes to Services and Terms
Hunter’s Hounds may reasonably update its Services, procedures and Terms from time to time.
Where a change materially affects an existing Client, reasonable notice will be provided where practicable.
Changes will not retrospectively alter services already paid for or otherwise remove statutory rights.
25. Complaints
Hunter’s Hounds aims to resolve any concerns promptly and fairly.
Clients should raise any complaint as soon as reasonably possible so that the circumstances can be investigated and, where appropriate, resolved.
Nothing in this section prevents a Client from exercising any statutory rights available to them.
26. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the law of Scotland.
Subject to any mandatory consumer rights or legal requirements, disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.
27. Acceptance of Terms
By booking or accepting Services from Hunter’s Hounds, the Client confirms that:
• they have read and understood these Terms;
• they agree to comply with these Terms;
• they are the legal owner of the dog/pet or are authorised by the owner to arrange its care;
• they have provided accurate and complete information;
• they will notify Hunter’s Hounds of relevant changes;
• they accept responsibility for the costs associated with veterinary treatment and other expenses that are properly the Client's responsibility under these Terms.
These Terms should be read together with any individual booking arrangements, care instructions, service descriptions and Hunter’s Hounds Privacy Notice.
Hunter’s Hounds Peebles
Professional Dog Walking & Pet Care Services.
Terms & Conditions – Version dated 25 August 2026
End.