Terms and Conditions

By engaging Smiling Paws' services, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply with these Terms and Conditions.

1.1 Acknowledgment of Off-Leash Play and Associated Risk

The client acknowledges that Smiling Paws permits dogs to engage with one another in off-leash interactions and plays. The client understands the associated risks involved due to this, and that injuries to pets may occur. 

1.2 Waiver of Liability for Pet Injury or Illness
The client agrees that Smiling Paws and its employees will not be held liable for any injuries, illnesses, or any loss or damage to their pet or property that may occur during their pet's care with Smiling Paws and its employees, and expressly waives any and all claims against Smiling Paws.  

1.3 Commitment to Reliable, Safe and Trustworthy Services 

Smiling Paws is committed to providing reliable, safe and trustworthy services. 

2.1 Responsibility to Report Pet's Behavioural Issues

The client agrees to inform Smiling Paws of any known behavioural or aggression problems their pet may exhibit towards other animals, toys, food, or humans. 

2.2 Client's Liability for Pet-Induced Harm or Injury

The client acknowledges their sole liability for any harm or injury caused by their pet while in the care of Smiling Paws. The client is liable for any damages or injuries caused by their dog to other dogs, individuals, or property during our dog walking sessions and agrees to pay in full for all expenses incurred. 

2.3 Discretion Rights to Suspend Service and Enrolments

To ensure safety and best care of all pets, Smiling Paws reserve the right to terminate the dog walking service if the client’s pet displays any signs of aggressive behaviour or poses a risk to our staff, other dogs or the public. 

3.1 General Health Condition for Enrolment

To ensure the well-being of all pets, the client understands that all pets accepted must be in good general health and are up to date on all necessary vaccinations. Dogs over 8 months must be desexed to be in group walks. 

3.2 Veterinary Information and Vaccination Documentation
The client must provide the veterinary information and proof of all required vaccinations during the initial meet and greet and promptly update any changes.  

3.3 Flea and Tick Prevention Program

Pets must also be on a flea and tick prevention program while in the care of Smiling Paws. Smiling Paws and its employees will not be held responsible for any conditions or incidents, including Paralysis Tick, Canine Influenza, injury, death, loss, or damages that may occur to any animal while in their care.

3.4 Discretion Rights to Refuse Service and Terminate Enrolment

Smiling Paws reserves the right to refuse service or terminate enrolment if a dog is deemed unfit or poses a risk to others.

4.1 Authorization for Veterinary Care

In the event of a pet falling ill or sustaining an injury while under Smiling Paws' care, Smiling Paws reserves the right to provide necessary aid and, if required, transport the pet to a veterinarian. 

4.2 Client's Financial Responsibility for Pet's Medical Expenses

All associated expenses incurred will be the client's sole responsibility. While Smiling Paws will make efforts to contact the pet's regular veterinarian, they reserve the right to seek alternative veterinary care if necessary.

 5.1 Nature of Service

Smiling Paws is  a dog walking service that offers basic essential dog training as part of our regular dog walking sessions. The training focuses on essential behaviours for safe walks and socialising with other dogs and the public. 

The client understands that Smiling Paws is not a dog training-focused service, and our training is limited to basic commands conducive to a pleasant walking experience.

5.2 Training Scope

The basic essential dog training provided during our dog walking sessions includes commands such as leash manners, gate and door manners, heel, sit, wait, stop, and other necessary behaviours to ensure a safe and enjoyable walk.

The client understands and accepts that this training is not intended to address complex behavioural issues or specialised training needs, such as puppy training or behavioural modifications.

5.3 Additional Training Services

If the client requires specialised training services, such as puppy training or behaviour modification, it is the client's responsibility to seek and enrol their dog in a suitable training program. 

The client understands that Smiling Paws do not provide advanced or specialised training beyond the basic essential dog training offered during dog walking.

5.4 Client's Responsibility

The client acknowledges that they are responsible for their dog's behaviour, training, and overall conduct outside of our dog walking sessions.

It is the client's responsibility to continue reinforcing and practicing the learned behaviours from our basic essential dog training during their everyday interactions with their dog.

5.5 Training Delivery and Outcomes

Training will be conducted by Smiling Paws’ experienced dog walkers who are equipped to deliver training techniques based on the understanding of dog behaviours.

While Smiling Paws strive to provide effective essentials basic training, the client acknowledges that dogs respond differently to training, and we cannot guarantee specific results.

6.1 Weekly Payments

All services must be paid on a weekly basis.

6.2 Payment Deadline

The client understands that payments must be made by Friday of the week prior to the scheduled bookings.

For bookings made with less than one week's notice, the client agrees to pay immediately to confirm the service.

6.3 Confirmation of Bookings

The client understands that the payment serves as confirmation of the bookings for the upcoming week.

6.4 Service Delivery 

The client understands that services will be delivered only if payment for the week has been received by the designated Friday of the preceding week.

7.1 Deadline and Charges for Walk Cancellations

The client must provide at least 24 hours’ notice from the booked day for any cancellations or rescheduling requests. Failure to do so will incur the full service rate.  

7.2 Charges for Inaccessible Dogs on Scheduled Walks

If Smiling Paws is unable to access the dog on the scheduled walk day, the walk will still be charged at the full service rate.

8.1 Enrollment in Smiling Paws' dog walking service is subject to availability and approval. We reserve the right to refuse training services to any dog that we deem unsuitable for the service.

9.1. Smiling Paws reserve the right to terminate the dog walking service if the client's dog displays aggressive behaviour or poses a risk to our staff, other dogs, or the public.

10.1. Smiling Paws reserve the right to modify or update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated to the client via email or through our website.

10.2. By continuing to use our dog walking service after any modifications, the client agrees to be bound by the updated Terms and Conditions.