Updated 27.6.2025 

Introduction - Thank you for choosing Four Paws With Meg. These terms and conditions outline the agreement between you (the client) and Four Paws With Meg (the provider) for pet care services. By booking services, you acknowledge and agree to these terms. You are aware that the terms and conditions are subject to change but you will be informed of any changes. If you do not agree to any update that is made to the terms and conditions you are required to inform me via email (info@fourpawswithmeg.com).

GDPR - At Four Paws With Meg I am committed to protecting the privacy and security of my client’s personal data. I comply with the "General Data Protection Regulation" (GDPR) and ensure that your data is collected, processed, and stored securely and transparently. Any data shared with Four Paws With Meg is stored digitally and password protected. I keep your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes I collected it for (providing pet care services).

Privacy Policy - At Four Paws With Meg, your privacy is of utmost importance to me. This privacy policy outlines the types of personal information I collect and how I use, protect, and disclose that information. I collect personal information in order to provide pet care services effectively. The information I collect may include your name, address, and contact information (e.g. phone number, email address, home address), your pet’s information (e.g. pet name, breed, age, medical history, preferences), payment details (e.g. credit/debit card information, billing address) as well as any additional information you provide to help me care for your pet. I use the information I collect to schedule and confirm pet care services, communicate with you about your bookings and pet care details, process payments for services rendered, send you promotional materials (if you opt in to receive them) and to improve my services. I take reasonable precautions to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure. I do not share your personal information with third parties, except in the following circumstances such as with trusted service providers who help me to manage my operations, such as payment processors or required by law, such as in response to a legal subpoena, investigation, or to protect my rights and property. I retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services to you and to comply with legal or regulatory requirements. You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal information at any time. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact me via email. If you have any questions or concerns about my privacy policy, please contact me at Four Paws With Meg by email info@fourpawswithmeg.com.

DBS - Four Paws With Meg holds a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Insurance - Four Paws With Meg is fully insured with 'Pet Business Insurance UK' to provide pet care services (nail clipping, basic grooming, microchipping), equine care, animal taxi services, pet photography, pet sitting, wedding chaperone services and dog walking, ensuring peace of mind for my clients. Four Paws With Meg holds public liability insurance, professional indemnity cover and animal illness cover. Four Paws With Meg also holds cover that allows me to provide care to banned breeds (more information will be provided upon booking if applicable).

Services Provided - The services provided by Four Paws With Meg will be listed on your final invoice. If you wish to add any additional services - another invoice will be created for you. All services are confirmed in writing on the invoice sent to you.

Your pet  - By signing these terms and conditions, you will confirm that, unless you inform me otherwise, your pet has been in good health and has not been ill with any condition within the last 30 days prior to the dates of your booking and these terms and conditions being signed. You agree that you will inform me of any change in your pet’s health before the duration of your booking. You agree that the details you have provided me in the questionnaire are true and accurate and will inform me of any change in the information provided in case of repeat booking. You confirm that you understand the service that your pet is going to be provided with. You can confirm that your pet can be left at home alone, without causing any destruction, upon agreement of services. If any damage is caused to your home during your absence, Four Paws With Meg does not accept liability. If you provide a crate for your dog you give Four Paws With Meg consent to crate your dog. You understand that Four Paws With Meg does not walk dogs off the lead and all dogs will be walked on a long line (unless other agreements are made e.g. short lead due to reactivity). You understand and accept that I may use my own equipment (such as my own leads/harnesses/collar) for your pet.

Booking and Payment - It is appreciated if you can provide as much notice as possible if you need to make a booking. Depending on availability I may be able to provide you an 'on the day slot' for routine services such as drop in visits or dog walking. Emergency pet transport requests are prioritised. Your invoice will detail your payment method options, details and deadline. Please note that a deposit may be required at the time of your booking to secure your dates. Please note the deposit amount on your invoice. Full payment is due before the commencement of services (unless we have agreed that you are a monthly paying client who is sent an invoice on the last day of every month and is expected to settle the invoice within seven days). Please see your final invoice for confirmation on timings. Payments can be made via bank transfer, cash, or other agreed-upon methods. 

Client Responsibilities - The client is expected to provide all necessary pet supplies for their pet, including food, medications, litter, and bedding. It is the responsibility of the client to inform Four Paws With Meg of any medical conditions, allergies, or behavioural issues. The client must provide emergency contact information. The client understands it is their responsibility to make decisions regarding vaccination and flea and worm treatment upon advice from their veterinary surgeon and accepts that if illness occurs as a result of these decisions Four Paws With Meg is not liable. You understand that my Animal Illness Cover within my insurance may not cover your pet and you are responsible for any fees in relation to this. The client is responsible for ensuring their pet is microchipped and correct details registered (if applicable) and that their pet wears an identity tag (if applicable). Four Paws With Meg does carry spare barrel tube identity tags in the event it is needed.

Health and Emergency Care - In case of a medical emergency, Four Paws With Meg will make reasonable efforts to contact the client. If the client is unreachable, as the provider I will seek veterinary care as deemed necessary. The client agrees to cover all associated costs. The provider is not responsible for pre-existing health conditions or sudden illness in your pet/s. A separate detailed policy regarding veterinary care in the event of an emergency can be found on my website at: https://www.fourpawswithmeg.com/faqs/veterinary-release-tcs

Pet taxi and transportation - The need for any transportation of your pet will be discussed with you prior to the service occuring. At Four Paws With Meg the safety and comfort of your pet is my top priority during transportation. Whether I am picking up your pet for a walk, a vet visit, grooming appointment, or a daycare session, I follow strict procedures to ensure a secure and stress-free travel experience. The vehicle used for pet transport is well-maintained with a full MOT and service completed yearly. I ensure the van is appropriately climate-controlled, and regularly cleaned. Vehicle interior is kept at a comfortable temperature all year round with the use of functioning fans on the kennels, cooling pads and heating systems. I am fully insured for transport for business use and for pet transportation/taxi. Pets are transported inside my secure built-in kennels, or with a seatbelt restraint in the front of the van (and this will be based on their size and temperament).

Your pet will be required to wear their collar during transportation (with an ID tag) as I will attach a Tractive pet tracker to their collar for use in the event of an emergency. 

Any changes to location or timing must be requested at least 24 hours in advance and changes are subject to availability. My cancellation policy applies. Transportation may be delayed, shortened, or rescheduled in cases of severe weather (extreme heat, cold, storms, etc.). My vehicle is never left idling with pets inside unattended.

In the case of a vehicle breakdown or emergency, I will contact the owner immediately and ensure the pet is safe and secure. I will call the RAC or AA for assistance with recovery. They will assist with broken down vehicles that contain animals (other than large animals such as horses which is not applicable to my business). In a motorway breakdown the Highway Code states that you must leave any animals in the vehicle or, in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge (Rule 56 of the Highway Code interprets this as being on a short lead and under control).

While we take every reasonable precaution Four Paws With Meg is not liable for injury, illness, or death due to pre-existing health conditions or incidents outside our control (e.g., traffic accidents, weather-related delays, other drivers’ actions). I carry a first aid kit and fresh water at all times.

In the event of a re-route due to traffic/road traffic accident the client will be responsible for additional charges. 

Hot / cold / extreme weather policy - At Four Paws With Meg, your dog’s safety and well-being is my priority and my responsibility. Certain weather conditions can pose serious risks to dogs, so I have established a policy during hot weather, cold weather and extreme weather conditions. 

A MET office weather assessment is made daily to assess the weather (taking into account the temperature, humidity, the feels-like temperature, wind speed/gust, the weather symbols and the chance of precipitation). 

During periods of hot weather a 7 second pavement check test is carried out (if it is too hot to rest your hand comfortably on the pavement for seven seconds then it is uncomfortable for the dog and poses the risk of burns to the paw pads). Additionally your pet will be individually assessed to decide upon whether a walk is appropriate (taking into consideration the weather assessment and the pet's age, their coat type, their medical status, their behaviours on a walk - e.g. if they are known to pull/overexert themselves - access to shade, and the location of additional water in the event of an emergency). 

I carry fresh water with me at all times. If your pet appears to be showing signs that they are uncomfortable in the heat then I will not push them to finish the walk and will return home early. I will remain with your pet until the session has finished and will provide entertainment for the remainder of the time at home. Water bowls will be replenished and hot weather friendly mentally stimulating rather than physically exerting activities will be provided at home - puzzle games, snuffle matts, controlled play indoors etc. 

At temperatures over 25c or under -4c any walk for any pet will be cancelled. 

I avoid areas that are known to be prone to flooding or that become slippery during rainy weather. The safety of completing a dog walk will be assessed during yellow weather alerts. However if there is a storm, lightning or heavy wind and there is an amber or red weather alert then your dog's walk will be cancelled due to the safety risk.

Walks may be shortened during freezing temperatures, Drop in service is offered as an alternative if I deem that outdoor walking is unsafe for your dog (particularly for senior dogs, small breeds or puppies). I ensure to avoid icy or salted areas to prevent injury or paw irritation. Regardless paws are checked post-walk for signs of ice, salt, or injury. 

I will notify you via text if I need to modify your dog’s walk due to weather (you will be charged for the service that is provided e.g: walk is cancelled but a drop in service is provided as an alternative - you will be charged for the drop in service. The length of time spent with your pet will remain the same amount of time that they would've been taken for a walk for. 

If your pet’s walk still commences but is shortened and the rest of the visit is provided as a drop in service - you will be charged the full amount for the dog walk to account for the costs of using equipment and my Tractive trackers. 

If you have breed-specific or pet-specific preferences for hot/cold weather, please let me know via email at info@fourpawswithmeg.com.

Liability and Indemnity - Four Paws With Meg is not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to the pet or property unless caused by negligence. The client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Four Paws With Meg from any claims or legal actions arising from services provided.

Home Access and Security - If home access is required, the client agrees to provide necessary keys or security codes. Four Paws With Meg will take reasonable precautions to ensure the security of the client’s home and property. The provider is not liable for any theft or damage unless due to proven negligence.

Cancellations and Refunds - Any monies that have been paid to Four Paws With Meg will become NON-REFUNDABLE. If Four Paws With Meg needs to cancel services, a full refund will be issued. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before a service commencing may not be eligible for a refund (and may be recorded as a completed service if you are a monthly client). I will not be responsible for any failure to perform the services if that failure is caused by reasons beyond my control. Any decisions regarding refunds will be the final decision of Four Paws With Meg. 

Photography and Social Media - The client agrees that photos of their pet may be taken for record-keeping and promotional purposes unless otherwise stated on the consent form that they do not give consent. To ensure the safety of your pet and home any photographs taken will not disclose the precise location of your home address and only your pet's name (not surname) will be included in any captions posted to social media. 

Complaints - We will try to solve any disagreements quickly and efficiently. Any complaint will be responded to within seven days. Please email info@fourpawswithmeg.com. 

Agreement - These conditions between us do not create any right or benefit enforceable by a person who is not a party to the contract. By booking services with Four Paws With Meg, the client acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions following submission of the booking forms and understands that they will be informed if any changes are made to these terms and conditions that could affect any future bookings.