Terms & Conditions

1 General 

1.1 A free Meet & Greet will take place with all dogs / pets prior to using TippyTaps services. TippyTaps reserves the right to refuse to provide services for any pet where I deem them unsuitable for the services currently offered. 

1.2 The Owner must inform TippyTaps of any health concerns, and if the pet has harmed or shown aggressive or threatening behaviour to any individual or any other dog or pet, or notify TippyTaps immediately of any new health condition or unwelcome behaviour. Failure to do so may result in additional charges or cancellation of future contracts. 

1.3 TippyTaps will ensure that appropriate insurance is maintained, including Public Liability cover. The insurance covers TippyTaps for the duration of and the services agreed. If possible pets should also be insured by the Owner. 

1.4 All dogs attending TippyTaps walks must be microchipped and the Owner must provide secure collars with appropriate tags. 

1.5 The Owner must ensure access to dogs and / or pets for the agreed service; failure to do so will result in the cancellation of that day’s service and will be paid for in full by the Owner. The Owner must ensure that other pets within the house that are not allowed outside (e.g. cats) are kept away from access doors. 

1.6 The Owner consents to photos or videos being taken of their dog which may be used in media or marketing by TippyTaps. They may also be shared on TippyTapps’ Instagram page and stories (tippytapslondon). No locations will be tagged, and no identifying personal information will be made public. Personal information on dog tags will be blurred or otherwise blocked out.

1.7 The Owner must provide all items necessary for pets to be adequately cared for in the Owner’s absence. Should pets require any additional supplies whilst in the care of TippyTaps, these will be purchased and added to the bill. Where possible the Owner will be informed before any purchases are made. 

1.8 A pet carer may take a friend or partner / spouse on a walk. This incurs the Owner no additional expense, and at no point will the companion be in charge of the dog. If a companion will be accessing an Owner’s property at any time, the Owner will be notified and asked for consent. 

1.9 The Owner must inform TippyTaps of any changes to the information provided on the “Owner Registration Form”, including contact numbers, emergency contact details, pet’s care needs and any other relevant information. 

1.10 All bookings must allow enough time before the start of the booking for a Meet & Greet and forms to be completed. 

2 Dog Health 

2.1 All dogs must be fully vaccinated and on a regular flea and worm control regime. 

2.2 The Owner must make TippyTaps aware of any health conditions, medications, physical limitations, and allergies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the dog at all times. 

2.3 The Owner accepts that during normal dog play their dog may sustain injuries. Scratches, punctures, torn ligaments, or other injuries may occur despite the best supervision. 

2.4 The Owner must provide TippyTaps with the name and contact number of someone capable of making a decision relating to the pet(s) in an emergency. If the contact is not available TippyTaps reserves the right to consult with a veterinary surgeon and make a decision which is in the best interests of the pet. 

2.5 TippyTaps cannot be held liable for any loss, injury or death to a pet either inside or outside of the home whilst in our care. The Owner is responsible for any veterinary bills, no matter how they are incurred, whilst pets are in the care of TippyTaps. 

2.6 TippyTaps will not provide services to dogs with any form of contagious, infectious or otherwise communicable diseases. The Owner agrees to take any necessary precautions or measures to ensure that their dog is continuously free from such diseases. The Owner further agrees to notify TippyTaps immediately of any such diseases or conditions that their dog has been exposed to or is affected by. For the welfare of other dogs, TippyTaps reserves the right to refuse to provide services until satisfied that the condition is resolved. 

3 Services 

Walks 

3.1 The Definitions of the Walks are as follows: Solo Walk & Play is a one hour walk (50–70 minutes) with my attention on your dog 100% of the time. Full engagement of the dog, including physical and mental stimulation and / or play. Multi Dog Household Walk is a one hour walk (50–70 minutes) with groups of 2, and up to a maximum of 3 dogs that are available for households with multiple dogs or dogs within the same area who can be walked together (e.g. neighbours). Training Walk is a one hour walk (45–65mins) with my attention on your dog 100% of the time, and includes work on commands or behaviours specified in advance (e.g. loose lead walking). The Owner is welcome to join in on one or multiple walks, and request reports and / or tips. 

3.2 TippyTaps will apply their best personal judgement in the event of extreme weather conditions (e.g. hot weather, thunderstorms, snow, heavy rain), or the dog becoming ill, injured, distressed, or refusing to walk, to take necessary action to ensure the safety of both dogs and Walker, which may include for example (but not limited to) cutting walks short or providing an alternative Pet Visit. The Owner will be notified of any changes.

3.3 All dogs will be exercised on a lead unless otherwise specified in the Owner Registration Form. Off lead exercise will remain at the discretion of the Walker at all times. 

3.4 Dogs that need to wear a muzzle need to be fully muzzle trained and allow the Walker to put the muzzle on them as well as take it off after the walk. To ensure everyone’s safety, a reason for why the muzzle has to be worn needs to be provided. 

3.5 TippyTaps tries to select green and / or woody areas for walks and dogs may get muddy, wet or dirty (including rolling in fox poo etc). TippyTaps Staff will carry dog wipes for such occasions, and Owners are asked to leave towels by access doors for towelling down if weather calls for it. Owners will be notified of all poo rolling and extreme muddiness. A bath can be added for £10 (appropriate shampoo and bath / shower need to be provided). TippyTaps staff will always remove dirty shoes etc. prior to entering homes. If wet or muddy dogs need to be put in a specific room or area after the walk, the Owner may specify with TippyTaps in advance.

3.6 Adequate space for walking ideally needs to be within a 10 – 15 minute walking distance of the owner’s home. Time required walking to and from a park or other green space is part of the 50–70 minute walk.

3.7 If TippyTaps arrive to collect a dog and the dog is visibly unwell and / or sick, or refuses the walk (e.g. due to rain), TippyTaps reserves the right to cancel the dog walking services, giving the dog the chance for a toilet break and immediately notifying the Owner and will charge for a 30 Minute Pet Visit instead. 

Pet Visits

3.8 Pet Visits include up to 2 visits per day, of either 30 minutes or 60 minutes each, to keep your pet company, feed them, and/or let them out for a potty break while you’re away.

Pet Sitting

3.9 Pet Sitting is a stay at your property with your dog (and / or other pets) for the duration you are away. 

3.10 Pet Sitting for multiple days consists of overnight stays (roughly 6pm–8am), a midday check-in, as well as a 30min walk in the morning and evening or one 60 minute walk depending on availability. Any additional walks or check-ins during the day need to be booked and are charged at the usual rate. I will make sure dogs are never alone for more than 4–5 hours at a time, but will be tending to other commitments during the day. Details regarding pet sitting will be agreed on a case by case basis.

3.11 To ensure Privacy, any cameras inside the house will have to be turned off and / or covered while I’m staying at your property. Outside cameras (e.g. Ring Doorbells) are fine.

3.12 During my stay at your house, I will be using your home as my home. This includes preparing food, using bathrooms, and / or using media. What is off-limits needs to be discussed in advance and needs to be reasonable to make sure I will have a reasonably comfortable stay for the entire duration of the service. It is expected that the home is in an adequate state, meaning it is reasonably clean and a bed with fresh sheets is available for me to sleep in.

3.13 The duration for pet sitting / overnights is limited to a maximum of 10 consecutive days of service.

3.14 TippyTaps will follow instructions for administering medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result. 

3.14 TippyTaps will take necessary steps to ensure your home is safe and secure in your absence, however TippyTaps cannot be held responsible for any burglaries or accidents / damage caused by your dogs / pets. 

4 Rates 

4.1 TippyTaps prices are as published on the website. Prices may change periodically to account for cost of living. Owners receiving ongoing services will be notified with adequate notice. Prices can vary as they can be tailored to each dog’s individual needs.

Average / Standard Rates 

4.2 Solo Walk & Play £20 per hour (regular) / £22 per hour (ad-hoc)

Training Walks £35 per hour

Multi Dog Walks £14 per hour (per dog) / £16 per hour (per dog) (ad-hoc)

Pet / House Sitting Rates are determined on a case by case basis, taking length of stay, number of pets, as well as distance from KT3 into consideration. A detailed price breakdown can be requested. 

Pet Visits

1 x 30 min £13 (regular) / £15 (ad-hoc)
1 x 60 min £18 (regular) / £20 (ad-hoc)
+ £5  per additional pet per visit that needs attention

Bookable Services & Add-ons

4.3 Post Walk Bath £10 (tub/shower and shampoo must be provided)

Holiday and Weekend Rates

4.4 Unless otherwise agreed, weekend rates are + 50 % of the standard rate. 

4.5 Bank Holidays (and Substitutes) are charged at double the rate. No services on Christmas (25th / 26th and substitutes), New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day (and substitutes). 

4.6 By default, there are no regular services on Bank Holidays. Any additional holiday taken will be communicated with the Owners at least 2 weeks (but usually one month) in advance.

5 Payment 

5.1 Unless agreed otherwise, payments are due via bank transfer by the 3rd of the following month. Additional charges may apply if payment is not made by this date.

5.2 For regular or multiple services within one month, payments are due at the end of the month. The amount due will be emailed to the Owner in the last week of the month. 5.1 applies. 

5.3 For one-off services and clients (walks, pet visits), payment is due via bank transfer on the day of the walk / visit(s), either in advance or after the walk / visit(s).

5.4 TippyTaps reserves the right to suspend all services until payment has been made in full. 

Pet Sitting 

5.5 For one off clients, full payment as per the agreed quote for the stay is due at the time of booking confirmation. For amounts larger than £200 this can be paid in multiple instalments so long as the full amount is paid for 48 hours before the begin of service.

5.6 If payment is not made in full by 48 hours prior to the booked stay, TippyTaps reserves the right to cancel the service. 

5.7 Final Pet Sitting quotes include 2 x 30min (or 1 x 60min) walks and / or any day to day care of the animal, as well as taking care of the household (to a reasonable extent). Additional walks, check-ins, etc. need to be booked and will be charged at usual rate. If any additional services need to be provided or items need to be purchased in order to take adequate care of the pet during the stay, an additional invoice will be sent at the end of the stay. Wherever possible this will be communicated with the owner at the time to avoid misunderstandings. 

5.8 A detailed report including all walks and additional services provided during the stay can be provided on request and emailed to the owner on the last day. Any additional cost is payable within 7 days of receipt. 5.1 applies. 

6 Cancellation 

6.1 TippyTaps understands that there are unexpected circumstances that cannot be anticipated and interfere with the notice periods set out in these Terms and Conditions. Please contact TippyTaps as soon as possible should such circumstances arise. 

Walks 

6.2 Walks may be cancelled until 24 hours of the scheduled time and The Owner will not be charged or will receive full refund (or free future service of same value) if already paid. 

6.3 Walks cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time will be charged in full. 

Pet Visits 

6.4 Visits may be cancelled until 24 hours of the scheduled time, and The Owner will not be charged or will receive full refund (or free future service of same value) if already paid. 

6.5 Visits cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time will be charged in full. 

Pet Sitting 

6.6 Pet Sitting may be cancelled within 72 hours of the agreed arrival at your house, and The Owner will not be charged or will receive full refund if already paid. 

6.7 House Sitting cancelled later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled time will be charged at a rate of 25%. 

Cancellation by TippyTaps Dog Services 

6.8 TippyTaps Dog Services reserves the right to cancel services for or reject dogs or owners that do not comply with the Terms & Conditions, or that are deemed a danger to other pets or people. 

6.9 TippyTaps reserves the right to cancel the contract at any time and with immediate effect if the dog does not respond well to the me and / or, if applicable, other dogs, pets, or people. 

6.10 TippyTaps reserves the right to cancel any service on short notice in the event of, but not limited to, illness, accidents, extreme weather (e.g. heavy snow) and other unforeseen circumstances. In such an event, TippyTaps will provide as much notice to the Owner as possible and services will not be charged for. It is recommended Owners have an emergency contact who may be able to walk / take care of their pets should TippyTaps be unable to do so.

7 Liability & Indemnification 

7.1 The Walker / TippyTaps Dog Services accepts no liability for any breach of security or loss of or damage to the Owner’s property if any other person has access to the property during the term of this agreement. 

7.2 The Walker / TippyTaps Dog Services shall not be liable for any mishap of whatsoever nature which may befall a dog or caused by a dog who has unsupervised access to the outdoors. 

7.3 The Owner shall be liable for all medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to the Walker caused by the dog as well as damage to the Owner’s property. 

7.4 The Walker / TippyTaps Dog Services is released from all liability related to transporting dog(s) to and from any veterinary clinic or kennel, the medical treatment of the dog(s) and the expense thereof. 

7.5 The Owner will not blame and payback the Walker / TippyTaps Dog Services against any and all costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and claims arising from said dogs behaviour unless the dog Walker is wilful or negligent. 

7.6 TippyTaps is fully insured for the Services provided. A copy of the insurance policy will be provided upon request.

TippyTaps Dog Services Terms & Conditions last updated May 2024