Dog walking provides an excellent form of exercise to dogs and it can also help to keep dog walkers in good shape too. But there is more to dog walking than simply putting a lead or harness on Rover and taking him to the local dog park for a run around. You should also have a service agreement in place, outlining your responsibilities as a dog walker, and what you expect from clients in return, should they hire you. A service agreement not only protects the interests of clients and their dogs; it can also protect you if something goes wrong.
Dogs Will Be Kept on Leads
Many clients are happy to have their dog walk freely beside them and will rarely attach a lead, even at busy junctions or when children are approaching. During the initial meet and greet, this is an issue that needs to be discussed and agreed upon.
As a dog walker, you will have to take other factors into account and anticipate situations which could arise if you walk a dog that is accustomed to being let loose. A loose dog can be a danger to itself or to others. Even if a client insists that Rover is friendly, that does not mean to say the Rottweiler across the road will feel the same way as he sees your client’s dog approach. Keeping dogs on leads serves as a protection and will enable you to control dogs and lead them off in another direction if you notice danger up ahead.
The service agreement should clearly outline a dog walker’s views toward aggressive dogs. Clients should likewise mention any instances of aggression in their dogs so that dog walkers can decide whether they are willing to take a risk.
If clients knowingly withhold such information, and their dog attacks another dog or person, the service agreement should outline that the contract will be terminated. The client is liable for any payment toward damage caused to property or any legal fees incurred if a stranger is attacked and chooses to sue.
Supplying Necessities for Dogs
Clients are ultimately responsible for supplying necessities for their dogs, such as pet waste disposal bags, dog treats, and food. If you have to take a client’s dog to the vet for treatment, all costs should be covered by the client. Keep receipts for times a client has run out of supplies, so that all your out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed at a later date.
A service agreement is a contract between dog walkers and clients. It will clearly outline the policies and procedures you operate under and will also let clients know what their responsibilities are in return. Each service agreement may need to be tweaked slightly to meet the need of different clients, but the general outline should remain the same.
