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Dog Walking Contract

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Dog Walking Service Agreement

This Agreement is made this day of , 20, between

, d/b/a of

, hereinafter called Service Provider, and

of , hereinafter called Client.

Whereas, Client wishes to engage Service Provider to walk the dog of Client as provided herein and Service Provider agrees to undertake the services under the terms and provisions defined in this Agreement;

Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Client hereby agrees to the rate of $ per walk. Client understands and agrees that if Client cancels a walk within 24 hours of the scheduled start time, Client will be charged for the full amount of $ .

2. Client agrees to provide Service Provider a minimum of one (1) week’s notice in the event that Client will be suspending his/her dog walking service for more than two (2) consecutive weeks and understands and agrees that if Client suspends dog walking services for more than two consecutive weeks (10 business days), Client will be charged the equivalent to two walks per week until a regular schedule is resumed. If Client chooses not to pay the above-mentioned fee, Client understands that his/her dog’s spot or reservation will not be guaranteed in the future and may be filled by another client.

3. Client understands and agrees that in the event that the regular walker is ill, another walker employed by Service Provider will fill in as necessary. Client understands that when Service Provider goes on vacation, it is Client’s responsibility as the owner to make other arrangements. Service Provider agrees to give Client a minimum of two (2) days notice under these circumstances and to provide at least one referral option.

4. Client acknowledges that Service Provider does not operate on statutory holidays. Client agrees that all email or other correspondence sent to Service Provider by Client (e.g., last minute additions or cancellations) must be acknowledged by Service Provider. If no confirmation of receipt is received by Client, it is Client’s responsibility to ensure that the message has been received.

5. Client agrees to provide a suitable towel to use in the cleaning of Client’s dog when necessary. This towel will be left by the front door of Client’s house or apartment every day on which Client’s dog is walked. Client understands that Service Provider has a limited amount of time to spend cleaning dogs on muddy days, and that Client’s dog will not be bathed under any circumstances.

6. Either Service Provider or the personnel of Service Provider may enter Client’s home for the purpose of picking up/returning Client’s dog. Service Provider shall assume no liability for any illness or injury caused to Client’s dog or to other persons, pets or property. If Client’s dog becomes injured or ill, Service Provider is hereby authorized to take Client’s dog to the nearest animal care facility and such expense shall be Client’s responsibility as the owner.

7. The parties agree that Service Provider is an independent contractor. Client is interested only in the results to be achieved and the conduct and control of the work will lie solely with Service Provider. Service Provider is not to be considered an agent or employee of Client for any purpose. It is further understood and agreed that Service Provider is free to contract for similar services to be performed for other clients while under contract with Client.

8. This Agreement shall commence on , and shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until . This Agreement will automatically renew from year to year thereafter unless terminated in writing by either party (upon notice to the other) within days prior to the end of the then current term. In addition, either party may terminate this Agreement at any time upon days' written notice delivered to the other party.

9. Service Provider agrees to:

A. Perform the agreed-on services in an attentive, reliable and caring manner.

B. Notify Client of any occurrence pertaining to the dog which may be relevant to the care and well-being of the dog.

10. Owner will provide suitable harnesses, collars and leads as approved by the Service Provider as well as coats or muzzles if required.

11. The parties agree to indemnify and hold harmless each other from any and all claims arising from either party's willful or negligent conduct.

12. The invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not and shall not be deemed to affect the validity of any other provision. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, the parties agree that the remaining provisions shall be deemed to be in full force and effect as if they had been executed by both parties subsequent to the expungement of the invalid provision.

13. The failure of either party to this Agreement to insist upon the performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the waiver of any breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as subsequently waiving any such terms and conditions, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred.

14. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of .

15. Unless provided herein to the contrary, any notice provided for or concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given when sent by certified or registered mail if sent to the respective address of each party as set forth at the beginning of this Agreement.

16. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and anything herein to the contrary, any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding arbitration of the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select one arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force and effect.

17. This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement shall not be binding upon either party except to the extent incorporated in this Agreement.

18. Any modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement shall be binding only if placed in writing and signed by each party or an authorized representative of each party.

19. The rights of each party under this Agreement are personal to that party and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the prior, express, and written consent of the other party.

20. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

21. In performing under this Agreement, all applicable governmental laws, regulations, orders, and other rules of duly-constituted authority will be followed and complied with in all respects by both parties.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

By:

By:

Enter text✕

What a Dog Walking Contract Is and When to Use It

A Dog Walking Contract is a written agreement that sets expectations between a pet owner and a dog walker or pet care business. It documents services, schedules, fees, emergency instructions, and liability allocations. Use this contract to reduce disputes, clarify responsibilities, and record contact and veterinary information before services begin.

Why a Clear Contract Matters for Walkers and Owners

A written Dog Walking Contract provides mutual clarity about services, payment, and risk allocation, reducing misunderstandings and supporting recovery for losses or injuries. It documents consent and creates evidence of agreed terms that can be reproduced if needed under ESIGN or UETA.

Why a Clear Contract Matters for Walkers and Owners

Who Typically Uses a Dog Walking Contract

Use the contract whenever regular access to a home, keys, or unattended care is part of the service, or when owners request written terms.

  • Independent dog walkers offering on-demand or recurring walks
  • Pet care agencies with multiple employees or subcontractors
  • Pet owners hiring regular or one-time walking services

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Dog Walking Contract

A complete contract organizes parties, the scope of services, schedule, payment, health details, and liability provisions so both sides understand obligations and remedies.

Parties

Identify the pet owner and walker by full legal name and business name where applicable; include contact details and authorized agents.

Scope of Services

Specify services covered: walking length, solo or group walks, feeding, pickups, drop-offs, and any limits such as off-leash rules or terrain restrictions.

Schedule & Routes

State days, times, duration, and recurring or one-off visits; include cancellation windows and procedures for rescheduling.

Fees & Payment

List per-walk rates, recurring billing terms, late fees, accepted payment methods, and any deposit or retainer requirements.

Pet Health & Care

Record vaccinations, medications, behavior notes, veterinarian contact, emergency procedures, and owner authorizations for treatment.

Liability & Insurance

Allocate responsibility for injuries, property damage, and third-party claims; state required insurance or indemnity obligations.

Step-by-Step: Create, Send, and Execute the Contract

Follow these practical steps to prepare the contract, capture signatures, and store the completed document securely.

  • 01
    Draft Template: Prepare a clear, complete contract template for reuse.
  • 02
    Collect Pet Details: Obtain vaccinations, medication, and behavior notes.
  • 03
    Send for Signature: Use eSign or print for wet signatures as agreed.
  • 04
    Store Executed Copy: Provide copies to both parties and retain records.

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set up fields and authentication options to match the risk level and client expectations for remote signing.

Field Configuration
Signature Fields Place signature, date, and initials where required.
Authentication Method Use email link or SMS code for basic verification.
Notifications Enable sender alerts on view and completion.
Auto Reminders Set reminders for unsigned documents after preset days.

Where to Send and File the Completed Contract

Decide on delivery and storage destinations before sending the document to ensure compliance and easy retrieval.

  • Owner Email: Send a signed copy to the client for their records.
  • Walker Records: Store signed document in the walker or agency file system.
  • Accounting Folder: Save invoices and payment receipts linked to the contract.
  • Veterinary Copy: Provide a copy to the veterinarian if authorized by the owner.

Technical Considerations for eSigning and File Formats

Ensure the chosen platform provides tamper-evident signed PDFs, an audit trail for attribution, and storage that meets your retention policy.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, Google Workspace, NetSuite integrations available.
  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX and HTML formats supported for signing.
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger methods per platform.

Typical eSignature Pricing and Compliance for Contract Execution

Compare common eSignature criteria and starting prices across providers. signNow is listed first per platform comparison conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Essential Information to Collect and Record

Owner Contact: Phone and email
Walker Contact: Name and business phone
Service Location: Street address
Pet Details: Breed, age, and behavior
Vaccinations: Rabies and core vaccines
Payment Method: Card or ACH details

Risks and Liability When the Contract Is Incomplete

Liability Exposure: Claims for injury or damage
Unclear Payment Terms: Late payment disputes
Missing Emergency Info: Delayed veterinary care
Insurance Gaps: Uninsured claims risk
Tax Classification: Misclassified workers risk
Enforceability Issues: Ambiguous terms may not hold up

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Contract

  • Using vague service descriptions that leave room for differing expectations and disputes.
  • Failing to collect up-to-date vaccination or medication instructions before first service.
  • Not specifying cancellation and no-show fees, leading to unpaid work and conflicts.
  • Skipping signatures or dates, which weakens enforceability and complicates evidence.

Key Dates and Notice Periods to Include

Define effective dates, payment due dates, and notice periods to reduce disputes and ensure timely performance.

Effective Date:

Date the agreement takes effect; use MM/DD/YYYY.

Payment Due Date:

Specify when recurring or one-off payments are due.

Cancellation Notice:

Require 24–72 hours notice for routine cancellations.

Termination Notice:

Specify 7–30 days notice for termination without cause.

Record Retention Start:

Retention period begins on execution date.

Two Typical Use Cases for a Dog Walking Contract

Real-world scenarios show how contracts reduce risk and streamline operations for both solo walkers and agencies.

Independent Walker

A solo walker needs a clear scope for recurring walks and fee terms

  • The contract captures per-walk fees, cancellation windows, and emergency contacts
  • This reduces unpaid time, sets owner expectations, and documents authorization to access a home if keys are provided.

Pet Care Agency

An agency coordinating multiple walkers needs standardized terms across staff

  • The agreement centralizes insurance, indemnity, and routing expectations
  • Standardization simplifies onboarding, reduces liability exposure, and ensures consistent client communications.

Who May Sign a Dog Walking Contract

Pet Owner

The owner of the pet or an authorized agent may sign. If someone else (agent) signs, include written authorization to act on the owner's behalf and confirm identity.

Service Provider

The individual walker or an authorized representative of the pet care business must sign. Include job title or role to establish who bears service and insurance obligations.

Practical Tips for Accurate, Enforceable Agreements

Adopt consistent practices that protect both parties and simplify administration.

Use a Reusable Template
Maintain a standard template that includes required fields, emergency authorizations, and insurance clauses; templates reduce drafting errors and save time while ensuring consistency across clients.
Collect Proof of Vaccination
Attach or reference current vaccination records; include required vaccine names and dates to reduce liability and speed veterinary care if needed during an incident.
Document Access Instructions
Record key access procedures, alarm codes, or neighbor contacts to avoid misunderstandings and limit unauthorized entry claims; if keys are given, document chain of custody.
Maintain Signed Copies
Provide executed copies to client and store the original securely; maintain audit logs for e-signed documents for attribution and dispute defense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Walking Contracts

Answers to common legal and practical questions when using or eSigning a Dog Walking Contract.


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