Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all services provided by Bark and Stride. By booking or using our services, you agree to the terms outlined below.

About Bark and Stride

Business name: Bark and Stride
Location: Hailsham, East Sussex, United Kingdom
Contact email: info@barkandstride.co

Services Provided

Bark and Stride offers dog walking, dog training, and puppy socialisation services within Hailsham and surrounding areas of East Sussex.

All services are provided with the dog’s safety, wellbeing, and individual needs as the highest priority.

Initial Assessment / Meet & Greet

Prior to the commencement of services, Bark and Stride may require an initial assessment or meet & greet. This allows us to meet your dog, discuss individual needs, behavioural considerations, health requirements, and ensure that the service is suitable for both the dog and owner.

Services will only proceed once both parties are satisfied with the arrangements.

Bookings & Enquiries

• All bookings are subject to availability
• Enquiries can be made via our website, email, phone, or in person
• A booking is only confirmed once agreed by both parties
• Bark and Stride reserves the right to decline, suspend, or discontinue services if we believe we are not the right fit for a dog or owner

Client Responsibilities

By using our services, you confirm that:

• You are the legal owner or authorised guardian of the dog
• Your dog is fit, healthy, and suitable for the service requested
• All relevant behavioural issues, medical conditions, allergies, or special requirements have been fully disclosed
• Your dog is up to date with vaccinations and receives regular flea and worming treatment

Failure to provide accurate or complete information may result in suspension or termination of services.

Behaviour, Safety & Walking Policy

• Dogs must be suitable for group environments where applicable
• Bark and Stride reserves the right to stop or refuse a walk or session immediately if a dog displays aggressive, unsafe, or concerning behaviour
• Any additional costs arising from undisclosed behavioural issues may be passed on to the owner

On-Lead & Off-Lead Walking

• Dogs will be walked on a lead unless the owner has provided explicit consent for off-lead activities
• Where off-lead walking is agreed, dogs may initially remain on a lead until Bark and Stride is satisfied that it is safe to allow off-lead exercise
• Owners acknowledge that off-lead walking carries inherent risks and accept responsibility where consent has been given

Female Dogs & Neutering

• Female dogs in season cannot be walked
• If a dog is not neutered or spayed, Bark and Stride cannot be held responsible for any pregnancy or related consequences

Weather Conditions

Dogs are walked in most weather conditions. However, Bark and Stride reserves the right to shorten, modify, or cancel walks where weather conditions (such as extreme heat, storms, or other hazards) could compromise the safety of the dog or handler.

Access & Equipment

Where home access is required:

• Clients must provide clear instructions and working keys, codes, or access details
• All leads, harnesses, collars, and equipment provided by the owner must be safe and suitable
• Bark and Stride is not responsible for injury or loss resulting from faulty equipment supplied by the owner

Keys & Security

• Any keys provided will be stored securely and will not be labelled with identifying personal information
• Dog paperwork and personal details are stored separately from keys
• Keys may be collected from a neighbour, dropped off, or accessed via a key safe if preferred
• No personal details will be shared with third parties

Health, Emergencies & Veterinary Care

In the event of illness or injury:

• Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the owner
• Bark and Stride is authorised to seek veterinary treatment if deemed necessary for the dog’s immediate welfare
• This may involve attending the nearest available veterinary practice, not necessarily the owner’s usual vet
• All veterinary fees and associated costs remain the responsibility of the owner

Emergency Transport

• Dogs will be transported safely and securely where required
• Bark and Stride vehicles are equipped to transport dogs safely (e.g. secured or crated as appropriate)
• Owners accompanying their dog in a vehicle do so at their own risk and are not covered by Bark and Stride’s insurance

Insurance & Liability

• Bark and Stride holds Public Liability Insurance covering dogs while in our care
• Owners are strongly advised to maintain their own comprehensive pet insurance
• Bark and Stride is not liable for loss, injury, illness, or death of a dog, except where required by law
• Owners remain fully responsible for any damage, injury, or legal claims caused by their dog

Nothing in these terms limits liability where it cannot be excluded under UK law.

Training Disclaimer

Dog training outcomes vary depending on consistency, environment, and owner participation. Bark and Stride cannot guarantee specific behavioural results.

Payments

• Payment terms will be agreed at the time of booking
• Invoices may be issued monthly or per service, depending on the arrangement
• Failure to pay within the agreed timeframe may result in suspension of services

Cancellations & Changes

• Reasonable notice is requested for cancellations or rescheduling
• Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged at Bark and Stride’s discretion
• Walks are chargeable if access cannot be gained through no fault of our own
• Bark and Stride reserves the right to cancel services at short notice due to illness, extreme weather, or circumstances beyond our control
• Where Bark and Stride cancels a service, a refund will be issued

Photos & Media

With your permission, Bark and Stride may use photos or videos of dogs for website, marketing, or social media purposes. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Data Protection

Personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which explains how information is collected, stored, and used in line with UK GDPR requirements.

Changes to These Terms

Bark and Stride reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. The most current version will always be available on our website.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.