
Overnight Pet Sitting Service Agreement
Charlie & Chums Pet Services
and
“The Customer/Client”
The Customer/Client wishes to engage CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES to fulfil services, and the company agrees to undertake services (hereafter referred to as the “Services”) as set out in the Service Invoice / Request Message and in accordance with the policy and practices document (“Terms and Conditions”) and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.
(1.0) Commencement Date and Duration
(1.a) This Agreement shall commence from the date of completing and shall remain in effect until either party terminates the arrangement as per the Termination clause in this Agreement.
(1.b) A cooling off period shall be in effect should this Service Agreement be completed in the Customer/Client’s home. The cooling off period is not applicable if the Service Agreement is signed on CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES premises. The cooling off period is 7 (seven) days. The Customer/Client is entitled to cancel this Service Agreement and incur no penalty on the condition that no Services have been booked for specific dates, and / or no deposits have been paid.
(1.c) If Services have been booked for specific dates, any deposits have been paid or the Customer/Client has asked for the Services commence within the 7 (seven) day cooling off period, the Customer/Client is deemed to have waived their right to a cooling off period.
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(2.0) The Offering of Services
(2.a) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES shall perform the Services in an attentive, reliable, and caring manner, using all reasonable skill and care, having due regard to the Terms and Conditions and any relevant information as noted on the Registration forms
(2.b) For the avoidance of doubt, the Overnight Pet Sitting Services are charged per night. CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES commits to spending at least 12 (twelve) hours in each charging period within the Customer/Client’s home, so that their pets are not left alone for longer than 4 (four) hours.
(2.c) The standard rate for this Service accommodates 1 dog, and each charging period includes at least but not limited to 1 dog walk. The amount of walks will be noted in the registration forms by the Customer/Client. Additional Dogs/Cats & Small animals can be added on at an additional cost.
(2.d) Overnight Pet Sitting services shall be offered to pets that are owned by the Customer/Client and that live permanently within the Customer/Client’s address. Requests to also care for extended family pets that do not usually live at the property shall be subject to additional charges and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
(2.e) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE shall be responsible for ensuring that it complies with all statutes, regulations, byelaws, standards, codes of conduct and any other rules relevant to the provision of Services.
(2.f) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE shall act in accordance with all reasonable instructions given by the Customer/Client provided such instructions are compatible with the specification of Services including those provided in the Terms and Conditions. For the avoidance of doubt, where the Customer/Client’s wishes conflict with relevant current UK legislation, the legislation prevails.
(3.0) Customer/Client’s Obligations
(3.a) The Customer/Client shall read and agree to follow the pertinent information in the Terms and Conditions, as is applicable for the required Services.
(3.b) The Customer/Client shall use all reasonable endeavours to provide information to CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES necessary for the business to provide Services.
(3.c) The Customer/Client authorises CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES to carry out the Services.
(3.d) The Customer/Client agrees that the information provided to CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES is true to the best of their information, knowledge, and belief.
(3.e) The Customer/Client may issue reasonable instructions to CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES in relation to the businesses provision of Services. Any such instructions should be compatible with the specification of Services including those provided in the Terms and Conditions.
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(4.0) Booking and Cancellations
(4.a) Booking discussions shall not be considered as ‘confirmed’ until CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES provides the Customer/Client with a written confirmation that the booking has been accepted. If a deposit is required, the booking shall not be considered as ‘confirmed’ until the deposit has been paid.
(4.b) If CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES can fill any space that has been cancelled with an alternative, pre-registered Customer/Client, the non-refundable deposit shall be returned to the Customer/Client for those days or held and applied towards the next booking as agreed with the Customer/Client.
(4.c) For Overnight Pet Sitting, CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES requires a 25% (twenty five percent) non-refundable deposit to hold an available space when Services are booked. The 75% (seventy five percent) balance is required before arrival on the first day of the booking. If a Customer/Client cancels, the Service Invoice for the balance is cancelled and the deposit payment is retained. If CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES can refill the cancelled spaces with another pre-registered client, the deposit payment for those dates shall be returned.
(4.d) Moving or transferring Overnight Pet Sitting dates is considered a cancellation and a re-book of services and is subject to the standard cancellation policy. The Customer/Client is required to send a new deposit for the new amended dates, and if the cancelled dates can be filled by another pre-registered guest, the Customer/Client shall receive a refund of the deposit for the filled days. This policy item may not come into force if the amendment is 7 (seven) days either side of the originally booked dates.
(4.e) Partial cancellations, or reducing dates (for instance, paying a deposit for two weeks and then cancelling the second week) is classed as a cancellation and the deposit for any cancelled dates may not be transferred to the remaining dates as payment. The balance for the remaining dates remains outstanding as per the original booking Service Invoice.
(4.f) Please note that should a trial run booking determine that Services cannot be offered, or a potential (un-confirmed) booking cannot be honoured, any deposit paid for the holiday booking will be returned to the Customer/Client, as well as any fees paid for future trial runs that have not taken place. Charges for trial run bookings that have already taken place shall not be refunded.
(4.g) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE shall use all reasonable endeavours not to cancel booked services, however if cancellation is necessary at short notice due to illness, all monies paid for the Services shall be returned to the Customer/Client.
(5.0) Fees, Additional Charges and Payment
(5.a) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE will charge the Customer/Client for the Services as quoted in the Service Invoice or the charges message (the “Fees”) and the Customer/Client agrees to pay the Fees, promptly when they fall due.
(5.b) Approved payment methods are listed on the Service Invoice.
(5.c) Payment for an Overnight Pet Sitting deposit is required within 14 (fourteen) days or by the date on the service invoice of receiving a deposit request from CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES. If payment is not received within the agreed period, CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES shall be entitled to cancel the booking and offer the dates to other Customer/Clients
(5.d) Payment for the balance is required in advance of the Service start date, before the first day of service of receiving the Service Invoice.
(5.e) Care for pets with special needs may be charged at an additional rate per day, as advised at the time of booking. This charge is discretionary and is based on the additional needs of the pet for the period of care.
(5.f) Bookings for Services to be carried out on a public holiday shall be charged at 1.5 x the standard rate (time and a half).
(5.g) The Customer/Client agrees to pay for any damage to possessions arising from the unexpected behaviour of their pet whilst on CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES presentation of a valid receipt for replacement goods, or a quote for damage repair, unless the company can be shown as negligent.
(5.h) The Customer/Client agrees to reimburse CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES for any additional fees connected to providing emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred, for example (but not limited to) unexpected visits, transportation, housing, food or supplies on proof of a valid receipt.
(5.i) If the Customer/Client fails to make payment on a due date, and the Services have been provided, CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES shall, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies, have the right to charge the Customer/Client interest on a weekly basis at the rate of £10 per week.
(6.0) Rate Reviews
(6.a) Service rates are reviewed bi-annually. Customer/Clients shall be given a minimum of 1 (one) months’ notice of planned price changes.
(6.b) Customer/Clients may provisionally reserve dates into the next calendar year on the understanding that they will be subject to any rate increase that is announced after the provisional booking has been made. Customer/Clients have the right to cancel the provisional booking without penalty for 7 (days) after the new rate has been announced.
(6.c) The rate for an Overnight Pet Sitting booking is firm and may not be changed once a deposit request has been made via a Service Invoice and payment has been made on or before the date requested.
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(7.0) Termination and Notices
(7.a) The relationship between CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES and the Customer/Client shall remain in place until either party give notice in writing. The relationship shall not be severed until all Services that have been paid or, or partially paid for, have been provided. Should the Customer/Client wish to terminate the relationship without using the Services that have already been paid for, no refund shall be issued.
(7.b) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE reserve the right to terminate services with immediate effect if a pet shows undeclared aggression toward people or other animals.
(7.c) Any notice required to be served under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be served by hand, post, electronic mail or via a pre-approved message system such as text, Messenger or WhatsApp.
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(8.0) Standards and Insurance
(8.a) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE agree to provide a professional and reliable service to their Customer/Clients. All animals under the care of the company will be given the full care and attention needed to make their experience both fun and safe. 
(8.b) Customer/Clients, however, must accept that accidents or illness may occur in such a manner that can neither be foreseen nor prevented by CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES. CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES shall be held harmless if the Customer/Client's pet causes harm to a person or another animal, or damages property (unless CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES can be shown to be negligent; if the Customer/Client's pet is injured or involved in, or causes an accident; or, if the Customer/Client's pet causes a third party to claim for damages by way of injury to a person or an animal, or damage to property.  In such cases, the Customer/Client will indemnify CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES against such claims and will liaise directly with the claiming third party.
(8.c) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE is covered by third party liability insurance, but it is highly recommended that Customer/Clients have their own pet insurance to cover liability claims from a third party.
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(9.0) Veterinary Waiver
(9.a) If a pet is taken sick or injured during the period of the Service, CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES shall notify the Customer/Client as quickly as is reasonably practical using all reasonable methods of communication available to both parties, to request guidance. If CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES is not able to contact the Customer/Client or the Customer/Client’s Emergency Contact, CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES shall take the pet to a Veterinary Practice on behalf of the Customer/Client and make the best possible medical decisions for the pet with the recommendation and support of a Veterinary Professional. Any veterinary bills shall be directly chargeable to the Customer/Client.
(9.b) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE shall use its best efforts to use the pet’s normal Veterinary Practice where ever possible. The Customer/Client authorises CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES to appoint an alternative Veterinary Practice to examine the pet and carry out such treatment or surgery as may be appropriate if the pet’s normal Veterinary Practice is not available, or the geographic location and severity of the injury predicates that the nearest Veterinary Practice must be used.
(9.c) By signing this Agreement, the Customer/Client gives CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES the authority to discuss a pet’s health and treatment with a Veterinary Professional in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (and subsequent revisions of the legislation). The Customer/Client also gives CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES permission to present and share this signed Agreement with a Veterinary Practice where it is necessary under GDPR to manage a pet’s care.
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(10.0) Force Majeure
(10.a) Neither party shall be liable in damages or have the right to terminate this Agreement for any delay or default in performing its obligations under this Agreement caused by conditions beyond its control including but not limited to acts of God, war, strikes, fires, floods, governmental restrictions or power failures.
(10.b) The Party (the “Affected Party”) prevented from carrying out its obligations shall give notice to the other Party of an Event of Force Majeure upon it being foreseen by, or becoming known to, the Affected Party.
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(11.0) Assignment
(11.a) CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICE shall be entitled to perform any of the obligations undertaken by it through any other member of its group or through suitably qualified and skilled sub-contractors, with written consent the Customer/Client. Any act or omission of such other member or sub-contractor shall, for the purposes of this Agreement, be deemed to be an act or omission of the company.
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(12.0) Data Protection and Privacy
(12.a) Personal information shared with CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES for the purpose of using Services will not be sold or shared with third parties, in accordance with GDPR 2018 (or subsequent revision). Information is held on paper and electronically for periods required by HMRC.
(12.b) In accordance with GDPR, the Customer/Client gives CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES permission to share information from this signed Agreement with Veterinary Practices as is necessary to provide care, and gives the Veterinary Practice permission to discuss pet care with CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES where the Customer/Client is not able to be contacted.
(12.c) Customer/Clients are advised that CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES may take and use photographs of pets for marketing purposes; however no specifics pertaining to the location of the pet or the owner are divulged publicly.  Customer/Clients not wishing for their pets photos to be used for advertising or marketing purposes may notify CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES in writing via email.
(12.d) It is understood and accepted that Customer/Clients may choose to use CCTV to observe or record their pet in their absence. CHARLIE & CHUMS PET SERVICES requires that Customer/Clients inform the business when CCTV is being used. CCTV must allow for a reasonable degree of privacy within the home, not filming in a bathroom, or any room designed for sleeping or changing clothes. All inside cameras must be turned off or covered up while the Pet Sitter is inside the house. They can be turned on or uncovered when the sitter leaves. Outside cameras such as doorbells are fine.
(13.0) Entire Agreement
(13.a) This Agreement, along with the Registration Form, Terms and Conditions and each Service Invoice constitute the sole and entire agreement between the Parties, and supersedes all prior agreements, representations and understandings of the Parties written or verbal.
(13.b) Any alteration of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
(14.0) Governing Law and Jurisdiction
(14.a) This Agreement, its formation and any contractual disputes or claims shall be governed by and in accordance with English Law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
(14.b) Any Forbearance, tolerance or delay in either party enforcing its contractual or legal rights shall not prejudice, restrict or prevent the right of the injured party to enforce its rights at a later date or later breach.