Terms & Conditions

More Than Human – Terms & Conditions

1. Animal Welfare
 
Your animal’s welfare is always our number one priority.
If we deem your pet stressed, uncomfortable, unwell or otherwise unable to continue their walk, we may shorten the walk and replace it with in-home enrichment or comfort-based activities.
 
If we observe any signs of significant welfare concerns (neglect, untreated injuries, unsafe living conditions etc.), we reserve the right to report concerns to the appropriate authorities, in line with UK animal welfare legislation.
 
2. Walking Safety & Lead Requirements
  • We will not let your dog off-lead unless we determine it is safe to do so.
  • Dogs with unreliable recall will be walked on-lead (longline preferred).
  • If your dog pulls excessively in a way that risks safety (to themselves, the walker or the public), we may pause walks until appropriate lead training has been completed. This is a welfare and safety requirement.
  • Walks and drop-ins are provided on a first come, first served basis.
  • If you require the same days each month, a regular slot can be arranged.
  • Payment for regular services is taken at the end of the month for the following month in full.
3. Cancellation Policy (Regular Walks & Drop-ins)
  • You must provide 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a walk or drop-in.
  • Cancellations within 48 hours will be charged in full.
  • If more than 48 hours’ notice is given, we will do our best to accommodate a reschedule depending on availability.
4. Extreme Weather Policy
 
For the safety of both animals and carers:
  • During extreme heat (22°C and above) or weather warnings, walks will be replaced with a 30-minute welfare drop-in to provide toileting, enrichment and comfort.
  • If we cannot safely drive due to snow, ice or severe weather, your visit may be transferred to another day.
5. Sickness or Injury (Pets or Carers)
  • If your pet is unwell or injured, we may replace their walk with a drop-in visit to ensure their comfort and safety.
If the walker/sitter is unwell or injured, we will:
  • inform you as soon as possible (with a target of 24 hours’ notice), and
  • offer to transfer the visit to another day where possible.
We will always do our best to avoid last-minute cancellations.
 
6. Social Media & Marketing
 
We regularly share updates, photos and videos of the More Than Human animals on social media and our website. Content may also be used for marketing.
 
If you prefer your pet not to appear online, please notify Gemma directly and we will opt them out immediately.
 
7. Puppies (Under 1 Year)
 
We are not dog trainers, but we can assist with basic training foundations such as loose-lead walking and calm handling. Training walks can be arranged; please contact us for a quotation.
 
Force-free policy
 
We use positive reinforcement, consent-based, welfare-first handling only.
We do not use:
  • prong collars
  • e-collars / shock collars
  • spray or noise aversives
  • punishment-based methods
If asked to use aversive tools or methods, we will politely decline.
 
Puppy Requirements
  • Puppies must be fully vaccinated before being walked.
  • Puppies must be at least 1 year old and well socialised before joining group walks.
Age-appropriate Guidelines
 
Walking duration:
1–2 sessions of 5 minutes per month of age
(e.g. 5-month-old = max 25 minutes)
 
Toilet breaks:
1 month – every hour
2 months – every 2 hours
3 months – every 3 hours
4 months – every 4 hours
…and so on.
 
HOUSE & PET SITTING AGREEMENT
 

This agreement defines the responsibilities of both the Homeowner and the Sitter during a house-sitting or pet-sitting assignment.

Throughout this document, “Sitter” refers to a More Than Human team member providing house or pet sitting.
 
THE HOMEOWNER AGREES TO:
  1. Provide all food, supplies and equipment needed for the care of all animals.
  2. Arrange payment for any veterinary treatment required during the sit.
  3. Inform the vet of the sitter’s responsibility and dates.
  4. Provide full details of all pets and their needs.
  5. Notify the sitter of any changes to start dates with at least 7 days’ notice.
  6. Provide the home clean and fit to live in.
  7. Provide the sitter with a working set of keys (and optional spare with neighbour/contact).
  8. Allow reasonable use of the home’s facilities (e.g. cooking facilities, washing machine).
  9. Provide clean bedding, towels and adequate fridge/freezer/cupboard space.
  10. Inform the sitter if anyone else is expected to enter the property during the assignment.
THE SITTER AGREES TO:
  • Hold valid public liability insurance covering accidents or injuries to the pet(s) in their care (not including illness).
  • Take all reasonable measures to maintain the health, safety, comfort and happiness of the animals.
  • Not bring any animals into the home unless agreed.
  • Not intentionally cause or allow any damage to the property.
  • Maintain the home in a clean and tidy condition throughout the stay.
  • Follow the homeowner’s security instructions and keep the property safe.
  • Not leave the pets for more than 4 hours at a time, unless otherwise agreed or in exceptional/unavoidable circumstances.
  • Provide their own food and food for their own dog.