The Dorset Cat Companion – Terms & Conditions

Effective from: 1 September 2026

These Terms & Conditions set out the arrangements between The Dorset Cat Companion (“I”, “me”, “my”) and the client (“you”, “your”) in relation to cat-sitting and associated pet-care services.

By booking my services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Bookings and Payment

1.1 The Dorset Cat Companion operates a live availability calendar through its website. Clients may request a booking by selecting an available date and completing the booking request through the website.

1.2 Submission of a booking request does not constitute confirmation of the booking or guarantee that the requested service will be provided.

1.3 Once a booking request has been received, I will aim to contact the client within two working hours to discuss and confirm the booking details.

1.4 Once the booking details have been confirmed, I will provide the client with a payment link for the agreed amount.

1.5 The booking will only be considered fully confirmed once payment has been received in full. Until payment has been received, the requested dates and services remain subject to availability and may not be secured.

1.6 Payment is required no later than 24 hours before the scheduled service, unless alternative payment terms have been agreed in writing.

1.7 Where 30-day payment terms have been agreed in writing, payment will be made in arrears following the first service of that month and ending on the last visit of that month. The client must request 30-day payment terms in writing. A report will be produced and emailed after each visit, and a final monthly statement will be provided on the 1st day of the following month.

1.8 Accepted payment methods are bank transfer or payment via the payment link provided by The Dorset Cat Companion.

1.9 Where payment is not received in accordance with these Terms & Conditions, The Dorset Cat Companion reserves the right not to proceed with any previously agreed or scheduled arrangements.

1.10 If payment has not been received within the required timeframe, I will contact the client no later than 24 hours before the scheduled service to advise that the booking may be cancelled.

2. Cancellations

2.1 If a booking is cancelled at least 24 hours before the scheduled service, a full refund will be provided.

2.2 If a booking is cancelled less than 24 hours before the scheduled service, the amount paid will be refunded minus a £5 cancellation fee.

2.3 Cancellation requests must be made in writing by email or text message.

2.4 Cancellation requests should be emailed to thedorsetcatcompanion@gmail.com.

3. Cancellation by The Dorset Cat Companion

3.1 In the event that The Dorset Cat Companion needs to cancel a booking due to unforeseen circumstances, I will provide the client with at least 24 hours' written notice, where reasonably possible.

3.2 Notification will be provided by text message or email.

3.3 Where The Dorset Cat Companion cancels a booking, I will provide a full refund for the scheduled visit.

4. Unforeseen Purchases

4.1 If additional items need to be purchased during the client's absence—such as pet food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, or other necessary items that contribute to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the pet—The Dorset Cat Companion may purchase these items as reasonably required.

4.2 I will retain receipts for any purchases made on behalf of the client.

4.3 The client will be responsible for reimbursing The Dorset Cat Companion for the cost of these items within 30 days of the purchase date.

4.4 Reimbursement can be made by bank transfer or via a payment link provided by The Dorset Cat Companion.

4.5 Where reasonably possible, I will attempt to contact the client by telephone for approval before making a purchase. Where the purchase is necessary or urgent for the pet's health, safety, or wellbeing, I may proceed without prior approval.

4.6 Wherever possible, I will purchase items that are identical to, or as similar as reasonably available to, those the pet is accustomed to using.

5. Client and Pet Information

5.1 The client must provide accurate and up-to-date information about their cat(s), including relevant care requirements, feeding instructions, behavioural information, and any known medical or health concerns.

5.2 The client must provide the required veterinary and emergency contact information through the separate client information form before the commencement of the service.

5.3 The client is responsible for ensuring that all information provided is accurate and that I am informed of any changes to this information before or during the booking.

5.4 Medication and Treatment: The Dorset Cat Companion does not administer medication or medical treatments to cats as part of its services. This includes, but is not limited to, oral medication, intravenous injections, suppositories, inhaled medication or the use of inhalers. I will also not administer or apply flea or worming treatments. Where a cat requires any such medication or treatment during the period of a booking, the client is responsible for making suitable alternative arrangements for its administration.

6. Keys and Access to the Property

6.1 The client must provide The Dorset Cat Companion with suitable access to the property before the commencement of the booking.

6.2 Where a face-to-face consultation is selected, keys will be collected and securely stored on my property. In the event that a phone or video consultation is booked, key arrangements will be agreed upon during that call.

6.3 For a one-off booking, keys will be posted through the door in a sealed, time-stamped, and photographed envelope, or retained if future visits are booked or requested by the client.

6.4 The client agrees to inform The Dorset Cat Companion prior to the commencement of the booking if any internal monitoring devices—including CCTV, smart doorbells, hidden cameras, or audio recording devices—are in operation within the property. While monitoring for security purposes is understood, recording devices must not be located in private spaces intended for personal use (such as bathrooms).

7. Emergency Veterinary Care and Death of a Cat

7.1 If a cat becomes unwell or requires urgent veterinary attention while in my care, I will make reasonable efforts to contact the client using the emergency contact details provided.

7.2 If the client cannot be reached and I reasonably believe that veterinary attention is required, I am authorised to contact the client's nominated veterinary practice and arrange appropriate veterinary care.

7.3 Any veterinary treatment, medication, transportation, or associated costs incurred on behalf of the client's cat will be the responsibility of the client.

7.4 Death or Suspected Death of a Cat: In the unfortunate event that I arrive at the property and find a cat deceased, or reasonably suspect that a cat has died, I will make reasonable efforts to contact the client immediately using the contact details provided. Where the client cannot be reached, I will then attempt to contact the client's nominated emergency contact.

7.5 Where there is any uncertainty as to whether the cat has died, or where I consider veterinary advice appropriate, I am authorised to contact the client's nominated veterinary practice or, where necessary, an alternative veterinary practice for advice and assistance.

7.6 Unless otherwise instructed by the client or a veterinary professional, I will take reasonable steps to ensure that the deceased cat is treated respectfully and remains in a safe and appropriate location at the client's property while I attempt to contact the client or emergency contact. I will not arrange burial, cremation, post-mortem examination, disposal, or any other final arrangements without the client's prior consent, except where action is reasonably necessary on veterinary advice or for health and safety reasons.

7.7 If the client and nominated emergency contact cannot be reached and it is not reasonably appropriate for the deceased cat to remain at the property, I am authorised to seek advice from and, where reasonably necessary, arrange for the cat to be transported to the client's nominated veterinary practice or an appropriate alternative veterinary practice for temporary care pending instructions from the client. Any veterinary, transportation, temporary care, storage, or associated costs incurred will be the responsibility of the client.

7.8 The Dorset Cat Companion will act with reasonable care and sensitivity in the event of a cat's death. The client acknowledges that I am not responsible for determining the cause of death and that any such determination must be made by an appropriately qualified veterinary professional.

8. Changes to Bookings

8.1 Any changes to the agreed dates, duration, or requirements of a booking should be requested in writing and are subject to availability.

9. Agreement to These Terms & Conditions

By submitting a booking request and ticking the box confirming acceptance of these Terms & Conditions, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

These Terms & Conditions apply to all services booked with The Dorset Cat Companion.