Terms of Service & Pet Care Agreement
Effective Date: August 30th, 2026
Welcome to Meandering Mutts. We are committed to providing safe, reliable, compassionate, and professional care for every pet entrusted to us.
These Terms of Service & Pet Care Agreement (“Agreement”) establish the terms and conditions under which Meandering Mutts (“Meandering Mutts,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides dog walking, pet sitting, check-in, transportation, bathing, and related pet-care services (“Services”).
By booking, requesting, or receiving Services from Meandering Mutts, you (“Client,” “you,” or “your”) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Agreement.
This Agreement should be read together with any service-specific policies, pricing, booking information, and instructions provided by Meandering Mutts.
1. Client Responsibilities
The Client represents and agrees that:
- All information provided to Meandering Mutts about the Client, household, and pet(s) is accurate and complete.
- The Client will disclose any known medical conditions, allergies, medications, behavioral concerns, fears, triggers, escape tendencies, bite history, or other circumstances that could reasonably affect the safety or care of the pet.
- The Client will notify Meandering Mutts promptly of any changes to the pet’s health, behavior, medications, vaccination status, or other information relevant to the Services.
- The Client will provide accurate emergency contact and veterinary information.
- The Client will provide safe and reasonable access to the property and pet(s).
- The Client will provide appropriate food, medication, equipment, supplies, and other items reasonably necessary for the agreed Services.
- The Client will comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, licensing requirements, and animal-control regulations relating to the Client’s pet(s).
The Client understands that Meandering Mutts relies on the information provided by the Client when determining whether and how Services can safely be provided.
2. Pet Identification
While receiving Services, dogs must wear a properly fitted collar or harness with current identification information, unless Meandering Mutts has expressly agreed otherwise.
The Client is responsible for ensuring that identification information, including contact information, remains accurate and current.
Meandering Mutts is not responsible for fines, citations, or penalties arising from the Client’s failure to comply with applicable animal-identification, licensing, leash, or animal-control requirements.
3. Small-Group Care Policy
Meandering Mutts intentionally keeps our care groups small.
A maximum of four (4) pets from the same family may be cared for during any single walk or outing.
We do not combine unrelated dogs from different households into group walks or outings.
Your pet will therefore be cared for individually or alongside other pets belonging to the same family, rather than being placed into a group of unfamiliar dogs.
This policy is intended to promote safety, individualized attention, and a calm and comfortable experience for the pets in our care.
Meandering Mutts reserves the right to decline or modify Services if the number of pets or circumstances presented are inconsistent with our safety policies.
4. Behavioral and Safety Requirements
The Client must disclose any known history of aggression, biting, escaping, destructive behavior, fear, anxiety, reactivity, or other behavior that could reasonably present a risk to the pet, another animal, a person, or property.
Meandering Mutts may suspend, modify, or terminate Services if, in our reasonable judgment, a pet’s behavior presents a safety concern.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Aggressive or threatening behavior;
- Biting or attempted biting;
- Repeated escape attempts;
- Severe leash reactivity;
- Behavior that creates an unreasonable risk to people or other animals;
- Behavior that prevents Services from being performed safely; or
- A material change in behavior that was not disclosed to Meandering Mutts.
If Services are suspended or terminated for safety reasons, Meandering Mutts will communicate the reason to the Client when reasonably practicable.
The Client remains responsible for damages, injuries, or expenses caused by the Client’s pet to the extent permitted by applicable law.
5. Leashes, Collars, Harnesses, and Equipment
Clients are responsible for providing appropriate collars, harnesses, leashes, identification tags, and other equipment reasonably necessary for their pet’s care.
Meandering Mutts may decline to use equipment that appears unsafe, damaged, improperly fitted, or otherwise unsuitable for the pet.
Meandering Mutts may use its own equipment when reasonably necessary for safety.
6. Vaccinations and Preventive Care
The Client is responsible for maintaining appropriate vaccinations and preventive veterinary care for each pet receiving Services.
Meandering Mutts may request documentation of current vaccinations before Services begin or at any time during the Client relationship.
Meandering Mutts reserves the right to decline or suspend Services if required vaccination documentation is not provided or if a pet presents a health or safety concern.
Vaccination requirements may vary depending on the type of Services requested and applicable veterinary or public-health recommendations.
7. Communicable Illness and Disease
The Client agrees not to knowingly present a pet for Services while the pet has a contagious, infectious, or communicable illness unless Meandering Mutts has expressly agreed to provide care under the circumstances.
The Client must promptly notify Meandering Mutts if the pet:
- Has been diagnosed with a contagious or communicable illness;
- Has been exposed to a known contagious disease;
- Has symptoms that may reasonably indicate a contagious illness; or
- Has been instructed by a veterinarian to avoid contact with other animals.
Meandering Mutts may refuse, postpone, or modify Services when reasonably necessary to protect the affected pet, other pets, Clients, staff, or the public.
8. Medication
The Client must provide clear written instructions for any medication that Meandering Mutts is asked to administer.
Medication must be provided in its original labeled container whenever reasonably possible.
Meandering Mutts will make reasonable efforts to administer medications according to the Client’s instructions but does not provide veterinary services or diagnose medical conditions.
The Client remains responsible for veterinary expenses and consequences arising from the pet’s medical condition, medication, or treatment.
9. Veterinary and Emergency Care Authorization
The Client authorizes Meandering Mutts to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of the Client’s pet in the event of an emergency.
If Meandering Mutts reasonably believes that veterinary attention is necessary, we may:
- Contact the Client or designated emergency contact;
- Contact the Client’s veterinarian;
- Transport the pet to an appropriate veterinary facility;
- Seek emergency veterinary advice;
- Authorize reasonable emergency examination or treatment when the Client cannot be reached; and
- Take other reasonable actions necessary to protect the pet’s health or safety.
Meandering Mutts will make reasonable efforts to contact the Client or emergency contact before authorizing non-emergency treatment whenever circumstances permit.
The Client is responsible for all veterinary, transportation, medication, boarding, and related expenses incurred on behalf of the pet.
Meandering Mutts does not provide veterinary services and does not make veterinary diagnoses.
10. Inherent Risks of Pet Care
The Client acknowledges that caring for and transporting animals involves inherent risks that cannot always be eliminated, even when reasonable precautions are taken.
Such risks may include, without limitation:
- Scratches, bites, punctures, or other injuries;
- Slips, falls, strains, sprains, or other physical injuries;
- Illness or exposure to infectious disease;
- Allergic reactions;
- Escape or loss;
- Interaction with other animals;
- Weather-related conditions;
- Damage to collars, leashes, harnesses, clothing, or other pet equipment; and
- Other unpredictable behavior or conditions associated with animals.
Meandering Mutts will use reasonable care and appropriate precautions in providing Services.
Nothing in this Agreement is intended to exclude or limit liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under applicable law.
11. Pets Left Unattended at Home
If a pet is left at home between scheduled visits, the Client acknowledges that Meandering Mutts cannot continuously supervise the pet outside of the agreed service period.
Meandering Mutts is not responsible for events occurring while a pet is unattended outside of a scheduled Service, except to the extent caused by Meandering Mutts’ own acts or omissions for which liability cannot legally be excluded.
Clients should ensure that pets are left in a safe and appropriate environment and that reasonable precautions are taken to prevent escape, injury, illness, or property damage.
12. Check-In / Welfare Visits
A check-in is a brief visit to the Client’s home intended to check on the general welfare and safety of the pet.
A check-in is not a substitute for a scheduled dog walk, extended pet-sitting visit, or other full-service appointment unless expressly agreed upon in advance.
Check-ins must be requested and scheduled in advance and are subject to availability and applicable fees.
13. Transportation / Taxi Services
Transportation or “Taxi Services” may be requested to transport pets to or from designated locations within Meandering Mutts’ service area.
Transportation Services:
- Are subject to availability;
- Must be requested in advance;
- May be subject to additional fees based on distance, duration, scheduling, and other circumstances; and
- Require the Client to provide accurate pickup and drop-off information.
The Client is responsible for ensuring that the pet is reasonably prepared for transportation and that any required carrier, harness, leash, or other equipment is available.
Meandering Mutts will use reasonable care during transportation. The Client remains responsible for veterinary expenses and other costs arising from the pet’s health or behavior, except to the extent caused by Meandering Mutts’ acts or omissions for which liability cannot legally be excluded.
14. Bathing and Rinse Services
If a dog becomes excessively dirty during a scheduled walk or outing and a simple towel-off or hose rinse is insufficient, Meandering Mutts may determine that a bath is reasonably necessary before returning the dog home.
When reasonably possible, Meandering Mutts will attempt to contact the Client before providing a bath.
If the Client cannot be reached within a reasonable period and Meandering Mutts reasonably believes bathing is necessary for the pet’s comfort, cleanliness, or welfare, Meandering Mutts may provide the bath without prior approval.
Additional charges may apply when a bath is provided, based on the current pricing confirmed for the service.
Meandering Mutts does not provide veterinary dermatological treatment. The Client is responsible for disclosing known skin conditions, allergies, sensitivities, or other relevant medical information.
15. Lost, Damaged, or Missing Pet Equipment
Meandering Mutts is not responsible for normal wear, loss, or damage to collars, tags, leashes, harnesses, clothing, toys, carriers, or other items supplied by the Client, except to the extent such loss or damage results from Meandering Mutts’ acts or omissions for which liability cannot legally be excluded.
Clients should not leave valuable or irreplaceable items with their pets during Services.
16. Home Access, Keys, and Entry Codes
The Client is responsible for providing safe and reliable access to the property when Services require entry.
Keys, access cards, garage codes, door codes, alarm codes, and other access information must be provided to Meandering Mutts before Services begin.
Keys remain the property of the Client.
The Client is responsible for notifying Meandering Mutts promptly of any changes to access instructions, locks, codes, alarms, or security systems.
Meandering Mutts will use reasonable care in handling keys and access information and will not intentionally disclose such information except as reasonably necessary to provide Services or as required by law.
17. Alarm Systems
The Client must provide clear instructions for entering and exiting the property and for disarming and rearming any alarm system.
The Client is responsible for ensuring that Meandering Mutts has accurate alarm instructions.
Meandering Mutts is not responsible for alarm activation, guard dispatch fees, false-alarm charges, or similar costs resulting from inaccurate or incomplete instructions provided by the Client, except to the extent caused by Meandering Mutts’ failure to reasonably follow accurate instructions.
18. Property and Home Security
The Client is responsible for ensuring that the property is reasonably safe and secure for the provision of Services.
The Client should disclose known hazards, including but not limited to:
- Broken gates or fencing;
- Unsafe stairs or flooring;
- Construction areas;
- Toxic substances;
- Dangerous wildlife;
- Other animals on the property;
- Electrical hazards;
- Unsecured pools or bodies of water; and
- Other conditions that could reasonably present a risk.
Meandering Mutts is not responsible for damage or loss caused by hazards or conditions that were not disclosed and could not reasonably have been identified during the provision of Services.
Nothing in this section limits liability that cannot legally be limited.
19. Client Property and Personal Belongings
Meandering Mutts will exercise reasonable care when entering and working within a Client’s property.
Clients should secure valuables, cash, sensitive documents, jewelry, firearms, medications, and other items that should not be accessible during Services.
Meandering Mutts is not responsible for loss or damage to Client property caused by circumstances outside our reasonable control or by the actions of the Client’s pet, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
20. Cancellations and Schedule Changes
Meandering Mutts understands that schedules change. Our cancellation and schedule-change policy allows us to manage availability, travel time, and client commitments fairly while maintaining dependable care for all Clients.
Weekly Scheduling Deadline
Clients may cancel or modify services scheduled for the upcoming week without charge until 6:00 PM on Saturday.
After the Saturday deadline, the upcoming week’s schedule is considered confirmed. Recurring reservations remain scheduled unless the Client requests a change or cancellation; Clients are not required to reconfirm standing reservations each week.
Changes More Than 24 Hours Before Service
Changes or cancellations requested after 6:00 PM Saturday but more than 24 hours before the scheduled service may be subject to one $10 schedule-change fee per change request, rather than a separate fee for each affected visit.
Cancellations Within 24 Hours
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before a scheduled service are subject to the full scheduled service fee for each affected service.
Client, Pet, or Property Not Available
If Meandering Mutts arrives for a scheduled service but cannot reasonably provide care because the pet is unavailable, access cannot be obtained, or another circumstance within the Client’s control prevents the service from being completed, the full scheduled service fee may apply.
Exceptions
Meandering Mutts may waive cancellation or schedule-change fees at its discretion for emergencies or other exceptional circumstances, including veterinary emergencies, sudden pet illness, family emergencies, severe travel disruptions, or other circumstances Meandering Mutts determines warrant an exception.
Any waiver is discretionary and does not create an obligation to waive fees for future cancellations or schedule changes.
Holidays and High-Demand Periods
Holiday reservations and other designated high-demand periods may be subject to separate booking, deposit, scheduling, or cancellation requirements. Any such requirements will be disclosed to the Client at the time the reservation is requested or confirmed.
21. Inclement Weather
The safety of pets, Clients, and Meandering Mutts staff is our highest priority.
Meandering Mutts may cancel, postpone, shorten, or modify Services when weather or environmental conditions create an unreasonable safety risk.
This may include:
- Lightning;
- Severe thunderstorms;
- Hail;
- High winds;
- Flooding;
- Ice or unsafe road conditions;
- Extreme heat;
- Extreme cold;
- Poor air quality;
- Wildfire conditions; or
- Other hazardous environmental conditions.
When reasonably possible, Meandering Mutts will notify the Client as soon as practical if weather requires a change to scheduled Services.
22. Payment and Invoicing
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Services are invoiced weekly.
Invoices are generally issued on Fridays for Services provided during the applicable billing period.
Payment is due according to the payment terms shown on the invoice.
Clients who have authorized automatic payment authorize Meandering Mutts or its payment processor to charge the payment method provided for amounts properly due under this Agreement.
If a payment is declined or returned, the Client remains responsible for the outstanding balance and any disclosed returned-payment, late, or collection charges permitted by applicable law.
Meandering Mutts may suspend future Services when an account becomes materially overdue.
Accounts more than 30 days overdue may result in suspension or termination of ongoing Services. If Services are later resumed, Meandering Mutts may require payment of outstanding balances and/or a deposit before resuming care.
Any late fee or interest charge imposed by Meandering Mutts will be limited to the maximum amount permitted by applicable law.
23. Pricing and Additional Services
Service prices are communicated through Meandering Mutts’ website, booking system, written estimates, invoices, or other communications.
Additional Services requested by the Client or reasonably required under the circumstances may result in additional charges.
Examples may include:
- Additional pets;
- Bathing;
- Transportation;
- Extended visits;
- Additional check-ins;
- Special handling;
- Holiday or peak-period services; or
- Other services requested or approved by the Client.
Where reasonably possible, Meandering Mutts will communicate additional charges before providing the additional Service.
24. Service Availability and Scheduling
All Services are subject to availability.
A request for Services does not constitute a confirmed appointment until Meandering Mutts has accepted the booking or otherwise confirmed the appointment.
Meandering Mutts reserves the right to decline a booking when staffing, scheduling, safety, service-area limitations, pet behavior, or other circumstances make the requested Service unsuitable or unavailable.
25. Media and Photographs
With the Client’s permission, Meandering Mutts may photograph or record the Client’s pet during Services and may use those images for business-related purposes, including website content, social media, advertising, promotional materials, and other marketing.
The Client may decline permission for marketing use of photographs or recordings by notifying Meandering Mutts.
A Client’s refusal to permit marketing use will not affect the Client’s ability to receive Services.
Meandering Mutts will not knowingly use a Client’s pet’s image in a manner that is unlawful, defamatory, or materially misleading.
26. Third-Party Websites and Services
The Meandering Mutts website may contain links to websites, booking platforms, payment processors, scheduling systems, or other services operated by third parties.
Meandering Mutts does not control third-party websites or services and is not responsible for their content, policies, security, availability, or practices.
Use of third-party services may be subject to those providers’ own terms and privacy policies.
Clients should review the applicable terms and privacy policies before using third-party services.
27. Website Use
The Meandering Mutts website is provided for general informational and business purposes.
Information on the website may include service descriptions, pricing, availability, policies, photographs, and other business information.
While we make reasonable efforts to keep website information accurate and current, information may occasionally change without notice.
Website content does not create a guaranteed offer of Services unless expressly stated otherwise.
28. Suspension or Termination of Services
Meandering Mutts may suspend or terminate Services when reasonably necessary, including when:
- A Client fails to pay amounts due;
- A pet presents an unreasonable safety risk;
- Material information about a pet was withheld or misrepresented;
- The Client repeatedly violates this Agreement;
- The Client engages in abusive, threatening, or inappropriate conduct toward Meandering Mutts personnel;
- The property is unsafe;
- Required access is unavailable;
- Required vaccination or health information cannot be provided; or
- Continued Services are otherwise reasonably determined to be unsafe or impractical.
When reasonably possible, Meandering Mutts will provide notice before terminating ongoing Services.
Termination does not eliminate the Client’s responsibility for amounts already due.
29. Client Indemnification
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Client agrees to be responsible for claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from the Client’s pet, property, or failure to disclose material information, including claims involving injury to another person or animal or damage caused by the Client’s pet.
This provision does not require the Client to indemnify Meandering Mutts for losses caused by Meandering Mutts’ own conduct to the extent such indemnification is prohibited by applicable law.
30. Limitation of Liability
Meandering Mutts will use reasonable care in providing Services.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Meandering Mutts will not be responsible for losses arising from inherent risks of animal care, circumstances beyond our reasonable control, undisclosed medical or behavioral conditions, actions of the Client or the Client’s pet, or events occurring outside the agreed Service period.
Nothing in this Agreement excludes, waives, or limits liability to the extent such exclusion, waiver, or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.
Nothing in this Agreement is intended to release Meandering Mutts from liability for conduct that cannot legally be released or waived.
31. No Veterinary or Medical Services
Meandering Mutts provides pet-care services and does not provide veterinary, medical, diagnostic, or professional animal-health services.
Any observations communicated by Meandering Mutts regarding a pet’s health or behavior are not veterinary diagnoses.
Clients should consult a licensed veterinarian regarding medical concerns.
32. Force Majeure
Meandering Mutts will not be responsible for failure or delay in providing Services caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Such circumstances may include severe weather, natural disasters, emergencies, road closures, utility failures, governmental actions, public-health emergencies, or other circumstances that make providing Services unsafe or impracticable.
33. Disputes and Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Mexico, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
The parties agree that any dispute arising from the Services or this Agreement should first be addressed through a good-faith effort to resolve the matter directly.
Nothing in this section prevents either party from exercising rights or remedies that cannot legally be waived.
34. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court or other appropriate authority to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
35. No Waiver
A failure by Meandering Mutts to enforce any provision of this Agreement on one occasion does not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce that provision in the future.
36. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, together with applicable service descriptions, pricing, booking information, written policies, and Client-specific instructions accepted by Meandering Mutts, constitutes the agreement between the Client and Meandering Mutts concerning the Services.
Any amendment or exception to this Agreement must be communicated or accepted in writing by Meandering Mutts.
37. Changes to These Terms
Meandering Mutts may update these Terms from time to time.
When material changes are made, Meandering Mutts will make reasonable efforts to provide notice before the revised Terms apply to future Services.
The version of the Terms in effect when Services are provided will govern those Services, subject to applicable law.
If a Client does not agree to a material change, the Client may discontinue future Services.
38. Client Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By booking or accepting Services from Meandering Mutts, the Client acknowledges that they have had an opportunity to read and understand these Terms of Service & Pet Care Agreement.
The Client agrees to provide accurate information about each pet and to comply with the policies contained in this Agreement.
The Client understands that pet care involves inherent risks and that Meandering Mutts will take reasonable precautions to provide safe and professional care.
The Client understands that veterinary, transportation, emergency, and other third-party expenses incurred on behalf of the Client’s pet are the Client’s responsibility, except where applicable law provides otherwise.
Contact Meandering Mutts
If you have questions regarding these Terms, Services, or your account, please contact us:
Meandering Mutts
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.meandering-mutts.com
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10 am – 4 pm
10 am – 4 pm
10 am – 4 pm
10 am – 4 pm
CLOSED
CLOSED
Scheduled pet-care services may be available outside office hours by confirmed reservation.
