Policies & Standards

Owned and operated by Derek Chambers (trading as Finchley Dog Walker, also known as Del)

At Finchley Dog Walker, your pet’s welfare and your peace of mind come first. Below are our key policies and standards so you know exactly how we work.

1. Extreme Weather Policy

• Walks may be shortened, rescheduled, or replaced with enrichment activities if weather conditions are unsafe (such as heat, ice, snow, or storms).
• Pavement checks are carried out in hot weather to prevent burns.
• Toilet breaks and indoor activities are always provided if a full walk cannot go ahead.

See our extreme weather page for full details

2. Privacy & Data Protection (GDPR)

• We collect essential details (contact, pet health, vet info, keys, alarms).
• Data is stored securely and never shared without your consent, except where required by law.
• Keys are coded and never labelled with addresses.
• You can request access to, or deletion of, your data at any time (unless we need it for legal/insurance reasons).

See our full privacy policy.

3. Health, Safety & Welfare

• Dogs and cats must be microchipped.
• Dogs must wear a legal ID tag showing the owner’s name, house number, postcode, and contact number (UK law).
• Vaccinations, flea, and worming treatments must be up to date.
• Pets showing signs of illness or contagious disease will not be walked or mixed with others.
• Only flat collars or harnesses are accepted – no choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars.

4. Key Holding & Home Security

• Keys are kept securely and never marked with addresses.
• Keys are returned at the end of a booking unless otherwise agreed.
• Alarm codes and instructions must be provided in writing.
• If a key is lost, our liability is limited to the cost of replacing the key itself, not for changing locks or locksmith call-outs.

5. Cancellations & Refunds

• Dog walking / single visits: 48 hours’ notice required. Less than this = full fee charged.
• Pet sitting / house sitting: 7 days’ notice required. Less than this = 50% of fee charged.
• House sitting deposits: non-refundable.
• Early returns: no refunds once a booking has started.

6. Complaints

• Complaints must be submitted in writing (via email, WhatsApp, or letter).
• We acknowledge receipt within 5 working days and aim to resolve the issue within 14 days.
• Where a complaint is upheld, we will confirm corrective action in writing.

7. Insurance

• Finchley Dog Walker is fully insured with Protectivity.
• Cover includes public liability, key loss, and pet care insurance.
• Clients must also hold their own home and pet insurance.

8. Photography & Social Media

• Photos may be taken of your pet during walks, visits, or sits.
• These may be used for updates, social media, marketing, welfare records, insurance, or veterinary purposes.
• Photos will focus on pets — no family, home, or identifying details are included without consent.
• Images are securely stored and never sold or passed to third parties.
• If you do not want your pet photographed, let us know in writing, and you can opt in or out at any time.
• Upon request, we will share copies of your pet’s photos with you at no charge.

See our full photo and social media policy.

9. Lost Pet Procedure

• An immediate search of the area where the pet was last seen.
• Owner and emergency contact notified straight away.
• Local vets, dog warden, and microchip database contacted if needed.
• Remain in the area to search until the owner or representative arrives.
• Cats: Entry points to the home and nearby gardens have been checked.
• Prevention: secure equipment used, all collars/harnesses checked before walks, and off-lead exercise only with written consent in safe, enclosed areas.

Please ensure you review our full Terms & Conditions.