Mark Bark Dog Walking Established 2018
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I began dog walking after my 22-year-long career with John Lewis ended in redundancy. I was the local editor of the staff magazine and was named Journalist of the Year for two years running. 

About the same time as I sadly left the job I loved, my brother and his family adopted a puppy. They needed someone to look in on her and walk her a few days per week and asked me. I quickly discovered my new perfect career, combining my love of animals with my passion for the outdoors. I'm always outdoors whether that's in the park with my doggy clients or out and about camping, cycling and hiking at weekends.

 It's not just dogs I adore, it's animals in general. I'll never pass by a cat in the street without trying to make friends (unless I have a dog in tow of course!). Similarly, I'll stop to befriend pigs, cows and horses in fields (not sheep though - they never want to be friends). I love animals so much, do you know the first attraction I went to at EuroDisney? The petting zoo! 

As with everything I put my mind to, I want to be the best. I consider my dog walking to be a premium service, going above and beyond to keep you completely reassured at all times. What's more,  I plan my week so you'll know exactly what time your pet will be receiving my complete love and attention (no six-hour window between 10am and 4pm!). The entire duration will be dedicated to our walk, from your doorstep and back again (no bundling your dog into a crate with several others in the back of a van for hours on end).

Very early on in my dog-walking career, I set up a WhatsApp chat group with other local professional dog walkers, boarders, sitters, groomers and trainers. The group is 60-strong now. We may run rival businesses, but we're all friends.

 If there's anything else I've not told you here that you'd like to know, get in touch!

Dog walkers run their businesses very differently. I specialise in solo walks, so your dog would be walked on its own (or with others from your own household).

Your dog has my full attention (dog walkers can walk up to six dogs at a time - can they really watch what every dog is doing/ has in its mouth etc?)

A 60-minute walk is exactly that. I walk all dogs from their home on local paths and parks so none of their time with me is spent in a vehicle (some other dog walkers charge for an hour's walk but travel time to and from the walk location is taken out of that hour). Sadly there is even a local company which has dozens of dogs at a time left in a van while they are walked in shifts.

When you book Mark Bark, you get Mark Bark. I do not have subcontractors walking my customers' dogs.

You will be sure I turned up and that your dog has had a Mark Bark adventure with my text to say I've arrived and a link to view our live GPS-tracked location. My live GPS-tracking app guarantees your pet isn't getting shortchanged.

Your dog will be walked in whichever of the four time windows you have chosen, not sometime within a six-hour window (some other dog walkers promise a midday walk which could be anywhere between 10am and 4pm. Do you want your dog walked only an hour after you went to work?).

You don't have to remember to make sure you have got cash and leave it out. My invoices are quick and easy to pay with a clickable link to pay securely by credit card (through Square), or by bank transfer. Your weekly invoice detailing the days and times of your dog's walks is reassurance that your dog is in my diary and won't get forgotten.

I do not charge a retainer - that means you are not expected to pay to keep your slot(s) when you are on holiday etc.

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Mark is amazing, really reliable and lovely long walks with equally lovely pictures of those walks sent through every week. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who wants the best dog walker!

Zoe

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Mark is amazing - highly recommend his dog walking service. He walked our dog for years and was always on time, kind, friendly and always wearing shorts! Our dog loved him (as did we) and very sad to have moved. Please do use Mark!

Oliver

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We are delighted with Mark's services. He has been walking our shy cockapoo for five months now and she absolutely adores him. It's so reassuring to know that she is in such great hands and loves her walks

Kate

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Mark is an absolute star with my rescue Lab, Taff, who unfortunately has no social manners whatsoever! Taff knows what days he is due to go out with Mark and starts crying early in the morning until he can go out. He always comes back well walked, generally muddy and extremely happy, Taff is usually quite tired too.... Mark is extremely friendly and reliable, nothing is too much trouble. We highly recommend him! 

Kerry

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Mark is an absolutely brilliant dog walker. My Labrador Gill really loves him and watches out of the window for his arrival, she just gets so excited. There aren't many people I would trust to walk my dog but Mark is utterly dependable and I can track Gill all the way round on her walk and I can tell she is always so happy and loves her adventures. I recommend Mark 100% 

Wendy

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I'm so glad I found Mark. The difference in my dog is noticeable. I had doubts about whether my previous walker was giving her the full walk I paid for or even turning up at all. I considered getting a pet tracker and security cameras to check but then I thought, if I've even got a tiny doubt why am I letting this person near my dog or have a key to my house? The day Mark began walking her I couldn't believe the difference in either my dog or myself. I knew she'd had an hour's walk because of the map Mark sent and the fact she wasn't the bundle of pent up energy I'd got used to coming home to. It's been the same ever since. Not only do I have a happier dog but I'm more productive at work because I know I've no need to worry any more. Mark's polite, conscientious, punctual, trustworthy and professional. He takes the loveliest photos - I've even had two of them framed. So Mark I can't thank or praise you enough -here's another five star review, only because it won't let me give any more 

Sandy

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Mark has been a god send walking my 5 year old spaniel, Archie. His walks are always sent to me on his gps tracker so we can see where they've been, together with cute little pit stop photos along the way. Archie always looks forward to his walks. Mark is professional, trustworthy and friendly. He clearly loves what he does, providing a 5 star (or 5 paw) service. 

Carol

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The best service I have ever received. He made me feel so comfortable and assured me that my dog would be well looked after in his company. I can not honestly praise him enough. Thank you Mark, Chase is a happy dog!!! 

Corrina

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Fantastic dog walking service from Mark, always on time, professional and friendly and my dogs were always happy to see him for their regular walks.

Lucinda

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Mark was great, really reliable and Lizzie loved him, he took some lovely pictures of Lizzie too whilst on their walks. Would definitely recommend 

Louise

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Fantastic, Winston and Lillie loved their walk with Mark. Highly recommend 

Emily

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Mark was fabulous with my wilful, some might say stubborn, bulldog Kimba. He was patient, attentive and really good fun with her. He kept us completely up to date from confirming the booking and letting us know how she got on, even sent a picture! Couldn't recommend this dog sitter enough

Kelly

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Mark is a lovely, gentle man who took time to get to know Bella, even though she was barking in his face for the first 10 minutes! He sends updates after each walk and usually a lovely photo too. I cant recommend him enough. Thanks Mark

Ali

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Mark is a very polite and pleasant person and we felt confident in letting him walk Dylan (our Golden Retriever). The on-walk feed back app, though we didn't use it, is an excellent idea. Would recommend him. 

Peter

If you live within my service area, please contact me about your dog walking requirements (please note I do not offer dog boarding/ dog sitting or one-off dog walks)

Phone/ text: 07941 410168 

Whatsapp:  https://wa.me/447941410168

Email:  markbarkdogwalking@gmail.com  

Social media (please don't use Instagram or Facebook as a contact option)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markbarkdogwalking/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markbarkdogwalking 

1. Bookings

a) Firm bookings are only accepted once an introductory consultation, or ‘meet and greet’ has been completed and all parties are satisfied with the arrangements

b) All bookings are accepted only upon receipt of payment

2. Payment

a) For regular bookings (where Mark Bark provides pet care at agreed times on a weekly basis):

i) Mark Bark shall issue an invoice electronically to the client’s designated email address on the Friday preceding the commencement of a booking period

ii) Payment is required by the day preceding the first day of service at the latest

b) For ad hoc bookings:

i) Payment is due immediately in order to confirm the booking

c) Payments are processed securely by Squareup International Ltd via a clickable link in the electronic invoice or by bank transfer using the account details provided

d) Service shall not be provided where payment has not been made in advance as required

e) Cancellations may be made by the client with at least 24 hours notice. Where a cancellation is requested with less than 24 hours notice, no refund shall be given

3. Access to your property/pets

a) Where the client provides a key to their property Mark Bark will take due care of it. A client’s key will be used only for the purposes of providing care for their pet(s). A client’s key is never tagged with their name or address. Mark Bark shall return your key upon request

b) For clients with keycode boxes, the client is responsible for ensuring Mark Bark is provided with the correct code to allow him to provided booked services. Mark Bark undertakes to randomise the keypad while away from the property and after leaving

c) It is the client’s responsibility to ensure their pet(s) are at the agreed designated property and that Mark Bark has access in order to fulfil the services booked

4. Availability

a) Mark Bark is an individual dog walker and therefore does not provide services during holiday periods (school, bank and public holidays)

b) Should Mark Bark be unable to fulfil booked services due to unavoidable circumstances (human or animal medical emergency, vehicle breakdown etc), Mark Bark will notify the client as soon as practicable

c) Mark Bark aims to ensure the highest standard of care and love to a client’s pets in their absence and as such the times of visits or walks are always approximate. A visit/walk will never be shorter than promised unless due to welfare concerns for which the client will be informed as soon as possible

d) Your booked appointment times are confirmed in your weekly invoice. Please do check they are the days and times you are expecting. Due to traffic and other external factors appointment slots can differ by up to 60 minutes either way

e) Your booked slots may occasionally differ by up to two hours during very hot weather in the best interest of your dog(s) and others I am scheduled to walk
 

5. Contact information/ your personal details

a) The client is responsible for ensuring Mark Bark has their up-to-date contact information including email and emergency telephone numbers

b) The client’s email address will be used for electronic invoicing

c) Where the client has agreed, Mark Bark will use your email address, mobile number or instant messaging app to provide a link to GPS tracking of booked walks with their dog(s)

d) While the client’s dog(s) are in Mark Bark’s care an additional tag will be attached to each dog’s collar giving his contact details

e) From time to time Mark Bark will send photographs of your dog(s) enjoying their walks. Mark Bark retains copyright on such images and may occasionally use them for promotion of the business (on Mark Bark’s business social media pages, website, business page listings, printed materials, vehicle signage etc). Where an image is used publicly it will have been taken in a public place and the client’s home will not be pictured or identifiable and, if a dog tag should be visible, any details will be pixelated out

6. Pet health matters

a) It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that all traits, vices or behavioural problems a dog/pet may have are disclosed at the time of booking so Mark Bark can manage any issues for the safety of the client’s dog/pet, himself and others

b) You authorise Mark Bark to arrange for any emergency veterinary care that may be necessary during the provision of his services. Mark Bark shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain the client’s consent prior to obtaining emergency care

c) All reasonable efforts will be made to contact the pet owner or owner’s emergency contact in the event of an emergency. However, Mark Bark reserves the right to make decisions regarding a client’s pet’s health provided he is at all times acting in the interests of the pet/ and on the advice of a veterinary surgeon

d) Should it be necessary for Mark Bark to seek veterinary care or advice for the client’s pet in their absence, the client is responsible for payment of any veterinary fees incurred through illness or injury

e) The client should inform their vet Mark Bark is authorised to seek treatment in their absence

f) The client agrees to reimburse Mark Bark for any additional fees and expenses for providing emergency care

g) Mark Bark shall use his best efforts to use the pet’s normal veterinary surgeon wherever possible. The client authorises Mark Bark to appoint an alternative veterinary surgeon to examine the pet and carry out such treatment or surgery as may be appropriate if the pet’s normal veterinary surgeon is not available

7. Insurance

a) Mark Bark shall ensure that at all times suitable and valid insurance is in place that shall include Public Liability Insurance relative to the services performed for the client. Currently my policy, a Dog Walker policy, is arranged through Protectivity

b) It is agreed by the parties that it is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the property, its contents and pets are adequately insured throughout the duration of the agreement

8. Miscellaneous 

a) Dogs get dirty on walkies. Your dog is likely to come home dirtier than when he or she left! I will towel dry your pet if you have requested it and you leave out a towel but this won't remove all dirt. It is recommended you only leave your dog access to areas of your home you are happy for it to be in after a walk in wet or muddy conditions

b) GPS maps are provided by a third-party company and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Occasionally there can be technical issues and these are outside of my control. Should there not be a suitable GPS map-sharing app available, this aspect of my service may be withdrawn.

One-hour GPS-tracked solo walk in Orton Longueville, Orton Waterville, Orton Wistow, Orton Northgate, Eye, Hampton and Longthorpe.

£20 per one-hour walk

£16 per half-hour walk

£5 for each additional dog from the same household 

Please note that I do not offer durations shorter than one hour

Do you offer shorter walkies?
No, I'm sorry. It is not economically viable to travel to you for such a short booking. My walkies are for 30 or 60 minutes.

Would you walk mine and my neighbours dogs at the same time for the 'additional dog' price?
Yes, so long as it is an immediate neighbour. One dog would be at the regular price and one at the additional dog price. The one-hour walkies slot will begin immediately after I collect the first dog.

I work on a rota. Can I book different days each week?
Sadly I cannot block out spaces that aren't required every single week.

I am normally able to walk my dog myself but I can't on one particular day. Do you offer one-off dog walks?
No, I'm sorry. Before I begin walking any dog I will arrange a free meet-and-greet session and complete paperwork for insurance purposes and the welfare of your pet. It is not economically viable to do this for a one-off booking.

I am going on holiday and leaving my dog at home because he will be much happier there than in a kennel. Can I book you to go and feed and walk him?
No. Dogs should never be left overnight and no self-respecting pet professional will take a booking under these circumstances. Please book your dog into a kennel or consider home boarders or pet sitters.

Can I pay by cash or cheque?
No. I accept payment by credit or debit card or by bank transfer. 

Do you do pet pop ins for other animals?
Yes - I would be happy to pop in to see any small animals, though please note this is only on a permanent basis and not for brief periods such as holidays.

Do you cover X area?
Since fuel is my biggest expense I limit my service area to Orton Waterville, Orton Longueville (including Sugar Way and Botolph Green) Orton Wistow, Orton Northgate, Hampton and Longthorpe, plus Eye village at the beginning and end of the day

I like my dog to be taken to a particular park and you would need to drive there. Is this something you can do?
I would be happy to consider it but would require you to pay fuel costs and understand that the travelling time is taken out of the one-hour appointment time.

What do you do if it's too hot to walk my dog?
To keep your furry friends safe during the summer months, I keep a close eye on the weather forecast and hourly temperatures. Where it is likely to become too hot for dogs to be walked I may move all of the day’s appointments forward so as many dogs as possible can get exercise. For owners who are usually home for collection, I will endeavour to give advanced notice. This may still mean that afternoon slots will be playing in the shade instead of a normal walk. I carry a doggy water bottle and trough.

Are you recruiting?
No - I am a self-employed individual and I am not looking to add the administrative complexities or risk to my business's reputation of taking on staff. Plus my promise is that 'When you book Mark Bark, you get Mark Bark'.

Can my son/ daughter complete a work experience placement with you?
No, since it will not be covered by my insurance.

Mark Bark takes your privacy seriously and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide to me. Here's how I collect, use, and safeguard your data:

Information Collected:

I collect information necessary to provide my services to you, ensure the well-being of your pet(s), and facilitate communication. This includes:

• Your name, address, phone number, and email address.

• Emergency contact details and information about other household members, if provided by you.

• Pet health information, including your veterinary practice, medical conditions, and pet behavioural traits.

Use of Information:

The information you provide is used for the following purposes:

• To provide my services to you, including scheduling walks and ensuring the safety and well-being of your pets.

• For contact purposes, including communication about your pet's care and updates on my services.

• For billing and accounting purposes.

Data Storage and Security:

Your information is stored securely and handled with the utmost care. I use reputable third-party services for data storage and communication, including JotForm for form submissions, Google Contacts for contact information, Gmail/WhatsApp for communication, and Square for billing and accounting purposes.

Questions or Concerns:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding my privacy practices or the handling of your personal information, please don't hesitate to contact me using any of the methods provided in the 'Contact Me' section above.