Free Dog Walking Contract Template + Client Intake Form

Why Every Dog Walker Needs a Contract

Walking dogs without a contract is like driving without insurance — everything's fine until it isn't. A written agreement protects both you and your clients, sets clear expectations, and makes your business look professional from day one.

Whether you're walking one dog or twenty, a contract is non-negotiable. Our free template covers everything you need — just fill in your details and you're set.

7 Common Mistakes Dog Walkers Make Without Contracts

We've talked to hundreds of dog walkers. These are the mistakes that cost them the most money and stress:

• 1
  No cancellation policy. Clients cancel last-minute, you lose the income, and there's nothing in writing to charge a fee. Our template includes a clear cancellation and no-show policy section.
• 2
  Missing emergency vet authorization. A dog gets hurt on a walk. You rush to the vet. But without written authorization, the vet can't treat the dog and you're stuck waiting for an owner who's in a meeting. Our template includes pre-authorization with a spending limit.
• 3
  No liability waiver. Dogs are unpredictable. Without a signed waiver, you're exposed to claims for anything that happens during a walk — even things outside your control.
• 4
  Verbal-only pricing agreements. "I thought you said $20 per walk, not $25." Sound familiar? Written rates and payment terms eliminate pricing disputes.
• 5
  Not collecting medical info upfront. You find out a dog has seizures… during a seizure. A proper intake form captures medical conditions, medications, allergies, and vet info before the first walk.
• 6
  No weather policy. It's 105°F outside. Is the walk still happening? Without a written weather policy, you're stuck in an awkward conversation instead of having a clear protocol.
• 7
  Incomplete dog behavior info. The dog is leash-reactive and you find out when it lunges at another dog. Our intake form asks about triggers, leash behavior, recall, and aggression history — so you're never caught off guard.

How to Customize the Template for Your Business

Our templates are designed to work for any dog walking business. Here's how to make them yours:

Step 1: Fill in Your Business Info

Add your business name, contact info, and insurance details at the top. If you have a business logo, print it on the first page.

Step 2: Set Your Rates and Policies

Fill in your per-walk rate, multi-dog pricing, and payment schedule. Set your cancellation notice window (we recommend 24 hours) and late/no-show fees.

Step 3: Customize the Weather Policy

Set temperature thresholds for your area. In Texas, you might set 100°F as the heat limit. In Minnesota, -10°F for cold. Include what happens when a walk is cancelled for weather (reschedule? credit? refund?).

Step 4: Add Any Custom Terms

The template includes blank lines for additional terms specific to your business. Examples: holiday surcharges, multi-dog discounts, key deposit policies, or trial walk terms.

Step 5: Print and Use

Print copies for each new client, or send them digitally. Have both parties sign before the first walk. Keep a copy for your records.

Pro tip: Review and update your contract annually. As your business grows, your policies evolve.