Dog Walking Agreement (Australia)
This Dog Walking Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made on [Agreement Date] between:
[Walker Name] (ABN [Walker ABN]), of [Walker Address], [Walker Suburb], [Walker State] [Walker Postcode] (the “Walker”); and
[Owner Name], of [Owner Address], [Owner Suburb], [Owner State] [Owner Postcode], phone [Owner Phone], email [Owner Email] (the “Owner”).
Together referred to as the “Parties”.
1. DOG DETAILS
1.1 This Agreement applies to the following dog (the “Dog”):
Name: [Dog Name] | Breed: [Dog Breed] | Age: [Dog Age] years | Colour/description: [Dog Colour]
Microchip number: [Dog Microchip Number]
1.2 The Owner warrants that the Dog has a current microchip registration as required under the applicable state or territory companion animal legislation, and that the Dog is registered with the relevant local council.
1.3 The Owner discloses the following behavioural notes, known triggers, or special handling requirements for the Dog: [Behavioural Notes]
1.4 The Owner warrants that the Dog is up to date with all recommended vaccinations (including C5 or equivalent), has been treated for fleas, ticks, and worms, and does not have any contagious condition as of the date of this Agreement. The Owner must notify the Walker immediately of any change in the Dog’s health or vaccination status.
1.5 Emergency veterinary contact: [Veterinarian Name], phone [Veterinarian Phone].
1.6 Emergency contact (other than Owner): [Emergency Contact Name], phone [Emergency Contact Phone].
2. WALKING SERVICES
2.1 The Walker agrees to provide [Walk Duration] dog walking services as a [Walk Type], commencing on [Commencement Date], at a frequency of [Walk Frequency].
2.2 The Walker will access the Dog [Key Access]. The Owner authorises the Walker to enter the Owner’s property solely for the purpose of collecting and returning the Dog. Any keys or access codes provided by the Owner must be kept securely by the Walker and returned to the Owner upon termination of this Agreement.
2.3 The Walker will keep the Dog on a leash in all public areas, unless otherwise agreed in writing by both Parties and only if the area is a designated off-leash zone under applicable local council by-laws.
2.4 The Walker will not leave the Dog unattended in a vehicle for extended periods or in conditions that could endanger the Dog’s welfare under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act applicable in the relevant state or territory.
2.5 The Walker may refuse to walk the Dog on any occasion where the Walker reasonably believes that walking the Dog would pose an unacceptable risk to the Walker, the Dog, other animals, or members of the public. In such circumstances, the Walker will contact the Owner as soon as practicable.
2.6 The Walker will provide the Owner with a brief update or report after each walk (by text message or app notification), including confirmation of the route taken and any observations about the Dog’s health or behaviour.
3. FEES AND PAYMENT
3.1 The fee for each walk is $[Fee Per Walk] AUD ([GST Treatment]). The Walker will invoice the Owner [Invoicing Frequency].
3.2 The Owner must pay each invoice within 7 days of the invoice date by electronic funds transfer, bank transfer, or as otherwise agreed with the Walker.
3.3 If the Owner cancels a scheduled walk with less than [Cancellation Notice] hours’ notice, or if the Walker attends the Owner’s address and is unable to access the Dog for reasons within the Owner’s control, the full walk fee will be charged.
3.4 If the Walker cancels a scheduled walk with less than [Cancellation Notice] hours’ notice (other than due to emergency), no charge will apply for that walk.
3.5 The Walker may charge an additional fee for travel beyond the agreed service area, holiday surcharges (applicable on public holidays in [Governing State]), and for services beyond the agreed scope.
4. EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE
4.1 If the Dog is injured or becomes ill while in the Walker’s care, the Walker will: (a) contact the Owner immediately by phone; (b) if the Owner is unreachable, contact the emergency contact [Emergency Contact Name] on [Emergency Contact Phone]; and (c) if emergency veterinary treatment is required and neither the Owner nor the emergency contact can be reached, take the Dog to the nearest available veterinarian for emergency treatment.
4.2 The Owner authorises the Walker to consent to emergency veterinary treatment on the Owner’s behalf where it is necessary to preserve the Dog’s life or prevent serious suffering, and where the Owner cannot be reached.
4.3 The Owner is responsible for all veterinary costs incurred in connection with the Dog, including any emergency treatment costs incurred under clause 5.2. The Walker will provide all invoices and receipts to the Owner promptly.
5. OWNER OBLIGATIONS AND INDEMNITY
5.1 The Owner warrants that: (a) the Dog is registered with the relevant local council as required by state companion animal legislation; (b) the Dog does not have a known history of biting or unprovoked aggression towards humans or other animals that has not been disclosed to the Walker; (c) all information provided about the Dog in this Agreement is accurate and complete; and (d) the Owner has authority to enter into this Agreement in respect of the Dog.
5.2 The Owner indemnifies the Walker against all claims, losses, costs (including legal fees on a solicitor-client basis), and damages arising from: (a) the Dog injuring or killing another animal or person; (b) the Dog causing property damage to a third party; or (c) the Owner’s breach of any warranty in this Agreement, including failure to disclose known behavioural issues.
5.3 Nothing in this clause limits the Walker’s obligations under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable law to exercise due care and skill in the provision of the Services.
6. TERMINATION
6.1 Either Party may terminate this Agreement by giving 7 days’ written notice to the other Party. The Walker will return all keys and access information to the Owner promptly upon termination.
6.2 The Walker may terminate this Agreement immediately and without notice if: (a) the Dog displays dangerous behaviour that poses an unacceptable risk to the Walker or others; (b) the Owner repeatedly fails to pay invoices by the due date; or (c) the Owner makes materially false representations about the Dog’s health or behaviour.
6.3 On termination, the Owner must pay all outstanding invoices for walks completed prior to the effective date of termination.
7. GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 Australian Consumer Law: Nothing in this Agreement excludes, restricts, or modifies any guarantee, right, or remedy under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) that cannot lawfully be excluded.
7.2 Privacy: The Walker will handle the Owner’s personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and will not disclose personal information to third parties except as required to provide the Services or as required by law.
7.3 Photographs: The Walker may take photographs of the Dog during walks for operational purposes (e.g., walk reports). The Walker must not post photographs to social media or use them for promotional purposes without the Owner’s prior written consent.
7.4 Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the provision of dog walking services and supersedes all prior representations and arrangements.
7.5 Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing State], Australia. Each Party submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Governing State].
7.6 Amendments: This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument signed by both Parties.
EXECUTED as an Agreement.
WALKER
Name: [Walker Name]
ABN: [Walker ABN]
Address: [Walker Address], [Walker Suburb], [Walker State] [Walker Postcode]
OWNER
Name: [Owner Name]
Address: [Owner Address], [Owner Suburb], [Owner State] [Owner Postcode]
Phone: [Owner Phone]
Email: [Owner Email]
Walker
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Owner
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Dog Walking Agreement (Australia)?
A Dog Walking Agreement in Australia records the dog walking to be provided, the fees, the service standards, and each party's obligations between the provider and the client under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
In Australia, the legal framework for dog walking involves companion animal legislation in each state and territory — such as the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (VIC), the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (QLD), and equivalent statutes in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT. These laws impose registration and microchipping obligations on dog owners, and liability for injuries caused by dogs typically rests primarily with the owner.
The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) applies to the provision of dog walking services. This means the walker must exercise due care and skill, and that services must be fit for purpose and delivered within a reasonable time. These guarantees cannot be excluded by contract.
A written Dog Walking Agreement is an essential risk management tool. Without one, disputes about who authorised emergency veterinary treatment, whether the walker was permitted to take the dog off-leash, and who is responsible for a dog bite incident are extremely difficult to resolve.
The legal framework governing the Dog Walking Agreement (Australia) in Australia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Parties executing a Dog Walking Agreement (Australia) in Australia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Dog Walking Agreement (Australia)?
A Dog Walking Agreement is needed before a professional dog walker begins providing services to a new client. It is essential for: sole-trader dog walkers who pick up and walk dogs from private homes; pet services businesses that employ or contract multiple walkers; dog walkers who offer group walks with multiple dogs simultaneously; pet sitters who include walking as part of a broader pet care service; and dog walkers who require key access to the owner's home.
The agreement is particularly important in the following situations. If the dog has any history of aggression, reactivity, or escape behaviour, the agreement records the owner's disclosure and the parties' agreement on how these risks will be managed. If the walker is holding a key to the owner's home, the agreement records that authorisation and the conditions of the key-holding arrangement. If an emergency veterinary situation arises while the dog is in the walker's care and the owner cannot be reached, the agreement records the owner's advance authorisation for the walker to consent to emergency treatment.
Most pet insurance policies require that animals are under the custody of an authorised person. A written agreement also helps establish that the walker was lawfully in custody of the dog at the time of any incident, which is relevant for both the walker's public liability claim and the owner's companion animal insurance claim.
For dog walkers operating as sole traders or through a company, this agreement also helps demonstrate that they are operating as an independent business rather than as an employee, which is relevant for income tax, GST registration, and superannuation guarantee purposes.
Parties in Australia should prepare a Dog Walking Agreement (Australia) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Dog Walking Agreement (Australia)
A thorough Dog Walking Agreement for Australia should include the following key elements.
Dog identification details: The agreement should record the dog's name, breed, age, colour, and microchip number. Microchipping is mandatory in all Australian states and territories, and recording the microchip number helps reunite the dog with the owner if lost during a walk. The agreement should also confirm that the dog is currently registered with the relevant local council.
Health and vaccination status: The agreement should record the dog's vaccination status (C5 or equivalent) and confirm that the dog is currently treated for fleas, ticks, and worms. The owner must warrant that the dog does not have any contagious condition. Failure to disclose a contagious condition that subsequently affects other dogs in a group walk may give rise to claims against the owner.
Behavioural disclosure: The owner must disclose any known history of aggression, reactivity, escape behaviour, or special handling requirements. A walker who is bitten by a dog and can show that the owner concealed known aggressive behaviour has a significantly stronger claim against the owner.
Key access and security: Where the walker requires access to the owner's home, the agreement should clearly state the scope of that authorisation, the walker's obligations for key security, and the requirement to return keys on termination.
Emergency veterinary authorisation: The agreement should record the owner's advance consent for the walker to authorise emergency veterinary treatment in specified circumstances. This is critical because a veterinarian may need written authorisation before treating an animal not accompanied by its owner.
Fees and cancellation: The per-walk fee, GST treatment, invoicing frequency, and cancellation notice period should all be clearly documented. Cancellation policies in consumer contracts must not be unfairly one-sided.
Insurance: The agreement should address the walker's public liability insurance and recommend that the owner maintain pet insurance. The parties' respective indemnity obligations in respect of the dog's actions towards third parties should also be addressed.
Additional compliance elements for a Dog Walking Agreement (Australia) used in Australia include: Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Dog Walking Agreement (Australia) (Australia) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/au-dog-walking-agreement
"Dog Walking Agreement (Australia) (Australia)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/au-dog-walking-agreement.
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title = {Dog Walking Agreement (Australia) (Australia)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/au-dog-walking-agreement}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Microchipping is mandatory for dogs in all Australian states and territories under companion animal legislation such as the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (VIC), and equivalent statutes in other jurisdictions. Dogs must also be registered with the relevant local council. A dog walker who takes an unregistered or unmicrochipped dog into a public place may face issues with local authorities if the dog is found wandering. The Dog Walking Agreement should confirm that the owner warrants compliance with all registration requirements. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Liability for dog bites in Australia depends on the circumstances. The dog owner is generally liable for injuries caused by their dog under companion animal legislation in most states — for example, under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), liability arises regardless of fault if the dog attacks without provocation. The walker may also bear liability if they were negligent (for example, by allowing the dog off-leash in a prohibited area). A written Dog Walking Agreement with a clear indemnity clause helps allocate risk between the owner and walker, particularly where the owner has failed to disclose known aggressive behaviour. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Dog walkers in Australia should hold public liability insurance covering their dog walking activities. This protects the walker if a dog in their care causes injury to a third party or damages property. Some policies also include care, custody, and control cover for the animals in the walker's care. Dog walkers are advised to disclose all breeds they walk when obtaining cover, as some insurers exclude certain breeds. Professional pet care associations such as Pet Care Industry Australia provide guidance on appropriate cover levels. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Yes, but the arrangement must be clearly documented in the Dog Walking Agreement. The agreement should state that the key is provided solely for the purpose of accessing the dog, that the walker is responsible for the security of the key, that the key must not be copied without the owner's written consent, and that the key must be returned immediately upon termination of the agreement. The owner's home insurance policy may be affected by having a third party hold a key, so owners should inform their insurer. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Australian companion animal legislation generally requires that dogs be on a leash in public places unless in a designated off-leash area. Council by-laws designate specific parks and beaches as off-leash zones. Dog walkers must comply with local council regulations in each area they operate. Allowing a dog off-leash outside a designated area can result in a fine, and if the dog causes injury, it may affect liability. The Dog Walking Agreement should confirm that the walker will keep the dog on a leash in all public areas unless in a designated off-leash zone. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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