New client welcome message template for dog walkers
A copy-paste welcome message for new dog walking clients that sets the schedule, billing rhythm, cancellation policy and contact expectations in one friendly note.
Copyable template
Welcome message: send after the meet & greet
Hi [Name], lovely to meet you and [Dog] today. Really looking forward to having [him/her] on the round!
Quick summary so everything's in one place:
Walks: [Mon/Wed/Fri] at [9:00], group walk, £[12] per walk.
Billing: I invoice [weekly/monthly] with 7 days to pay. Every walk is itemised, and you can pay by card or Direct Debit from the invoice.
Cancellations: plans change! Just give me 24 hours' notice and there's no charge. Less than that is charged at 50%, and holidays are free with a couple of days' warning.
Your portal: [link]. Upcoming walks, invoices, [Dog]'s details and holiday dates all live here, and you can message me any time.
Anything look wrong, just reply. Otherwise, see [Dog] on [first walk day]!
Why send one at all
The welcome message is your policies' delivery vehicle. Every rule it states (the billing rhythm, the cancellation window, the holiday notice) becomes “the thing we agreed at the start” instead of “the thing you sprang on me later”. It takes two minutes and prevents years of awkwardness.
What it must cover
- The schedule and price, in numbers, so there is no ambiguity about the deal.
- The billing rhythm and payment terms: when invoices come and how to pay.
- The cancellation policy, in one friendly sentence with the actual figures.
- Where the client can see everything themselves (your portal link).
- A warm sign-off: this is a welcome, not a contract.
Timing and tone
Send it the same day as the meet and greet, while goodwill is at its peak. Keep the tone exactly as warm as you are in person. The numbers make it a business document; the words should not have to.
How BearWalk helps
Everything the message promises, BearWalk delivers automatically: the schedule generates the walks, invoices arrive itemised on the rhythm you stated, the cancellation policy applies itself, and the portal link gives the client self-service from day one.
FAQ
Email, WhatsApp or text?
Whichever channel the client actually uses, but make sure it is written and kept. A WhatsApp message is fine; a phone call is not, because nothing was agreed in writing.
Should I attach the full client agreement too?
Yes, if you use one: the welcome message summarises the deal, the agreement records it. Ask for a one-line reply confirming both.