Frequently Asked Questions
Are you insured and DBS checked?
Yes, we are insured with Protectivity and have public and employers' liability insurance. All our staff are DBS checked.
Are you pet first aid trained?
Yes, I am also Dementia friendly trained too.
Are you qualified?
Yes, I am the only City & Guilds Level 2 qualified dog walker and pet sitter in the area. I am also fortunate to have a wealth of animal care qualifications, educated to degree level in animal welfare (Level 6) and regularly refresh, update and extend my knowledge through continued professional development (CPD) courses.
What kind of animals do you care for?
Most of our experience is with dogs and rabbits, however we care for cats, small animals, fish, reptiles & poultry.
Can I meet you first?
Of course! We offer a client meeting prior to the start of any service given. Its the perfect opportunity of meet with us and check all parties are happy. Our client meeting are FREE and there is no obligation to proceed further.
Can I come for a walk with you?
Yes but only as part of the client meeting process. We are not insured to have clients walk with us.
Do you offer day care, boarding & pet sitting?
No, however we are more than happy to suggest other local businesses that may be able to assist, depending upon their availability.
Can I choose individual or group walks for me dog?
Please let us know what you prefer/your dog would like. With group dog walking we will always walk your dog individually first so that we can get to know your dog. Dependant on how things go we can look to integrating into a group, at our discretion.
Do you offer dog walking in the evenings and at weekends?
Yes, though we do make an additional charge of 20%.
Am I given a dedicated dog walker/pet carer?
No, we work as a team and do not assign a specific walker or pet carer to each pet. All of our sitters are experienced, vetted, background checked and provide the same level of care.
What if I need to cancel a walk/visit?
Just let us know at your earliest opportunity, ideally at least 24 hours before service. At our discretion, we will charge a cancellation fee for services cancelled with less that 24 hours' notice.
How do I pay you?
Invoices are issued on the last day of each month for regular dog walking bookings. For ad-hoc dog walking and all other species, invoices are due prior to commencement of service. Invoices are due on receipt. We accept payment by bank transfer or cash.
How many dogs do you walk at any one time?
We will never walk more than 6 dogs at any one time. Our usual group size is 2-4. We ensure that temperamentally, as well as geographically suitably dogs are walked together.
Can I specify a time for my dog to be walked?
Dog walks are generally carried out between 8.30am and 4 pm, though pick-ups may be earlier and drop offs may be later. We can never pinpoint the exact time, but we endeavour to walk as near to any requested time as possible. However, please contact us to discuss your particular requirements and we’ll do our best to fit in with your needs.
How long are your dog walks?
Our walks are either 30 or 60 minutes, not including pick up and drop off time.
What if my dog/pet needs a vet whilst in your care?
In an emergency, we will always try to contact you first. If we are unable to contact you, we will try to contact your nominated emergency contact. If we are unable to contact with them, and urgent veterinary attention is required, we will try to take your pet to your nominated veterinary practice. If unavailable, we will try the nearest veterinary practice or our own nominated veterinary practice.
I may not want a regular walk; do you offer ad-hoc walks?
Yes. We are happy to provide services as and when you require, if we have diary availability. We recommend that you give as much notice as possible to avoid disappointment, especially at busy times. We will never overbook our diary, in fairness to all clients and their pets.
Will my dog be supervised at all times?
Yes. Your dog will be under constant supervision by one of our experienced dogs walkers and will NEVER be left unattended.
Do you take bitches in season?
We will not walk bitches in season but will offer a home visit instead.
Are my keys/security codes safe?
Many regular clients choose to have a key cut for us. Yes, your keys and security codes are kept safe. Keys are identified with a coding system and are fully insured.
Do you walk dogs off lead?
We will only let your dog off lead once we have written consent and it is safe to do so. We will only let your dog off lead once a bond has been made between dog and walker.
Can you administer my pet's medication?
Yes, are more than happy to administer medication for your pet(s), in accordance with your/your vets written instructions.
What happens on a cat visit?
Your cat’s food and water bowls will be washed and replenished with fresh water and food (if a meal is required). We clean litter trays and surrounding areas (if required). Some cats will happily seek attention and play, others prefer their own company, so we will leave them to approach us in their own time.
Can you water my plants?
We are more than happy to water a few houseplant plants whilst you are away and will do our best to keep your plants healthy and alive, but it is not our area or expertise. Our priority will remain for your pet's care and the security of your home.