Here’s the information most pet-owners need before they choose a dog-walker or pet service…
1.Which areas do you cover?
I am based in Alsager, in rural South Cheshire and cover the nearby surrounding areas plus the Staffordshire borders.
2. How do I know my pet will receive the best possible care if I book with you?
I have been walking and providing care for other people’s dogs since 2016, but more importantly, I am a life-long animal lover, and have shared my world with a huge variety of animals over the past years. You can also read references on my “Home” page from my past and present clients, who happily provided testimonials supporting the care I provided for their animals. I have furthermore completed a course in basic canine first-aid in the unlikely event of an emergency.
3. Are you insured and DBS cleared?
I am currently insured with Cliverton Insurance, who specialise in providing cover for animal based businesses. I have also been checked and cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
4. What do you charge for your services?
All current prices are listed under “Services” for a full description of hourly tariffs and care packages.
5. What happens next if I decide to place a booking?
I would arrange a ‘meet & greet’ between us at a mutually agreeable time. This is the opportunity for me to meet your dog (or other pets) and to bond with them, so they recognise me as a friend and not a stranger when I pick them up when you’re absent. It also gives you and your dog the chance to get to know me better and ask me any questions and to provide me with any details of behavioural traits your dog may have, such as their likes and dislikes, habits, etc. Believe me, this meeting can make a huge difference to your pet’s acceptance of me and their behaviour on our walks, and therefore makes our time together and our treks a much more positive and fun experience for them.
6. Where will you walk my dog & can they be let off- lead?
I will always endeavor to walk your dog in rural areas, away from busy roads – favourites in Alsager would be Wood park & the surrounding woods, Borrowpit Meadows & the Salt Line – but I will also be guided by where your dog chooses to go themselves or by their usual routine – after all, it’s their walk. I am insured to walk your dog off-lead, provided you have read and signed a consent form, since this is a requirement of my insurance. Naturally, your dog would need to have good recall, and demonstrate reasonable socialisation skills to be let off lead.
7. Do you provide solo & group walks?
Walks will usually begin as solo walks (if you choose an un-booked time-slot)), but if you are amenable to a group walk, and your dog is socialised, then I would endeavor to create a group with other client’s dogs who were also agreeable to this and had requested walks at the same time.
8. How many dogs would you normally walk together in a group walk?
I am insured to walk up to 6 dogs in a group at any one time. However, in an effort to provide individual care and attention to each dog so they gain the maximum benefit and exercise from their outings, my preference is to accept just 3 dogs per walk. If you have more than 3 dogs in your canine-family and wish them all to be walked together, then I would try to accommodate this (up to a maximum of 6).
9. Do you provide tracking of your walks?
I will gladly message any client after each walk to give them an update of their dog’s walk with me, and I can also provide you with photos/videos of our treks via WHATSAPP (if you are a user), so you can see where we’ve walked that day and be reassured your dog has enjoyed the best time, so inevitably you worry less. Happy pets! Happy owners!
10. Will wet weather conditions affect the walks?
Rain will never prevent me from walking your dog, although they might not be so keen to go out! I would ask though, that you leave your pet’s towel for our return, so I can dry them off, and its also a good idea to invest in a lightweight, waterproof coat for their protection if they really hate going out in the rain. During very cold weather, I would suggest very short haired/close haired dogs & small breeds are provided with a warm jacket to wear on walks, as they are particularly vulnerable in low temperatures, plus it will make their walks more pleasurable for them.
11. What about in extreme heat?
If the temperatures reach unusually high levels (not often!), it may be necessary to walk your dog for a shorter period of time in shady areas, or sometimes just let them out into the garden to stretch their legs if it’s unbearably hot. It’s never worth exposing your animals to potential heat-stroke. Some breeds are more at risk than others – brachycephalic (short faced) breeds such as pugs and bulldogs/ french bulldogs are at particular risk due to their breathing limitations. Obviously I would keep you informed of my decision on the day.
12. Do you have emergency transport?
Yes – I would use my hatchback car to transport your pet to your usual vet/or the nearest vet in an extreme emergency. They would be safely secured in accordance with current government legislation.
13. Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes – I would need at least 24 hours notice to cancel a pre-booked walk, otherwise normal charges would normally be applied, depending on the cancellation circumstances. For cancelling ongoing walks during holiday periods I would prefer at least one weeks notice. The terms & conditions paperwork would be presented at the meet and greet.
14. How do you normally gain access to my pet whilst I’m absent?
Usually my clients choose to have a key-safe in a designated place outside the house, for which they provide a secure access pin number, and I return the key to the safe after each walk. However, it is entirely up to you how you wish to handle this – some prefer to just provide a key, for which I would be the sole person using it for access purposes.
15. What do I need to provide for my dog for during the walks?
Just leave your dog’s harness/collar & lead, a coat (if necessary) & their pet towel. I will bring my own dog-waste bags & treats (used with your permission). Also, if there is any information you would want me to know about on that day, then you can either text me the details at any time (7 days a week) or leave me a note with their lead.
16. Do you provide puppy visits?
Yes – if your puppy hasn’t yet received their full course of vaccinations and cannot yet join the outside world, then I can provide a pop-in service to let your puppy go outside for a toilet break, replenish their food, supply some company and have a big play!
17. Do you accept un-neutered / un-spayed dogs for walks?
Yes – but they would need to be walked on a solo basis and would not normally be let off-lead during walks. It’s also worth noting though, that veterinary professionals generally recommend castrating male dogs to prevent health risks and also to minimise later behavioural issues.