Policies and Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for some specific info? Chances are you'll find it here! Can't find what you're looking for? Head to the Contact page, we're only a message or call away!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on a visit?
Most people have us come when they're not home for walks. The average visit has us gaining access to your dog using a key that you've either given us to keep on file, or left in a key lock box at your property. We would generally use your dog's usual collar and/or harness unless we've made a different arrangement. We would then walk your dog for the agreed upon time, sending you an update (with a photo if you're interested) when finished. We would then check drinking water, do any extras that might be required and give your pup a goodbye pat before locking up and replacing the key (if applicable).
Do you train dogs?
While we can re-enforce existing training and teach the basics to make our walks more efficient and enjoyable for both human and dog, we aren't fully certified trainers or behaviorists. We'll do our best using our experience and education, but can't give guarantees or offer training sessions as an official service.
Do you Dog-sit?
Generally no. We can look after your Pup for a few hours during the day, or drop in for a walk and feed daily if you're away for a few days, however we can't offer overnight sitting.
What about Cats and other pets?
Yep, we love animals of all kinds! Our Drop-in and Home Visit services are available for fur, feather or fin!
Do you operate on Public Holidays?
We generally operate Monday to Friday for walking, transport and home visits, except for public holidays. Event chaperone services are potentially any day. Contact us for availability.
Do you walk off-leash?
Walks are usually on leash, but once we've put some quality time in assessing and bonding with your pup and are confident on their recall and temperament, we may do some off-leash in appropriate spaces with your consent. This is very much on a case-by-case basis.
Do you walk aggressive dogs?
Aggressive dogs and reactive dogs are two very different kettles of fish. At our meet and greet we will speak with you about the issues you're having and assess the dog to make sure we're a good fit. With reactive dogs we can make a plan to include avoiding busy areas likely to be frequented by other dogs, advocating for your pup by preventing strangers from approaching and invading their space and other strategies to work them through their issues. We do carry yellow "nervous" leash sleeves that can alert others to your dog's unpredictable nature.
Truly aggressive dogs unfortunately won't be walked by us, and should be referred to a canine behavior specialist for help.
Policies
The Part About Safety And Privacy
We are fully insured with up-to-date public liability insurance and have current police checks for your peace of mind. We are also pet first-aid trained and regularly look to update and reinforce our knowledge.
We take your personal information seriously and won't share it with any third party unless legally required to do so in accordance with National Privacy Laws.
We may take photo and video footage of your pet for our social media and marketing, but will seek your permission to do so as part of our sign up process.
The Part About Security
To gain access to your property, we kindly request that you provide us with a key, code or other arrangement for access to the lucky puppy. You can either leave the key on file with us or we can return it after our service. Our keys are marked with a unique coding system and do not carry any identifiable information.
Let us know if anyone else has access to your home on the days we’re likely to be there.
We'll always make sure everything's locked and secure before leaving.
The Part About Your Pet
Before we start, we'll ask you to fill out a quick health questionnaire to let us know about any illnesses, allergies, or medications.
For the safety of your dog and other dogs that we have contact with, we ask that you dog be up to date with vaccinations as well as flea, tick and worm prevention strategies.
We always have your pet's preferred veterinary contact details and an emergency contact number in our system, just in case.
It's important that your dog wears a personal identification tag on their collar at all times. To keep your pet legal and safe, we need you to register your dog with the local council and make sure they have a microchip. Sharing the microchip number with us is recommended and appreciated.
We'll walk your dog in most weather conditions, but if a thunderstorm is forecast, we may cut the walk short and do a home visit or some fun games and/or re-enforcement of training indoors instead.
If the mercury is set to rise above 29 degrees, we will try to book your walking appointments in the cooler early hours of the day. Should the lovely Melbourne weather not drop below a safe level, again, we will pay your dog a home visit to keep their brain entertained in comfort.
We reserve the right to pass on an aggressive or reactive dog. We will meet and assess each potential furry friend in person to learn what problems are present but the final decision rests with us. We can work with leash reactive dogs by avoiding busy areas likely to be frequented by other dogs, advocating for your pup by restricting strangers from approaching and working with you for a long term plan to make walks more manageable for human and canine alike. We are not behaviorists however, and if your dog is truly aggressive we suggest seeking professional help for them.