FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything You Need to Know
Leaving your pet with a stranger is never an easy decision, and I’m sure you have a lot of questions about how it works. I’ve compiled some of the most common questions into the list below. If you want further information, just get in touch.
GENERAL FAQs
Can I meet you first?
Yes. I recommend this for every new client. I offer a meet and greet service so we can get to know each other and your dog can get to know me. These last up to 30 minutes and are free. You can book a meet and greet service here or via phone or email.
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Do I need to fill out any forms?
Yes please! I will send you the forms beforehand for your completion. These will need to be returned before any paid services are completed.
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What areas do you cover?
I am based in London Colney, Hertfordshire so I cover all areas of Hertfordshire. The first 8 mile radius is free and after that I charge at the suggested UK rate of 45p per mile.
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Can you administer my pet’s medication?
I am not a trained veterinarian, but I am able to administer oral medication to your pet, in accordance with your written instructions and consent as per the Medication Administration Consent form.
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DOG WALKING FAQs
How many dogs will be walked at one time?
For group walks (household only group walks), I walk up to four dogs at a time. I specialise in offering solo walks which so far all of my clients prefer as it means your dog can have 100% of my attention. This is also a great option for nervous or reactive dogs.
Do you walk dogs off the lead?
I will only do this with your written consent and when I consider it safe to do so. If your dog’s recall isn’t always great, then I can walk them on a longer lead allowing them to run and play safely.
What lead do you use when you walk my dog?
I have my own leads available but I am more than happy to use one you provide. However, I do need to perform a brief safety check of the harness/lead each time. I do not use retractable leads due to safety issues with them.
My dog can be aggressive with other dogs or people and must wear a muzzle, can you still walk them?
Yes. As I provide solo walks, this can help avoid upsetting your dog and causing unnecessary stress. If your dog is aggressive, I will communicate this with you in hopes of reaching a care plan together. However, I do reserve the right to refuse to walk any dog. Failure to disclose behavioural issues beforehand is considered a breach of contract and future walks may be cancelled.
Do your services cater for all dog breeds?
Yes! I love all dogs and will be happy to take them on a walk but I will always do a meet and greet first. I want your dog to be happy with me and I always look after dogs as if they were my own but with that in mind, if I feel that we would not be a good match, I will let you know. If your dog is aggressive, I will communicate this with you in hopes of reaching a care plan together. However, I do reserve the right to refuse to walk any dog should I feel it best to do so.
How do you transport the dogs to the walk location?
I walk dogs local to their home so please feel free to recommend some of your dog’s favourite parks! My car is insured to transport pets and is ready for use when necessary but generally have found there’s always a great park nearby.
It’s bad weather today, are you still able to walk my dog?
Yes. I will be there rain or shine. If possible, please leave out a towel so that I can dry off and wipe down your dog to the best of my ability. If your dog dislikes walking in the rain, then I can change the slot to a home visit for the hour and keep them company indoors to break up their day. If a home visit isn’t an option at this point, then it will be treated as a cancellation and 100% of the original price will be charged.
PET SITTING
Do you offer Pet Sitting?
Yes - I do offer pet sitting upon request. Each request will be treated individually. I have very limited availability for pet sitting so please get in touch as far as in advance as possible to secure your booking. To send a pet sitting request, please fill out the Contact Form or email me at bookings@purrsandtails.co.uk. I currently do not have the facilities to board pets so pet sitting takes place in your own home. However, by offering pet sitting in this way, you know your pet has 100% of my attention and isn't getting stressed through being relocated.
Can my pet stay with you?
No. At this time, this is not a service I can provide. Maybe one day though! At the moment, I do not have facilities to board pets in my own home. However, by offering pet sitting in this way, you know your pet has 100% of my attention and isn't getting stressed through being relocated.
My pet has specific needs/behavioural issues, will you still be able to look after them?
This decision is made with both your pet and mine's safety and happiness in mind. Each pet is considered individually at the meet and greet. The meet and greets are always a great time to explain what your pet needs and how I can best cater to those needs. I will always look after your pet as if they were my own and try to maintain as much consistency as possible by following any specific instructions (commands, feeding times etc.), but with that in mind, if I feel that we would not be a good match, I will let you know. Failure to disclose behavioural issues beforehand is considered a breach of contract and future services may be cancelled.
HOURS OF WORK, PAYMENT, POLICIES AND INSURANCE
What hours do you walk?
My core hours are Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm, subject to availability. Please refer to my opening hours that can be found at the bottom of each page on the website. Pet visits run 7 days a week.
Do you offer out-of-hours walking such as evenings, weekends and bank holidays?
Yes. These are charged at different rates. Please get in touch to discuss your needs and I’ll be happy to help. Bank Holidays are charged at 2x normal rate and weekends are charged at +£2 per booking.
I only require occasional walks for my dog, not every week or every day, can you help?
Sure! I am happy to help whenever you need me subject to availability. Please try to give me as much notice as possible as with all bookings.
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How can I pay?
Bank transfer is preferable, but I do accept cash and card payment through the booking app.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please let me know as soon as possible. Depending on notice given, I reserve the right to charge 50% of the price quoted. If you cancel within 24 hours of the scheduled service, you will be charged for 100% of the price quoted.
How can I cancel?
You can cancel via the booking app, email or telephone. Please note the above cancellation policy.
Are you insured?
Yes. Purrs And Tails is fully insured, including key cover.
What security measures do you have?
Your keys are kept in a secure environment and without trace to the property they serve. Your personal information will not be shared or sold to any third parties in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Purrs And Tails is fully insured.
What do you do if there’s an emergency?
In the unlikely event of an emergency, I will immediately contact you and/or your assigned emergency contact. If necessary, I will contact your named vet or depending on the circumstances, the closest vet available.