Frequently Asked Questions
- Okay, I need a dog walker, what do I do?
- Can I be sure you'll accept my dog for walking?
- What about the other dogs my pet will walk with? Are they safe?
- Are dogs walked on lead or off lead?
- Will my dog be walked any time of year, regardless of weather?
- What happens if you're sick or unable to walk my dog?
- Can I cancel my walk for a day if I'm going to be home or my dog is sick?
- How much notice do I need to give to arrange walking or pet care?
- Okay, I need pet care... what do I do?
- What days/hours is Wholedog available?
- I love your service, do you have any promotional material I can have?
Okay, I need a dog walker, what do I do?
You can contact us and we'll set up an appointment to discuss you and your pet's needs. If you feel Wholedog is a good fit for your family, we'll complete a Dogwalking Agreement which includes contact information and details of your pet's individual needs as well as our guidelines. We will also need a copy of your home keys to be able to pick up and drop off your pet for walking.
Can I be sure you'll accept my dog for walking?
Generally we're happy to walk any dog. However it is important that your dog be social as dogs are walked in larger group environments. They should respond to basic commands (e.g. answer to their names, sit and stay.) Other considerations are that your pet should be in good health if they are joining us for our vigorous hike, be vaccinated, and be spayed or neutered over the age of 6 months.
What about the other dogs my pet will walk with? Are they safe?
As with your pet, any dog we walk is vetted for aggressiveness and any potentially communicable health issues.
Are dogs walked on lead or off lead?
Both. We feel a daily off lead walk is critical to a dog's physical and emotional health. We conduct off lead walks in public parks with legally designated off lead areas. But your dog's pack will also spend time on-lead learning and teaching how to heel and be mannered and undistracted in on-leash areas. Of course, if requested, we can accommodate full on-lead walks as well.
Will my dog be walked any time of year, regardless of weather?
In our experience dogs enjoy all kinds of weather and so do we. So regardless of temperature or precipitation we'll head outside. Of course if your pet becomes visibly chilled or uncomfortable we will ensure that the situation is quickly addressed. We'll also make sure that when your dog becomes wet they are dried off and reasonably cleaned up before being returned to your home.
What happens if you're sick or unable to walk my dog?
We endeavor to ensure that you are given ample notice in cases where we go on vacation or for any other reason are unable to walk your dog. If you agree, our association with other dog-walkers allows us to substitute a walker on those days or your dog may be rescheduled.
Can I cancel my walk for a day if I'm going to be home or my dog is sick?
Of course. But please give 24 hours notice by text or email.
How much notice do I need to give to arrange walking or pet care?
We require 5 days notice to arrange a new walking schedule, walking vacations or pet-care.
Okay, I need pet care... what do I do?
You can phone or email us and we'll set up an appointment to talk about you and your pet's needs. If you decide Wholedog is a good fit, we will arrange a 15 minute visit to our home with your dog or to your home with your cat to make sure she/he is comfortable. At this time you will be asked to fill out a Pet Care agreement. You will be given a copy of our guidelines and booked for the time you need. Book ahead! We only accept two pets at a time.
What days/hours is Wholedog available?
Our walking and daycare schedule is Monday to Friday with 2 walks available: 11am and 1pm. As we do not accept more than 6 dogs per walk, space is limited but we will do our best to accommodate your best time. Our vacation and kitty care schedule is 24/7.
I love your service, do you have any promotional material I can have?
Yes, all promotional material including our video can be made available upon request.