Q: What are the advantages of a dog walker over daycare or kennels?

A: Doggie daycare can reinforce undesirable behavior in your dog and may cause anxiety from a new and ever-changing environment. Many common dog illnesses can also be contracted in the daycare and kennel environment, making it unsafe for puppies and some older dogs. A dog walker/pet sitter allows your dog to maintain their regular schedule in their familiar environment, while providing you both with the best possible personal attention and care.

Q: How do I set up service?

A: Send an email, fill out an inquiry form, or call during office hours to arrange for a free consultation at your home. During this time I’ll meet you and your pet(s), discuss your pets individual needs and the type of service requested, make sure they have proper ID tags and collars, and get 2 copied keys from you. I’ll also answer any questions you may have about me or the services I provide.

Q: What areas do you cover?

A: I am only providing dog walking services to the Daniel Island area. I DO NOT service the Shellring neighborhood on St. Thomas Rd., or any of Clements Ferry Road or Long Point Road.

Q: Are you Bonded and Insured?

A: Yes. House & Hound is insured and bonded through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC. 

Q: Do you have references?

A: Yes, available upon request

Q: Do you only care for dogs?

A: No, I also care for cats, fish, and other small animals. (I do not care for birds)

Q: Do you administer medications or injections?

A: Yes, and at no additional charge. I able to give all types of medicine including drops, pills, injections, ointments, lotions, etc. to all types of pets. 

Q: Do you only accept well-trained dogs?

A: No, House & Hound accepts dogs at whatever stage of learning they are at. Dog walking often helps with training. I like to know and use whatever commands and behaviors you and your pet are practicing so that I can reinforce the behaviors you want to see with your dog. I use basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” “off “, “lay down,” and “leave it,” and welcome your suggestions. In cases where a dog is unable to be easily controlled on a walk, I may ask that a different leash, collar, or harness be purchased to continue services.

Q: Can you walk my dog at 12:30 pm every day?

A: I’ll try my best. In order to make scheduling many clients every day possible, I require a two hour time window for every scheduled walk. Also be aware that 11am-2pm M-F is my busiest time. I will, however, work with a one-hour time window in exceptional cases such as: young puppies, dogs with specific medical conditions, and dogs that I walk more than once a day.

Q: Do you offer discounts? Have a referral program?

A:  No - discounts offered at this time. Yes - I offer a free walk or visit for every successful referral given. 

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: To be fair to other clients, I would appreciate cancellations as soon as you know you won’t need my services so I can book someone else. If you cancel pet sitting within 48 hours of the start date there will be a $25.00 cancellation fee. If you cancel pet sitting within 5 days over a major holiday you will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of original booking reservation. Midday dog walks may be cancelled by 9am on the day of the visit with no charge. 

Q: How do you bill for your services?

A: Payment is due at the beginning of each week for all regularly scheduled walks. This reserves your space in the regular schedule and gives you priority for your chosen days and times. Payment is due at the time of service for all one-time or occasional visits. 

Q: What types of payment do you accept? 

A: I currently accept checks. All checks should be made out to House & Hound.

Q: How do you ensure my pet’s safety?

A: Your pet’s safety is my top concern. All dogs are walked on-leash and never left unattended. During our initial consultation, please go over any health or safety concerns you may have with your pet.

Q: Where do we meet for the Meet ‘N Greet?
A: I come to your home for the initial complimentary Meet 'N Greet so that I can meet your pet in his or her familiar environment, learn where you keep food, treats, bowls, leashes, etc., test your keys. and go over any questions you may have. It will last approximately 20-30 minutes. 

Q: What’s the difference between a dog walk and a pet-sitting visit? 

A: A dog walk includes up to 2 dogs and basic feeding during regular business hours of 7am-9pm Monday-Friday. If you need an early morning, evening or weekend walk, have more than two pets, a more involved feeding routine, need pee pads changed and/or need a little more time spent at the house taking care of mail, plants, the pool, etc, you will need to schedule a pet-sitting visit.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!