| |
What does a dog walker do?
A dog walker comes to a pet owner's home and quite simply
takes your dog out for a walk and some fun. But this is only
part of what they can do. Experienced dog walkers can also
work with you to plan an exercise routine for your pet,
administer needed medications or just make sure Rover
gets a much needed mid-day break while you are at work.
They can also reinforce any obedience techniques you are
already using.
Are you insured and bonded?
Premier Pet Care Services (PPCS) is insured through the Pet
Sitters Association (PSA). In addition PPCS has a special
care, custody and control endorsement policy through the Pet
Sitters Association that is similar to being bonded.
How much does it cost?
Charges are based upon the length of the walk and the
frequency of service. To learn more see Dog Walking Fees.
Are there any contracts to sign?
No, however, you will need to sign a service agreement, which
gives PPCS permission to enter your property and or home.
You can start, stop or interrupt service with a 24-hour notice.
The service agreement also outlines our policies and
procedures.
Do I have to be home when you pick up or drop off my dog?
No. The only time you need to be present is for the initial
consultation visit which will be scheduled at a mutually
convenient time. At this first meeting we will be meeting your
dog(s), to determine if they are going to object to us entering
your home without you there and going over the service
agreement. The service agreement includes a clause giving
us permission to enter your home to pick up and drop off
your dog(s). At this time you will need to provide PPCS with a
duplicate set of keys.
Are there any requirements for my dog(s) to be accepted as a
PPCS clients?
Yes, for your dog's safety, as well as our staff's we require
dogs to have:
 | | ID tags
| | | Be neutered or spayed
| | | A strong leash
| | | Know basic obedience and have good recall
| | | Be on a flea prevention program to prevent cross
|
contamination between households
| | A well fitted collar or correcting harness if dog pulls
|
excessively (no chain collars or prong collars)
| | A non-aggressive nature and no known propensity
|
to bite
| | Up to date vaccinations (written proof from veterinarian
|
will be required for Distemper, Para influenza. Parvo
virus rabies, Bordatella and Leptospirosis)
| | A towel left by the door to wipe your dog(s) down after
|
walks on rainy or snowy days.
How do I get started?
Contact us via email or by phone at 734.620.4400 to set up a
free initial consultation. We will come to your home and
spend approximately 45 minutes giving you and your dog a
chance to meet us. At the consultation we will have you
complete some paperwork about your dog. It is important
that you give us as much information about your dog as
possible. This is to ensure that your dogs needs are met
and so that we can do our best to follow your dog's normal
routine.
How long are the walks?
Walks can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 60. We
tailor our walks to meet your dog(s) needs. Contact us for
walks of a long duration.
Do I have to be home when you pick up and drop off my dog?
Only for the initial consultation which will be arranged at a
mutually convenient time. At that time we will be collecting a
duplicate set of keys from you to let ourselves in and out of
your home, with your permission of course.
Do I need a dog walker every day?
The American Veterinary Society recommends your pet get
a moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis. PPCS
will tailor our services to meet your and your dog's needs
whether that's one day a week or five days a week.
How many dogs are walked at one time?
PPCS has a policy that restricts our walkers from walking
any more than three (3) dogs at one time for the safety of
your dog(s), our staff and the public.
Do you only do private walks?
The majority of our walks are private with only dogs from the
same household being walked together. However, under
certain circumstances we will, if requested, consider walking
up to three (3) dogs from separate households. Certain
criteria must be met in this circumstance. To learn more
about this service see Barking Buddies.
Where do you walk the dogs?
Dogs are walked in their own neighborhood unless there are
safety issues such as lack of sidewalks, construction, etc.
If this is the case we will discuss alternate arrangements
with you.
How does payment work?
You will receive a monthly statement for services rendered
the previous month. Payments may be made by cash, check
or money order. We are currently arranging for credit card
payments through Paypal on our website and will notify
clients when this option becomes available.
What if I want to skip a day, a week or a month?
This is not a problem. You may start, interrupt or discontinue
service at any time with a 24-hour notice without penalty.
Do you ever leave dogs unattended?
No, absolutely not.
Do you provide daily updates on my dog(s).
A small form will be left so that you know that we were there.
If anything unusual occurred during the walk or we have any
concerns about your dog it will be noted on the form that we
leave. If the situation warrants it, you will receive a phone
call either from the walker or our office.
When the weather is very hot, are the dogs given water?
Absolutely, our walkers carry water with them at all times.
We do ask, however, that you provide a lightweight portable
collapsible travel bowl for your dog. To prevent cross
contamination we do not provide bowls.
Do you walk the dog(s) if it is raining or snowing?
We always have your pet's safety in mind, as well as, our
employees. But yes, we will walk in rain or snow. We
recommend getting your dog a waterproof lined coat for
these types of weather conditions and leaving a towel
near the door to allow us to wipe your dog(s) off when
we return from the walk. If we see that they are struggling
with the conditions we will cut the walk short and play with
them in your yard or home.
Do you walk in extreme temperatures?
If we feel the temperature, including heat index and wind
chill factor, is to severe to walk safely we will let your dog(s)
out to eliminate and then visit with them in your yard or in
your home.
What happens when extreme weather conditions exist?
We will do everything in our power to reach your home and
pet, however, there may be occasions where walks will be
cut short or cancelled due to extreme weather and road
conditions. We do not want to compromise your dog's
safety or our own. If this should ever happen, we will contact
you immediately to let you know. At the time of our initial
consultation with you we suggest that you provide a
neighbor with an emergency key for just this type of situation.
What do you recommend for very young, elderly, injured, sick
or homebound pets?
Our Daily Diversions service was designed specifically for
these pets. It is a combination of intense affection,
snuggling, cuddling, and when appropriate, play and fun.
What if there is and emergency with my dog?
Our walkers carry cell phones at all times, your emergency
contact number and your veterinarians number. All clients
are required to complete a veterinary release form during
the initial consultation. We will make every effort to contact
you to receive instructions before we take your dog in for
medical care. However, in emergency situations or when
you cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to take your dog
to the veterinarian. In addition, the American Red Cross has
certified our dog walkers in Pet First Aid.
Do you walk dogs in the part?
Generally we walk your dog in it's own neighborhood. If there
is a park bordering your neighborhood we will gladly walk
your dog through it.
|
