Dog walking
Q: How many dogs do you walk at any one time?
A: Happy Hounds & Cooler Cats policy is to have a group size of no more than 5 dogs at any one time and we ensure that temperamentally as well as geographically suitable dogs are walked together.
Group walks are a fantastic way to socialise your dog and build their confidence and they gain greatly from this social aspect of their walks.
Q: Can I specify a particular time for my dog to be walked?
A: Our daily group walks are generally carried out between 11.30am and 2.30pm. We can never pinpoint the exact time but we endeavour to walk as near to any requested time as possible. However, please contact us to discuss your particular requirements and we’ll do our best to fit in with your needs.
Q: How long are walks?
A: All our walks are for a minimum of 1 hour, not including pick up and drop off. If your dog requires longer or shorter walks we can tailor a solo walk to your specific requirements.
Q: Where will my dog be walked?
A: All our walks are carried out in parks and green spaces where it is safe and interesting for your dog. We vary the locations in order to provide variety for your dog and each of our dog walkers has their own favourite places which they would be happy to discuss with you at your introductory meeting.
Q: My dog is nervous around other dogs, will you be able to walk him?
A: Yes. If your dog is very nervous around other dogs then we can provide solo walks. However one of the biggest benefits of group dog walking is how much it can improve your dog’s socialisation. Therefore if your dog is nervous but non aggressive we can start off with solo walks and then slowly introduce him/ her to an appropriate group of friendly dogs, a little bit at a time. We are often amazed how quickly dogs can gain confidence and settle into a group with a little support from one of our lovely dog walkers.
Q: Do I need to be at home when you collect or drop off my dog?
A: No, the majority of our clients are happy for us to hold keys for them which enables us to collect and drop of your dog while you’re not at home. All keys are kept in a secure location and will never be marked with anything other than the name of your dog.
Q: What happens in an emergency?
A: In an emergency we will contact you immediately to discuss the situation. If we are unable to contact you and urgent medical attention is required we will take your dog to your nominated veterinary practice or alternatively the nearest vet depending on the circumstances.
Q: Can I just have occasional walks?
A: Absolutely. We are very happy to offer ad-hoc walks and we are very flexible when it comes to booking. A text, email or phone call the day before will ensure a walk is booked or cancelled.
Q: Can I meet the person who will be walking my dog?
A: Yes. We strongly recommend that you have an introductory meeting with your dog walker at your home to discuss your requirements prior to walks taking place. These can be arranged at short notice for a time that is convenient for you.
Q: Will my dog be walked by the same person each day?
A: Yes. There may be the odd occasion due to illness or annual leave where we will need to switch walkers but this will not be done without your prior consent. The new walker will be fully briefed on your dog’s specific requirements and we will endeavour to arrange a meeting prior to the walks taking place. Under no circumstances will a member of our team enter you property without your permission.
Q: Are the dog walkers insured?
A: Yes. All HH&CC staff are fully insured and CRB checked. They also all undergo an extensive in house training programme.
Q: Will I be charged if I cancel a walk at short notice?
A: We are very flexible when it comes to bookings and 24hrs notice will ensure walks are booked or cancelled without incurring cancellation fees.
Q: Can you do evening and weekend walks?
A: Yes, we are happy to offer morning, evening or weekend walks. Please refer to our prices page for specific charges.
Q: Do I have to pay for walks upfront?
A: No. We invoice in arrears and send invoices at the end of the month for that months walks. We accept payment by cheque, credit card, debit card, bank transfer and direct debit.
Dog boarding
Q: Can I visit where my dog will be staying?
A: Yes. We strongly encourage a pre board meeting at the boarders home prior to any board taking place. These can be arranged a time convenient for you.
Q: I don’t have a car, so are you able to provide transport?
A: Yes, we can arrange transport for an extra charge. Please give us a call and we can give you a quote.
Q: How many walks will my dog get each day?
A: Generally most dogs we board don’t need more than two 1hr walks each day but we are happy to do more or less as is required.
Q: My dog requires medication for a health condition. Can this be administered?
A: Basic medication can be provided by our boarders. We would need detailed instructions on any specific medical conditions and on administration, and all our boarders are experienced with dogs. We are happy to discuss any requirements your dog may have and generally most needs can be met.
Q: Will my dog be staying with other dogs?
A: Our standard dog boarding rates are based on two dogs staying with a boarder at any one time. This will not always be the case but during peak times there is good chance your dog will have a friend for some or all of their stay. You can request to board your dog on his/ her own however this will be charged at the 2 dog rate.
Q: Are the dog boarders insured?
A: All of our pet carers are covered by Happy Hounds & Cooler Cats extremely comprehensive insurance policy.
Q: Do I need to provide food for my dog?
A: Yes. We ask that clients provide sufficient food for the duration of your dogs stay. If for any reason the food provided is not sufficient for the duration of the stay your boarder will of course purchase more and we would ask that you refund the cost of this directly to the boarder at the end of your dog’s stay.
Q: Is there anything else I need to provide with my dog?
A: Yes. We ask that you provide anything you think will help your dog settle in so bed, toy’s etc. In addition we would appreciate if you could provide your dog’s lead, harness if necessary and food bowls. This helps your dog feel familiar in his new surroundings as quickly as possible.
Q: What is the payment procedure for dog boarding?
A: Once you and your dog have met with your boarder and you’re happy to go ahead we will email you an invoice. We ask that this invoice is paid prior to your dog’s board commencing. We accept payment by cheque, credit card, debit card and bank transfer.
Q: Can you board puppies?
A: Yes, we are very happy to board puppies. We do charge a little extra for dogs under one year of age (please see our prices page.) and we will only accept puppies that are over 12 weeks old and are fully up to date with all of their vaccinations.
Cat sitting
Q: How often will you visit my cat?
A: Generally we visit once per day, however if your cats requires medication or you would like them to have a little more TLC then we are happy to visit twice per day.
Q: How long do visits last?
A: Visits typically last about 20 minutes, but this is somewhat dependant on how receptive your cat is to strokes and cuddles. When we visit we will put down fresh food and water, change the litter, collect the post and do basic plant watering. We will always look to have some playtime with your cat and if they are hiding under the bed we will try to gently coax them out. However if they are happy where they are we will make sure they are OK and then leave them be.
Q: My cat requires medication for a health condition. Can this be administered?
A: All our pet sitters are experienced in providing basic medication. We would need detailed instructions on how the medication is to be administered. We are happy to discuss any requirements your cat may have and generally most needs can be met.
Q: I’m a little concerned about leaving the keys to my home with a stranger, how do I know my pet carer is trustworthy?
A: We are extremely careful about who we employ and all our pet sitters have been thoroughly referenced and CRB checked. We only employ people who have a wealth of experience in caring for cats and dogs and they undergo our internal training course prior to starting work.
Prior to any cat sit taking place your pet sitter will visit you at your home to talk through your requirements and meet your pets. You are under no obligation to go ahead with the booking at this stage and if you have any concerns at all please let us know and we will find an alternate pet sitter.
In addition for peace of mind you may wish to visit our testimonials to see what some of clients have been kind enough to say about our service.
Q: Would it be possible for someone to water my plants while I’m away?
A: Absolutely. We are very happy to carry out basic plant watering. In addition we can open/ close curtains and turn lights on/ off to make your home look lived in. During the winter we can turn your heating on and off to ensure your pipes don’t freeze. If you have specific or complex care needs, there may be a slight extra charge but we do our best to keep charges to a minimum.
Q: What happens if I’m delayed returning home from my holiday, will you continue to visit my cats?
A: Of course. We consider your cats our responsibility until we have had confirmation you are home and unless we hear from you we will continue to visit. Therefore we would ask that you call or send us a text or email to let us know you have returned safely from your trip.
Q: Do you provide this service for animals other than cats?
A: Yes, our cat sitting service is suitable for all types of small animals. Over the years we have cared for snakes, lizards, hamsters, rabbits and spiders to name but a few. However in our experience this service is not suitable for dogs as they miss the company of humans too much, so if you require care for your dog you may want to consider our dog boarding service, where your dog will be cared for by one of our dog boarders in a home from home environment. Alternatively if you have a variety of pets you may want to consider our house sitting service where one of our pet carers will come and stay at your home making sure all your pets are looked after and giving you total piece of mind.
Q: What is the payment procedure for cat sitting?
A: Once you have met with your pet sitter and you’re happy to go ahead we will email you an invoice. We ask that this invoice is paid prior to the cat sitting commencing. We accept payment by cheque, credit card, debit card and bank transfer.