FAQs

I cover Hillsborough, Wadsley, Loxley, Wisewood, Stannington and Walkley for cat sitting and regular dog walking. If you’re not sure whether I cover your area, get in touch for information.

Get in touch with details of the service you’re looking for and I’ll let you know if I can help. The next step is to have a Meet and Greet where I’ll come to see you and your pets in your home. We can chat about my services in detail, discuss any need for a trial period and complete my booking form to confirm everything. I’ll then send you a copy of your form, set up a WhatsApp group for sending updates and invoice you if appropriate.

Trusting someone with the care of your furbaby and the keys to your home is a big step and I will do all I can to reassure you that your pets, and home, are in safe hands. I am fully insured and will bring a copy of my insurance certificate with me to the meet and greet along with a copy of my clear DBS (fka CRB) check to show that I do not have a criminal record. For further reassurance I can provide references on request – do take a look at some of my clients’ testimonials too.

I attach colour-coded key tags to each key and mark them up with the name of the dog, cat or small pet who lives there. I never attach a client’s name or address to a key. Whilst out walking I keep all the keys I need for the day attached to me. When not in use, keys are kept safe in my home – they are never stored in the car.

I run two group walks every day, Monday to Friday. Pick-ups and drop-offs are timed around the middle of the day to ensure that your dog’s day is broken up whilst you’re out at work ensuring that you come home to a happy and settled pooch. Get in touch to find out more.

Most of my group walks take place on Wadsley Common, but I also like to go to Bolehills, Rivelin Valley and Hillsborough Park. The safety of the dogs and the general public is paramount so the location will mostly depend on the size of the group I’m walking, and their personalities.

I walk a maximum of 6 dogs in a group.

I have an MPV which is kitted out with crates and guards to ensure the dogs travel safely and in comfort.

Most of my clients have regular walks booked in every week, but I do take adhoc bookings too. They’re subject to availability so offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

As long as your dog demonstrates good recall, I’ll happily walk her off-lead. Depending on the dog I might start with a longline to test recall first; we can discuss details when we meet.

No, I always carry poo bags along with high-quality and grain-free treats.

I choose not to use balls or other toys on walks because some dogs have resource guarding issues and introducing toys into a group of dogs can cause arguments.

Each new dog wanting to join my walks will initially go on a short trial. This is to ensure that your dog will get on with the dogs I currently walk and that I am going to be a good fit for him. The safety of the dogs is key, but I also need to ensure everyone enjoys their walk too.

If it’s forecast to hit 25C or above, my hot weather policy will be implemented. I’ll offer earlier walks and extra visits to break up the day alone at home. If we have a heatwave and it’s too hot to walk in the morning I’ll offer a series of visits instead. Your dog’s safety is key and I will not walk any dog if I feel it’s too hot for them.

As long as the roads are clear I walk in all weathers; rain, wind, thunder, and snow. If your dog doesn’t cope well in extreme weather (such as wind or thunder) just let me know and we can agree some alternative care for her on these days.

I’m out walking in all weathers so it’s inevitable that your dog will get muddy at some point! Once back at home I always do my best to towel dogs down and clean up muddy paws to help prevent them marking your carpets and furniture.

You must notify me when your dog comes into season as I will need to stop walking her immediately. Depending on my current schedule I may have capacity to offer visits as an alternative. I do not walk dogs on heat as there are too many risks; not only to your girl, but to any dogs walking in the area.

Yes, I’ll send you daily updates to let you know how your pets are doing, along with pictures. If you’d rather not receive these updates, just tell me when you make the booking.

Dog sitting is an alternative to kennels and boarding as it allows your dog to stay in her own home. Instead of your dog moving out, I move in to ensure there is minimal disruption to her routine.

I am primarily a dog walker so I’m out for most of the day, Monday to Friday. If your dog is a regular on my dog walks then he will continue to join me on his group walks to break up his day. Otherwise, we can discuss a range of options when you make the booking.

In order to keep your dog happy and settled, I like to keep to your dog’s routine as much as I can. I also make myself at home – if I am unsettled your dog will be too! Please leave me with your wifi code, a bit of space in the fridge for my food and instructions on how to use the heating. In return, I’ll clean up after myself, take good care of your home and strip the bed before I leave.

Yes, I’ll send you daily updates to let you know how your pets are doing, along with pictures. If you’d rather not receive these updates, just tell me when you make the booking.

I time my visits around my dog walks so an AM visit will take place any time between 8&10 and my PM visit will be between 4&6. If your pets only need one visit a day, it will probably be a PM visit.

Along with saying hello to your cat, feeding her and topping up all water bowls, I’ll give the litter tray a quick spruce. If you’re away for more than just a couple of days I can change the litter tray too. And, if you’ve booked in two visits a day I can help look after your home by opening and closing curtains at morning and night.

Yes, I’ll send you daily updates to let you know how your pets are doing, along with pictures. If you’d rather not receive these updates, just tell me when you make the booking.

I time my visits around my dog walks so an AM visit will take place any time between 8&10 and my PM visit will be between 4&6. If your pets only need one visit a day, it will probably be a PM visit.

Along with saying hello to your pets, feeding them and topping up all waters, I’ll give their hutches or cages a quick spruce. And, if you’ve booked in two visits a day I can help look after your home by opening and closing curtains at morning and night.

Yes, I’ll send you daily updates to let you know how your pets are doing, along with pictures. If you’d rather not receive these updates, just tell me when you make the booking.