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Meet & Greet
We realize that every dog's care
routine is unique so before we add a dog to our walking schedule we
request a meet and greet with the dog and owner. During the meet and greet we discuss the walking
schedule and the care routine. We collect contact information and
discuss how to handle emergency situations. We find out where the
cleaning supplies are kept in case the dog has an
accident in the apartment before we arrive. We talk about any issues of concern,
i.e., medical problems, aggression to other dogs, lunging at skateboards. We ask that
our online client information form be filled out and updated when there are changes.
Apartment Access
We ask our clients to provide us with 2 sets of house keys. One set is
handed to the walker each day at the beginning of the shift and is
returned to the office at the end of the shift. The other set is kept in the
office as back up. Each set of keys is marked only with the client's
Walking Doggies' account number and our phone number. For security
reasons the client's name and address and the dog's name is not
listed on the key tag. If the client prefers to leave the
keys with the building doorman we ask that 2 sets be left as well.
Walk Times & Time Windows
Walk times & time windows
will be set during the meet and greet. We ask our clients to give us
a 2 hour time
window in which to arrive, i.e., sometime between 12pm-2pm, or sometime between 3pm-5pm. The time
window makes it possible for the walkers to handle situations that
may suddenly arise such as cleaning up diarrhea in the
apartment of a sick dog or spending a little extra time outside with a dog who
didn't pee or poop by the end of the walk.
The Walking Team
If you're a busy dog owner
needing a walker you have two choices; you can either hire a dog walking
company or you can hire a solo walker. If you hire a company you will undoubtedly find a
rotating team of walkers. For your peace of mind the Walking Doggies' team is fully bonded
and all team members are familiar with the routine of all of our dogs. Each dog
is assigned a primary and a secondary walker. Although we do our best to send
the primary walker to cover each assigned dog it is not always
possible due to last minute schedule changes, vacations and sick
days. In those situations the secondary walker takes over. Here are
some advantages to hiring a dog walking company over a solo walker:
Dog
Walking Companies:
Usually
members of pet care associations that monitor how they do business.
Solo
Walkers:
Usually operate alone without the benefit of professional affiliations.
Dog
Walking Companies:
Most are insured and bonded, with insurance policies designed
specifically for
the pet care industry.
Solo
Walkers: Most
don't carry insurance, and offer no coverage in the event of an
accident or injury.
Dog
Walking Companies: The
majority operate as legal entities, i.e., Inc, LLC, and as such
offer increased protection to pet owners.
Solo
Walkers: The
majority are individuals without the benefit of a business
structure.
Dog
Walking Companies: There
is always a team member available to cover the schedule
regardless of extenuating circumstances.
Solo
Walkers: There
may not be coverage available if a solo walker suddenly gets sick, goes on
vacation or has a last minute schedule change.
Payment for Services
Payment for all services can be made by check payable to Walking
Doggies LLC. Payment for walking services is due each Monday for the current week.
The walker will collect the check and bring it to the office at the
end of the shift. Payment for boarding and walking packages is due
upon scheduling those services.
Canceling Walks
To cancel a scheduled walk and
receive credit please contact Laura Herschman (not your dog walker
or pet sitter) no later than 24 hours before the scheduled walk
time. If we do
not receive 24 hours notice we ask that you pay for the walk.
Standard rates apply if the walker arrives at your apartment to find
your plans have changed and you don't need the walk or the dog's not
there.
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