We’ve tried to answer all the obvious questions that may help you in choosing Carol the Dog Walker. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

How much do you charge?

See our full price structure on the Services page.

Do you offer a free consultation prior to booking?

No, we don’t. On the day of your first walk, one of the team will meet with you and your dog at your residence, quickly review any procedures, and head out with your pooch for a stroll! Other details about your dog, including routines, health, phobias, personality, feeding requirements, and any questions you may have, will be addressed prior to your first outing via our registration process. If you require a more extensive interview with Carol or one of the team, we will happily schedule a 30 min session and invoice you at our current walking rate.

When is payment due?

All clients are billed monthly at the end of the month.  Of course, HST (13%) is added and all prices are in Canadian dollars.

What if I have multiple dogs?

We’ll take them! Additional dogs within any one household can come along for a flat fee. See our Services page for the full price structure.

How many dogs are walked at any one time?

Most of our walks are private or with 1 other canine if we have a suitable compatible companion. For any off leash play time, our groups are carefully selected based on compatibility and play style.

Can my dog participate in a playgroup instead of going on a leash walk?

All dogs are walked privately as we build our relationship first. Then your dog can be assessed for playgroup suitability. If we think your dog will fit in well with one of our groups, then we will arrange some introductions in a neutral setting with 1 or 2 of the regular playgroup dogs. Introductions are kept short and with smaller numbers in order to not overwhelm your dog and to ensure a successful and happy play time.

Will I meet my dog walker?

Anytime! Just ask for a meeting before a new team member is introduced to your dog. This will be billed as would a regular outing with your dog. Thank you for respecting our time.

Do you arrange picking up and dropping off the dogs?

We collect your dog from your home/place of work at an agreed time frame and then return them after their walk or playtime.

Are you insured?

Yes. Carol the Dog Walker and her team are fully insured. Feel free to ask to see a copy of our insurance certificate.

Do I need to be home when you collect or drop off my dog?

No. Most clients are comfortable sharing a set of keys (3 copies preferred) with Carol the Dog Walker to enable us to collect and drop off your dog even if you are not home.

Do you do off-hours walking?

Yes, but please contact us to discuss. Surcharges apply. See our Services page for the full price structure.

What do I do if I need to add a walk at the last minute?

Please contact us by email or telephone as soon as possible and we will accommodate the extra walk(s) if we can (surcharges apply; please see our Services page for the full price structure). We are always happy to help!

What do I do if I need to cancel?

We try to be understanding for unexpected life events but some fees may be applicable in your situation.  Please refer to our Services page for the policy details and charges for cancellations.

What do you do in case of an emergency?

In the unlikely event of an emergency, we will immediately contact you. If veterinary assistance is needed, we will take your dog to your dog’s vet if possible or to the nearest hospital. Note that if we are not registered with your vet as caregivers, they will not treat your dog until they contact you.

Will my dog be supervised at all times?

Yes. Your dog will be under constant supervision by one of of our experienced dog walkers.

Where do you walk?

In your hood! Playgroups are held in private fenced yards or in our “secret” fenced dog park with only the dogs in our care.

My dog has not been spayed or neutered, can he/she still be walked?

Of course! Dogs in heat however, may have to be walked individually and not attend their regular playgroup during this time.

What security measures do you have?

Your key, entry codes and alarm codes  are all kept secure and separated from personal information.

Your personal information will never be sold or discussed with any 3rd parties in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

What happens if my dog doesn’t get along with another dog?

We carefully select which dogs will walk or play together. If we find an imbalance within the group, we will switch accordingly. We want all of our dogs to enjoy their walk.

Do you offer your services on the weekends and statutory holidays?

Yes we do and surcharges apply. See our Services page for the full price structure.

How do you transport the dogs to the walk/play location?

Dog are safely transported in fully insured vehicles or by foot.

I only require occasional walks for my dog, not every week or every day, can you help?

Yes. We are happy to provide services as and when you require.  Please see our Services page for the full price structure.

My dog can be aggressive with other dogs or people and he has to wear a muzzle, can you still walk him?

Yes, dogs wearing muzzles can be walked. However, if they are overly reactive to other dogs, then a private walk will be required. Please consult the information about a specialty class offered by Carol the Dog Trainer called “Confidence and Composure” to help with these types of issues.

Would you stay overnight at a customer’s home to care for dogs?

Yes, if someone from out team is available and interested.  Otherwise, we are happy to refer you to someone who will provide this type of care for your dog.

We just got a puppy and we both work, what services do you provide for a puppy?

Puppies usually have to go out every 2-3 hours. For example if you are gone for 8 hours, we will come over twice during the day and let the puppy out, feed and cuddle the puppy. Having a dog walker for a puppy makes training much easier and we will work with you to instill good habits. We will also be happy to introduce them to other dogs on walks or to play once they have received at least 2 sets of vaccinations.

Can dogs stay with you?

Some of our team members will look after your dog in their homes; and we can also provide a list of trusted dog sitters and kennel references that our clients like.  Just ask and we will try to help out!

What happens in bad weather?

We walk dogs in all weather conditions! We will clean and dry your dog off as much as possible.  However, in extreme weather conditions the following policies take effect:

  • Extend the “last minute cancellation” time to 9:30 a.m. to give everyone a chance to get organized (walks cancelled before this time will not be billed)
  • Cancel all walks if someone is at home with the dog
  • Get to you as soon as we can in the most efficient way possible
  • Give all dogs a minimum 15 min pee break regardless of service that is booked (full service rates are billed)
  • Cancel all play groups and park outings
  • Cancel all walks if the Federal Government is closed due to weather

Cancel visits upon arrival if we are unable to safely reach your home, or find adequate parking nearby due to uncleared driveways, walkways or roads (full service rates are billed).

Do you walk dogs off the lead?

All dogs are walked on a lead. Group plays are off lead and are held in a securely fenced area.

Can you administer my pet’s medication?

Carol and her team are happy to administer oral medication for your pet(s), in accordance with your written instructions.

Do your services cater for all dog breeds?

We take each dog on its own merit and not on reputation of particular breeds. We meet all dogs before we walk them and each new dog is subject to a trial period. Any instances of aggressive behaviour will be investigated and we reserve the right to refuse to walk any dog.

Will you train my dog?

Yes, Carol is a professional dog trainer and will gladly help you with your training at any time. Carol can train your dog during their scheduled walk time (See our Services page for the full price structure) or meet with you privately for one-on-one training sessions. Check out Carol’s training website Carol the Dog Trainer for further information and group class training services.

When are you available to walk my dog?

Regular walking hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Weekday evenings, weekends and holiday bookings are available for regular clients and surcharges apply. See our Services page for the full price structure.