FAQ – Frequently Arfed Questions

See our full price structure on the Services page.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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).

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

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

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.

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.

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.