WALKS
NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PET SITTING SERVICES
In order for a dog to be approved as a buddy in the Whiskers and Paws family, there are necessary requirements:
- Proof of current vaccinations including bordetella
- Flee prevention program from May to November
- All dogs must be neutered/spayed with the exception of puppies
- Dogs must be a minimum of 16 weeks after all their shots for group walks
- All dogs must have an id tag with their name and an emergency phone number at all time
Before providing you with our pet sitting services, we meet with all prospective clients and their pets at their home or where they will be picked up for the walk or getting their care during your absence. During this meeting we discuss with the client the pet’s personality and temperament so that we can determine which walk might best be suited for the dog, or which care will be best provied for your cat or other type of animal. There is also a one time fee of $15.00 plus GST for the "Meet and Greet meeting" . At the same time, we go over the forms to be filled out by you pertaining to information regarding your pet. We will also pick up the keys at the same time. Once a client and the company is in agreement of the type of services needed for your pet, when the services started, Whiskers and a Paws will keep in touch with you once in a while to let you know how your pet is doing during your absence. For a new dog who will be joining the dogwalking group, Whiskers and Paws will give your dog a two to three week trial period to ensure that the dog is adjusting well to the group and is manageable. At the same time Whiskers and Paws will give you periodic reports on your pet. If for any reason, your pet is not doing well with the group or is not manageable, Whiskers and Paws will give you a two week notice to allow you to find a new dogwalker.
GROUP DOG WALKING
We require that puppies starting in our groups have finished their entire series of puppy shots, and have been cleared by their veterinarian to be around other dogs. This is usually around four months of age. This is a very important time for a puppy to learn how to play with other dogs, how to behave in a group, and how to relate to new situations in the outside world. For this reason we encourage puppies to start going out with the group as soon as they have finished their shots, however we have dogs starting at all ages. It just may take older dogs a little longer to adjust to the routines. In order for dogs to be healthy and happy ,they need social contact with people and other dogs. Dog are taken in small groups of not more than 6 for their daily walk. Groups are determined by sociability, likes and dislikes, age and owner’s schedule as well as location. We keep the dogs in the same group of friends and with the same person. A dog’s routine is critical to their well-being.
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Whiskers and Paws is insured and bonded and is also a member of the All Canadian Pet Services Network who has a series of Rules and Regulations which the company has to abide by to be in good standing order with it's Pet Services Insurance. Please feel free to visit their website.
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The walks take place in safe areas and the running and playing normally takes place in dog parks or safe green space where allowed.
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Dogs are the groups depending on the days and who we have on specific days as part-time doggies. Dogs are never picked up at the same time everyday, it all depends on who is on the schedule and who gets picked up first and which park or area of town Whiskers and Paws will be going on a specific day. Weather is often a determining factor.
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Depending on the group’s interest, activity level and the weather, the walk is usually for 40 minutes to 1 hour. The emphasis for younger dog groups is usually more on running and playing, for the older dogs the emphasis is more on the walking. Water is always provided but not treats due to alot of dogs having allergies.
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An important issue to keep in mind, Whiskers and Paws is a "dogwalking" service and not a "grooming" service. It will do its best to keep your dog out of puddles, mud and burs, if possible, but please keep in mind that certain breeds of dogs live for these kinds of conditions. Whiskers and Paws is only able to give your dog a quick wipe upon its return if a towel is at the front, but cannot spend more than a couple of minutes doing so due to its tight scheduling.
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The walks take place in safe areas and the running and playing normally takes place in dog parks or safe green space where allowed.
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Dogs are encouraged to have fun in the safest way possible while not endangering themselves or others.
CANCELLATIONS FOR DOGWALKING
All cancellations for dogwalking must be given a 24 hour notice by a phone call at (613) 668-7387. You will be charged the regular fee if there is not a 24 hr notice no exemptions. If Whiskers and Paws goes to your home and the dog is not there, it will only wait for a few minutes and then leave due to the tight scheduling and the regular dogwalking fee will again apply.
RULES OF CONDUCT FOR GROUP DOG WALKING
Dogs are expected to be trained to follow certain rules of conduct while out with their groups
- Dog will be on leash to and from walk until a safe dog park or green space is reached for their play time
- Aggression and bullying is not tolerated
- If off leash in a park etc, dogs must stay within ball throwing distance of their walker
- Incessant barking while on the walks is discouraged
- We also require appropriate behavior when in the proximity of people and other distractions