FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED AT THE FIRST CONSULTATION AND IS IT FREE?

Yes, the first consultation is free - it is an opportunity for me to meet you and your dog(s), to show you my paperwork and to gather the required information, should you decide to take up our service.

You will need to provide the following details:

information on your dog (eg. breed, age, sex, behavioural issues)
your dog's insurance details and microchip number
your contact details and emergency contacts
name and contact details of the vet you are registered with
evidence of up to date vaccinations (eg. from the vaccination record)
date of your bitch's last season (if relevant)
access details for your property (eg. key code or key) if we are picking up pr dropping off your dog while you are out

CAN YOU LOOK AFTER MY DOG IF THEIR VACCINATIONS AREN'T UP TO DATE?

In line with our licensing regulations we must see your dog's vaccination record at the first consultation to ensure your dog is protected against parvovirus, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus), leptospirosis, and other relevant diseases. We also recommend dogs have had the kennel cough vaccination if they are to board with us.

MY DOG IS NERVOUS OF OTHER DOGS, WILL YOU STILL TAKE THEM?

We can discuss this with you at first consultation as your dog may be more suited to a solo walk. Dogs in our care are subject to a trial period to ensure they, you and we are all happy.

MY DOG HASN'T BEEN NEUTERED, WILL YOU STILL ACCEPT HIM?

Yes, on a trail basis initially. However, if he is aggressive or overly amorous towards other dogs, he may be more suited to solo walks and we can discuss this.

IF MY BITCH IS IN SEASON, WILL YOU STILL TAKE HER?

When in season, unneutered bitches cannot be accepted.

HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU WALK AT ONCE?

We aim to give all dogs in our care the utmost attention while still being able to keep control of the pack, so our decision on the number of dogs we walk will always be based on this and our knowledge of the dogs in our care that day.

HOW DO I BOOK YOUR SERVICE?

Either by contacting me by phone or email - or by using the contact form on our website.

During the day I may be out with the dogs giving them my attention - and may also be in areas of poor mobile signal. If I do not answer, please leave a voicemail with your request and contact details and I will get back to you before 7pm that evening. Emails will be answered within 24 hours.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

If you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, please call or email (marking 'cancellation' in the subject line) to confirm cancellation as soon as possible. A cancellation fee of 50% is in place for cancellations made within 24 hours of the commencement of the booked service.

If you do not cancel the service and we attend to collect your dog but are unable to do so, you will be fully charged for the booked service.

IS THERE A PROBATIONARY PERIOD?

Yes. Your dog will attend on a trial basis for the first four bookings to make sure that you, the dog and we are happy with our relationship. A socialisation meeting is completed with myself and my dog, Jasper, prior to confirming a home boarding booking.

HOW DO I PAY FOR SERVICES?

Regular customers will be invoiced on a weekly basis and payment will be by bank transfer.
For singular bookings, payment will be requested 24 hours in advance of the service, by bank transfer.
When making payment you should include your dog's name, your surname and date or week of service in the reference line.

MARKETING

We ask for your permission to share images of your dog on the website and other social media that may be taken when your dog is in our care. Should you give your consent the images may be used for marketing purposes. If you would prefer that your dog's image was not used, please indicate this to be the case.

WEATHER, HEALTH AND SAFETY

In adverse weather conditions there may be times when Ambleside Dog Walker may not be able to provide the service you have booked, for example, due to severe flooding or heavy snow. We may also cut walks short for health and safety reasons. In such instances we would do our best to give you advance notice.