FAQs

What is a Meet & Greet and do I need one?

The Meet & Greet is a free meeting where the Walker/Sitter will come to your house to meet yourselves and your pets. We will talk you through the process and answer any questions which you might have. It is essential that this takes place before you are able to book our services as it give you a chance to meet us and have confidence that your pet is being left in good hands, but more importantly, it gives your pet a chance to get to know us to ensure they feel comfortable in our care.
How does billing and payment work?

You will be billed via our secure online portal at the time of booking. If you are a regular then we will be happy to set up a monthly schedule and payment scheme for you, this will save you time each month and secure your slots well in advance.
How do I book, cancel or reschedule?

All Bookings & Cancellations are done through our client portal which you will gain access to at the Meet & Greet. It is an AWESOME system and we will be happy to give you a walk through if needed!
What is your cancellation policy?

For Dog walking: If you cancel with over 48 hours notice then you will not be charged and if you have already paid then the money will be credited to your account. Any cancelations with under 48 hours notice will be charged in full. For House sitting & Smallholdings: If you cancel with under 72 hours notice you will be charged 50% and under 24 hours notice will be charged in full.
How do you gain access to my property?

We keep a key on file in a secure key safe in our property. To ensure maximum security your key will be kept secure and away from any personal information and no key can be identified to a property. In the event of your key being lost we will contact you immediately. Your personal data will never be sold or discussed with any 3rd parties in accordance to the Data Protection Act
What area do you cover? - Dog walking & House sitting

Below is a map of the area which we cover... inside the green is included in our standard rate. Outside of the green is subject to availability and will also have mileage added on.
What area do you cover? - Smallholding Holiday Care

Below is a map of the area we cover for Smallholding holiday care. Anywhere outside of the highlighted area is subject to availability and additional milage costs.
How do I know my pet/s have been walked/are okay?

Your trust in us is paramount! We strive to create super strong relationships between us and our clients, both human and animal, however we know that this takes time. Therefore, you will receive a daily visit report along with photos and/or videos of your pet having a smashing time!! You will also have the walker/sitters direct line so if need be, you can always check in and we will endeavour to get back to you ASAP. (please be aware that this might not always be straight away though, as when we are on walks our attention is 100% on the dogs)
Do you take bitches in season?

No, sorry. It is S&V's policy to never take a bitch which is in season
My dog is aggressive and has to wear a muzzle, can you still walk him/her?

Yes, we will take aggressive/socially challenged dogs however they WILL NOT be allowed to attend any group walks. They will have to be walked solo.
I only need occasional walks/pet sitting, can you help?

Of course! At our Meet and Greet you will be given access to the client portal, it is here that you can book services as and when they are needed.
What happens if my dog becomes unwell or injured?

If your dog becomes unwell or injured whilst in out care we will be sure to contact you and seek immediate veterinary care from your nominated vet. If we cannot get hold of you then we will go directly to your nominated vet and will continue to try and get through to yourself or your emergency contact until we are successful. More Information on this is included in your contract including pre-approval of any treatment up to your chosen amount (NOT including euthanasia)
When are the group walks?

Group walks are only offered Monday-Friday. I currently run 2 group walks per day, one in the morning around 10:00 and one in the afternoon around 13:00
What days do you offer daycare?

Day care is offered everyday, Monday-Sunday Please be aware though that if we have an Adventure day Scheduled (Sat/Sun) on the same day that you require Daycare then you will be charged at the Adventure day rate (+£10) as your dog will automatically be included in the adventure. If this is the case we will be sure to inform you prior to commitment.
Are any dogs allowed to attended day care?

No. Our day care is for sociable, neutered & Vaccinated dogs only. We assess each dog to ensure they will enjoy themselves and fit in will with the other dogs, We cannot accept dogs that will disrupt the group.
Can my puppy attend day care?

Yes! once your puppy is fully vaccinated then they are more than welcome! please be aware though that it can be a long day for little ones, so a one hour group walk may be better suited. In any case we will ensure your pup has an opportunity to nap and have lunch during the day.
What is different between Daycare and an adventure day?

Daycare is approx. 8 hours of care Adventure days are only 4 hours (not including travel time) For day care your dog will be collected at around 0800 and will attend all of the Group walks that day, They will basically shadow my own dogs for the day and become a temporary member of our family. Your pup will be returned home at approx 1600 clean and sufficiently tired out! Adventure days are there purely for adventure! Your dog will be collected around 0900 and will go on a 4 hour adventure, usually to the beach, forest or somewhere further afield. There can be up to an hour of travel to and from the destination. Your pup will then be returned approx. 1500 clean and sufficiently tired out! (Times vary depending on how far we travel)
What days do you offer Adventure Days?

Adventure Days are only offered on Saturday and Sunday.

Rules when house sitting

Here are a few of the most important house rules which we follow while house sitting.

#1

The sitter will not leave the property unattended for any period longer than 3 hours during daylight or thirty minutes after dark unless agreed to by the client. The sitter must stay in the residence until you are able to hand over to the Client or their representative unless the Client gives us permission to leave their property before their return.

#2

At no time is the sitter allowed to receive personal visitors at the Client’s property – not even close members of their family. Such meetings must take place off-premises.

The sitter will never let anyone into the house on whatever pretext until they are completely satisfied that they have a legitimate reason for being there.

#3

The sitter will keep all information about the Clients – their names, their movements, their property – strictly confidential.

The ability to be discreet is an important part of the trust we aim to build with our Clients.

#4

The sitter is not allowed to use the Client’s property for social or business purposes of any description. Irresponsible use of alcohol is strictly forbidden and smoking is never allowed in any part of the Client’s property.

The sitter will Return the property to its owners in a clean and tidy condition and Remember, we are not there as cleaners or animal trainers; the sitter is there to maintain the status quo, so will not change things around – the way we find it is the way the Client likes it.