faqs

Q/ Is dog sitting in your home or mine?

A/ Dog sitting is when a dog carer goes to the dog’s home and stays the night with them in their own familiar environment. Dog boarding is when a dog is taken to a dog carer’s home and they must be registered with their local council to operate.

 

Q/ Do you take big dogs?

A/ Yes. It is the temperament and training of a dog that matters in terms of walks. However, the size and weight of a dog does need to be taken into consideration from a medical standpoint - whether the dog walker/carer is physically able to transport/handle the dog should it need first aid/medical treatment.

 

Q/ Can I get a quote for walks / sitting?

A/ Absolutely. Rates are based on time and service - a 20 min comfort visit is £10, a 60 min paired walk is £17 for one dog, a solo walk/visit is £20, and it’s £7 for each additional dog from the same household. Sitting is calculated by each 24hrs from the start time as £55 for one dog and £5 per additional dog, per night. You can see more about each under the tab ‘services’

 

Q/ We need someone who can do pop-in visits, is that something you offer?

A/ Yes. Our 20 min comfort visits are ideal for a cat, elderly dog, or if you’re only popping out for a few hours and would rather break up that time for them, or they need their meal in that time. Availability of these slots are limited.

 

Q/ Can you check in on and feed my cat?

A/ Yes! Although we prominently look after dogs, our ‘comfort visit’ option is available for cats too. During this visit they can be fed, watered, kitty litter tray cleared, and the carer will be available for play / pats, if the cat wants, it’s on the cat’s terms of course :) 

 

Q/ Our dog is a bit nervous and timid around large, bouncy energetic dogs, but fine with smaller, calmer breeds. Is this something you can accommodate with your dog services? 

A/ Yes! Charlie Paws was created with my own ‘Charlie’ in mind. He was a rescue, with his own quirks and insecurities. We offer solo, and paired walks to ensure they get the loving attention and consideration they need. And in-home sitting is the least disruptive to their routines and comforts, ensuring they can have a staycation of their own, in familiar surroundings, whilst you’re away.

 

Q/ We need someone to sit our dog later in the year, but she’s a bit apprehensive around new people. How could we prepare her for it?

A/ It’s completely understandable and considerate of you to not want her to feel that she’s being left with a stranger. Between now and then we can organise some walks, perhaps visits, and trial an overnight stay, to build up the time together and ensure it will be a familiar and comfortable experience for her. And then you will be able to relax knowing she is with someone she feels is a friend.

 

Q/ Our usual border/sitter has had to cancel, are you available by any chance?

A/ We tend to book out in advance but please get in touch to check availability for your dates. If we are to go ahead, we must arrange a pre-service meet & greet to ensure it’s a good fit etc, before a sitting can be confirmed. If you are not already a client, it is a good idea to go through this process and have a few familiarisation walks for your dog(s) to ensure you have a back-up should you ever need it in the future.

 

Q/ Are you taking on any dogs at the moment?

A/ We are, depending on your location, the dog’s temperament and your preferred days/times. Please get in touch with this information and we’ll take it from there. 🙂

 

Q/ I was wondering if you have any job vacancies?

A/ We are actually currently looking to add another member to our team! See our ‘Meet the Team’ page to access the link to the position description.

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​​​​​General T&C's

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Payment:

• 20% non-refundable deposit to be made at the time services are booked (this will only be returned in the case the booking is canceled by either party within 24hrs of the Meet & Greet- for new clients only) 

• Balance to be paid prior to the first service commencing (ie; the first dog walk/ visit / day of sitting)

• Payment to made via cash, or bank transfer (details provided on request)

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Last minute bookings (made within 2-weeks of required service):

All reasonable efforts will be made to accomodate the booking, however, due to the nature of the business and timing, there may be less flexibility and the sitting may have to fit around other booked commitments. These will be disclosed upfront and it is up to the client to agree to go ahead inclusive of these, or not book.

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Please Note:​

There is a 24-hour cooling off period after the Meet & Greet has taken place for either party (the dog owner, or dog walker/sitter) to decide whether going ahead is what they feel is in the best interest of all concerned. If up until 24hrs post-Meet & Greet it is decided that it is not a good match and the booking will not go ahead, any monies paid will be refunded, and keys returned.

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As an experienced, DBS checked and Dog First Aid trained dog walker and sitter - the care and services outlined above will be provided, however, as a walker/sitter isn't a dog trainer or behaviourist, pre-existing behavioural issues will not be addressed.

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Photos / videos of dog(s) may be shared on Social Media platforms. Please inform if you wish for the dog's name to be withheld. Owner's home location/privacy will be protected.

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FYI - Generally, dog walks & visits usually take place between 8am - 4.30pm.'Dog sitting' walks are reserved to take place in the morning before 9am, and in the afternoon/evening after 5pm, and therefore these slots may not be available for ad hoc requests.

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