Q. What is a consultation visit and why is it necessary?

A. If this is your first time using Canine Concierge’s services, we will need to conduct a preliminary consultation with you and your pet. This consultation is completely complimentary, and is for your pet’s benefit, as much as it is for yours and ours. We ask that you schedule the consultation at least one week prior to the start of the contract/services. At the time of the consultation, we will be happy to discuss our rate plans and packages, the services we offer, and answer any questions you have to put your mind at ease. We will discuss your pet’s needs, habits and medical history. Most importantly, we will be able to see how your pet responds to his or her new dog walker! Again, this consultation is for your benefit as well, and upon its conclusion it is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not you would like to use our services.

Q. Do you need a copy of my house key?

A. When you choose to use Canine Concierge, we offer you the convenience of giving us access to your home/pet at your beckon call by allowing us to retain a copy of your house keys at our office. Your keys will remain in a locked safe and be coded for security purposes. We also ask that you provide us with any security codes of alarm systems you have enabled. We will keep these codes separate from your house keys and coded differently. If there is an emergency where you need us to check on your pet, we will be able to do so. After your initial interview, and upon signing our contract, we will ask you to provide us with a copy of your key. Then, whenever you are ready to use our services, we will be ready for you!

There is no fee to get set up.

Q. Are you bonded and insured?

A. Canine Concierge is fully insured through Century Surety Company and bonded through Travelers Casualty & Surety Company. You are welcome to request a copy of our policy at any time before or during your service period.

Q. Where did you gain your knowledge and experience with pets?

A. Our knowledge and experience comes from the best teachers on this subject—the pets themselves! Although we continuously educate ourselves on pet care, animal behavior, pet first aid and other research, nothing has prepared us more for the care of your pets than has the care of our own pets. No matter how many books you read on the subject, owning many different types of pets is the best way to gain knowledge, experience and that maternal (or paternal!) instinct that all pets adore!

Q. Can you administer medication to my pets?

A. We are able to administer medication at no additional charge. We will note the time and dosage of the medication on your daily report. We ask that you keep all medications in a room or cabinet that your pet does not have access to at any time. We will discuss your pet’s medical history and medicinal needs during the initial consultation, but we ask that you notify us immediately if any of that information should change.

Q. What are your business hours?

A. We are available to care for your pets 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you are away on vacation and have contracted with us under the Bon Voyage vacation package, we will accommodate your pet’s needs before, during or after our scheduled business hours, as necessary.

Q. Do you conduct business on Holidays?

A. Yes. We are available on all major Holidays to care for your pets.

There is an additional fee for pet sitting and boarding on Holidays (see "Rates" for details).

Q. Do you provide any discounts if I have more than one pet under your care?

A. Yes. Each additional pet you need cared for qualifies for a reduced rate. Each additional dog is $3.00 per visit and each additional cat (or other small pet) is $2.00 per visit. For three or more dogs, a one hour minimum applies. This will allow us to spend an optimal amount of quality time with each pet.

Q. What is your reservation and cancellation policy?

A. Ideally, we would like at least one week’s notice before our first visit, during which time we will meet with you and your pet for a complimentary consultation. After that, reservations made within 24 hours of a scheduled visit will be charged a $5 per visit surcharge. Reservations cancelled after 8 am the day of a scheduled visit will not be refunded and will be invoiced in full.