Dog Walking
How many dogs do you walk at one time?
We only walk one owner’s dog(s) at a time to ensure we give them our full attention at all times. Your dog will still get the opportunity to socialise with other dogs on their walk if they wish to do so, it just means that we know where they are and what they are up to! We are happy to walk your dog(s) off lead (only in the park of course!), with your written consent and once we are happy that your dog has good recall with us. All dogs walked by us are required to be microchipped and wear a disc supplied by the owner with their contact details on (not the dog’s name for security reasons).
Do you use vehicles to pick up dogs?
No, all dogs are picked up and delivered back on foot
Where do you walk dogs?
Depending on where you live, local to you in Dorchester. It could be the park, the fields, along the river, or whether your dog loves to go!
Do you pick up after the dogs?
Yes, we provide bags to clean up after the dogs.
Are you fully insured?
Yes, we are fully insured with Public Liability Insurance with cover up to £1,000,000 & Professional Liability of £1,000,000.
Are you qualified?
Yes, we are qualified to Diploma level in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.
Can we leave a key with you?
Of course, all keys are kept in a secure place and are only identifiable by us.
Do I have to book regular walks?
No, not at all. We can walk on a regular basis for you or just occasionally depending on availability.
How do we book with you?
You can either call us on 07951 159111 or contact us by email for your free initial consultation.
What method of payment do you accept?
Ideally, we would prefer bank transfer.
Will I receive an invoice?
Yes, an invoice will be emailed to you. Payment is required on receipt of invoice.
When do I pay?
Payment is on receipt of our invoice.
What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am until 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am until 1 pm. We are open for emergencies for current clients only on Sundays.
Do you offer bookings at short notice?
We will try our best to accommodate your request.
What happens in an emergency?
In the unlikely event of an emergency, we would contact you (or your designated contact) immediately and if veterinary help is needed, we will take your pet to your own vet or the nearest vet depending on the circumstances.
Got a different Question? Then give us a call and let us answer it.
Pet Sitting/ Home Visit
How many visits a day do I need for my pets?
Ultimately it is up to you to decide how many visits per day are needed. We can help you decide how many is ideal. The most common number is three visits per day, for customers who are out of town. While at work, one or two visits a day may be perfect. Dogs that have ready access to the outdoors via pet door can have two or even one per day, depending upon feeding routine. Crated animals require a minimum of three sits per day. Cats and other, more self-sufficient animals may be seen once per day or more often for companionship.
Can you administer medications?
Yes at no charge.
How many pets are included in your base prices?
Our base price includes a maximum of two animals, with a fee per additional animal. Medication is administered is at no additional charge.
Will my dog see the same sitter every visit?
Yes, as this means that your pet your sitter will be familiar with your pet, ensuring the highest level of service and coverage possible.
Are you fully insured?
Yes, we are fully insured with Public Liability Insurance with cover up to £1,000,000 & Professional Liability of £1,000,000.
Are you qualified?
Yes, we are qualified to Diploma level in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.
Cat Sitting
How often will you visit my cat?
We can visit your cat as many times as you like. But usually we visit once or twice a day depending on your preference. For most cats, one visit a day is fine, but if they required medication or you’d like them to have a little more TLC then we can visit twice per day. And you can mix and match it if you like. So maybe one visit a day, with 2 visits every third day. Whatever works for you.
How long do visits last?
Visits typically last about 30 minutes, but this is somewhat dependant on how receptive your cat is to strokes and cuddles. When we visit we will put down fresh food and water, change the litter, collect the post and do basic house plant watering. We will always look to have some playtime with your cat and if they are hiding under the bed we will try to gently coax them out. However, if they are happy where they are we will make sure they are OK and then leave them be.
What time do you visit?
If you just want a single visit, that will happen in the morning, generally before 10.30. If you would prefer an evening single visit we can do that too. If you have a timer, we’re very happy to set that for another meal.
My cat requires medication for a health condition. Can this be administered?
Yes we are experienced in providing basic medication. We would need detailed instructions on how the medication is to be administered. We are happy to discuss any requirements your cat may have and generally most needs can be met.
I’m a little concerned about leaving the keys to my home with a stranger, how do I know my pet carer is trustworthy?
Our pet sitters are enhanced DBS (CRB) checked. We only employ people who have a wealth of experience in caring for cats and dogs.
Prior to any cat sit taking place your pet sitter will visit you at your home to talk through your requirements and meet your pets. You are under no obligation to go ahead with the booking at this stage. If you have any concerns at all please let us know and we will find an alternate pet sitter.
Would it be possible for someone to water my plants while I’m away?
Absolutely. We are very happy to carry out basic plant watering. In addition we can open/ close curtains and turn lights on/ off to make your home look lived in. During the winter we can turn your heating on and off to ensure your pipes don’t freeze. If you have specific or complex care needs, there may be a slight extra charge but we do our best to keep charges to a minimum.
What happens if I’m delayed returning home from my holiday, will you continue to visit my cats?
Of course. We consider your cats our responsibility until we have had confirmation you are home and unless we hear from you we will continue to visit. Therefore we would ask that you call or send us a text or email to let us know you have returned safely from your trip.
Do you provide this service for animals other than cats?
Yes, our pet-sitting service is suitable for all types of small animals. Over the years we have cared for snakes, lizards, hamsters, rabbits, and spiders to name but a few. However, in our experience this service is not suitable for dogs as they miss the company of humans too much. So if you require care for your dog you may want to consider our house-sitting service where we will come and stay at your home making sure all your pets are looked after and giving you total peace of mind.
What is the payment procedure for cat sitting?
Once you have met with your pet sitter and you’re happy to go ahead we will email you an invoice. We ask that this invoice be paid prior to the cat sitting commencing. We accept payment by card payment through the website or call to make payment, or bank transfer.
Are you fully insured?
Yes, we are fully insured with Public Liability Insurance with cover up to £1,000,000 & Professional Liability of £1,000,000.
Are you qualified?
Yes, we are qualified to Diploma level in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.
House Sitting
Why use a live-in service?
A live-in pet sitting service offers the ultimate peace of mind. You do not need to worry about animals fretting whilst away from home out of their own routine. Having a sitter stay is much less stressful for your pet and in many cases they thrive in our care! Our sitters will lovingly give them their undivided attention and generally spoil them rotten in the process. They are walked according to their own routine; in fact often over and above this (health permitting) as we are keen walkers! Your house will also be cared for and kept clean, tidy, and aired whilst gardens are maintained and watered.
I don’t have any pets; can I still use your service?
Yes! We regularly care for larger properties without pets and are used to dealing with their particular requirements. In cases of probate of house sales we are able to provide long term care and property management services. Please contact us for further details.
How can I be sure my dog will settle with your sitters?
There is no absolute guarantee that your pets will settle with our sitters. However, we are animal lovers and we always arrange a prelim visit prior to your first sit so that your pets can get to know the sitter. We do a lot of work with nervous or rescue pets and are happy to arrange a few visits if required. Some clients also choose to have a ‘test run’ prior to the sit and leave their pets for just a few days. Unlike many similar companies we are more than happy to arrange this for you as it can be beneficial to everyone concerned.
Will I get to meet the sitters prior to the sit?
Except from in the case of an emergency you will always meet your sitters prior to any booking as we feel this is essential. We will try and arrange this visit as soon as possible for your own peace of mind. This visit gives you and your pets the opportunity to get to know your sitter and ensure they are suitable for you. In turn they will be able to get to know your pets, property and general routine. They will bring with them a Checklist which provides a run down of your requirements along with a Property Sit Information Sheet to note important details. If you would like to provide your own detailed notes this would also be welcomed!
What if I feel the sitter is unsuitable after the prelim?
We work hard to ensure that we will match your requirements. However, there can very occasionally be times where you may not find us suitable for whatever reason. If this is the case, please do not hesitate to contact us and you are free to look for an alternative, no explanation necessary.
How will the sitters spend their time?
While staying in your home sitters will care for it as if it were their own. They will ensure the house remains clean, tidy and aired and will do day-to-day household chores ensuring plants are watered, telephone messages taken, callers politely dealt with and gardens maintained. They will care for your pets are per their normal routing according to the instructions given to them on your checklist and during your prelim visit. If you would like your sitters to complete tasks which could be considered ‘over and above’ standard care simply let us know and we can discuss arrangements with you.
What happens if there is a problem on a sit?
If the problem is with the property we will refer to the instructions and contact details supplied to us on your Property Sit Information Sheet. If you have supplied a contact for basic repairs we will contact them an make necessary arrangements. If no details are present we will contact a locally sourced supplier to ensure household repairs are rectified immediately. We will of course endeavor to contact you to make you aware of the situation, especially in the case of major repairs. If there is a concern with one of your pets we will contact your vet immediately and arrange for treatment. Our sitters are all professional and capable of dealing with any eventuality.
What do I do about food for the sitter?
We will provide all own own food along with bedding and towels. We will not use your stores.
What do I need to provide for the sitter?
In accordance with our standard terms of booking your sitter will provide their own provisions. They will bring their own bedding and towels etc unless alternative arrangements are made. It would be useful if you could provide them with a little hanging space along with space in your fridge/freezer.
What if my return is delayed?
We always try to be as flexible as possible so if your return is delayed for any reason simply contact the sitter or our office and let us know. It is our policy for sitters to not leave the property until they know that clients are near to home unless you can make arrangements for a third party to take responsibility. In no circumstances would we leave an animal without care. If a sitter was due at another assignment alternative arrangements would be made.
Are you fully insured?
Yes, we are fully insured with Public Liability Insurance with cover up to £1,000,000 & Professional Liability of £1,000,000.
Are you qualified?
Yes, we are qualified to Diploma level in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.
Paws & Paths, Dorchester 