GENERAL FAQs

My dog has bad joints/arthritis, how do I know he will be cared for?

I have a lot of experience with this from my own dogs, but also as part of my grooming training, I have been trained fully in how to handle elderly, arthritic and infirm dogs.  I can therefore assure you that I will never over exert or pull around a dog with joint problems.  I also have a special dog ramp for my vehicle to allow the dog to get in and out in comfort, without having to jump.  I can also use this ramp for the grooming table. 

How will you gain access to my property?

I ask that you provide me with a spare key and a note of any burglar alarm codes.  I will keep the keys to your property in a safe locked place and never keep a note of your address with the keys.  Please see my terms and conditions for further details.  For your peace of mind, I have been police checked and I hold enhanced CRB disclosure.  I will of course return the keys to you on termination of my services or the end of the contract for pet-feeding.

What payment methods do you accept?

At this time I accept cash and cheques made payable to Furry Dogmother.  I request full payment in advance for dog walking and pet feeding, and upon completion of the grooming, pet taxi or microchipping service.

Will you come and meet my pets before booking services?

Yes.  All dog walking and pet feeding requests require an initial consultation and I will come and visit your animals in their home environment.  I can then assess each individual pet’s needs, and more importantly I will not be a stranger to your pets. 

Is there a contract to sign?

Not as such, but I do ask each owner to sign a copy of my Terms and Conditions before any services commence.  I will leave a copy of this with the customer.   I will not walk dogs off lead unless owners have given me their express consent do so and the dog has a strong recall command.

I am sick and at home and now do not require a visit from The Furry Dogmother to walk my dog or feed my pet.  How much notice do I have to give to cancel?

Wherever possible, I would require a minimum 24 hours notice to cancel any service.  This is because I book my diary in at least 1 week ahead.  For cancellations of less than 24 hours notice, charges may still be applied.

My pet requires regular medication with meals, are you happy to provide this?

Yes.  I will follow all instructions given by the owners with regards to administering any medicines to animals.

What if The Furry Dogmother is sick or is unable to provide the service I have requested?

In extreme circumstances when I am unable to get to you or provide the service you have requested, I will give you as much notice as possible but at least 24 hours.  However, wherever possible I will honour the agreement of the service requested.  I reserve the right to not walk a dog in severe weather conditions if I feel it is unsafe or inappropriate for the dog’s well-being and will advise the owner accordingly.  I can in these circumstances if possible, provide stimulation training at the dog’s home.

Do you provide day-care or boarding for dogs?

At this moment in time, I am not able to provide day-care or boarding for dogs.  However, this may be something I look to do in the future. At present, I provide pet-feeding and puppy care in the owners homes.  I can recommend some dog-sitters or crèche facilities for dogs in the local area if required so please contact me if you require any details.

Do you provide services 7 days a week?

For most services yes.  Here is a schedule of the appointment times available:-

Grooming :  Morning or afternoon appointments available Monday to Saturday.

Walking & Puppy Care:  Morning, afternoon, evening appointments available Monday to Saturday at normal rates, Sundays and Bank Holidays incur a small additional charge.

Cat Feeding & Small Animal Care:  Morning and evening appointments 7 days per week.  Bank Holidays incur a small additional charge.

I have booked you to feed my rabbits/guinea pigs while I am away but as I am away for a fortnight, will you clean out their hutches for me too?

I am happy to provide this extra service as many times as you require but there will be an additional charge of £6. Please discuss this with me at the time of booking.

I live outside of the areas that you cover, can you still provide services?

Possibly, but there will be an additional charge depending on your location to cover the extra cost of fuel and my time travelling and it also depends what else I have in my diary.  Please contact me to discuss.

I am elderly and house-bound, can you help me with my pets?

Yes of course.  This is one of the very reasons I have set-up this business. Please contact me for a discussion about the services you require.

I require a service for my pet(s) which you have not listed.  Can you help?

Please contact me with your requirements as if there is a service that you require that I am currently unable to provide, with my experience and contacts, there is probably somebody in the area that I know that may be able to help you.