Policies
Reservations
To help accommodate our client’s schedules we currently use a software program called Time to Pet. To make a reservation you must log in with the information we provide to you by email. The software program will allow you to schedule walks, boarding and cancel your reservations. Time to Pet will send a confirmation email once your request is in the system. If you do not receive a confirmation before the walk is scheduled, please contact head office to ensure your reservation has been scheduled.
Although we will always do our best to accommodate everyone’s needs, we recommend placing your reservations on Sundays before the week has started. As an added convenience, a regular dog-walking schedule can also be set up as a recurring reservation so your walker will always have your reservation set. You can mention this in the notes provided.
Business and visiting hours fall between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. and services are usually completed during this time unless we are behind schedule. Barks n Purrs will not accept time specific calls, as we cannot guarantee specific times accurately. A one-hour window is acceptable.
Pet Health, Behaviour and Safety
We reserve the right to refuse service to any pet for any reason including, without limitation, if it appears that the pet is sick, injured, in pain, or that its behaviour could jeopardize the health and safety of other pets or our staff.
Please notify Barks N Purrs in the case of illness (kennel cough, extreme diarrhea, etc.). We can check on your dog before and after the group walk and let him/her out but your dog will not be able to rejoin the pack until their symptoms clear up. (Private walks available)
Barks N Purrs does not accept aggressive dogs. Barks N Purrs does not walk any dogs over the age of 1yrs who are not spayed or neutered. Certain exceptions may apply
Barks N Purrs will not walk unruly or untrained dogs or dogs that choke themselves on their leash. All dogs must be walked on a leash and we do not walk dogs on choke chains, prong collars or any other form of aversive training collar. We will kindly suggest other leash alternatives for a smooth and happy walk. If you don’t have the recommended collars or harness, Barks N Purrs will provide a head halter or easy walker to use during our services at no extra charge.
Barks N Purrs is a positive based dog walking company that only allows positive training and walking. We do not pop collars or yank on a dog’s leash but use positive reinforcement only. We at times will use dog treats as a means to move dogs along, remove them from harm or direct their attention. We do our best to use grain free and chicken free dog treat products. If you do not wish us to give treats please let us know
For safety reasons, if at anytime your walker feels that the apparatus used to walk your dog with is unsafe or not secure enough, we will provide alternative gear to walk your dog. All pets need to wear proper Licensing identification. Barks N Purrs is not liable for any fines incurred if pet is not wearing such identification.
Barks N Purrs Dog Walkers may photograph or video the client’s pet(s) and use these photos/recordings for marketing and promotional purposes without any liability or obligation by the client.
Vaccinations
We require that all dogs be current on their Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Para influenza, and Hepatitis vaccinations. Vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian a minimum of 48 hours prior to Barks N Purrs services being performed and records of vaccinations must be provided.
Payment
Invoices for dog walking services and boarding are sent on the 1st and 15th of each month through e-mail. Payment is due 15 days after invoice received. A late charge of 2% after each invoice will be applied and services may be postponed until payment is received. Invoices outstanding after 30 days past the due date may be subject to cancellation of services.
Payment can be made by paying cash or cheque directly to your dog walker or by email transfer to [email protected]. Cheques can be made payable to Barks N Purrs.
Entrance Access/Walk Time
Our dog-walking times include the time outside. Please make sure we have written permission to access your apartment if you live in a building or complex with a secured entrance. Also, please allow a 60min window of time for your dog walker to arrive at your home. This will allow travel time between jobs, and ensures that we meet the needs of all our clients.
Barks N Purrs will not be responsible for any keys the client has asked to be mailed. If entry to home cannot be made because of faulty keys, or keys not left at Concierge, client authorizes the use of the management to open the door. If this is not possible the walker will not be able to walk the dog and the daily walk fee will be in effect (this will only be expected when all avenues have been exhausted).
We ask that you provide a suitable towel to use in the cleaning of a dog when necessary. Please leave this towel in an obvious location near the front door every day on which your dog is walked.
The client understands that their dog walker has a limited amount of time to spend cleaning their dog on muddy days, and that their dog will not be bathed. Therefore, if client’s dog is extremely muddy, he/she be sectioned off in a part of the home if given permission by client.
Extreme Weather
In the best interest of both your dog and the walker, we will be shortening walks when there are weather advisories or strong storms with thunder and lightening. Depending on your dog and the situation we will continue to take them outside long enough for your dog to relieve themselves. Your invoice will be charged accordingly to the length of walk. We will do our very best to send out an email to let you know when we will be doing this.