FAQs
| Dog Walking |
| Q: I'm not sure whether my dog will get along with others, what do I need to do? A: For group walks it's important that your dog is good with others. We do not currently have availability for individual walks. |
| Q: Does my dog need to be vaccinated? A: Yes, we will ask to view your dog's up to date vet's certificate prior to walking. Boosters are required annually. In addition, we strongly recommend that your dog is given the kennel cough vaccine yearly. If we suspect that your dog has developed kennel cough when we visit he/she cannot participate in group walks for between two and three weeks unless given the all-clear from your vet. Garden/yard breaks can be provided. Note: Kennel cough can be contracted in the same way as the common cold within humans. It can be airborne, by touch or direct contact. |
| Q: Where will you walk my dog? A: Our walking locations are varied and interesting. One day we may be in a country park such as Weetslade or Havannah, the next we could visit the beach or some special locations where we have the place pretty much to ourselves. We always clean up after our dogs. We often walk where there are rivers so, if allowed off lead, your dog may get wet or muddy. We will towel off but if you prefer that your dog remains clean and not play in these areas we can keep them on lead. |
| Q: Will my dog be allowed off lead? A: If your dog has reliable recall and, after a trial period, we are confident that he/she will return easily we may allow your dog off lead. We are cautious about the areas we allow dogs off lead but you must let us know if your dog is frightened by loud noises such as bird scarers. |
| Q: How will you transport my dog? A: Our large van has been professionally modified to our specific requirements. Windows have been installed to provide a light and airy environment - your dog will never be locked away in the dark. Unless they are already crate-trained, many dogs can be anxious and feel claustrophobic when confined in cages. Our van has roomy compartments with unlimited head room (no rattling cages stacked one on top of another to cram as many dogs in as possible!). |
| Cat Sitting |
| Q: I'm interested in your cat visiting service, what do I need to do? A: Initially, just give us a call or contact us through the web form. We will need your postcode to check that we cover your area. We will then visit you to discuss your requirements, meet you and your cat(s) and collect the keys. |
| Q: What do you do when you visit my cat? A: First and foremost, we give your cats what they need. Some love attention and fuss, others prefer to keep a distance. You'll need to let us know their individual quirks and preferences. We try to establish their 'favourite thing' - it may be a toy, cuddles, the ever faithful catnip, brushing, lounging on our lap, a wander in the garden or something else. Many people with timid cats are surprised at how confident their pets become whilst in our care but we will never stress out the timid ones. |
| Q: What do I need to provide for my cat? A: You will need to provide enough food and litter to cover the time you will be away. We provide bags for day-to-day litter refuse but do ask that general items such as litter scoops are provided as well as bin bags for complete litter disposal. Cleaning products for bowls and the cat's area will be required. |
| Q: We will be away for a couple of weeks, will my cats be okay? A: Cats love their own familiar territory and feel more secure and comfortable staying at home. We have cared for cats for over three months while their owners have been on holiday. |
| Q: Do you leave the keys after the cat sitting ends? A: We offer a number of options for returning keys after our visits end:
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| Small Pets |
| Q: I have a small pet, what do I need to bring? A: We welcome pets such as guinea pigs, rats, pygmy hedgehogs, gerbils, hamsters and small birds into our home. We can supply a variety of cages and bedding but if your pet has special requirements please let us know. Hay is complementary but you must provide their regular dry and fresh food. |
| Dog Boarding |
| Q: How do I make a booking? A: We need to meet you and your dog/s prior to booking. We can only care for dogs that are fully socialised and do not display any dominant, aggressive or excessively boisterous behaviour towards other dogs or people. Dogs spending their holiday with us must be walkable with others - we are happy to reinforce leash skills but would not be able to take large dogs that pull excessively on the lead. The initial 'meet and greet' session allows your dog to have a sniff around, to walk with other dogs, for us to carry out a temperament test and for you to see where your dog will stay, complete a care form and discuss their routine. Following the initial assessment we will require an overnight trial. We require a deposit of 25% of the total fee to confirm your booking, the remainder is payable when you drop off your dog. We cannot accept uncastrated adult male dogs for boarding or bitches in season. |
| Q: Why can't you board my uncastrated dog? A: While many uncastrated boys may be docile and non-aggressive on their own, their behaviour and the scent they give off can often aggravate and cause tension with other dogs. Uncastrated dogs are also prone to marking their territory - in initially unfamiliar surroundings this may extend to indoors. |
| Q: I have recently adopted a dog from a shelter, can you look after him/her? A: We do require a full and detailed history about each dog we care for. We ask that you have owned your rescue dog for at least three months so that you are completely familiar with their reactions to other dogs and people. |
| Q: My dog is elderly, very young, has medical issues or special needs, can you look after him/her? A: We love to take care of puppies - many of our regular boarders started staying with us as babies. We are happy to socialise the youngsters with other dogs and people. A basic level of house training is required but the occasional accident is not a problem. We can't take larger breeds if they are boisterous. We care for many older dogs as well as those with (non-contagious) conditions such as epilepsy and mobility constraints. We need to understand and discuss the severity of such issues before accepting your dog. |
| Q: What do I need to bring when my dog boards with you? A: The basics you will need to bring are confirmation that your dog is up to date with his/her vaccinations, collar and lead, bed/bedding and his/her regular food to avoid upset stomachs. In addition, you can leave any treats or favourite toys to enjoy while they stay with us. |
| Q: Do you charge extra for walks, cuddles and playtime? A: Definitely not! Unlike some traditional kennels, everything is included in the initial cost. In between walks they have the freedom of our house and garden plus unlimited playtime and snuggles (and they are more than welcome to reserve a spot on the sofa). We do not lock dogs away in a 'dog room', they are very much a part of our lives and want to make sure they are happy and comfortable. |
| General |
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Q: How do I know that I'm leaving my pet in safe hands? A: Our testimonials speak volumes but rest assured we are a fully licenced, insured and approved home boarding establishment. We have regular checks by the local council and our premises have been inspected and recommended by a veterinary surgeon. |
| Q: What are the typical pets you look after? A: We will consider any pet. Just give us a call to discuss your requirements. We regularly care for and have experience with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, hamsters, gerbils, chickens and hens, mice, African pygmy hedgehogs, degus, chinchillas, tropical and coldwater fish, tortoises, lizards and reptiles such as bearded dragons and geckos. |
| Q: Do you offer discounts? A: No, we offer a very popular, professional, long-established and competitive service. Our prices are completely transparent for dog walking or pets staying in our home and we consider them to be excellent value. |
| Q: I have made a booking, what times are you open to drop off our pet? A: Times vary according to our schedule but we will ask you to contact us by telephone two to three days beforehand to confirm a mutually convenient time. We do not generally accept pets before 9am or after 6pm. |
| Q: Can you administer medication to my pet? A: We are experienced in giving tablets, injections and oral medication to many pets - cats, dogs, rabbits and horses in particular.There is never any extra charge for administering medication. We do not look after diabetic cats requiring insulin injections as we can't guarantee visit times. |
| In accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), TynePets is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. We use the information you provide via our care forms solely to look after your pets. They are paper based and stored securely, phone numbers are finger-print protected. We do not use your information for marketing or pass any details to third parties other than vets in an event of an emergency. Licence inspectors may also ask to see our paperwork to make sure we are compliant. If at any time you would like to review the copy of your form or request that it be destroyed please contact me on 07879074404. |