FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
It is such a difficult decision to make—who to trust with your cherished pet. Believe me, as fur parents ourselves we get it, so we have compiled the following list of FAQs that our clients have asked, for your convenience and complete transparency.
Can’t find an answer? Please contact us with any additional questions via our contact form or pick up the phone 0422 065 553.
General
What are your business hours?
Our administrative office hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Adventure hikes and dog walking available from Monday to Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. We also offer overnight pet sitting and hours vary.
If you require care outside of these hours, please give us a call to see if we can help you.
Do you only look after dogs?
No way! While dogs make up the majority of our clients, we also care for cats, rabbits, small birds, guinea pigs, fish and other small domesticated pets.
Are you insured?
Yes of course! Dogs & Doos has Public Liability insurance and we are happy to show our certificate to you.
What forms of payment do you take?
No bitcoin or monopoly money thanks. We accept cash or bank transfers.
When do I need to make payment?
An invoice will be sent to you at the beginning of the month and payment should be made by 7 days. We accept cash and bank transfers.
Do you offer discounts?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any other discounts as we will not cut corners with your beloved pets care. They deserve the best and sometimes the best is rarely the cheapest.
Do you need advance notice to look after my pet?
Yes we need at least 3 days’ notice due to the number of regular clients we have.
Do you have block out dates?
Not really, we work all year-round Monday to Friday and will notify you well in advance if we were to go on holiday. Major holidays such as Christmas and school holidays can book up quickly so, please book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
What’s your cancellation policy?
It hurts to get stood up, but we get it. Life happens. All we ask is at least 48 hours’ notice so there’s no hard feelings.
Do you have a contract or agreement to sign?
There are no locked in contracts just a form to fill in for a pet profile with information such as whether; they are desexed, there are medications to be administered or if there are any health issues.
Do you have a weather policy?
Rain, hail or shine we will go out to play – but comes down to the dog. On a hot day, we might go to the beach, try to schedule an earlier outing, or allow them to play in our air-conditioned house.
We recommend changes in time due to weather where possible and location.
What are your COVID safe practices?
There is no evidence that domestic animals can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to people or that they are involved in the spread of COVID-19
Source: RSPCA Can people infect pets with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?
We follow government rules and guidelines at Dogs & Doos and stay up to date with RSPCA announcements concerning pets.
Precautions we take:
Regular application of hand sanitiser
All staff wear face masks indoors
Minimal physical contact with public when walking your dog
Regular cleaning of our van
Contactless pickup if possible
Our veterinarian friends have said that the risk factor is very low for transfer of the virus between vulnerable animals (cats, dogs, hamsters and ferrets) from humans and symptoms are mild if it does occur. However, if you are infected please let us know so we can ascertain how we can best help care for your animals.
Services
Do you offer a free meet and greet?
Absolutely! We always set up a meet and greet so you can ensure we are a good fit with your precious pet. It is essential that you feel comfortable with our service and we want you to know that your pet is in good hands.
Why is it necessary to do a meet and greet before you can start caring for my pet?
Unlike your high school crush we want to be for keepsies! We like to give both you and your beloved pet the chance to get acquainted with our professional carers and create a pet profile based on their medical history, habits or requirements. This profile will include an emergency plan with vet’s details and any special instructions for us to follow in case of an emergency.
Do you care for all pets?
Generally, yes, once qualified and their history is assessed from the first meet and greet. We welcome dogs (and other domesticated pets) of all sizes, breed and levels of health. However, we are unable to care for any severely aggressive animals that have a history of biting, fighting or attacking other animals or people.
What do I need to provide for dog walks or adventure hikes? What is included?
You provide their own collar and harness, we provide our own leads. We also provide water, snacks, poo bags and dog wipes. Please no dog toys as they cause aggressive behaviour and we prefer the dogs to socialise with each other.
How long do you walk them for?
45 minutes to an hour + transport times. Your dog could be away for 2-3 hours.
How many dogs do you walk at any given time?
Depends on the personalities of the dogs that will be walked safely, usually 4-6. It is important that each dog is able to thoroughly enjoy their social interactions and get the exercise they need.
Are dogs walked off the lead?
Yes, at off-lead dog parks away from roads. However not on first timers, we test dogs out first to see how they interact with the group on a long lead and if they have good recall. If they don't recall well or don't stay with the pack then they won’t be allowed off-lead.
How do you collect my dog from my property?
Either you provide us with a key or keep one hidden on the premises for us to use.
My dog is quite anxious, how do prepare them or get them to trust you?
Utilising the historical information in your pet’s unique profile, we would use an appropriate strategy to gain your dog’s trust. Whether it is motivation from treats, toys or no eye contact, we will ensure that your dog feels comfortable enough to come out to play.
How will my dog be introduced to the pack?
This depends on if your dog has mixed with other dogs and how well. Often our complimentary meet and greets are held at a dog park with one of our passive dogs. Within minutes I can see how your dog interacts with our passive pooch and ascertain how best to integrate them into our pack.
If they are not suited to pack life, we can offer one on one dog walks or adventures.
Will our dog walker provide daily updates to let me know how my dog is doing and what my dog did on their walk?
Absolutely! We love sending pictures of your dog out and about to brighten your day.
Can you train my dog?
Unfortunately we can’t but we can recommend an excellent trainer with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in behavioural issues, obedience and puppy training.
Will you walk a dog when in season?
Although unusual for clients to want their dog walked whilst on heat, as it is unfair to the dog to have every Tom, Dick and Harry coming up to sniff and annoy her. If there was a request, we would be willing to take a dog that can be walked one-on-one on a lead.
Can you administer medications to my pet?
Yes, we can. We regularly administer injections, topical and oral medication.
What if there is an emergency with my pet?
Depending on the situation we will either try to get in touch with you or follow the procedures outlined in your pet profile. Our experience allows us to triage quite quickly, and action is dependent on the situation.
Non urgent – needs treatment when time persists: We will treat with our medical kit and notify you.
Semi urgent – not life threatening: We will try to treat with our medical kit, notify you and ask if you would like us to take to your vet (if available).
Emergency – could become life threatening / life threatening: We will take your pet to your vet or the closest vet available or emergency pet hospital and notify you as soon as possible.