Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.  Are you insured?

A.  Yes. We have public liability insurance and are also insured for all pets while they are under our care and control.  This insurance also covers replacement of clients' keys in the event of loss.

Q.  What do you mean, when you say your pet sitting charges are for a 24 hours period?

A.  We only charge from when we start the pet sit to when we stop, for example noon to noon. 

 

We think that this is fairer and more reasonable than charging a whole day's rate for a partial day's work!  

Q.  Will you walk any breed of dog?

A.  We will walk any breed of dog other that those specified in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1999.  However, following an initial consultation with a prospective client and meeting with their dog(s), we reserve the right to refuse any animal that we deem aggressive or uncontrollable.  This is not based on breed but on how we get on with the dogs and how we feel about taking full responsibility for caring for them during their owner's absence.

Q.  How many dogs do you walk at one time?

A.  For the first few times we usually walk a new dog on its own so that we can get to know each other and build trust and respect.  When we feel we have a bond with the dog, with the client's permission and considering the individual dog's needs, then we usually introduce them to either one or two of our own well socialised Border Collies.  This is intended to be a really positive and fun interaction with the great benefits of lots of socialisation.

 

We do occasionally walk two dogs at a time from different households, but it is rare and is entirely dependent upon the character of the dogs and the dynamics of the walking pack.

If there are multiple dogs from one household, then we will try to walk all members of the pack together, or split into appropriate and manageable sized 'groups'.

 

We aim to be flexible, so please call us if you wish to discuss your particular needs or concerns.

Q.  Why do you sometimes take your own dogs on the walk?

A.  Generally it seems to be a lot more fun for all, and the dogs enjoy socialising and being part of the pack. 

 

All of our own Border Collies are stable and very experienced, and have solid recalls.  They can also 'speak' (bark) on our command.  On occasions when a dog turns a deaf ear to your calls to return nearer to the pack, or when they just become engrossed in a scent, then one of our special capabilities is to ask the Collies to 'call them back'.  This creates a fun and exciting pack for the dog to return to. 

Q.  How will you get my dog to come back to you?

A.  We know what motivates each of our client's dogs (treats, toys, squeaky ball, praise) and therefore we normally carry small tidbits or a toy as a reward.  Also the power of being with a pack is a strong motivation to keep moving with the pack and to not miss any of the fun.

 

In addition, we use voice and intonation to give special emphasis to commands, with special consideration given to the temperament of each dog.   

Q.  Will you let my dog off lead?

A.  Yes, but only if you want us to.  As part of our insurance agreement we must obtain your written permission to do so (covered at the consultation).  However, even with the owner's permission, we only let the dog run off lead when we feel confident that we have a good bond with the dog, and we feel that it is safe and appropriate to do so.  During the walk, no dog will be allowed to wander off out of our sight. 

 

Should you not wish your dog to go off lead then he/she will always be walked on a lead.

  Q.  How would you deal with an injury whilst caring for my dog(s)?

A.  Kate is a qualified Canine First Responder, having successfully completed a short first aid training course in July 2010.  Sue has several years of canine medical experience and has completed an extensive advanced canine emergency first aid course and was also a qualified Paramedic for several years. 

 

Both Kate and Sue carry a canine medical kit with them during the walks and pet sits. 

 

We also carry fresh water and bowl during the walks.

Q.  My dog is on medication, is that a problem for you?

A.  No, not at all.  We do not charge for administering any medications, however we would need to thoroughly go through your usual routines in advance.

Q.  Do you use muzzles?

A.  We would only muzzle a dog if you normally do. 

Q.  Do you board dogs in your own home?

A.  No.  We currently do not have the appropriate licence and authorisation.

Q.  Will my dog be left for long periods during the petsit?

A.  No.  All of the needs and routines of individual dogs are discussed fully at the consult, but we generally take 3-4 hours off late morning, when the dogs are fed, exercised and resting comfortably.  Returning early afternoon, we either remain with the dogs at their home for the rest of the day or they will come out walking with us. 

Q.  Will any other person be left in charge of my animals?

A.  Never!  Wagtails is owned and run solely by Kate and Sue.  Because they have their own dogs to look after, it is only possible to undertake one pet sit at a time.  Either Kate or Sue will conduct the consultation, and early on in the pet sit, both will become acquainted with the dogs, their routines, the house and the local environment.  They both intimately know their charges and often walk together with both the client's and their own dogs.

Q.  Can we contact you during the pet sit?

A.  Yes of course. The Wagtails phone (07966 244735) is always on 24 hours a day, for the full duration of all pet sits. If, due to poor coverage, connection is not possible, then we have a second mobile phone, also on 24 hours a day during all pet sits, the number of which we will give you at your consultation. 

 

We also ask you if/how often you wish to hear from us and respond accordingly with texts and calls periodically. If there is a situation which requires close communication with you then clients often give us permission to use their home phones e.g. if they are on holiday abroad.

 

We monitor our web site daily too, so if you would prefer to send or receive emails, then that is no problem, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Q.  Do you bring your own dogs on pet sits?

A.  Not as a rule, but we occasionally bring one or more of the Collies providing that we have the client's permission, and that the dogs all know each other and get on well together.  Several of our clients know our dogs extremely well and are happy for them to accompany one of us on the pet sit.   

Q. Do you work for clients who wish to leave their dogs unattended overnight?

A.  No.  We have had enquiries to visit dogs through the daytime, knowing that they will be left alone overnight, but this is something we will not condone.  We feel that there should be somebody with them at night and we would never leave our dogs alone overnight.

Q.  Why won't you look after birds?

A.  While we are happy to care for ducks, geese, hens and wild-fowl, with respect, we prefer not to see birds in cages.