FAQ
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Putting your mind at ease knowing your dog is being cared for the way you want by someone who is licensed, bonded/insured, back-ground checked, pet first aid certified, and who genuinely loves caring for dogs. Check out what people are saying about me on the ‘testimonials’ tab of this website.
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This is a small, locally owned company. There is no pressure on squeezing customers to make quarterly profitability goals, no bots, no irresponsible people, and not only am I certified, licensed, bonded/insured, back-ground checked and pet first aid certified, but also participate in continuing education so I’m up on the latest best practices for caring for your pet. I also begin all new engagements with a meeting with you and your dog to conduct a temperament test and gather all pertinent information so I can ensure your pet is receiving care the way you want.
Corporate dog daycare and dog boarding organizations regularly have dozens of dogs in their facility at once; this can lead to your dog getting sick by exposure to many other dogs, in addition, I provide far more individualized attention to your dog due to the small number of dogs I work with.
You’ll receive a recap of all interactions via The Scoop an electronic publication outlining how things went, including their mood, interaction with others (if applicable), potty break details and a photo of your pet.
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Yes, I can accommodate most dogs, even those who aren’t friendly to other dogs, or even people, outside of their owners. I am patient and will slowly build rapport with your dog over time. I employ best practices, such as turning wide around blind corners during walks to prevent accidentally getting too close to another dog.
I can also accommodate dogs who need medication (including injection and eye drops) or have special dietary requirements.
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Yes, they will need to be current on all applicable vaccines. I will keep them away from other dogs until they received their last round of vaccines.
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Yes, however, females in heat and unaltered dogs won’t be able to participate in any off-leash activities, such as doggie adventure/doggie daycare. While I will take reasonable precautions when walking females in heat, I cannot be responsible or held liable for unintended pregnancies.
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We serve central San Diego, as far north as University City/UTC, as far south as Downtown as far west as Sunset Cliffs/Point Loma as far east as Kensington.
Clairemont/Bay Park/Bay Ho: 92117
Linda Vista: 92110, 92111
Mission Valley: 92108
Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa: 92123
Hillcrest/Mission Hills: 92103
University Heights/Kensington: 92116
North Park: 92104, South Park: 92102
Downtown 92101
See Map University City/UTC: 92122
Pacific Beach/Mission Beach: 92109
Bird Rock/La Jolla: 92037
Point Loma/Ocean Beach: 92106, 92107
If you don’t see your area listed, please contact us anyway as we may be able to accommodate you.
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Our normal contact hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Dog walks typically occur between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. Dog sitting includes visits during the day and then staying in your home overnight. If you need assistance outside of these hours, just ask as I want to help if I am able.
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Simply fill out the contact us form on our website or call or text (619) 786-7066 and I will get back to you as quickly as possible, typically within an hour or so. If you’d like to request a “meet and greet”, dog walk, dog sitting, or doggie daycare/adventure, click on the calendar to schedule an appointment.
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You’ll receive a text message recap of all interactions via The Scoop, an electronic publication outlining how things went, including their mood, interaction with others (if applicable), potty break details and a photo of your pet (if you approve).
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I have orchestrated my business to be as cost-effective as possible, passing along the savings to you. I also have special rates for Clairemont residents. Payment is due in advance of any service (48-hours prior for dog walking/doggie daycare/adventure). For pet / house sitting, a 50% deposit is required upon reservation with the balance due one week prior to the service beginning. If payment is not received, the service will be cancelled.
Special rates for Clairemont Residents
If you live in 92117:
Dog Walking (15 – 20 minutes): $20 ($28 for holidays)
Pet Sitting (overnight, your home): $85 ($120 for holidays), (up to two dogs)
House Sitting (overnight, at your home): $40 ($56 for holidays)
Non-92117 rates*:
Dog Walking (15 – 20 minutes): $25 ($35 for holidays)
Pet Sitting (overnight, at your home): $100 ($140 for holidays), (up to two dogs)
House Sitting (overnight, at your home): $50 ($70 for holidays)
Dog daycare/doggie adventure (about an hour): $40 ($56 for holidays)
Additional services (can be added to any main service):
$5 brushing
$5 ear wash
$5 brush teeth
$5 medication management
$25 wash dog
$20 grocery shopping per store to stock your pantry/fridge on the day you arrive. Includes up to 30 minutes of shopping (groceries not included).
Accepted payment forms:
MasterCard****, Visa****, Debit****, Venmo and cash
Refer a neighbor program:
If you refer a neighbor (must be within 3-block radius) receive two free dog walks or $40 off pet sitting.
Outside of Central San Diego, please contact us for rates.
****3.5% convenience fee for debit and credit card transactions
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Walks are typically 15 – 20 minutes; if your dog requires a longer walk we can accommodate that for an additional fee.
Dog daycare/adventure typically lasts about an hour.
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For dog walks / dog daycare/adventure, we ask for a 48-hour cancellation, if you cancel less than 48-hours in advance, we will keep the fee and apply it toward a future service. For holidays, dog walking / dog daycare/adventure cancellations made less than 48-hours won’t receive a credit towards future services. For dog sitting / house sitting, we ask for a one-week cancellation, if you cancel in less than a week, we’ll keep the fee and apply it toward a future service. For holidays, dog sitting / house sitting cancellations in less than a week won’t receive a credit towards future services.
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Yes, my trusted partner Carlos V. can also care for cats. We may be able to care for other animals while dog / house sitting, just ask.
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We require all dogs to be on flea and tick medicine to protect your dog and others we service.
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We require all dogs to be up to date on all applicable vaccines, this protects your dog and others we service. Vaccines include:
Adenovirus
Bordetella
DA2PP
Influenza H3N2/H3N8
Parvovirus Mfl
Rabies
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We may be available during the holidays; a 40% surcharge will be applied to the service. Please request holiday service as early as possible to increase the chance we can assist you. The following are considered holidays:
New Years Day (January 1)
Easter
Memorial Day
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving thru the Sunday after
Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day (December 24 - January 1)
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If your dog is experiencing a life or limb-threatening emergency, they will be taken to the closest vet / vet hospital. You will be contacted either on the way to the vet / vet hospital or upon arrival. If it is not a life or limb-threatening emergency, you will be contacted to see if you want your dog taken to his/her vet. This is why I have the intake process to know who your vet is, what medications your pet is on, what medical conditions they have, and how you want me to handle payment.
If something occurs to your home during dog sitting / house sitting, such as a broken water pipe, you will be contacted to figure out next steps.
In the case of natural disaster or other disaster, you will be contacted, and if you are not immediately available your pets in case of emergency will be contacted and we will work together to ensure your pets safety.
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I use this time to temperament test your dog and gather critical information such as whether or not your dog gets along with other dogs or people. I also collect emergency contact information, vet information, medical conditions, medications, allergies, etc. Finally, I also make notes as to you and your dog’s’ preferences so services can be customized for you and your pet.
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We will use your leash and supplies, so your dog feels comfortable and to prevent cross-contamination from other dogs. In addition, if we need to clean up a mess, we’ll use your cleaning supplies to prevent bringing in allergens/contaminants and to prevent possible damage to your furniture and flooring.
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Fortunately, San Diego’s weather is generally mild, however, there may be times when it is necessary to modify or limit walks due to weather conditions. Normally, I will walk your dog even if it’s raining, however, if it is pouring and/or accompanied by high winds I will limit the walk to just a potty break. If it’s over 90 degrees I will shorten the walk and keep your dog in the shade.
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No, we believe using positive reinforcement techniques yields the best outcomes. However, if your dog’s behavior becomes a concern, we’ll contact you to discuss next steps.
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I am bonded, insured and background-checked. My trusted partners are also background-checked. In addition, we don’t keep your keys, access is granted either via a coded front door or a lockbox.
*Rates subject to change without notice.
**Neighbor must purchase at least $40 worth of services within the first month from SanDiegoDogWalker.com. Program may be modified or cancelled without notice.
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