I mask inside your home and in all shared spaces, including transit. If you need the mask removed so that you can comfortably lip read or otherwise understand me, please let me know! I am fully vaccinated and remain so as many of my clients and loved ones are seniors or medically vulnerable. If you are sick with COVID, please tell me in advance. I will still come walk your dog, but I've been infected twice and it's damaged my immune system, so I need to take precautions. Thank you for understanding!

Your dog must be vaccinated within the last three years for DHPP and rabies, or have a recent titer test showing immunity for the latter. This is required by my insurance.

I also recommend both a kennel cough vaccination and flea/heartworm control for any dog walking outside regularly. Unfortunately no amount of caution can fully remove the risk of some diseases (e.g. Giardia exposure through puddle water), but I do my best to minimize it!

If your puppy is too young for vaccines, please keep me in the loop on when they get their shots so I can make sure I'm not exposing them to unnecessary risk of illness! Until they've been fully vaccinated, for insurance purposes, they will not be in direct contact with other animals and walks will be very close to home and focused on getting them comfortable on-leash.

When I first meet you and your dog, I'll ask for your vet contact information and any emergency vet contact, medical notes, or rescue medications. If your dog is hurt non-urgently (e.g. a scrape), I contact you or your emergency contact directly. If your dog is hurt badly enough that I judge they need to see the vet ASAP (e.g. a bite, shock, or broken limb), I will arrange immediate transportation to either your preferred vet or, if unavailable, the nearest emergency vet, and notify you as soon as I'm able. In all cases, I stay with your dog until they're handed off to either you or the vet.

I am insured through PROfur and certified in Pet First Aid via Walks N’ Wags through June 2027.

I walk your dog on a harness whenever possible to minimize risk of neck injury. The absolute sharpest correction your dog ever receives on a walk is an emergency stop to prevent them from running into the road. In other cases, I prefer force-free handling, including food lures, graduated exposure, and a lot of patience. My goal is to let your dog feel comfortable and supported in new and potentially stressful environments—not to feel like I'm constantly punishing them.

I do not use choke chains, prong collars, e-collars, NATO hitching, or other methods of inflicting pain and suffering on animals. Martingale collars must not be capable of injuring the neck or impeding airflow when fully tensioned. Muzzles are OK on a case-by-base basis, please talk to me about your dog's need for one and how we can support them!

Not officially. I can help with basic obedience training, leash manners, trick training, and handler focus. I frequently walk reactive dogs and have experience with animal aggression, dogs with bite histories, and severe fear reactivity. However, if you want a focused behavioural plan, you are probably best suited speaking to a qualified trainer until I get my certifications. :) I'm happy to refer you to someone I know and trust!

Cash or e-transfer are best! I can't currently accept card payments, but am working on it.

Probably, but it depends on the allergy! I can keep treats to restricted protein diets or eschew them entirely, minimize environmental exposure, and track symptoms. For dogs with severe allergies vulnerable to cross-contamination I can also sanitize surfaces that come in contact with their food or drink. If your dog is allergic to cats we may not be a great fit; I have three of them and their hair gets everywhere. :)

It's already included! You're paying for my time; usually when I'm petsitting for someone I'm also happy to grab your mail, cycle lights, water plants, and care for any small animals or tank pets. Before leaving, I launder any bedding, clean surfaces, take out your trash, and usually vacuum. My goal is that you come home to calm, happy pets and a space where you can relax once you're back!

No for cats (sorry!), maybe for dogs. I need to know your dog well and trust that they're safe around unfamiliar small animals. If they're bombproof with cats then perhaps; please contact me directly to discuss!

If you cancel a walking/petsitting/etc. appointment within 24 hours (or 24 hours of the start date, for sitting/boarding bookings), I will either refund you 80% of the prepaid cost or let you apply it to future bookings as a credit. In the case of a refund, I retain the 20% to cover opportunity cost.

Yes with caveats: Please contact me to discuss this directly. I want pet care to be accessible to all, and I'm on disability assistance myself, so I understand the need for lower pricing. I won't judge your circumstances, I just need to make sure I can afford the rate on my end. :)

It depends on what’s most comfortable for you and your home or building’s security. If you give me a copy of your key or entry fob, it is stored separately from any identifying information, so that nobody can find your address if the key is stolen. (It hasn’t happened yet, thank goodness, but it’s good protocol!)

I ask to meet you and your dog at home for at least the first walk so that your dog can see I’m not a threat to them or their people. :)