policies
We currently require all human parties to wear face masks at new client meetings without exception.
SCHEDULING
Walks are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. If you anticipate that your schedule will change from week to week, please give as much notice as possible about what days/times you will need so that we are better able to accommodate you. For Monday walks in particular, we request that you book no later than Sunday evening. Day-of add on requests are not guaranteed. Same day schedule changes must be made by call or text, as we are not always able to check our email throughout the day. Normal walking fees will still apply to all on-site cancellations (i.e. upon our arrival at your residence). Please make any cancellations in advance of your scheduled time slot.
If you would like to set up a recurring schedule, we will maintain it from week to week and reserve your preferred time slot for your dog(s).
Weekend walks are available on a limited basis. Due to a high volume of requests, we now require that weekend walks be scheduled with us by Thursday of that week at the latest, after which time the schedule is final. To see which weekends walking service is and is not available, visit our calendar page.
Payment
Payment is due on a weekly basis unless otherwise agreed upon. You can leave payment via cash or check (made out to We Leash The Hounds) on the last day of the week that we will see your dog(s).
Invoices can be made up upon request. Invoices will be sent via email and are due within one week of receipt. If your invoice balance remains unpaid beyond this period you may be subject to a service suspension.
VaccinationS
For the safety of our other clients, we require that all dogs we work with be fully vaccinated against rabies, bordetella, parvovirus and distemper. These illnesses are highly communicable and can pose a significant threat to our other clients, particularly puppies and senior dogs.
Equipment & Handling
Our practices are based in scientifically-backed positive reinforcement. For this reason, we abstain from the use of aversive equipment (prong collars, choke chains, e-collars, etc) while handling any of our clients. In the event that you use this type of equipment for your dog, we require an alternative collar or harness to be available for our use. For their comfort and safety, we always recommend your dog be fitted with a Y-shaped, non-restrictive harness, though a flat collar is also acceptable.
Cats
Due to an extremely severe and easily triggered allergy, we are not able to serve clients who also own cats. In the event that a house or apartment that formerly housed cats contains enough dander to trigger a reaction, we reserve the right to suspend walking service as there is potential for a medical emergency.
positive covid households
If you or members of your household are positive for Covid, we require that you let us know. We will remove your dog from the schedule until you and your family are well again. We do this to protect vulnerable members of our own household, to protect other members of the Hounds family, and to protect our own health and ability to work. It is our goal to have no unscheduled interruptions to the service we provide to you and many other families. To do this we take our Covid precautions very seriously and make no exceptions. We appreciate you doing your part to keep the Hounds family healthy!
