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Safety is my number one priority. And my number two. And three. To make sure your pet is always safe, I take several steps.
When we first meet I will work with you to determine the needs of your dog, as well as discuss any of their potential individual triggers, and any medical or safety issues that face your pup.
While walking your dog, I use reliable and comfortable back up gear to protect them in case their harnesses or collars fail, since dogs can slip out of even harnesses or collars they’ve been wearing for years.
I never leave a dog alone to go inside and pick up another dog (or worse, get a coffee or take a break). I never take a dog in my care off leash anywhere but in their own home, after the front door is closed.
Additionally, although the financial pressures that come with being a small business owner are very real, I make a policy of never overloading my schedule or taking on more work than I can safely finish in the time allowed.
Update: As of the end of April, 2021, I have received my first and second Pfizer shots (and am happy to share my proof of vaccination with anyone who requests it). As of the end of November, 2021, I’ve received one booster shot. As such, I am starting to relax some of the policies below, but I’m happy to discuss any individual needs my clients may have in order to stay comfortable and safe.
I have done my very best to operate my business as safely as possible during Covid, and I have made several changes in order to do so, for the sake of my own health, but also with a strong eye towards assuring that all of my clients are safe as possible. To that end:
I have secured a year’s supply of N95 masks and wear one whenever I am at work (outside of work I also mask and maintain strict social distancing). I bring plenty of hand sanitizer, and use it frequently.
Because there have been rare cases of dogs testing positive for Covid, I am walking all of my clients solo, and, for the time being not doing group walks, with the obvious exception of dogs who live in the same household.
As they are small enclosed, and not well ventilated spaces, I am not using elevators in elevator buildings, except when necessary for dogs who are older or otherwise unable to do stairs.
I am performing twice daily temperature checks, and if I develop any symptoms I will immediately let you know, and cancel all walks until I am tested negative for Covid. If I test positive or if I am advised by a contact tracer, I will immediately quarantine and inform you.
I take payment in cash or check, whichever is easiest for my clients.
For dogs with a set schedule, payment may be left on last day of the week that I walk your dog. For dogs with a less regular schedule, payment can be left on the day of.
Cancellation Policy: I know that New York requires a certain flexibility, especially these days. So, there are no penalties, financial or otherwise, for cancelling a walk.
Key Policy: In order to do my job as safely as possible, I require a copy of the key for every door between the street and your dog before walks begin. I know that there are always security concerns when giving keys away. Because I work alone, I never give your key to anyone else. I never make a second copy of your key; if it should be stolen from me, I will alert you immediately and my insurance covers any locksmithing. Further, I never write your address on the key’s tag.
Minimum number of walks per week: Simply put, I do not have a minimum (or maximum). Nor are there times of day I do not work, or days of the week I do not work. I’m here to help whenever you need it.