FAQs

Have a question? This is the place to find answers about Dee’s Dogs Nanaimo pet care services and policies.

General FAQs

Dog Hiking FAQs

Pet Sitting FAQs

  • How much do your services cost?

    Pricing for services depends on specifically what you're looking for. Head over to my rates page for details on rates for my various dog walking and pet care services.

  • Do you have a cancellation policy?

    Yes. Due to the limited nature of my pet sitting and dog walking spots, I do enforce fairly strict policies for cancellations or major rescheduling. My policies vary depending on what service is booked, so please contact me for more details or consult your Client Agreement forms.

  • Do you offer online booking/scheduling?

    Yes. I use the “Time To Pet” booking software, and existing clients can schedule their bookings online at this link.

    Please note that online booking is currently available to existing clients only. First-time clients should contact me instead!

  • Where can I download the booking app?

    You can download the “Time to Pet” app for iPhone and Android via the Apple App Store and the Google Play marketplace:

  • Do you provide treats during your dog services?

    Yes! I do carry treats with me, however if your dog has allergies you must provide your own.

  • Will you work with dogs who have a history of biting humans?

    No, I will not work with dogs who have a serious history of biting humans.

    At my discretion I may provide services to a dog with 1 or 2 very mild instances of situational aggression, but only if they were in circumstances that I won't be putting them into (for example, a dog who does not like men, or has growled at toddlers).

  • Do you offer services for puppies?

    Yes! However, certain age categories, sizes, and neuter status may not be suitable for all of Dee's Dogs offerings. For example, social hikes are not typically a good fit for some intact/non-neutered dogs of any age, depending on their temperament and how the group will respond to them. Very large breed puppies may not be suited to the amount of exercise and play that a social hike offers.

  • Will you muzzle train my dog?

    No. I have very limited experience introducing dogs to muzzles for the first time, so if your dog requires one it is your responsibility to muzzle train.

  • What is your service area?

    Dog hikes & home visits

    Dee's Dogs primarily provides dog hiking and home visit services to Nanaimo. I also work with clients in outlying areas that include Extension Road and Nanaimo River Road to the Nanaimo Lakes Road area. These services do not extend to Cedar.

    Pet sitting

    For my pet sitting services, I work in the communities listed above and in areas just outside of Nanaimo, such as Cedar, Lantzville, and Nanoose Bay, depending on the needs of your pets.

  • Do you work with animals other than dogs?

    Yes! I offer my home visits and pet sitting services to cats and other small pets. I have experience with rabbits, fish, turtles, chickens, ducks, iguanas, guinea pigs, and similar small pets. I am also willing to discuss other potential animals beyond the regular small furry creatures and cage pets, so just get in touch with your questions.

  • Do you offer dog training services?

    No, though I may be able to refer you to someone who does. Just drop me a line with some info about your dog (and their behaviour), and I'll see what I can do.

  • Do you use electronic training collars?

    Yes, but only at a client's request, and only if they have done basic balanced training exercises (not purely punishment based) with their dog and the collar. They can be useful in off-leash back-road scenarios to avoid dangerous situations.

  • Will you take my dog to a city dog park?

    Yes! I prefer using trail-type dog parks and designated off-leash dog beaches as opposed to the small, fenced yard style of parks. I also follow all City of Nanaimo bylaws, one of which limits the amount of dogs under the care of one human to only two dogs.

  • Do you carry water on your hikes?

    Yes! I carry plenty of water during the hot summer months, and during the very rainy season and winter months I intentionally go to places with fresh drinking water available for the dogs. And I always have one or two large, 64-ounce bottles of water in my vehicle.

  • Will you provide extra services at pick up or drop off for dog walks?

    Yes! For an extra fee I can let your dog's sibling out for a pee if they are not joining us, put out their meal, or administer eye drops or quick medications.

  • Can you keep my dog on a leash during their hike?

    Yes, though it depends somewhat on the type of hike you're booking.

    During social hikes, I prefer dogs who are in the process of learning good off-leash recall with their owners. I prefer to only use long training leashes during my social hikes, and cannot often accommodate a short-leash dog during those hikes.

    For any solo services it is the decision of the client as to what length and type of leash they would like me to use.

  • Can you walk my dog regularly every weekend?

    No. Although I do work occasional weekends, and I am open to advance requests for weekends and holidays, I cannot guarantee a regular weekly service as I do take time off to recharge.

  • Can you bathe my dog at drop-off after their walk?

    No, though I do offer a quick towel dry.

    For an additional fee, I can also give your dog a quick hose-down after a really dirty day, so long as your dog is comfortable with it and you have an easily-accessible hose for me to use (which may not be the case during the winter months).

    Either way, during our meet and greet I will solidify drop-off instructions to follow if your dog is very dirty from their adventure. For example, I will place them in their kennel, the garage, backyard, or mudroom, etc.

  • Do you cancel walks or hikes due to the weather?

    Not very often! However, there are instances where the weather can be dangerous, such as extremely hot/cold temperatures, or very windy/snowy days. In these cases I may choose to shorten or cancel services altogether depending on the circumstances.

  • Will you walk my dog if I am sick with a contagious illness?

    Yes, but only if contact-free pickup is available and your dog's collar any gate/touch surface is sanitized. I will not enter your home or use your leash, but I will pick up and drop off your dog from your secured yard.

  • Can you provide pet sitting somewhere other than my home?

    No. Dee’s Dogs pet sitting services always take place in your home. I do not offer a boarding style of pet sitting where your pet is moved to a different location.

  • What info do you require from me for pet sitting?

    During the meet-and-greet process I will ask for a full list of contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses. I will also collect your vet and emergency contact details in case of trouble, and go over a list of questions about your pet and questions your sitter needs to know about staying in your home.

    Learn more in the Getting to Know Your Pet & Home section.

  • Do you offer pet sitting for special needs pets?

    Yes. My pet sitting experience includes caring for animals with special needs, such as dogs with mobility issues or dietary restrictions. I am also certified in Canine First Aid and have no problems administering medicine and taking care of other particular needs.

  • Do you offer discounts when pet sitting for low-needs pets?

    Yes, I offer a lowered pet sitting rate for cats and other less social pets. Some dogs may also qualify for this lower rates if they require less frequent check-ins and social time. It all depends on your pet's particular situation.

    To see if you quality for a “low needs” discount, please inquire for details.

  • Do I have to pay a deposit for pet sitting? What if my plans change?

    An initial deposit of 50% is required to secure your booking. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

    The remaining 50% balance is due 7 days before the scheduled stay. This portion is also non-refundable. However, if your plans change, this portion is transferable towards a future pet sitting stay.

  • When pet sitting, do you spend the entire time with my pet?

    No, my pet sitting services do not include 24/7 monitoring. When you hire Dee's Dogs for Daytime & Overnight Pet Sitting, your dog will either:

    • Join me for social hikes and be left alone for at least 5 hours during the day; OR
    • Not join me for social hikes, and be left alone at home for a typical 8-hour work day (with a check-in between 4pm–6pm)