1. Credentials & Methodology
Q: Are your staff certified and is the business fully insured? A: Absolutely. We take your pet’s safety and our professional development very seriously. Our business is fully insured through Pet Sitters Associates. On the training side, our curriculum is led by a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP). On the pet care side, we hold a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) credential through Pet Sitters International. You can rest easy knowing your home and pets are in highly qualified, fully covered hands.
Q: What training methods do you use? A: We strictly use 100% force-free, positive reinforcement methods. Led by our KPA CTP, we never use fear, pain, or intimidation. You won't find prong collars, shock collars, or "alpha" theories here—just modern, science-based training that builds trust and confidence.
Q: Do I have to be present for the training sessions? A: For most of our programs (like Fundamentals and Loose Leash), yes! Our standard 60-minute sessions include 45 minutes of active training with your dog, and 15 minutes of crucial owner education so you know how to maintain the behaviors. The only exception is our premium "Done-For-You" Day Training package, where our trainer does the heavy lifting during the week and transfers the skills to you at the end.
Q: What if my dog is too nervous, reactive, or has physical limitations? A: Our motto is "Nervous friends need walks too!" We specialize in custom Build-Your-Own-Plan (BYOP) training. Whether your dog has mobility issues (like dwarfism or arthritis) and needs shorter 30-minute sessions, or struggles with deep anxiety and reactivity, we adapt the curriculum to fit their emotional and physical reality.
2. Walking, Pet Sitting & Farm Care Policies
Q: Do you care for pets other than dogs? A: Yes! While our specialized training programs focus on dogs, our pet sitting and drop-in services welcome all kinds of family members. We have extensive experience caring for cats, birds, and even backyard farm animals (including chickens, goats, pigs, horses, and more).
Q: Can you accommodate pets with medical conditions or severe allergies? A: Absolutely. With a strong background in human and animal caregiving, we have advanced experience managing complex medical needs. We are fully equipped to manage strict dietary allergies, administer medications (including insulin injections), and provide specialized care for pets navigating conditions like epilepsy, cancer, thyroid issues, IBD, paralysis, and dementia.
Q: Do you offer overnight pet sitting? A: Yes, we offer premium overnight house sitting so your pets can stay comfortable in their own environment. However, because we are a small, dedicated team, our overnight spots book up extremely fast. We strongly recommend making overnight reservations well in advance to secure your dates!
Q: What is your weather policy for dog walks? A: We walk high-energy dogs year-round in all weather conditions, provided your dog has the proper weather gear! However, in cases of extreme, dangerous weather (like severe ice, thunderstorms, or extreme heat), we utilize a weather-contingent policy: we will give your dog a quick potty break outside and spend the rest of the visit doing indoor mental enrichment and play to keep them safe.
Q: Are there specific leashes or equipment you require? A: Safety is our top priority. For dog walking and training, we require sturdy, standard leashes (no retractable leashes). For handler safety, our staff utilizes a strict "thumb lock" leash handling method rather than wrapping loops around the wrist, which prevents injury if a dog suddenly lunges or pulls.
Q: What is your policy on behavioral escalation or aggression? A: We pride ourselves on working with complex dogs, but human and animal safety always comes first. If a dog exhibits severe physical aggression that makes a visit unsafe to complete, our staff is required to leave the premises. In these instances, full payment for the visit is still required upon arrival.
3. Booking, Billing & Service Areas
Q: What areas do you serve? A: For pet sitting and dog walking, we serve a 30-minute radius around Belchertown, MA. For our in-home training packages, travel within our primary local zone incurs a flat $60 travel fee, while our extended Zone 2 incurs a $90 fee.
Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: For standard services and training, we require a 48-hour notice for all cancellations. However, due to extremely high demand, overnight pet sitting reservations require a 30-day cancellation notice. This window allows us the opportunity to offer that highly sought-after time slot to another pet family who might be waiting for care.
Q: Do you charge extra for holidays? A: Yes, services booked on major federal holidays incur a standard holiday surcharge. Because our team works 365 days a year to ensure your pets are cared for, this fee ensures our staff is fairly compensated for spending their holidays working.
Q: How do scheduling and payments work? A: We make it easy! We use PetPocketbook, a seamless web and mobile app, for all of our scheduling, client messaging, and visit report logs. Please note: Payments must be made within 7 days of receiving your invoice. Invoices left unpaid after 7 days will begin to accrue late fees. Once you are onboarded, you can manage everything securely right from your phone.
Q: How do I get started? A: For dog walking, pet sitting, or farm care, please reach out to schedule a Meet & Greet! For training, the required first step is booking an Initial Consultation (available in-person or virtually). This 90-minute session allows us to assess your dog, discuss your goals, and build a customized training blueprint.