What areas do you cover?

I work mainly in Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, North Shields, Monkseaton and West Monkseaton. Other nearby areas are also covered. Please feel free to contact me if you live outside these areas to see what I can do for you.

What happens at the initial consultation?

As well as giving me the opportunity to meet you and your pet, it also enables you to check my insurance documents and DRB. I will also need you to read and agree to the terms and conditions of the service provided. I then need to make a note of any information about your pet that may be relevant when I am walking/visiting him or her. If your pet is a dog, I would also like, if possible, to accompany you and him/her on a short walk to see how well s/he walks on/off a leash.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Are you insured?

Little Mutz is fully insured for public liability, accident, non-negligence, illness, care custody and control and key cover. However, I strongly advise that pet owners have their own insurance cover. If your pet becomes ill while in my care with an already diagnosed problem, my insurance would not cover this and you would be responsible for the veterinary costs.

What if my dog goes missing/runs off?

I provide all dogs with a custom-made dog tag with my details on in case they go wandering whilst out on a walk. That means they can be quickly be found and reunited with the group, should they go astray.

My male dog is uncastrated. Can you still take him out on walks?

I cannot take uncastrated, male dogs over 10 months of age or aggressive dogs on a group walk. Whilst an uncastrated male may be completely docile and non-aggressive by itself, they cannot control the effect their scent has on other male dogs. However, they can go on an individual walk with me.

Do you take bitches on season out on walks?

Bitches in season will also not be able to come out on a group walk, however we can offer a 1-2-1 walk for the duration of their season, if required.

Do you only walk little dogs? I have a German Shepherd, would you walk him?

Bigger dogs are welcome, although I tend to walk these 1-2-1 as they are obviously much stronger and often pull on the lead therefore it is difficult to manage another two at the same time.

Why do you need two copies of my key when you visit my cat when I’m away?

Two keys are required in case of an emergency. For example, if I was suddenly taken ill and rushed to hospital or in a car accident, the second key is available for my back up (my mum) to enable her to care for your cat.

Will my keys be returned to me when I return home?

Absolutely! However, I do recommend that your keys remain with me for the convenience of future pet sitting services and to enable online/telephone reservations, thus avoiding future key pick up appointments. Should you choose to have your keys returned, a £5 key pick up/drop off charge will be applied to future visits.

What is your cancellation policy?

In order to best serve your needs, the strict cancellation policy is as follows:-

Daily dog walks are subject to a 24 hour cancellation period.

Holiday cat visits - If cancelled eight or more days in advance, there is no charge and if payment has been made, it will be refunded. Cancellations between three to seven days will be charged a 20% cancellation fee. Cancellations within two days will incur a 100% charge and no refund.

Please understand that I have made time for your visits/dog walk and may have turned other people down to allow time for your pets.

What if my pet is poorly?

If your pet’s health is poor when you’re going away, please let me know. In most cases, I will be able to look after them, continuing to provide any medication. If your pet becomes unwell while you’re away, I will inform you by text or e-mail, as agreed. I will also let you know if your pet requires any veterinary treatment. Before you go away, I suggest that you contact your vets and inform them that a pet sitter will be responsible for your pets during your absence and give them permission to carry out any treatment required.

How do I pay?

Dogs: Block booking Mon-Fri dogs: In advance on a Monday. Dogs that are only walked once or twice a week: same day payment.

Cats: Payment must be made at the time of booking (minimum 25% deposit or £20, whichever is greater) and the balance paid when handing over the keys to your property.

Can you provide references?

I am happy to supply the names of existing customers for you to contact for a reference, if required.