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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Anything I have not covered, please just ask!

FAQ: FAQ

ARE YOU INSURED AND DBS CHECKED?

Yes, I have full Pet Business Insurance with Protectivity insurance. This covers full public liability and lost key cover. Please note this does not cover pet insurance for your animals.

I am also DBS checked * formerly called CRB. Both certificate documentation will be readily available for client review at our first meeting.

I have also attended in person and completed a Dog First Aid and Emergency Care CPD Certified half day course and recently achieved a Higher Distinction grade in an Animal Assisted Therapy Level 3 - CPD Accredited Course. I have just completed two further courses in Animal Care Level 2 and 3 achieving a Higher Distinction in both. Please see my 'About Me' page to view all certificates.

HOW DO I BOOK AND MAKE PAYMENT?

Please call, email or text me with your requirements and I can arrange a visit to meet you and your pet. Due to the nature of my work, I may not always be able to answer the phone or have reception, so please leave me a voicemail and I will return it soon as I am free.

Payment is via cash, Pay Pal or bank transfer only. Payment is required either before, or immediately after each booking is completed. All prices stated are for bookings Monday to Friday week days.

Any service provided on bank holidays of, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day and Easter Sunday will be charged at double rate, understandably.

You will be required to complete my Pet Questionnaire Service Agreement. This is so I can get to know your pet as much as possible and to show that when you book services you agree I can enter your home, walk your dog or care for your pet in your own home.

For peace of mind for both sides, I ask that you can provide your vet contact details to keep on file, incase of emergency. Copies of vaccination forms may also be required to view, where necessary.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

I understand that things come up at times and changes to bookings may be necessary, but I kindly ask to be given as much notice as possible being self employed to protect loss of earnings.

If you cancel more than 7 days before the start of the booking a full refund will be issued or date rearranged. Understandably, no refund will be issued for cancellation or change for bookings less than 24 hours before commencing and I would ask that you still pay for the booking.

CAN YOU PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO?

Yes, I absolutely love taking animal photographs and as a pet owner myself I know how reassuring it is to be able to see your pet while are not with them. I am very happy to send all client updates through Whats App , email, or via my social media pages, as preferred.

I have a Lucy Loves Pets Instagram gallery and a Facebook page that I love to update regularly with my own pet's, my animal rescue weekly voluntary work and your pet, at each clients prior authorisation of course. For security no pets name or address is ever used for any social media posts.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?

In case of an emergency while your pet is in my care, I will contact you and take your pet to their vet with your written consent, if required.

All costs incurred (e.g. vet bills, transport petrol costs) will need to be reimbursed within 48 hours.

HOW DO I KNOW MY KEY WILL BE SAFE?

Keys can be left in the property at the end of each booking, or kept by Lucy Loves Pets, if requested by regular clients as preferred.

I code all of my clients’ keys instead of labeling them with your name, address or other identifying marks. Keys that are kept are stored in a secured lock box and I have Lost Key cover through my insurer.

DOES MY PET NEED TO BE VACCINATED AND UP TO DATE ON WORMING AND FLEA TREATMENTS?

Yes, for the importance and protection of health and safety of your own pet and others, all animals booked with Lucy Loves Pets must be up to date with their vaccinations, adequately wormed and free of fleas. I regret I cannot accept bitches in season, or uncastrated males over 9 months old.

I kindly ask clients to please ensure you adhere to this and I may ask for proof if necessary.

Puppies over 6 months who are fully vaccinated and fit and healthy are welcome as part of the dog groups. This makes for important socialisation to get use to mixing with other breeds and personalities.

ARE YOU ABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD , BEDDING AND LITTER FOR PET VISITS?

Food, bedding and litter are not included in the cost of the pet visit booking, so please make sure you have stocked up on litter, food and any treats you would like the sitter to feed your pets.

Should anything run out and I need to purchase extra, the costs will be invoiced and receipts provided for immediate reimbursement within 24 hours.

WHICH AREAS DO YOU COVER FOR DOG WALKING?

I am based in Eynsford village, so cover Eynsford and the neigbouring village of Farningham.

HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU WALK AT A TIME AND WHERE?

For my mini sized group walks, I only ever take a maximum of 3 dogs of a similar size, character and ability. I am not a commercialised dog walker, I am a genuine and true animal lover who cares very much about animal welfare. I only offer solo or mini size group walks to ensure each dog enough dedicated attention, safety and socialisation needed.

I do not use a hired space, I personally believe dogs should enjoy varied walks and exercising out in the beautiful natural countryside in order to keep them interested and mentally stimulated.

As I am based in a wonderful country village location I am surrounded by beautiful countryside from right outside my door. This location gives me a great opportunity to provide mixed and varied walking routes. I will cover parks, open fields, riversides and woodlands in order to keep regular walks fresh and fun with plenty of different landscapes, sights and smells for the dogs to enjoy.

I like to see dogs run and it's important for them to burn off energy safely. I am happy to offer off lead exercise in a secure area during the walk route, providing your dog is well behaved and trained for recall, with prior client consent to do so.

WHY SHOULD I USE YOU?

My passion, knowledge and care for all animals, means that your pet is getting the best service I can offer, as I simply do love what I do. I am a dedicated full time dog walker and pet sitter, as I am so passionate about my job. I am a multiple pet owner myself who believes pets are family and treat them as such.

I feel very strongly about people deeply understanding animal care, providing the highest welfare standards and meeting the needs of each individual animal.

Having been a volunteer at a local animal rescue, Second Chance rescue I developed a vast variety of animal husbandry knowledge and skills working with domestic, farmyard and exotic animals on a weekly basis for over three years. It saddens me to see the amount of cats, rabbits and small animals brought in to the rescue. I have worked with a huge variety from dogs, to cats, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, raccoons, meerkats, foxes, to hens and ducks to name just a few.

I believe it is so important in life to continue to learn and develop skills and knowledge. I ensured that I had attended and completed a Dog First Aid and Emergency Care CPD Certified day course before I started my business. I truly believe animals of all kinds can have such a positive impact to our lives so I am delighted to have recently achieved a Higher Distinction grade in Animal Assisted Therapy CPD Course Level 3. During the second current lockdown I have completed Animal Care Level 2 and 3 achieving a Higher Distinction grade for both. Please view all my Certificates on my 'About Me' page at the footer :) I am so proud to have been a Finalist in the category of 'Best Dog Walker' for 2021 Animal Star Awards, from over 500 nominations I got down to the final 5!

I am extremely responsible, reliable, friendly, professional and trustworthy, all traits I personally feel are of the upmost important in animal care and especially when looking after others beloved pets. I never leave the house without my trusty dog bag containing a Pet First Aid travel kit, water bottle and of course a crazy amount of biodegradable poop bags.