Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Policies

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Policies

Payment
Invoices are billed the Friday before or seven days in advance of services being provided. Charges are automatically applied with the payment method information on file.

New Client Setup
A consultation with a senior manager is required prior to beginning Monthly Dog Walking or Pet Sitting services. The consult is an opportunity for us to meet your dog and develop his or her routine. We do require that an account is created by clicking at the top of the screen on ‘Make a Reservation’ to create a client portal for you to manage your account as well as your dog’s information, view the calendar, make payments, etc. All information must be provided in the portal. Please allow twenty to thirty minutes for the meeting.

Digital Lock, Lock Box, or Concierge
Please arrange for your concierge to allow us access to your home. The name to have on file is DC Dog Sitter. You may also use a lockbox or digital lock. The MasterLock Lockbox with the push buttons is ideal or we have also had great success with the Yale and Schlage Digital Door Locks.

Scheduling of Service
To schedule services, please use our Time-to-Pet software by 9 PM the day before the desired visit. If you need a last-minute walk (scheduled the day of), a $25 same day request charge will be added to the normal charge for the visit.

Canceling or Rescheduling Services
DCDS Monthly Package Members: Adventures, Dog Walking, Cat Sitting, and Spa Services: Please provide at minimum forty-eight hours advance notice to avoid any charges. Services canceled within twenty-four hours of service will be charged the full visit fee.

DCDS Members: Adventures, Dog Walking, Cat Sitting, and Spa Services: Please provide at minimum seventy-two hours advance notice to avoid any charges. Services canceled within seventy two hours of service will incur a 50% charge. Services canceled within forty eight hours of service will be charged the full visit fee.

A la Carte Services: Adventures, Dog Walking, Cat Sitting, and Spa Services: Please provide at minimum seventy-two hours advance notice to avoid any charges. Services canceled within seventy two hours of service will be charged the full visit fee.

Pet Sitting Cancellation: Pet sitting reservations require a 50% deposit to confirm your pet's reservation with the remaining 50% automatically run the Friday prior to when services are scheduled to begin or seven days in advance. (If your pet's reservation needs to be rescheduled, the deposit on file will be credited to your account available for future services minus a $50 cancellation fee. Holidays must be paid in full at time of booking and are non-refundable.)

Key Policy
DCDS does not hold client keys in our possession. In a case by case scenario an exception may be made, however, due to extra steps involved, there may be an additional surcharge applied. We are big believers in having keys remain at the property.

Time of Arrival
We are unable to guarantee an exact time of arrival, however, we do aim to be as close to your preferred time as possible. Please note the timing may fluctuate due to inclement weather, traffic and travel logistics, the specific route that day or other factors.

Business Hours
Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday, from 10:30 am – 3:30 pm. We do operate outside of these business hours for an additional charge. Please let us know as early as possible to see if we are able to accommodate.

Service Area
Dog Walking Discounted Monthly Packages: We currently provide mid-day dog walking packages in the following neighborhoods –

Washington, DC – Georgetown, Embassy Row, Foggy Bottom, West End, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Downtown, North Capitol, NOMA, H Street Corridor, Southwest Waterfront, The Wharf, Navy Yard, Hill East, Kingman Park, Stanton Park, Shaw, Eckington, Bloomingdale, Cardozo, Columbia Heights, and Adams Morgan

Arlington, VA – Aurora Highlands, Pentagon City, Crystal City, Arlington Ridge, Penrose, Columbia Heights, Lyon Park, Fort Myer, Virginia Square, Court House, Clarendon, Rosslyn, and Long Bridge Park

If your neighborhood is not listed, please contact us to see if we are able to accommodate your needs.

Inclement Weather Policy
Whether it’s a blizzard outside or scorching hot, DCDS may adjust the walks and routes based on current conditions. On days with extreme heat/rain/cold/ice/snow/etc the walks may be shortened to ensure the safety of our dogs and walkers. However, due to the risks associated with walking dogs in extreme conditions, rates are not changed due to shortened walks.

In addition, DCDS retains the right to cancel service due to inclement weather that we deem hazardous or dangerous up to the day of service. DCDS will notify clients as soon as possible for all cancellations.

Holiday Schedule
Please see the calendar under the client resources tab for this years holiday and high peak datesut dates.

Walker Substitutions and Cancellations
There are occasions when your primary walker may be away, sick, or unavailable. When days like this occur, one of our backup walkers will substitute for your regular walker. We will do our best to let you know when this happens, however, there may be situations when time does not allow this. In extremely rare cases, walks may be canceled completely if we do not have a backup walker available and your regular walker called out sick unexpectedly.

Liability and Safety Information
DCDS and all of our employees are licensed, insured, and bonded by BIC | Business Insurers of the Carolinas.