Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What neighborhoods do you serve in terms of dog walking and pet sitting?
A: Currently we walk dogs in Park Slope, South Slope, Gowanus, Windsor Terrace, Fort Greene, Downtown Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill, and Prospect Heights.
Q: What are your dog walking hours?
A: Our standard walking hours are Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm, but we have availability 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for all of our various services. There’s an extra $10 charge for services before 10am, after 6pm, weekends, or federal holidays.
Q: What are your daycare hours?
A: Our daycare is open 7am-10:30pm, 7 days a week. If it’s not possible to pick up your dog by 10:30pm, they can stay spend the night and be billed for an “overnight visit”.
Q: Is dogger fully insured and bonded?
A: Absolutely. We maintain a comprehensive liability insurance policy and bond. We also carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance for all of our employees.
Q: Who owns dogger?
A: dogger was started in 2015 by Ian Burgess and his partner Basia Fabian, both Brooklyn residents since 2001. They live in Park Slope Brooklyn with their 5 kids, and run dogger out of their home office. See our about page.
Q: How are dogger's walkers vetted and hired?
A: The application process for new walkers consists of a full background check and new employees are given an in-depth training period in which they are mentored by existing senior staff. All walkers are required to take a Pet First Aid & CPR course within this term.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Our cancellation policy is designed to be as flexible as possible for your pet's needs. For all services we require notice by 8pm the night before. Cancellations made after 8pm up to 1 hour before service are subject to a $10 surcharge. Cancellations 1 hour or less than the appt time are subject to full charge for the service. Holiday cancellations are subject to a special $15 charge.
Q: Will my walk/visit be conducted consistently at the same time each day?
A: Pets are creatures of habit and we recognize the value of consistency in the timing of visits. To that end, we always endeavor to follow your schedule as tightly as possible. All dog walks are conducted within +/- 1 hour of their scheduled time. All cat visits are conducted within +/- 3 hour of their scheduled time, unless there is a medication schedule. All puppy visits are conducted within +/- 30 minutes of their scheduled time.
Q: When is payment required for services rendered?
A: You will be billed weekly, in arrears. Invoices that are outstanding more than 14 days from invoice date are subject to a $20 late fee.
Q: Will I have the same pet care professional every time?
A: In general, yes, this is almost always the case, though sometimes there is some employee turnover like in any service industry. We employ a team of staff who are all similarly trained and certified and in the event that your regular walker or sitter is unable to attend, another qualified walker/sitter will visit and take care of your pet. You will always be notified of this change before the service proceeds.
Q: What should I expect during the Meet & Greet?
A: dogger Meet & Greets are a chance for everyone to meet, and see how best to work with your pet. We will schedule a 20-30 minute visit in your home, at your convenience. There we will meet your pet, get to learn its history and mannerisms from you and the pet itself. Prior to the meeting you will be emailed a more specific information sheet about your pet and the services required. At the conclusion of the Meet & Greet we will require from you:
2 sets of keys
signed and completed policy and information sheets.
Q: Are walkers able to administer medication during visits?
A: dogger has several pet care professionals who are trained to administer both oral and intravenous medications. We would be happy to discuss this during your Meet & Greet.
Q: What happens if my scan magnet is lost/defaced and I require a new one?
A: dogger will be able to provide you with a new replacement magnet for your next visit, however, there is a $25 re-licensing fee incurred.
Q: What happens during a really severe weather event or catastrophe?
A: For Midday Dog Walks:
All visits will be conducted as long as it is safe to do so. However, we reserve the right to cancel midday walks due to extreme weather or other emergencies. You will be notified of cancellations as soon as possible.
For Pet Sitting:
All visits will be conducted as long as it is safe to do so.
Q: Can I give any service requests, changes, or cancellations to my Walker?
A: All of the above must be directed to the main office, reachable email. We cannot guarantee that requests outside of this can be subsequently performed.
EMAIL: service@doggernyc.com