General FAQs
Who is Luke?
There is no Luke, we just like the play on words.
How do I sign up? How quickly can we start?
It starts with a phone call. We can let you know if we have a walker available to suit your schedule, answer any questions and get your registration started. After activating your account, we set up a brief meet and greet between you, your pet and our walker. After that, you’re all set to schedule services.
Do you have references?
To hear what people are saying, check out all of our great reviews on Yelp!
Are you insured and bonded?
Yes, we are insured and bonded through Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
Do you offer discounts?
We may occasionally run a promotion but we like simplicity and transparency. We don’t overprice our services in anticipation of giving discounts and we only charge for the services we’ve provided in a specific invoice period.
Our Refer-A-Friend program is a great way to spread the word about our exceptional services. New users can get free service to try us out and the existing client that referred us will be thanked with a service credit. Ask us for the details!
Do you board?
We offer kitty visits and overnight sitting in your home, where your pet is most comfortable. We do not have a boarding facility or allow dogs to stay in the sitter’s home.
What if you have to go to the bathroom?
In the event we need to relieve ourselves, we will use our client’s restroom. This time is not taken from your pup’s walk time.
Will you pick up an order from the pet shop?
As long as it has been pre-paid or the balance is left for us, we would be happy to do it. If we can do it during your scheduled walk, there is no charge.
Do I tip my walker?
Tipping is never expected and not the norm outside of the holiday season; however, you’re the boss. So if you feel your walker has been doing an exceptionally great job then who are we to argue?
Do you discipline the dogs?
If a dog is being naughty we will get them to sit and settle down until they are ready to start walking again. Striking a pet is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Do you give them treats?
Only with the owner’s consent. Additionally, we do not let people on the street or doormen give them treats.
How do you pair the dogs?
We try to keep them within a similar size and energy level. You'll never see us walking a Great Dane with a Toy Poodle. Additionally, we will make sure the pups have compatible personalities.
How do I pay for services?
Credit Card payments can be made through our pet software, Time to Pet. Our billing cycle is on the 1st and 16th of each month.
Dog Walk FAQs
What is the window for walks?
We try to give everyone a set time in order to maintain the same schedule every day. However, there are days where we may have more or less walks than usual. Generally we give ourselves a TWO HOUR window to complete a walk. If your targeted walk time is scheduled for 12pm, we may come as early as 11am or as late as 1:00. For puppy care we try to keep the window to 30 minutes, meaning if we are scheduled for 12:30 we will arrive between 12:15-12:45.
What is your price for dog walks?
You can view our dog walking prices on our website. We offer premium dog walking services and aim to keep our rates reasonable for the level to service you’ll receive.
What if I’m not located on the Upper West Side?
We launched as an Upper West Side dog walker, and that the area we know best. Over the years, we’ve taken on clients outside of the Upper West Side and can likely find a way to help if you’re located anywhere in Manhattan.
What if my walker gets sick or can't make a walk?
We have dedicated back up walkers who are ready to cover in the event your primary walker is unexpectedly sick or takes a vacation.
Can you walk my aggressive dog?
Prior to starting walks, we learn about your dog’s behavior and experiences. Dogs that are shy, slow to warm up to strangers, or bark a bit on leash are generally fine with a consistent and patient walker. Dogs that won’t allow us to safely handle them or have significant aggression concerns may not be a good match.
Do you supply bags?
Each dog walker has bags with them; however, we will use the owner’s bags if they are attached to the leash.
What do you do with the first dog while picking up the second?
We will always take the pup inside with us. This is so no one takes them and so people don't feed them or antagonize them. If you live in a building that does not allow non-resident dogs inside, we may only be able to offer private walks.
Do you take them to the dog parks?
We do not take dogs to dog parks unless you specifically request we do so on a private walk and a dog run agreement form is signed. Our policy is to keep dogs safely on leash at all times.
Do you listen to music or talk on the phone during walks?
Absolutely not. Walkers may occasionally text a client or another walker if there is a pressing matter. Otherwise, they are focused on your dog the entire walk.
Do you let the dogs interact with other dogs while walking?
If your dog is friendly and the approaching dog is friendly then we will let them sniff each other. Generally we will walk in between your dog and oncoming pups.
What is your cancelation policy?
Walking services can be canceled free of charge before 12pm the day prior to service. Cancellations made after 12pm the day prior or the same day are charged at the full rate.
Pet Sitting has limited availability and requires payment in full at time of booking. Holiday reservations can be canceled 7 days ahead of time for a 50% refund. Non-holiday bookings must be canceled at least 7 days ahead of time for a full refund. No refund is given for cancellations with less than 7 days notice.
Are you available on last minute notice?
We will do our best to accommodate all service requests and to ensure the time, service and caretaker you prefer, we ask for as much notice as possible. That isn’t always possible so we still accept last minute requests. Any service requests made the day of or after 12pm the day prior, are considered a “Priority request” and will be charged a $10 fee.
What do you do when it rains?
We get wet! We walk rain or shine. Our clients tell us where we can find a towel on rainy days and we will dry off your dog as much as we can.
Do you leave notes after the walk?
Our petcare software sends you updates via email as soon as we complete the walk. You can see the gps map of where your dog walked and we will tell you what they did (pee, poop, diarrhea, anything funny they did, progress they are making as a puppy, etc.). The walkers also attach occasional pictures!
How long are the actual walks?
We start our clock when we walk through your door, not the building. We are generally in and out within 2 minutes. We will then return with about 3-5 minutes left on the walk which gives us time to get your pup back inside, clean them up if needed, replenish their water, etc. If we make it back a few minutes early, we will play with your dog for a bit to fill out the requested time.
Do you clean up any accidents that you find?
Yes, and we will take it out with us to keep your apartment smelling fresh.
What if my dog picks up something off the street?
We try to keep an eye about 5-8 feet in front of the dog and steer them away from tempting sidewalk treats. In the event they are faster than we are, then we go fishing. One quick sweep with the finger usually brings out the contraband.
Pet Sitting FAQs
How does pet sitting work?
Kitty visits can be scheduled for 30-90 minutes and occur once or multiple times each day that you’re away.
Overnight sitting for dogs - the sitter will arrive in the evening, feeds dinner and takes your dog out for a good night walk. In the morning, they will offer breakfast and take out for a good morning walk. You can customize the number and length of daytime walks based on your dog’s needs and travel plans.
What is the longest you will dog sit/board?
There is no amount of time that is too long. However, for in-home sitting over two weeks, we may need to have a second walker sub in for a night or two to give your primary a night off.