The questions we get asked most

Yes. Every new dog starts with a free meet and greet, usually 30 to 45 minutes, at our home or at a nearby park depending on your location. We go over your dog's routine, handling preferences, leash and harness setup, recall, and any triggers. Boarding always requires a meet and greet, and for most boarding dogs we also recommend a trial day or overnight before a longer stay.

Recurring clients hold the same weekday time slots, which keeps your dog's routine predictable. One-off walks are booked around those. Please request new or changed visits at least 24 hours ahead where you can; same-day requests are answered when there is room in the route.

Access details are confirmed in writing before your first visit. Keys and fobs are labelled by code only, stored securely, and never tagged with your address, and they are returned at the end of care. We only enter your home for the services you have requested.

Walks go ahead in rain and light snow with towels and a proper dry-off afterwards. In extreme heat, freezing rain, ice storms, or an environment warning, the walk becomes a shorter safe route plus indoor enrichment, a garden break, and a longer settle — never a skipped visit, and never a dangerous one. You are told what we did and why.

Yes, for oral medication, topicals, and most routine treatments, with written instructions and dosage from you. Injections are handled case by case and only where we are confident and competent. Everything given is logged and reported back to you the same day.

A 50% deposit confirms and reserves your boarding stay, with the remaining 50% due on or before drop-off. If you cancel 7 or more days before check-in, your deposit is fully refundable. If you cancel less than 7 days before check-in, the deposit is non-refundable. Because Calm Paws accepts a very limited number of boarding guests, your deposit reserves those dates exclusively and may prevent us from accepting another booking. Walking cancellation terms are confirmed when care is booked.

Small numbers, never large group walks. Dogs are walked solo or with one familiar, well-matched friend. We use your existing harness and leash, double-check fit at every pickup, and carry a backup slip lead. Keys and fobs are stored coded, never labelled with your address. We carry pet first-aid supplies and go straight to your named veterinarian in an emergency.

Food for the full stay plus a spare day, your dog's own bed or blanket, leash and harness, any medication in its original packaging, and your veterinarian's details. Dogs must be up to date on core vaccinations and on flea and tick prevention.

You get a message after every visit with a photo or two and a short note on how it went — where you walked, toilet breaks, appetite, mood, anything worth flagging. For boarding, you get a daily update.