If you’re reading this, you’re likely thinking about trusting someone new with your home and your animals. That’s a big decision.
This dog walker welcome pack is here to make that choice easier.
I work with dogs, cats, and small animals across Finchley and North London. Most people come to me because they want calm, consistent care from one familiar person, not a rotation of strangers.
You may be looking for regular dog walking.
You may need holiday cover.
You may have a dog who struggles with change.
This pack explains how I work, what you can expect, and whether I’m the right fit for you and your animals.
Take your time reading it.
There’s no pressure to rush.
Welcome, and how to use this pack
This welcome pack is designed to stand alone. You can read it before we meet, after an enquiry, or while deciding whether to book.
Inside, you’ll find:
- How my dog walking service works day to day
- How I support anxious or sensitive dogs
- What happens during house sitting
- How I care for cats and small animals
- How we start slowly and build trust
If something here doesn’t feel right for you, that’s useful to know. Good pet care relies on an honest fit.
What this dog walker’s welcome pack covers
This is not a price list or a contract.
It’s an overview of how I work and why.
I focus on:
- One-to-one dog walking
- In-home pet and house sitting and multiple pet house sitting
- Cat visits and small animal care
- Clear routines and familiar handling
I don’t offer group walks.
I don’t rush introductions.
I don’t use punishment, fear, or force.
My work is based on professional pet care, welfare-first decisions, and clear communication.
How my one-to-one dog walking works
Every walk is one household at a time.
That means:
- Your dog is not mixed with unfamiliar dogs
- Walks move at your dog’s pace
- Routes and handling are chosen for safety and confidence
This suits dogs who:
- Feel overwhelmed around others
- Are you recovering from injury or illness
- Need predictable routines
- Are older, younger, or in training
A typical walk includes:
- Calm collection from home
- Time to sniff and explore
- Breaks when needed
- A steady return home
I pay attention to small details. Body language. Pace. Changes in behaviour.
If something doesn’t feel right, I slow things down.
You can read more about this on my solo dog walking page.
Internal link suggestion: /solo-dog-walks
My approach to training, behaviour, and trust
I am a force-free dog walker.
That means:
- Reward-based handling
- No intimidation
- No aversive tools
- No punishment
I work within what your dog can cope with on that day.
If a dog is anxious, I adjust distance, pace, and expectations.
If a dog is reactive, I manage space and triggers.
If a dog is unsure of me, I let the relationship build naturally.
Trust is not rushed.
Confidence grows through consistency.
If a situation needs specialist support, I will say so and help you find the right professional.
Internal link suggestion: /reactive-dog-support
House sitting and in-home pet care
House sitting allows your animals to stay in their own space and maintain their normal routines.
This can be especially helpful for:
- Dogs who struggle with change
- Older pets
- Multi-pet households
- Cats who dislike travel
While house sitting, I
- Stay overnight in your home
- Follow your usual routines
- Walk and feed as agreed
- Keep your home lived in and secure
You’ll receive updates, so you know how things are going.
This service is about continuity. One familiar person. Familiar smells. Familiar spaces.
Cat and small animal care
Not every client owns a dog.
I also provide care for:
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Other small animals
Visits are tailored to your animals’ needs.
This may include:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Litter or enclosure checks
- Time spent quietly with them
- Basic home checks
Cats are handled on their terms.
Small animals are cared for calmly and carefully.
How we get started together
Everything begins with a conversation.
Before any booking, we arrange a meet-and-greet. This is your chance to:
- Ask questions
- Show me routines
- Let your animals meet me in their own space
We then start gently.
Often this means:
- Short initial walks
- Regular weekly slots
- Gradual build-up before longer stays
If something isn’t working, we adjust. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll be honest and try to recommend someone suitable.
This is your dog walker onboarding pack in practice, not just words.
Common questions before booking
Do you walk dogs together?
No. All walks are one-to-one.
Can you help nervous or reactive dogs?
Yes, within my scope. I work calmly and at the dog’s pace.
Are you insured?
Yes. Full insurance details are available on request.
Do you send updates?
Yes. You’ll receive clear, straightforward updates.
Can services be mixed?
Yes. Many clients combine walking, sitting, and cat care.
Conclusion
This dog walker welcome pack is about clarity.
It explains how I work, what I offer, and how I support animals who need calm, consistent care.
If you’re looking for a trusted dog walker in Finchley who values routine, patience, and welfare, you’re in the right place.
If you’re unsure, that’s fine too. Questions are welcome.
You can explore individual services, read related blog posts, or get in touch to talk things through.