Finchley Dog Walker Welcome Pack: What to Expect Before Your First Booking

Choosing somebody to walk your dog, care for your cat or stay overnight in your home involves a great deal of trust.

You want to know who will care for your pet, how their usual routine will be maintained, and what happens if something doesn’t go to plan.

I also need to understand your pet’s health, behaviour and daily needs, together with any arrangements that could affect their safety.

I’m Del, the person behind Finchley Dog Walker. I’ve been providing professional dog walking and in-home pet care around Finchley and North London since 2011.

I work independently, caring for one household at a time. No van collection rounds, no groups of unrelated dogs, and no rotating team of walkers.

This Welcome Pack explains how I work, what happens before your first booking and what I need from you to provide suitable care.

You don’t need to read everything before making an enquiry. However, once we’ve discussed a possible booking, please read the sections relevant to your pet and the service required.

Start here

• Explore my pet-care services
• View current prices
• Service Area
• Read my Terms and Conditions
• Policies and Professional Standards
• Contact me

You can also message me on WhatsApp.

Important information

This Welcome Pack is a practical guide to my services. It is not a replacement for my Terms and Conditions, relevant policies, your written booking confirmation or specific care instructions.

Your confirmed service-specific arrangements, Terms and Conditions and applicable policies govern the booking. This page provides general information to help explain those arrangements.

I am not a veterinary surgeon or clinical animal behaviourist. I cannot diagnose illness, prescribe treatment or provide specialist behavioural therapy.

This Welcome Pack contains no direct affiliate product links. Some linked equipment guides may contain affiliate links, which are disclosed on those pages.

Key takeaways

• You’ll deal directly with me, Del.
• Dog walks start and finish at your dog’s home.
• I don’t transport dogs in vans or run group walks involving unrelated dogs.
• I normally arrange a meet-and-greet before new care begins.
• I need full, accurate information about your pet’s health, behaviour, and routine.
• We must discuss and agree on medication and specialist care in advance.
• You must provide working access, essential supplies and appropriate emergency contacts.
• Standard overnight house sitting doesn’t mean continuous 24-hour supervision.
• You must disclose cameras, recording equipment, and anyone entering the home.
• I confirm a booking only after I accept it and you complete the applicable requirements.

1. Who will be caring for your pet?

Finchley Dog Walker is my independent pet-care business.

I provide the agreed care myself, so your pet can become familiar with one person rather than meeting a different walker or sitter each week.

My work includes puppies, rescue dogs, nervous and reactive dogs, senior dogs, cats, kittens and suitable small animals.

I hold an Ofqual Level 3 qualification in Canine First Aid and continue to study canine body language, welfare, enrichment and reward-based handling.

I also hold an Enhanced DBS check through my Scouting volunteer role. This is not a pet-care qualification or a guarantee of suitability.

I maintain specialist pet-business insurance for my agreed professional services, subject to the current policy’s terms, exclusions and limits.

You can read my Insurance Statement. I can provide evidence of current cover on request.

My approach to care

I follow six straightforward principles:

1. Every pet is an individual.
2. Calm, reward-based handling comes before convenience.
3. Welfare is more important than completing a particular distance or activity.
4. Familiar feeding, sleeping and care routines matter.
5. Communication should be clear and honest.
6. I work within my competence and seek appropriate professional advice when needed.

A nervous dog may need space rather than attention.

An older dog may benefit from a slow sniffing walk rather than an hour of energetic exercise.

A shy cat might prefer that I quietly deal with their food and litter without trying to encourage them out of hiding.

I adapt my approach to the animal rather than expecting every pet to follow the same routine.

When my service may not be suitable

I don’t offer:

• Pack or group walks with dogs from unrelated households.
• Routine transport to walking locations in a van or car.
• Boarding or daycare in my own home.
• Punishment-based training or handling.
• Guaranteed off-lead exercise.
• Veterinary treatment.
• Clinical behavioural assessments.
• Unagreed continuous supervision.
• Medical procedures outside my competence or insurance.

I may also decline a booking where the animal’s needs, risks or required care cannot be managed safely.

I’d rather explain my concerns than accept an arrangement that isn’t suitable.

2. Which services can I provide?

My services focus on caring for pets in their own home and familiar local environment.

Solo dog walking

My one-to-one dog walks start and finish at your dog’s home.

No collection rounds or unfamiliar dogs are added to the walk.

Suitable dogs from the same household may be walked together when agreed and safe to manage.

Rescue and nervous dog support

Some dogs need quieter routes, additional space, gradual introductions or more time to build trust.

My Rescue Dog Support explains the kind of individual care I may be able to provide.

This is practical support, not a replacement for veterinary or specialist behavioural treatment.

Puppy visits

My Puppy Visits can include suitable feeding, toilet breaks, short activities, enrichment and company.

A short visit won’t necessarily meet the needs of a very young puppy who would otherwise be alone for much of the day.

We’ll discuss the complete daily care arrangement before booking.

Cat sitting

My Cat Sitting Service allows suitable cats to remain at home while I provide agreed visits.

Care may include food, water, litter trays, welfare checks, medication where appropriate and interaction suited to the individual cat.

Small-animal care

My Small Animal Care covers suitable rabbits, guinea pigs and other agreed species.

Visit frequency and tasks depend on their needs, housing, health and normal routine.

If you’re a new rabbit owner, my First-Time Rabbit Owner Guide may help you prepare suitable routines and understand what needs checking while you’re away.

Overnight pet and house sitting

My Pet and House Sitting Service involves staying overnight in your home and providing the agreed care.

I don’t offer boarding at my own property.

Standard overnight care and continuous care are different arrangements, explained later in this pack.

You can also read my guide on How to choose a pet sitter

Where do I work?

My main regular service areas include East Finchley N2, Finchley Central N3, North Finchley N12 and Muswell Hill N10.

Some nearby areas may suit particular services, especially house sitting.

The exact location, required timing, availability and your pet’s needs all matter.

Please include your full postcode when enquiring.

If you have a senior dog, then read my guide on holiday care for senior dogs

3. What happens when you contact me?

The first step is a simple conversation.

You can send an enquiry or contact me through WhatsApp.

Please tell me:

• Your name and postcode.
• The species and number of pets.
• Their ages, where relevant.
• The service you’re interested in.
• The dates or regular days needed.
• Any important health concerns.
• Any nervousness, reactivity or handling difficulties.
• Whether your pet has used professional care before.

You don’t need to prepare a lengthy document for the first message.

I’ll ask for more detail if the service appears suitable and I may have availability.

Does an enquiry reserve the dates?

No.

An enquiry, quotation, initial discussion or meet-and-greet doesn’t automatically create a booking.

I need to assess the care required and confirm that the arrangement is practical and appropriate.

I confirm a booking only when you meet the requirements in my Terms and Conditions, including written acceptance and any applicable reservation payment.

4. Why I need to know about your pet’s behaviour

I rely on accurate information to make sensible decisions.

Please don’t worry that telling me your dog barks, your cat hides, or your pet dislikes handling will automatically put me off.

I regularly work with animals who need patience.

However, I must understand anything that could create a risk.

For dogs, please tell me about:

• Previous bites or attempted bites.
• Snapping, growling or guarding behaviour.
• Reactivity towards people, dogs or other animals.
• Fear of traffic, loud noises or unfamiliar situations.
• Difficulty with collars, harnesses or leads.
• Escape attempts.
• Poor recall.
• Separation-related distress.
• Pain, injuries or medical conditions.
• Any recent change in behaviour.

For cats and small animals, please explain:

• Handling preferences.
• Previous bites or scratches.
• Hiding behaviour.
• Escape risks.
• Feeding and drinking difficulties.
• Medication concerns.
• Conditions requiring close observation.
• Any specialist housing or temperature requirements.

If something changes after we’ve agreed a booking, let me know promptly.

A recent injury, new prescription or significant behavioural change may affect the care plan.

For further reading, see my Dog Behaviour and Body Language Hub.

5. The meet-and-greet

For new clients, a suitable meet-and-greet is normally an important part of preparing for care.

It gives us the opportunity to talk about your pet, review the practical arrangements and decide whether the service is a good fit.

We may discuss:

• Daily routines.
• Feeding and water.
• Health and medication.
• Behaviour and handling.
• Walking equipment.
• Sleeping arrangements.
• Keys and property access.
• Veterinary information.
• Emergency contacts.
• The agreed service.
• Any additional introductions needed.

What if your pet is nervous?

Your dog doesn’t have to run over to greet me.

Your cat doesn’t need to come out of hiding.

And I don’t need to pick up a rabbit or guinea pig to make an introduction successful.

Some animals need time to observe a new person.

For a worried dog, I may sit quietly, avoid direct approaches and give them space.

Depending on their response, we might arrange:

• A short introduction.
• Another quiet visit.
• A brief walk with the owner present.
• A gradual handover.
• A trial visit.
• Additional familiarisation sessions.

These arrangements may involve separate charges.

A meet-and-greet doesn’t guarantee that I’ll be able to accept the booking.

You can read Preparing for a Meet-and-Greet for more advice.

For independent guidance, Dogs Trust explains what to check when choosing a dog walker.

6. Confirming your booking

Once we’ve agreed I can provide suitable care, record the key arrangements clearly.

Your confirmation may include:

• The service being booked.
• Dates and expected times.
• The animals covered.
• Visit duration or house-sitting arrangements.
• The agreed price.
• Payment requirements.
• Cancellation arrangements.
• Medication or additional care.
• Home access.
• Emergency procedures.
• Any relevant special instructions.

Please read your booking confirmation and the applicable terms.

Prices and payments

My Prices page shows the current standard charges.

The final quote may depend on the service, additional time or more involved care requirements.

Discuss any variations before booking.

House sitting normally requires a reservation payment under the current Terms and Conditions.

Cancellation arrangements

Different services may have different notice periods and payment arrangements.

The applicable cancellation requirements are set out in my Terms and Conditions and relevant booking information.

Please review them before committing to holiday dates.

Nothing in the booking terms removes your statutory consumer rights.

7. Preparing your home

Before the first booking, please check that:

• Keys work correctly.
• Locks and alarms have been explained.
• Doors, windows and gates are secure.
• Food and water supplies are available.
• Medication is clearly labelled.
• Suitable cleaning supplies are easy to find.
• Veterinary details are current.
• Any known property hazards have been disclosed.
• We have discussed cameras and recording devices.
• Other people who may enter the property have been identified.

A house that works perfectly well for you may contain features that aren’t obvious to a visitor.

Please show me anything unusual.

Written care instructions

Leave one clear, dated set of instructions.

Include what is relevant:

• Feeding times and quantities.
• Medication instructions.
• Walking and toilet routines.
• Sleeping arrangements.
• Litter or enclosure cleaning.
• Where supplies are stored.
• Health and behaviour information.
• Veterinary details.
• Emergency contacts.
• Security instructions.
• Anything that helps your pet settle.

If your instructions change, please update them and let me know.

Several conflicting lists can create unnecessary risks.

8. Keys, alarms and security

Your home security is an important part of the arrangement.

Keys and access

Please demonstrate that the keys work from the outside.

Explain any:

• Communal entrances.
• Additional locks.
• Difficult latches.
• Garden gates.
• Key safes.
• Door codes.
• Backup access arrangements.

I recommend having a trusted local backup keyholder.

Don’t assume that a key hidden outside the property is a suitable security arrangement.

Alarms

Please show me how the alarm works, including any entry and exit timing.

Let me know what to do if it fails or activates unexpectedly.

Please share security codes and sensitive access information privately, and only with the people who need them.

Garden and escape risks

Please identify:

• Gaps in fencing.
• Loose gates.
• Unreliable door latches.
• Cats who rush through doors.
• Dogs who attempt to escape.
• Windows that must remain closed.
• Areas that pets must not enter.

Even familiar homes can present escape risks when normal routines change.

9. Cameras, recording and privacy

Many households use doorbell cameras, security cameras or pet-monitoring equipment.

I understand why.

However, I need to know what equipment is active before I enter or stay in the property.

Please disclose:

• Doorbell cameras.
• Outdoor security cameras.
• Indoor pet cameras.
• Smart displays with camera functions.
• Audio-recording equipment.
• Baby monitors.
• Devices that can be activated or viewed remotely.

Tell me where the equipment is located, whether it records sound and whether other people can view the recordings.

Cameras during house sitting

Recording equipment must not operate in a bedroom provided for my use, a bathroom, a changing area or another space where personal privacy would reasonably be expected.

Discuss any indoor monitoring arrangements before the booking.

Please don’t install, activate or relocate recording equipment during a stay without discussing the change with me first.

Undisclosed monitoring may affect whether I can accept or continue an arrangement.

The relevant policies and Terms and Conditions govern the detailed requirements.

10. Other people entering the property

Please tell me about other people who may enter your home during care.

This includes:

• Relatives and friends.
• Cleaners.
• Gardeners.
• Tradespeople.
• Neighbours with keys.
• Landlords or property managers.
• Other pet professionals.
• Anybody planning to stay overnight.

Shared access can create uncertainty about doors, alarms, feeding, medication and responsibility for the property.

It may also worry a nervous animal.

Discuss unexpected visits or changes to access arrangements before they happen, wherever possible.

11. Medication and medical care

Some pets require prescribed medication as part of their normal routine.

I may be able to administer straightforward medication where we’ve agreed this before the booking, where the procedure is safe, within my competence, and covered by the relevant insurance.

Please supply medication in its original packaging wherever possible.

Please provide written instructions covering:

• The medication’s name.
• The prescribed dose.
• When it must be given.
• How it should be administered.
• Whether it must be given with food.
• Storage requirements.
• Known side effects.
• What to do if the animal refuses the dose.
• What to do if the animal vomits after a dose.
• The prescribing veterinary practice.

I may need a demonstration or trial before accepting a medication arrangement.

Types of medication I may consider

Depending on the circumstances, these might include:

• Tablets given with food.
• Tablets administered through an agreed safe method.
• Oral liquid medication.
• Topical preparations.
• Ear or eye medication.
• Routine supplements.

This is not a guarantee that I’ll accept every medication request.

Can I give injections?

Any request involving injections or another invasive procedure must be discussed and assessed before booking.

I don’t automatically accept these procedures.

Suitability depends on the animal, the procedure, appropriate instructions, safe handling, my competence and whether the work is covered by insurance.

Some medical requirements are better managed by a veterinary professional or suitably qualified specialist.

Please don’t make travel arrangements assuming I can give a particular injection without prior agreement.

Refused or missed medication

Please leave the veterinary instructions for refused, late, missed, partly swallowed or vomited doses.

I won’t automatically repeat a dose because doing so could create an overdose risk.

Where instructions are unclear, I may need to contact you or the veterinary practice.

I will not use unreasonable force where medication creates significant distress or a safety risk.

Refrigerated medication

Please label refrigerated medicines clearly and explain the correct storage requirements.

Make sure any necessary equipment is available.

Let me know what your vet recommends if there is a power failure or medication is stored incorrectly.

Medical disclaimer

I don’t diagnose illness, prescribe or change medication, provide specialist veterinary treatment or guarantee that an animal will accept a medication.

If a procedure is unsuitable or an animal’s condition becomes unstable, veterinary advice or a different care arrangement may be necessary.

12. Veterinary details and emergency arrangements

Before care begins, I need appropriate emergency information.

Please provide:

• Your normal veterinary practice.
• The out-of-hours emergency veterinary provider.
• Relevant medical history.
• Important allergies.
• Medication details.
• Your emergency contact.
• Suitable treatment authorisation.
• Payment arrangements for veterinary care.
• The location of a suitable pet carrier.

For longer bookings, consider notifying your veterinary practice that I’m caring for your pet.

Some practices may require specific written authority or payment details.

If you need to locate a veterinary practice, use the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Find a Vet service.

What happens in an emergency?

I’ll assess the immediate safety concerns, contact you where practical and seek suitable veterinary assistance.

If urgent treatment is required, I may need to act before I can reach you, within the agreed authority and applicable terms.

The animal’s welfare comes first.

I’ll aim to use your nominated veterinary practice. If it’s unavailable or unsuitable in an emergency, another provider may be necessary.

Who pays for veterinary treatment?

Veterinary charges and related costs are normally the owner’s responsibility, subject to the contract, applicable law and any relevant liability arrangements.

Please discuss emergency payment arrangements before travelling.

My professional insurance doesn’t replace your own pet insurance.

Emergency planning

It helps to have a trusted person nearby who can assist if you cannot be reached or your travel arrangements change.

My Emergency Pet Care Plan explains how to prepare for unexpected circumstances.

13. Preparing your dog for a walk

Please make sure your dog’s walking equipment is secure, comfortable and appropriate.

Depending on the dog, this may include:

• A properly fitted harness.
• A suitable collar.
• A legally compliant identification tag.
• A reliable fixed-length lead.
• A double-ended lead where appropriate.
• A suitable long line.
• A properly introduced basket muzzle if agreed.
• A coat or towel when needed.

Show me how the equipment fits, particularly if your dog has previously escaped from a harness or collar.

Equipment I don’t use

I don’t use retractable leads for my normal professional walks.

I also don’t use punishment-based equipment such as prong collars, choke or check chains or electronic shock collars.

I use reward-based handling and adapt the walk to the dog.

My Leads and Harnesses Guide explains what I consider when choosing equipment.

You don’t need to buy a particular product simply because you’ve booked my service.

Off-lead walking

Off-lead walking isn’t guaranteed.

It depends on the dog’s behaviour and recall, the environment, local restrictions, risk assessment and the arrangements we’ve agreed.

A dog who normally runs free with their owner may still need to remain on a lead or suitable long line when walking with me.

Identification

Please ensure your dog’s microchip details are current and that they wear the legally required identification when in public.

A microchip doesn’t replace the need for a suitable collar and identification tag.

Read my Dog Microchipping and ID Tags Guide or check the official GOV.UK requirements.

What if my dog refuses to walk?

I won’t drag a worried or uncomfortable dog around to complete a route.

I may change the route, provide more space, shorten the outing or contact you.

A sudden or unusual reluctance to walk may require veterinary advice.

14. Preparing your puppy

Puppies need appropriate feeding, toileting, rest, safe experiences and companionship.

Their care needs change quickly as they grow.

A booked visit may include:

• A toilet opportunity.
• Fresh water.
• Feeding.
• Gentle enrichment.
• Basic cleaning.
• Calm company.
• A suitable short outing where appropriate and agreed.

Please tell me about vaccination advice, toilet routines, feeding times, chewing, puppy-proofing and how long your puppy can comfortably be left.

For help preparing for a new arrival, visit my New & First Pet Owner Hub.

15. Preparing your cat for visits

For cat sitting, please leave:

• Enough familiar food.
• Water bowls or fountain supplies.
• Suitable litter and trays.
• Scoops, waste bags and cleaning products.
• Medication where agreed.
• A secure carrier.
• Safe toys or enrichment items.
• Veterinary and emergency details.

Please explain where your cat normally hides and whether they enjoy interaction.

Some cats will happily meet me at the door.

Others prefer to be left alone.

I won’t force a frightened cat out of hiding simply to take a photograph.

Cat flaps and outdoor access

Please explain:

• Whether your cat normally goes outside.
• Cat-flap settings.
• Times when access must be restricted.
• Any neighbouring cats entering the home.
• What to do if your cat doesn’t return.
• Whether medication requires the cat to remain indoors.

A free-roaming cat cannot be guaranteed to return at a particular time.

If medication or close health monitoring depends on the animal being present, unrestricted outdoor access may not be appropriate.

Health concerns

Please mention any history of urinary problems, appetite changes, vomiting, diabetes or other medical conditions.

A cat struggling or unable to urinate needs urgent veterinary attention.

For independent cat-care advice, visit Cats Protection.

16. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals

Small animals need reliable care and careful observation.

Please leave instructions covering:

• Hay and appropriate food.
• Water bowls or bottles.
• Fresh vegetables where suitable.
• Bedding and litter.
• Enclosure cleaning.
• Exercise or activity areas.
• Temperature precautions.
• Companionship.
• Handling preferences.
• Normal appetite.
• Normal droppings.
• Relevant medical history.
• Emergency veterinary care.

Rabbits and guinea pigs

Please tell me about any history of dental problems, gastrointestinal illness, reduced appetite, flystrike or other medical concerns.

A rabbit or guinea pig who stops eating or producing droppings requires urgent veterinary advice.

Their normal diet, housing and social arrangements should remain suitable throughout the booking.

For further preparation, see:

• Rabbit Holiday Care Essentials
• Guinea Pig Holiday Care

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund provides independent rabbit welfare guidance.

The RSPCA’s guinea-pig care guidance covers appropriate husbandry and everyday care.

Other small pets

Different species need different diets, housing, companionship and handling arrangements.

I only accept care that suits the species and is within my competence.

Please disclose any specialist temperature, lighting, feeding, or medication arrangements beforehand.

17. House sitting: what is included?

House sitting allows suitable pets to remain in their normal environment.

I’ll stay overnight and follow the agreed routine as closely as reasonably possible.

This may include:

• Feeding and fresh water.
• Appropriate exercise.
• Agreed medication.
• Toilet breaks.
• Litter or enclosure care.
• Calm companionship.
• Usual sleeping arrangements.
• Agreed updates.
• A limited number of suitable household tasks.

I don’t board at my own home. Read my guide on Boarding V Sitting

Standard overnight house sitting

Standard house sitting isn’t continuous 24-hour supervision.

My published Terms and Conditions allow, unless a shorter limit has been agreed in writing, up to two separate breaks within each 24-hour period for standard dog house sitting:

• One break of no more than four continuous hours.
• A separate break of no more than three continuous hours.

These are maximum limits, not guaranteed or automatic absences.

A pet who needs shorter periods alone must have that requirement agreed before booking.

The actual care pattern should suit the animal.

Continuous or enhanced care

Some pets cannot comfortably or safely be left for the periods normally possible during standard house sitting.

Examples include suitable animals with:

• Significant separation-related distress.
• Frequent toileting requirements.
• Certain medication schedules.
• Particular senior-care needs.
• Close monitoring requirements.
• Post-operative restrictions.

An enhanced or continuous house-sitting arrangement may be available, subject to suitability.

Any permitted absences and the level of supervision must be agreed in writing.

Continuous care is not automatically included within standard house sitting.

See my House Sitting Service and current Prices.

Sleeping arrangements

Please tell me where your animals normally sleep.

I aim to maintain familiar sleeping arrangements where they’re practical, safe and agreed.

I won’t introduce an unfamiliar confinement routine simply because you’re away.

Discuss any concerns about sleeping locations or overnight supervision before booking.

18. Household arrangements during a house sit

Please explain anything important about the property, including:

• Heating and hot water.
• Kitchen appliances.
• Wi-Fi where needed.
• Waste and recycling.
• Washing-machine use where agreed.
• Rooms that are out of bounds.
• Existing faults.
• Emergency property contacts.

I’ll treat your home respectfully and leave the spaces I use reasonably tidy.

Cleaning and supplies

Please leave cleaning products suitable for your home’s surfaces.

Tell me about delicate flooring or furniture.

I’ll do reasonable cleaning related to the agreed animal care, but house sitting isn’t a domestic-cleaning service.

Post, plants and bins

Limited household tasks may be possible by prior agreement, including:

• Bringing in post.
• Moving a small delivery inside.
• Opening or closing agreed curtains.
• Switching agreed lights.
• Managing household bins.
• Watering a reasonable number of plants.

These tasks must not interfere with the animals’ care.

I don’t provide professional housekeeping, gardening, repairs, security patrols or property management.

Specialist plants and substantial watering requirements need separate arrangements.

19. Photographs, updates and communication

We’ll agree what updates are appropriate before care begins.

For some services, a message after the visit may be suitable.

During house sitting, we can agree a practical update routine.

Updates may include:

• Whether normal care was completed.
• Feeding or toileting information.
• How your pet appeared to be coping.
• Any noteworthy changes.
• Photographs where appropriate.

I won’t interrupt safe handling or pressure a shy animal for a photograph.

Private updates and marketing photographs

Photographs taken to update you privately or record an incident are different from photographs used for public marketing.

Permission for private updates doesn’t automatically mean I may use your pet’s photograph on Facebook, Instagram or my website.

I’ll seek separate affirmative permission for marketing use.

You can decline marketing photographs without affecting the care provided.

I avoid sharing house numbers, sensitive property details or readable identification tags publicly.

Contacting me during care

Please tell me promptly about:

• Changes to travel plans.
• Delayed returns.
• New veterinary instructions.
• Changes in medication.
• Other people needing property access.
• Security problems.
• Anything else that may affect the care plan.

During an emergency, I may need to prioritise the animal’s safety before replying to routine messages.

20. Bad weather and seasonal safety

A scheduled dog walk shouldn’t take place exactly as planned when conditions make it unsafe.

Heat, humidity, storms, strong winds, ice, flooding and other hazards can affect the care provided.

Depending on the circumstances, I may:

• Shorten a walk.
• Change the route.
• Alter the timing where practical.
• Avoid woodland or exposed areas.
• Provide an appropriate toilet opportunity.
• Offer calm indoor enrichment where agreed.
• Cancel or adapt an unsafe activity.

I take the individual animal’s health, age, behaviour and mobility into account.

Read my Extreme Weather Policy for the full arrangements.

Any changes to charges or bookings are governed by the relevant agreed terms.

21. What happens if something goes wrong?

No sensible professional can guarantee that an animal will never become unwell or that a property issue will never occur.

What matters is preparation and an appropriate response.

If your pet appears unwell

I’ll consider changes in:

• Appetite.
• Drinking.
• Toileting.
• Breathing.
• Movement.
• Behaviour.
• Energy levels.
• Signs of discomfort.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Ability to stand or move normally.

I’ll contact you or obtain veterinary advice as appropriate.

Urgent symptoms require urgent veterinary attention.

My Dog Health and First Aid Hub provides general background information.

If a pet escapes

I’ll respond according to the circumstances and agreed emergency information.

That may involve contacting you, appropriate veterinary practices, microchip services, the local authority or other relevant organisations.

Please tell me about any previous escape incidents before booking.

Prevention and safe access arrangements are particularly important.

If I cannot get into the home

I’ll try to contact you and use the agreed backup arrangements.

Where appropriate, this may involve a nominated keyholder or another suitable professional.

The urgency will depend on whether an animal is at risk.

If there is a property emergency

If I discover a serious leak, electrical fault, fire or another dangerous situation, the immediate priority will be the safety of people and animals.

I’ll contact you and relevant emergency services or professionals as appropriate.

I don’t undertake specialist repairs or dangerous maintenance work.

If your return is delayed

Please tell me as soon as possible.

An extension may affect feeding, medication, toilet breaks, other confirmed bookings and key arrangements.

I’ll help where reasonably possible, but cannot guarantee extra visits or an extended stay.

Additional care may involve additional charges.

Please leave sufficient supplies and arrange a reliable local emergency contact.

22. Finishing the booking and returning keys

We’ll agree how your keys are handled after the booking.

For regular services, we may be able to keep keys securely, by agreement.

For one-off care, we can arrange an appropriate return method.

I won’t routinely leave a key under a mat or flowerpot.

If you’re returning from a holiday, please confirm when you’re safely home where that forms part of the arrangement.

After a first booking, you’re welcome to tell me whether anything should be adjusted next time.

Good communication helps keep care practical and appropriate.

23. Your final preparation checklist

Pet information

• Health conditions have been disclosed.
• Important behaviour concerns have been discussed.
• Feeding instructions are clear.
• Medication arrangements have been agreed.
• My pet’s normal routine has been explained.
• Walking or handling equipment is secure.
• Any recent changes have been communicated.

Home access

• Keys and locks work.
• Alarm instructions are correct.
• Gates and doors are secure.
• Cameras have been disclosed.
• Other people entering the home have been discussed.
• Hazards and existing faults have been explained.

Supplies

• There is enough suitable food.
• Fresh-water arrangements are available.
• Medication is properly labelled.
• Litter, bedding and cleaning supplies are sufficient.
• Suitable pet carriers are accessible.
• Extra supplies are available for an unexpected delay.

Emergency arrangements

• Veterinary details are current.
• Out-of-hours veterinary care is identified.
• Emergency contacts have agreed to help.
• Treatment authority has been discussed.
• Payment arrangements are understood.
• Backup property access is available.

Booking details

• Dates and services have been confirmed.
• Prices and payment arrangements are understood.
• I’ve reviewed the cancellation terms.
• House-sitting absences have been agreed where relevant.
• Communication arrangements are clear.
• Departure and return details are accurate.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to read the whole Welcome Pack before contacting you?

No. Send me a brief enquiry first. Once we’ve discussed your needs, please read the sections relevant to the service before confirming.

Do you offer a free meet-and-greet?

The arrangement and any cost depend on the service and location. Please check my current Prices page or ask when enquiring.

Do you work with rescue and reactive dogs?

Potentially, yes. I regularly provide suitable individual care for dogs who need additional space or a slower introduction. I assess whether the arrangement can be managed safely.

Should I disclose a previous bite?

Yes. Discuss previous bites, attempted bites, and other relevant behaviour concerns before care begins.

Do you walk dogs together?

I don’t walk dogs from unrelated households together. Suitable dogs living in the same household may sometimes be walked together by agreement.

Do you transport dogs in a van?

No. My routine walks start and finish at your dog’s home. No vans

Do you provide off-lead exercise?

Only where it is suitable, legally permitted and agreed. I may decide a lead or long line is safer.

Can you administer medication?

Straightforward; agreed medication may be possible, subject to suitable instructions, competence, safe handling and insurance.

Can you give injections?

Not automatically. An injection or invasive procedure must be individually assessed and agreed before booking. I may decline where it isn’t safe or suitable.

Do you offer overnight house sitting?

Yes. I stay in your home and provide the agreed routine. Standard overnight care isn’t continuous 24-hour supervision.

What if my dog cannot be left alone?

We would need to discuss suitable continuous or enhanced care arrangements. We must agree on availability and the exact level of supervision before booking.

Can I leave indoor cameras running?

All recording equipment must be disclosed. Devices must not operate in private areas such as the bedroom used by the sitter or bathrooms.

Can somebody else enter the home?

Only under arrangements we’ve discussed and found suitable. Unexpected shared access can create risks.

Will you send updates?

Yes, according to the arrangements we agree. I’ll prioritise safe care over taking photographs.

Can you look after cats and small animals?

Yes, where the species, individual animal’s needs, location and proposed care arrangements are suitable.

What happens if my return is delayed?

Please contact me immediately. Additional care is subject to availability and may involve extra charges.

Do you keep keys for future visits?

This may be possible by prior agreement for regular clients.

How do I know whether you’re the right person for my pet?

Start by explaining your pet’s needs and the care you’re looking for.

You may also find my How to Choose a Dog Walker helpful when comparing professional providers.

Related guides and useful information

For more detailed advice, you can visit:

• New & First Pet Owner Hub
• Dog Leads and Harnesses
• Dog Health and First Aid
• Dog Microchipping and ID Tags
• Rabbit Holiday Care Essentials

For booking and service information:

• All Services
• Current Prices
• Terms and Conditions
• Insurance Statement
• Pet and House Sitting

Ready to discuss your pet’s care?

The best care arrangements begin with an open conversation.

You know your pet’s normal routine, personality and history.

I bring my experience of professional pet care, a calm approach and an understanding of the practical arrangements involved.

Between us, we can work out whether my services are a good fit.

You don’t have to pretend your dog is perfectly behaved, your cat loves strangers or your home looks like a show house.

I do need accurate information, sensible preparation and clear arrangements.

If you’re looking for dog walking, cat sitting, small-animal visits or house sitting in Finchley, Muswell Hill or a suitable nearby area, get in touch.

Please include your postcode, the service you need, any relevant dates and a little about your pet.

I’ll explain what happens next.

Del Chambers
Finchley Dog Walker
Professional pet care since 2011

No vans. No cars. Just calm, local care.

Important final disclaimer

This Welcome Pack explains general service arrangements and client preparation. It doesn’t replace the written booking confirmation, detailed Terms and Conditions, applicable policies or veterinary advice.

Services, prices and availability are subject to change. Please refer to the current published information and the arrangements confirmed for your booking.

I don’t provide veterinary diagnosis, prescribe or change medication, or undertake treatment or specialist care outside my competence and insurance.

Where there is an inconsistency, the contractual order stated in my Terms and Conditions applies.

This page contains no direct affiliate product links. Linked buying guides may contain clearly disclosed affiliate recommendations.

Substantially rewritten: 29 October 2026

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