Frequently Asked Questions
What makes your dog walking and pet sitting service different, better, and special from other pet care services in Atlanta?
Our team members are W-2 employees (not 1099 contractors): a real point of difference in Atlanta because it enhances safety and reliability. See this page for details. In addition, we utilize GPS-tracked walks, real-time updates, personalized care plans, and a concierge-level client experience for pets and clients alike.
Are your employees insured?
Yes. All our pet caregivers have undergone criminal background checks and are covered by our bond and liability insurance, as well as by workers\u2019 compensation.
Do you care for pets other than dogs and cats?
You bet! Dogs, cats, bunnies, reptiles, parrots and other birds, ferrets, even tarantulas! For more information, check out this page on our website!
Do you offer private or group dog walks?
We offer private walks. We do not offer group walks. This enables us to give your dogs personal attention. If you have more than one dog, we can walk them together or individually, whichever you prefer.
How long are your dog walks?
Our Daily Dog Walk is 20-to-30 minutes, and our Extended Dog Walk is 45-to-60 minutes. We don\u2019t focus on the time; rather, we focus on the quality of the experience. Bathroom needs are always taken care of; then we spend the remainder of the time doing what\u2019s important to you and your pup: a vigorous walk, play in the backyard, or belly rubs on the living room floor.
Will I have the same dog walker or pet sitter every time?
That is our goal and our intention. We prioritize consistency to build trust and a strong bond between your pet and their dog walker/pet sitter. That said, because of illness, vacations, or unforeseen circumstances, your Buckhead Paws team member will always have a back-up.
How do I know my dog is safe during walks?
Safety is our top priority. Walkers avoid overcrowded areas, monitor weather conditions, and provide GPS tracking with time-stamped updates.
Do you provide updates after each walk or visit?
Absolutely. After every visit, you\u2019ll receive a detailed report including arrival / departure time stamps, photos, route map, distance, potty updates, and behavior notes.
What areas do you service?
We service all areas north of I-20 inside I-285 and also the lower portions of Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Smyrna. For more details, refer to the Service Areas tab on our website.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Your dog\u2019s comfort and safety come first. In extreme weather, we adjust walking duration, provide indoor enrichment, or reschedule as needed.
Can you accommodate puppies, kittens or senior pets?
Yes. We tailor each visit to your pet\u2019s age, energy level, and health requirements, including gentle walks for seniors and training reinforcement for puppies.
Do you handle reactive or special-needs dogs?
Generally, yes. Our most experienced walkers are trained in handling reactive dogs and can follow customized care plans to ensure calm, structured walks. However, we always reserve the right to assess the situation thoroughly at the Meet and Greet.
Are you available on weekends and holidays?
Yes, we provide weekend and holiday services, including major holidays, with advance booking recommended.
How do I get started?
On the homepage of our website, click on the \u201cI\u2019m New\u201d button and complete profiles for yourself and your pet(s). We\u2019ll then call you to discuss details.
Do you offer subscription or membership packages?
No. We\u2019ve learned over the years that our two biggest expenses are time and gasoline, so no matter how frequently we visit a client, there are just no economies of scale.
What is your cancellation policy?
For our Daily Dog Walks, there is no cancellation charge if the client cancels before 8:30AM on the morning of the scheduled visit. After 8:30AM, we charge 50% of the visit cost so we can compensate the team members. Your client services agreement will give details about other services.
Can you administer medication?
Yes, we administer basic medications as part of your pet\u2019s care. Please discuss specific needs during your complimentary Meet and Greet.
How do you match your team members with my pet?
We have three criteria for identifying which member of our team will be the best fit for a new client: 1. Geographical proximity to the client, 2. The temperament, energy level, size, and personality compatibility of the pet(s), and 3. Availability in the team member\u2019s schedule.
What if my pet has an emergency during a visit?
We will immediately contact you to discuss the situation, and, if you want immediate medical attention for your pet, we\u2019ll transport them to your preferred veterinarian. If you can\u2019t be reached, we will use our discretion to ensure your pet receives the care needed.
Questions for Kitty Owners
How often will you visit my cat while I'm away?
We visit kitties at least once every 24 hours. Some clients say that daily visits aren\u2019t necessary, that they have a large litter box and large bowls for food and water, so they\u2019re fine with a visit every two or three days. Unfortunately, it\u2019s just too easy for kitty to become trapped in a closet or behind the refrigerator, so our policy is to visit at least once every 24 hours.
What do you do during a cat-sitting visit?
We feed according to your instructions, clean the litter box (and change litter, if it\u2019s time), and administer meds, if needed. If your kitty is social, we love sitting on the floor and playing with toys and giving lots of pets and affection. We\u2019ll also do light household tasks, such as bring in mail and packages, take trash cans to/from the curb, rotate lights, or water plants.
Can you give my cat medication?
Yes. We\u2019ll administer pills, liquid medications, topical treatments, and insulin. Some of our cat sitters also administer subcutaneous injections. There is no additional charge for administering meds.
Is it better to keep my cat at home rather than board them?
Yes. Cats are territorial and typically experience less stress when they remain in their familiar environment with their regular routines.
Will I receive updates about my cat while I'm away?
Absolutely. After every visit, you\u2019ll receive a detailed report including arrival / departure time stamps, photos, potty updates, and behavior notes.
What if my cat hides when you visit?
Many cats are shy around new people. However, we aren\u2019t satisfied with just checking food consumption and litter box usage \u2013 we want to actually lay eyes on your kitty, regardless of where she might be hiding. We\u2019ll do our best to do so.
And, Finally . . .
Why should I trust your company with my dog, cat, or other pet?
Our mission is to provide peace of mind while delivering exceptional care that feels like an extension of your family. We have been taking care of Atlanta\u2019s pets since 2007 and were named Atlanta\u2019s Best Pet Sitting Service for two years in a row. We\u2019re established, dependable. We have over 200 5-star reviews on Google attesting to the loving care we offer, and we\u2019re happy to put you in touch with some of those clients for a first-hand referral.