Client Policies

At the heart of what we do is a commitment to transparency and open communication. Our policies are crafted to ensure the safety of your pets, the security of your home, and the well-being of our team. We encourage you to review them thoroughly, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Important things to know about our dog walking services and policies

1. Our Walks Are Professional — Not Gig-Based

Our dog walking services are provided by trained, insured, and bonded professionals. We are not a gig app. Each walk follows established safety protocols, Fear Free handling principles, and detailed client instructions.

Your dog is walked by a trusted professional—not a random sitter assigned last minute.

2. Walk Times Are Scheduled — Not Guaranteed to the Minute

We schedule walks within reasonable arrival windows to account for traffic, weather, emergencies, and the individual needs of pets on our route.

While we always strive to arrive as close to your requested time as possible, exact arrival times cannot be guaranteed, except in cases involving medical needs, which are prioritized whenever feasible.

3. Safety Always Comes First

We reserve the right to:

Modify or shorten a walk due to extreme heat, poor air quality, storms, or unsafe conditions
Choose safer routes or enrichment alternatives when walking is not in your dog’s best interest
End a walk early if your dog shows signs of distress, injury, overheating, or illness

Your dog’s health and safety matter more than mileage or time.

4. Equipment Must Be Safe & Approved

Clients must provide safe, properly fitted walking equipment, including:

Secure collar or harness
Standard, non-retractable leash (unless otherwise approved)

We do not walk dogs using equipment that poses physical or psychological risk. If equipment is unsafe or fails during a walk, we may refuse service until proper gear is provided.

5. Dogs Must Be Leash-Trained & Manageable

For everyone’s safety:

Dogs must be reasonably leash-trained
Aggressive, uncontrollable, or unsafe behavior must be disclosed in advance
Dogs that pose a risk to the sitter, public, or themselves may be refused or require special handling approval

We never punish dogs—but we do set safety boundaries.

6. Weather & Environmental Conditions Matter

We closely monitor:

Heat and pavement temperature
Rain, wind, storms, and air quality

Walks may be shortened, rescheduled, or replaced with enrichment/playtime at our discretion during unsafe conditions.

7. You Are Responsible for Your Dog’s Behavior

Clients remain fully responsible for:

Their dog’s behavior during walks
Any injury, damage, or incident caused by their dog
Disclosing medical issues, mobility limits, reactivity, or bite history

This helps us keep everyone safe and prevents avoidable incidents.

8. Health & Vaccination Requirements Apply

Dogs must be:

Current on rabies vaccination (California law)
Free of contagious or infectious illness

We may cancel or refuse walks if a dog appears ill, injured, or unsafe to handle.

9. Home Access & Security

By booking dog walking services, you authorize us to enter your home or yard during scheduled visits.

Clients are responsible for:

Secure entry points
Clear instructions for keys, locks, alarms, and gates
Ensuring pets cannot escape when doors are opened

10. Emergencies Can Happen — We’re Prepared

If a medical emergency occurs during a walk, you authorize us to:

Seek immediate veterinary care
Transport your dog to your primary or nearest emergency vet
Communicate with veterinary professionals

All related costs are the client’s responsibility.

11. Walk Reports & Communication

After each walk, you’ll receive an update including:

Walk duration
Bathroom activity
General behavior and observations
Photos when available

This transparency is part of our professional standard of care.

12. Payment, Cancellations & No-Shows

Walks are not reserved until payment is received
Late cancellations may not be credited
Missed walks due to access issues (locked doors, alarm issues, dog not available) are still billable

We block time specifically for your dog.

Bottom Line

Our dog walking services are built on safety, professionalism, and respect for each dog as an individual. Clear communication and honest disclosure help us provide the best possible care.

If you ever have questions, we want you to ask—before the leash goes on.

What makes our policies better or different?

At PAWsome Companions, LLC, our policies aren’t about being strict—they’re about protecting dogs, homes, and the people entrusted with their care. Many dog walking services operate with vague rules or app-based disclaimers. We operate with clear standards and accountability.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. We Are a Professional Service — Not a Gig Platform

Most dog walking services rely on independent gig workers with minimal oversight. Our policies reflect that we are:

Fully insured and bonded
Professionally trained
Accountable as a California-based business

Clients know exactly who is entering their home and handling their dog, not a rotating cast of app-based walkers.

2. Our Policies Are Transparent and Written for Real-Life Situations

Many companies keep policies vague to protect themselves. We do the opposite:

We clearly explain what happens in emergencies
We outline responsibility for pet behavior, home access, and safety
We define what is and isn’t covered by insurance

This transparency prevents surprises and builds trust.

3. Safety Is Prioritized Over “Completing the Walk”

Some services focus on distance, steps, or time at all costs. Our policies empower our sitters to:

Shorten or modify walks in extreme heat or unsafe conditions
Choose enrichment or indoor activity when walking isn’t appropriate
End a walk early if a dog shows signs of distress or injury

Your dog’s wellbeing comes before a stopwatch.

4. We Set Clear Equipment & Handling Standards

Unlike many services that allow any equipment, our policies require:

Properly fitted, safe walking gear
Humane handling methods
Disclosure of behavioral or medical concerns

This reduces injury risk to dogs, sitters, and the public.

5. We Require Full Disclosure — Not After-the-Fact Blame

Our policies clearly place responsibility on the client to disclose:

Medical conditions
Behavioral challenges
Bite history or reactivity

This allows us to plan safely instead of reacting during an incident—something many casual walkers are unprepared for.

6. We Protect Your Home as Carefully as Your Dog

Our policies go far beyond “we have a key”:

Defined key-handling procedures
Clear responsibility if a key is lost
Explicit limitations when others have home access
Clear expectations for securing doors, gates, and alarms

This level of detail is rare—and intentional.

7. Our Emergency Protocols Are Clearly Authorized in Advance

Many walkers hesitate in emergencies due to unclear authority. Our policies:

Authorize immediate veterinary care
Allow medical record sharing
Define reimbursement timelines

This prevents dangerous delays when time matters most.

8. We Don’t Overpromise — We Educate

Instead of guaranteeing outcomes we can’t control, our policies:

Explain inherent risks in pet care
Set realistic expectations
Emphasize reasonable care, not perfection

Honesty protects everyone—especially pets.

9. Our Policies Are Designed to Prevent Problems, Not Just React to Them

Because our policies are detailed:

Fewer misunderstandings occur
Clients know expectations upfront
Sitters are empowered to make safe decisions
Dogs receive more consistent care

Good policies don’t create conflict—they prevent it.

10. We Operate Like a Long-Term Care Partner

Our policies automatically apply to:

New pets
Address changes
Ongoing relationships

This consistency reflects how we see our role—not as a one-time service, but as a trusted part of your pet’s care team.

The Bottom Line

Many dog walking services rely on flexibility and convenience alone.

We rely on professional standards, transparency, and accountability.

Our policies are different because they are designed to protect:

Your dog’s physical and emotional safety
Your home and property
Our team
And ultimately, you

That’s not just different—it’s better.

Common questions and concerns about our policies

1. “Why do you need so many policies?”

What clients are really asking: Is this going to be complicated or restrictive?

Your policy advantage: Your policies exist to prevent problems before they happen. Clear rules protect pets, homes, and everyone involved. Clients actually benefit because expectations are set upfront—no surprises, no gray areas.

2. “What happens if something goes wrong with my pet?”

Concern: Illness, injury, escape, or emergencies.

Your policies explain:

You are authorized to seek emergency veterinary care
You act immediately—not waiting for approval when time matters
Clients know exactly how costs and communication are handled

This gives clients peace of mind instead of uncertainty.

3. “Why can’t you guarantee exact walk times?”

Concern: Scheduling reliability.

Your policies clarify:

Arrival windows allow flexibility for traffic, weather, and emergencies
Medical-priority pets are accommodated whenever possible
Safety and quality care come before rushing to the next stop

Clients learn that flexibility equals better care, not less reliability.

4. “Why am I responsible for my dog’s behavior?”

Concern: Liability and fairness.

Your policies explain:

You don’t control a dog’s history, training, or triggers
Clients know their dog best and must disclose risks
Responsibility clarity protects everyone legally and physically

This transparency builds trust instead of fear.

5. “Why do I have to disclose medical or behavioral issues?”

Concern: Fear of being denied service.

Your policy strength:

Disclosure allows safe planning, not judgment
It prevents emergencies and injuries
It protects your dog from inappropriate handling

Most incidents in pet care stem from undisclosed information—your policies stop that.

6. “Why can services be shortened or modified?”

Concern: Value for money.

Your policies explain:

Heat, air quality, or stress can be dangerous
Walks may shift to enrichment or indoor care for safety
Your focus is pet wellbeing, not checking a box

Clients learn they’re paying for judgment and care, not just minutes.

7. “What if someone else has access to my home?”

Concern: Security and responsibility.

Your policies clearly state:

You can’t control other people’s actions
Security responsibility is shared
Limits are clearly defined to avoid misunderstandings

This protects clients and your company.

8. “What if my dog damages something?”

Concern: Unexpected costs.

Your policies clarify:

Pet-caused damage is the client’s responsibility
Company responsibility only applies to proven negligence
This aligns with how homeowners and renters insurance works

Clear expectations reduce conflict.

9. “Why do you require vaccinations?”

Concern: Paperwork or inconvenience.

Your policies explain:

Rabies is required by California law
Vaccinations protect your pet, other pets, and sitters
Health standards keep services safe and available long-term

Clients usually appreciate this once it’s explained.

10. “Why don’t you care for visiting pets automatically?”

Concern: Convenience.

Your policy reasoning:

Unknown pets increase risk
Owner consent and vet authorization are necessary
It protects everyone involved

This is a sign of professionalism, not rigidity.

11. “What if my pet gets hurt even though you did everything right?”

Concern: Worst-case scenarios.

Your policies are honest:

Inherent risks exist even with proper care
No guarantees can be made
Reasonable care is the standard—not perfection

Clients respect honesty more than unrealistic promises.

12. “Why do I have to report issues within 24 hours?”

Concern: Feeling rushed.

Your policies explain:

Timely reports allow investigation and resolution
Delayed reports reduce accuracy and fairness
It protects all parties involved

This is standard in professional service industries.

13. “What if I don’t agree with a policy?”

Concern: Flexibility.

Your approach:

Policies are discussed upfront
Some accommodations may be possible case-by-case
Safety and legal requirements are non-negotiable

Clients feel respected but understand boundaries.

14. “Why are your policies stricter than other services?”

Concern: Comparison to Rover/Wag or hobby sitters.

Your best answer: Because you operate as a professional, insured, long-term care provider, not a casual service. Clear policies reduce incidents, protect pets, and ensure consistent, high-quality care.

The Big Takeaway for Clients

Most concerns come from uncertainty, not disagreement.

Your policies succeed because they:

Explain expectations clearly
Prioritize safety
Prevent misunderstandings
Treat pet care like the serious responsibility it is

What we ask of you after reading our policies

Our policies are designed to keep your pet safe, your home secure, and our care consistent. After reviewing them, here’s what we ask our clients to do and understand moving forward.

1. Confirm You’re Comfortable With How We Operate

Before booking, take a moment to ensure our approach aligns with your expectations:

We prioritize safety over speed or convenience
Walk times are scheduled within arrival windows
Services may be adjusted for weather, health, or safety concerns
Clear policies help prevent misunderstandings

If something doesn’t feel like the right fit, we encourage open conversation before services begin.

2. Be Honest and Thorough in Your Pet’s Profile

Accurate information helps us provide the best care possible. Please ensure you:

Disclose all medical conditions, medications, and injuries
Share any behavioral concerns (reactivity, fear, bite history, escape attempts)
Update us immediately if anything changes

There is no judgment—only preparation and safety.

3. Keep Vaccinations and Health Information Current

To protect all pets and sitters:

Maintain required vaccinations, including rabies
Inform us right away if your pet becomes ill or injured
Understand that services may be paused if a pet shows signs of contagious illness

This protects your pet, others, and our team.

4. Prepare Your Home Before Services Begin

Before each service period: