Frequently Asked Questions

What areas does Paws&Claws serve?

Paws&Claws serves primarily Park Slope, as well as clients in Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens and Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Feel free to give us a call and check to see if we serve your area.


Why does my dog need walks and exercise?

In addition to relieving themselves, daily exercise, socialization and mental stimulation are important to a dog’s well being. They love to explore and experience new sights and smells. Many behavioral problems such as chewing, aggression and destructive behavior are a result of boredom, lack of exercise and lengthy isolation.

 

Why must I do a Meet & Greet?

Paws&Claws believes that the Meet and Greet process is an important time to assess your dog’s behavior and temperament. There is no charge for this initial in-home consultation, where your pet is most comfortable and at ease.

 

Does Paws and Claws take care of animals other than dogs?

Paws&Claws is available to care for dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles and fish. If you have another type of pet, don't hesitate to ask.

 

How will I know that my dog was taken out?

Paws&Claws will leave a detailed report with the time of pick-up, length of the walk and any notes about what happened while we were out.

 

What do you do on rainy days or in inclement weather?

Paws&Claws walks dogs in all weather and bases the walk on the dog’s temperament that day (some dogs LOVE the rain). Raingear for your dog is helpful, but not required. We dry your dog and wipe their paws when we drop them off after the walk. Extra caution is taken on extremely windy, hazardous or stormy days.

 

Do you offer services on holidays?

Paws&Claws is happy to provide our services on holidays for a small surcharge. We suggest contacting us well in advance, as holiday and weekend bookings fill up fairly quickly.

 

I would like to hire Paws&Claws. Why must I fill out an intake form?

Paws&Claws requires you to fill out and sign a detailed intake form for your pet that includes walk and feeding schedules, any allergies or health conditions your pet has, contact information for you and your vet, and any of your pet’s general routines, habits and quirks. This allows us to follow your pet’s routine, as you would like, and to make the proper decisions (including emergency veterinary care) for your pet in your absence. The intake form will be sent to you via email as a PDF file. The information collected on this intake is confidential, and you will receive a copy for your records.

 

Why is there a two-hour window to take my dog out?

Paws&Claws makes every effort to arrive at your requested time, but a two hour window of flexibility is required in the event that a dog scheduled prior to yours had unexpected delays.


I need to schedule a visit for today. Can you help me?

We will make every effort to honor same day requests if your dog is an existing client of Paws&Claws and an intake has been completed and signed. There is a $7 fee for short notice requests in order to adjust our schedule to accommodate your pet.

 

How will you inform me of any potential issue with my pet?

Paws&Claws will call and text message about anything we find unusual about your pet that day, or in the event that your dog requires emergency care.

 

Is Paws&Claws insured?

Paws&Claws and all of their walkers/sitters are insured and bonded by Pet Sitters Associates, LLC. We can provide a copy of our coverage upon request.

 


Why does Paws&Claws require two sets of keys?

Paws&Claws asks for two sets of keys in the event there is ever a problem accessing your property. An extra set of keys allows us to make sure your pet(s) can still be visited. We do not encourage hiding a key or leaving a door unlocked as a matter of you and your pet's safety, as well as the fact that our insurance does not cover this.

 

Can Paws&Claws pick-up and drop off my dog for boarding?

Yes, but there is a small surcharge for pick-up and drop off for boarding and day care services.

 

How do I prepare my dog for a walk?

Make sure your dog has it’s license and ID tag with your phone number on it’s collar at all times. Do not feed your dog prior to a walk to insure that your dog has had ample time to digest.

 

Does my dog get treats on the walk?

Paws&Claws finds it helpful to use treats to encourage motivation and good behavior. You decide if you want your dog to have treats and let us know if you will provide your own.

 

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

All vaccines must be kept current. You are responsible for providing Paws&Claws with proof of immunization every time your pet is vaccinated. The annual vaccines that we require are: Rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough), and DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus).

 

My dog may be ill. Should it go for a walk?

Please inform Paws&Claws if your dog has been diagnosed with illnesses such as Giarda or Kennel cough, has developed any new health conditions, or has had any recent injuries or surgeries. If you are unsure of your dog’s health, we ask that you keep them home or get a vet’s clearance.

 

What if Paws&Claws is not available when I request service?

Paws&Claws has a network of reliable, professional back-up walkers and pet sitters that can fill in if we are not available.

 

Does Paws&Claws offer Training and Grooming?

No, but we can certainly refer you to a trainer and/or groomer in our network.


Can you recommend a veterinarian?

Paws&Claws has several veterinarians and emergency veterinary hospitals in our network that we can refer you to.



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