Q	Are you bonded and insured?
A	Yes. We are fully bonded and insured and fully licensed by the City of Chicago. We are a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
Q	What type of payment do you accept and when am I charged?
A	For your convenience we accept checks or credit cards payments. Cash will not be accepted, unless by special arrangements, All payments are to be received and processed at the time of your scheduled appointments.
Q	Will my dog receive individualized attention?
A	Absolutely. We pride ourselves in guaranteeing that your dog(s) will receive the best quality individualized attention for a FULL 25 minute session. All walks are one on one with the dog walker. We pride ourselves in keeping your pet in safe harbor.
Q	Do you have boarding facilities?
A	No. We believe in in-home care, which is why we have chosen not to have a boarding facility. However, we do have pet care providers who can remain at your home should you need to leave town for an extended period of time.
Q	How long have you been pet sitting?
A	Since 1997
Q	What if I need an emergency pet care service?
A	We always try to accomodate last minute and/or emergency visits.
Q	Are there extra costs for services performed on a holiday?
A	We consider the following to be our major annual holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Christmas Eve Day, and New Years Eve. There is a $15 surcharge plus the standard charge for the service being provided on these dates.
Q	Are there a minimum amount of services that I must order?
A	For mid-day dog walking our goal is to establish a consistent, long lasting and healthy relationship between our walker/pet care provider. Therefore, we ask that you order a minimum of 12 services in one month for mid-day dog walking. For our cats and small animal vacation care we require you to use our services everyday (we do not skip days) while you are away.
Q	Can you describe your hiring process?
A	Our pet care providers go through an extensive screening process before becoming a Chicago Dog Walker service provider. After successfully interviewing with our owner, the candidates must pass background checks. Upon passing the background check, our sitters then attend our orientation program. The program is designed to underscore home security, safety for your pet, and our quality standards.
Q	Why is there a "meet and greet"?
A	The meet and greet is a visit that allows you to get to know our service. During this visit, the owner and/or manager will perform the following tasks: introduce themselves to you and your pet, pick up keys, confirm pertinent information about you and your pet (e.g. vet information, emergency contact, special requests, etc.), and answer any additional questions you may have. There is no charge for this visit.
Q	My pet has been aggressive in the past - can it still be a client?
A	For aggressive pets, our owners will interview you and your pet, in person, to determine if there is a good fit between your pet and our services. There is no charge for this visit. If additional visits are needed to socialize your pet with our pet care provider, then you will need to be present at all visits and pay the normal service fee until socialized. If at any time our pet sitter or owners feel that it is unsafe to perform a service, we will reserve the right to discontinue service without notice.
Q	What if my dog doesn't like a leash?
A	As it is a city ordinance to have all dogs on leashes when in a public area and for the safety of your pet, Chicago Dog Walkers will always have your pet leashed. This strict rule includes parks that do not have fences and are not pet friendly. Only in yards or parks with secure fences, will our sitters allow your pet to be without a leash.
Q	How will your pet providers discipline my pet, if necessary?
A	Chicago Dog Walkers believes in positive reinforcement for pets. We will never hit, spank, slap, yell or grab your pet. If there is a disciplinary problem, i.e. toilet training issues, running away, etc., you will be informed of the incident(s) and we will implement your suggested disciplinary actions.
Q	What are your service areas?
A	Chicago Dog Walkers currently services the following areas: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Andersonville + Lincoln Square. Also limited to Albany Park, Gold Coast + Old Town. We are continuously expanding. So please contact us if you do not see your area listed.