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 and carry workman's compensation insurance on each of our walkers.
Q	What type of payment do you accept and when am I charged?
A	For your convenience, clients can make payment weekly by check or monthly by credit card. We NEVER ask our clients to pre-pay for any services - all payments are made after the dates of service. Cash will not be accepted.
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. Typically, this translates into a good 20 minutes outside and we use the remaining 5 minutes for cleaning the dogs off after the walk, writing a detailed note to our client after each walk, refilling water bowls, giving treats, etc. However, we do understand that the needs of every dog are different, so we adjust accordingly. All walks are one-on-one with the same daily dog walker and we pride ourselves in keeping your pet in safe harbor.
Q	Do you have boarding facilities?
A	No. We strongly believe in in-home care, which is why we have chosen not to have a boarding facility. However, we do have pet care providers that can remain at your home should you need to leave town for an extended period of time. We are happy to provide you with a list of names and numbers of providers that offer this service.
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 accommodate last minute and/or emergency visits.
Q	Are there extra costs for services performed after hour or on a weekend and/or holiday?
A	Yes. In order to provide you with exceptional service outside of our normal business hours, we charge a minimum of $20 for any walks before 9am or after 5pm M-F, on weekends and on major holidays. We consider the following to be our major annual holidays: New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve.
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 walkers and your dog(s). Therefore, we ask that you order a minimum of 3 walks per week M-F.
Q	Are your walkers employees or independent contractors?
A	All of our walkers are employees. This allows additional controls that cannot be used with an independent contractor and allows us to cover each of our walkers under workman's compensation insurance.
Q	Can you describe your hiring process?
A	Our walkers go through an extensive screening process before becoming an employee of Chicago Dog Walkers, Inc. After successfully interviewing with our general manager, the candidates must pass a background check. Upon passing the background check, potential new hires accompany one of our more seasoned employees for a day and are then evaluated on how they conduct themselves in the field. Upon successful completion of the shadowing day, the candidates then attend our orientation program that is specifically designed to underscore home security, safety for your pet(s), and our quality standards.
Q	Why is there a "meet and greet"?
A	The meet and greet is a visit in your home that allows you to get to know your walker, our management and our service. During this visit, the owner and/or general manager will perform the following tasks: introduce themselves and your walker to you and your pet, pick up keys, confirm pertinent information about you and your pet (e.g. vet information, emergency contact, billing information, 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 owner and/or general manager 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 walker, then you will need to be present at all visits and pay the normal service fee until socialized. If at any time our walker or our management 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, Inc. 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 walkers allow your dog(s) to be without a leash.
Q	How will your pet providers discipline my pet, if necessary?
A	Chicago Dog Walkers, Inc. 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, Inc. currently service Chicagoland neighborhoods north of The Loop: Oak Street north to Hollywood Ave and the lake west to Sacramento Ave. We are limited in certain neighborhoods and we are continuously expanding, so please contact us directly and we can determine our availability.