Are dogs walked in groups?
Sometimes — and only if it's right for your dog. Steve only walks groups of up to three dogs, and only when he's seen they get on with each other. If your dog prefers their own company, a Solo Walk is the better fit. He'll tell you straight whether your dog suits a group.
What happens in bad weather?
Walks happen in rain, wind and cold. That's just dog walking in England. The only exceptions are extreme heat (when walks are moved earlier in the day or shortened), severe storms with lightning, or icy conditions that would put either of you at risk. Steve will text you if a walk needs to be adjusted, and offer a check-in visit instead if a full walk isn't safe.
Will Steve walk reactive or anxious dogs?
Yes — most of his Solo Walk clients are reactive, anxious, or in recovery from something. Steve doesn't try to "fix" reactive dogs. He works with what your dog can manage today: quieter routes, more distance from other dogs, the lead and harness you use, no surprises. If a dog's reactivity is something Steve can't safely handle, he'll say so honestly at the meet & greet.
Can Steve give my dog their medication?
Yes — provided it's clearly written down and the dose is straightforward. Tablets in food, eye drops, ear drops, joint supplements — all fine. Injections need to be done by an owner or vet. Steve keeps notes of every dose given, with the time, in a shared log.
Are puppies accepted?
Yes, from 10 weeks old onwards, once the second set of vaccinations is done and your vet has cleared road walking. Before that, Steve offers short Puppy Visits — a toilet break, some calm company, and brief play in the garden, no road walks.
Is Steve insured?
Yes — £3 million public liability cover plus care, custody & control insurance through a specialist pet-business insurer. He's also enhanced DBS checked and holds a current Pet First Aid certificate. Happy to email copies of any of those before you commit.
What's the meet & greet?
A free, no-commitment home visit before the first walk. Steve comes round to meet you and your dog on your turf, learn the lead/harness/door, take note of any quirks, and answer any questions. Usually takes 30–40 minutes. If after that you decide it's not a fit (or Steve decides the same), no hard feelings.
Will Steve take my dog off-lead?
Only with your written permission, only when you've confirmed your dog's recall is reliable, and only on routes Steve has assessed as safe. If you'd rather your dog stayed on lead for every walk, that's how it'll be — every time.
How do I pay?
Monthly invoice by email, paid by bank transfer. No card processing, no app, no subscription. The meet & greet is free, and the first invoice arrives at the end of the first calendar month of walks.
What's the cancellation policy?
More than 24 hours' notice — no charge. Less than 24 hours — half the walk fee. If Steve has to cancel for any reason (illness, weather, vehicle), there's no charge to you and he'll always try to reschedule the same week if possible.
Will I get the same walker every time?
Yes. Always Steve. There's no team, no rota, no covering walker. If Steve is ever unavailable (he does have to be off sometimes), he'll let you know with as much notice as he can manage.
Where does Steve walk the dogs?
Mostly the footpaths, canal towpaths, parks and country lanes across central Warwickshire — the Avon, the Grand Union, Warwick & Leamington's parks, and the quieter lanes around Hatton, Barford and Cubbington. Specific route choice depends on weather, your dog's preferences and the day.
Do you have a key safe / spare key arrangement?
Either works. Most clients use a key safe near the door (Steve can recommend one), some hand over a spare key in person. Whatever you choose, Steve never carries keys with anything that identifies your address.
What if my dog gets injured on a walk?
Steve is pet first-aid trained and carries a kit. For anything that needs a vet, he'll call you immediately and — with your authorisation — take your dog to your registered vet. He keeps your vet's number on file from the start.
Can you walk more than one of my dogs?
Yes. Steve walks up to three dogs together — and they don't all have to be your own. Multi-dog households often book two of their dogs as a "group walk" at the small group rate, which works out a bit cheaper than two solo walks.
What if I'm not at home when Steve arrives?
That's the norm — most of Steve's clients are at work. Once a key safe is set up and you've shown him the lead/harness routine at the meet & greet, he lets himself in, walks the dog, and sends a photo at the end so you can see them home safe.
I'm worried about strangers having my keys.
Completely understood. Steve keeps every client's key on a numbered tag with no name or address attached, in a locked box. If you'd rather use a key safe, he'll happily recommend one and help you fit it.
