Question 1

How do I know my dog is safe on pack walks?

Accepted Answer

Our unique behavioral assessment and strict requirements for pack-walk dogs exist to provide as much confidence as possible. No dog with any history of aggression, issues with socialization, or unpredictable behavior is qualified to pack-walk with us.

We also use a three strike system for behavior on pack walks. Any dog that exhibits what we call "red flag behavior" in social situations gets a strike. After three, they are no longer qualified to pack walk. We strive to make sure the experience is safe and fosters a positive socialization experience for all.

Question 2

My dog is still training, and I'm afraid that working with someone else will cause regression. Do you maintain the work we do at home while pets are in your care?

Accepted Answer

We sure do! We know how much work goes into training a new dog, and we make sure to always provide each and every employee with all the information needed to make sure that hard-won training doesn't fall by the wayside while you're at work or away from home. Any reinforcement we can do we are happy to do!

Question 3

How are your employees vetted?

Accepted Answer

We require a thorough background check for all our employees, and have a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. Everyone we hire must also undergo pet CPR & First Aid certification, as well as an extensive training process. In order to qualify for adventure guide status we also require employees take a wilderness first aid course and log at least 50 on-trail practice hours. Our high service standards are kept by ensuring everyone we send out to any pet is dependable, passionate, and ready to proved top tier care.

Question 4

Do you require vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the service you are interested in, vaccinations may be required. All services that involve multiple households will require full vaccinations. For indoor cats and puppies under a certain age, rabies vaccines may not be required. We will always let you know the specific requirements for your pet when you sign up.

Question 5

Do you require pets to be spayed or neutered?

Accepted Answer

Spaying and neutering are not required unless your dog wants to join pack activities. For safety and to avoid any surprise puppies, we don't allow intact animals to intermingle.

Question 6

My pet has special care needs, how do you handle those?

Accepted Answer

We evaluate pets on a case-by-case basis always, but provided the care isn't something beyond our professional scope (i.e. care best administered by a licensed Veterinarian), we are happy to help administer medication, cater to mobility issues, work around cones or Elizabethan collars, re-wrap minor injuries, etc. And for dogs who just require a certain pace we are happy to keep walks as slow as needed to avoid discomfort.

Question 7

What if my handler runs out of something while I'm away?

Accepted Answer

No worries at all! If we run out of something essential while you're away, we'll pick it up and bring it to your next appointment for a small fee plus the cost of goods. Our worry-free guarantee ensures your pets are always cared for, even if you forget to restock the kibble (it happens!).

Question 8

Will the handler use my dog's specific harness, collar, or leash?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We're happy to use whatever system works for you and your pup. However, we don't use aversive-training collars like prong collars. Our handlers aren't trained on these, and we want to ensure the safety and comfort of both our team and your pets.

Question 9

Will my dog always have the same handler?

Accepted Answer

While we will always stick with regular handlers as much as possible, there are times (due to illness, vacation, etc.) when your favorite handler may be unavailable. The way we're able to ensure consistent service and dependability is by utilizing a carefully vetted and trained team of handlers. In the case that your regular handler isn't there we assure you the back up we send will be just as awesome!

Question 10

What do you do in poor weather?

Accepted Answer

If weather gets into the territory of what we call "Portland Extreme", we may cancel or reschedule walks to ensure the safety of our team. We will never charge you for these cancelations or reschedules as they are beyond your control. That said, normal rain/shine/fog/drizzle/heat/Portland-tastic weather does not affect our service or availability. We are a rain-or-shine care provider for a rain-or-shine city.

Frequently asked questions