FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some of the questions we're asked most often. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch — we're always happy to help.

 

🐾 What pets do you care for?

We care for a range of pets including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and other small pets, depending on their individual needs and the service required.

Our main focus is dogs, but we are happy to discuss care for other pets.

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🏡 Do you offer home visits?

Yes!

Our Home Visit service is ideal for pets who don't need a walk but would benefit from some company, attention, feeding, enrichment or a toilet break while you're away.

Visits can be tailored to your pet's individual needs.

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🐶 What dog walking services do you offer?

We offer a range of walking options from 30-minute walks through to 2-hour adventures.

We can also provide Solo Walks for dogs who don't enjoy walking with other dogs or who are more comfortable having their own space.

Please see our Dog Walking page for our full prices and options.

 

🐕 Can you walk my dog on their own?

Yes.

If your dog isn't comfortable walking with other dogs, or you simply prefer them to have one-to-one attention, we can arrange a Solo Walk.

This can be discussed when you book.

 

🐾 Do you walk dogs in groups?

Where appropriate, some dogs may be walked alongside other suitable dogs.

We carefully consider the temperament, behaviour and needs of the dogs being walked together.

If your dog is happier alone, our Solo Walk option may be more suitable.

 

🌙 Do you offer overnight pet sitting?

Yes.

Our Evening & Overnight Pet Sitting service allows your pets to remain in their own home while we stay with them overnight.

Our standard overnight sitting period is approximately 7pm–7am.

This is a great option for pets who are happier staying in familiar surroundings rather than being moved somewhere else.

 

🏡 Can you stay with my dog during the day as well?

Yes, but this is a different service.

Our Continuous Care service is designed for dogs who cannot be left alone and therefore need someone to remain with them for an extended period.

Because this requires significantly more of our time and availability than a standard overnight sit, it is charged at a higher rate.

Please contact us to discuss your dog's individual requirements.

 

❤️ My dog can't be left alone. Can you help?

Absolutely — this is what our Continuous Care service is designed for.

Whether your dog struggles with being left alone, is very young, elderly, anxious or has additional care requirements, we'll discuss their needs with you and work out whether Continuous Care is suitable.

Please be honest with us about how long your dog can safely and comfortably be left alone when making your booking.

 

🐱 Do you board cats?

No.

We no longer offer boarding.

Instead, cats can remain in the comfort of their own home while we provide Home Visits or, where appropriate, pet sitting.

For many cats, staying in their familiar environment is a much less stressful option.

 

🐹 Do you look after small pets?

Yes.

We can provide Home Visits and pet sitting for suitable small pets, including guinea pigs, rabbits and other small companion animals.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements, particularly for less common or exotic pets, as we will need to make sure we can safely meet their needs.

 

✂️ Do you offer dog grooming?

Yes!

We offer professional dog grooming, from full grooms and coat maintenance through to smaller services such as face and feet tidies, nail care, teeth cleaning and de-shedding.

We also offer puppy grooming and can discuss individual requirements with you.

Please see our Grooming page for current prices.

 

🐱 Do you groom cats?

Yes.

We offer gentle grooming for cats, including coat care, de-matting and clipping where appropriate.

Cat grooming starts from £100.

Every cat is treated as an individual and grooming is carried out with their welfare and comfort in mind.

 

🐹 Do you groom guinea pigs?

Yes!

We offer grooming for guinea pigs, including coat care, tidying and nail trimming where appropriate.

Guinea pig grooming is £20.

 

🐶 Can you groom nervous or difficult dogs?

We understand that not every dog finds grooming easy.

We take a patient, welfare-focused approach and will always consider the individual dog rather than expecting every dog to behave in the same way.

If your dog is particularly nervous, reactive or has previously struggled with grooming, please tell us before booking so we can discuss the best approach.

If we believe continuing a groom would compromise your dog's welfare or safety, we may stop the appointment.

 

🐾 What happens if my dog is very matted?

Your dog's welfare always comes first.

Severe matting can be uncomfortable and can sometimes hide sore, irritated or damaged skin.

If a coat cannot safely be brushed out without causing significant discomfort, we may recommend clipping the coat instead.

Additional charges may apply for severe matting because of the additional time and care involved.

 

🎓 Do you offer dog training?

Yes.

We offer 1:1 Everyday Dog Training rather than group classes.

Sessions are completely tailored to you and your dog and can cover areas such as lead walking, recall, everyday manners, settling, confidence, handling, focus and understanding your dog's behaviour.

Our aim is not simply to teach your dog what to do, but to help you understand your dog and communicate more effectively with them.

 

👩‍🏫 Is the training suitable for puppies?

Yes.

1:1 training can be particularly useful for puppies as it allows us to focus on the skills you need at home and in everyday life.

We can work on things such as settling, recall, lead skills, handling, appropriate socialisation, boundaries and building confidence.

 

💷 How much do your services cost?

Our prices vary depending on the service.

Current starting prices include:

Dog Walking

• 30 minutes – £15

• 45 minutes – £18

• 60 minutes – £22

• 90 minutes – £30

• 2-hour Adventure – £40

Home Visits

• 30 minutes – £15

• 45 minutes – £18

• 60 minutes – £22

• Two visits same day – £40

1:1 Dog Training

• 30 minutes – £25

• 45 minutes – £34

• 60 minutes – £45

Pet Sitting

• Evening & Overnight – £55 per night

• Continuous Care – from £70 per day

Grooming

• Dog grooming – from £50, depending on size, coat and requirements

• Cat grooming – from £100

• Guinea pig grooming – £20

Please see the individual service pages for full pricing and additional charges.

 

💳 How do I pay?

We accept cash, card and bank transfer.

Payment is normally required 48 hours before your service or appointment.

For regular clients, we may agree an alternative payment arrangement, such as weekly or monthly payment, where appropriate.

 

📅 How much notice do I need to book?

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for pet sitting, grooming and regular walking services, as availability can become limited.

We will always do our best to accommodate last-minute requests where we can, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

 

🐾 Do I need to meet you before booking?

For some services, particularly pet sitting, home visits and ongoing care, we may arrange a consultation before your first booking.

This allows us to meet you and your pets, understand their routine and make sure we have everything we need to provide safe and appropriate care.

For grooming and training, we may also recommend a meeting or initial consultation depending on your dog's individual circumstances.

 

💉 Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Vaccination requirements depend on the service being provided.

We do ask that owners tell us about any infectious illness, parasite infestation or other health concern that could affect their pet, other animals or people.

We reserve the right to postpone a service if we believe an animal may pose an infection risk.

 

🪱 What about fleas and worms?

All owners are responsible for maintaining appropriate parasite prevention for their pets.

If fleas are discovered during grooming or while your pet is in our care, we will let you know.

A flea treatment bath may be available during grooming for an additional charge where appropriate.

Significant infestations may require the service to be altered or stopped to protect your pet and other animals.

 

🐕 Does my dog need to be microchipped?

Dogs must be microchipped where required by UK law.

You must ensure that your dog's microchip details are kept up to date.

We may request confirmation of identification where necessary for the service being provided.

 

🚫 Are there any dogs you cannot accept?

Yes.

Unfortunately, our business insurance does not provide cover for dogs that fall within the prohibited types under the Dangerous Dogs legislation.

We therefore cannot accept these dogs for any New Forest Pet Services, including walking, home visits, pet sitting, Continuous Care, training or grooming.

The prohibited types are:

• Pit Bull Terrier

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

• XL Bully

This applies even where an XL Bully has a valid Certificate of Exemption.

This is an insurance restriction for our business and is separate from whether an individual dog may legally be kept.

If you're unsure whether your dog may fall within one of these types, please contact us before booking.

 

🐶 Do you accept aggressive dogs?

The safety and welfare of everyone involved is extremely important to us.

We assess dogs individually and ask owners to be completely honest about any history of aggression, biting, serious reactivity or other behaviour that could present a safety risk.

We may be able to accommodate some dogs through an appropriate Solo Walk, Home Visit, training or other individual service, depending on the circumstances.

However, we reserve the right to refuse or stop a service where we believe it cannot be provided safely.

 

🐾 What if my dog has separation anxiety?

Please tell us before booking.

Some dogs may be suitable for our standard overnight sitting service, while dogs who cannot be left alone may require our Continuous Care service.

We'll discuss your dog's individual needs with you and make sure you book the appropriate level of care.

 

🏥 What happens if my pet becomes ill or has an emergency?

We will contact you and your nominated emergency contact wherever possible.

If urgent veterinary attention is required and we cannot reach you, we reserve the right to seek veterinary advice and take reasonable action in the best interests of your pet.

The owner remains responsible for veterinary fees and other costs associated with treatment, except where liability is established as being directly attributable to our negligence.

 

🔑 How do you access my home?

We can arrange key collection and return or use another agreed method of access.

Keys and access information will be treated securely and confidentially.

Please make sure we have clear instructions and that any alarms, locks or access systems can be operated correctly.

 

📸 Will you send me photos of my pet?

Yes!

We know how reassuring it is to see your pet while you're away.

Where appropriate, we'll send updates and photographs during pet sitting and home visits.

With your permission, photographs may also be used on our website or social media.

 

❤️ Do you have much experience with animals?

Yes.

New Forest Pet Services was originally established in 2009 and has grown through recommendations and word of mouth.

We have extensive experience caring for dogs and other companion animals, as well as professional experience and education dog grooming, canine behaviour and animal care.

Our approach has always been based around love, care, safety and treating every animal as an individual.

 

❓ I have another question. Can I contact you?

Of course!

Every pet is different, and sometimes your question won't fit neatly into an FAQ.

If you're unsure which service is right for you or your pet, just get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements.

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