FAQs

If you’ve got a question, take a look below and see if it’s been asked before!

• Can I meet the sitter before I book?

  Yes, with some exceptions we insist on this. It is important you are confident about where your dog will stay, that your dog has met any resident dog and that your dog is able to be comfortable and relaxed in their holiday home.

• Do you offer a collection service?

  Generally no. We believe it is best for a dog when the owner drops them off & settles them into their holiday home, but please ask if you are unable to do so. If we can help we would charge at a standard mileage rate.

• My dog doesn’t get on with other dogs but is fine with people, would this be a problem?

  We would give this careful consideration at the booking stage and would match to a house without dogs. Obviously, extra care would have to be taken on any walks and when out of the house. Dogs which have bitten or attacked another probably would not be suited.

• My dog normally sleeps on my bed, will the sitter allow them to do this?

  Sitters generally do not allow dogs to sleep on their beds, however, we do have a few exceptions! Please let us know when you are registering and we will make sure we only consider sitters that are happy to have dogs on their bed.

• What if I visit the recommended sitter and there is a problem?

  It is rare this happens but ocassionally the environment may not be quite right for your dog. If that were the case we can evaluate the reasons and try to offer alternatives.

• Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

  Yes, they must be up to date with their annual vaccinations and have had recent worming and flea/tick treatment. We do not specify a kennel cough vaccination. Occasionally there may be a reason your dog cannot be vaccinated. We will consider valid exemptions on the understanding that it is at your risk.

• Do you accept puppies?

  Yes we do, as long as they are fully vaccinated, house trained and do not chew furniture or belongings. Not all sitters are suited to puppies but there are those who love them!

• What do I need to provide for my dog?

  When dropping your dog for their holiday you should bring enough food for their stay, their bed and bowls, toys, collar & car clip if used, lead, poo bags, Vaccination certificate and any medication required. We aim for home from home.

• What if I forget to bring something to the sitters?

  Don’t worry, we should be able to supply it. However, there may be a charge if your sitter has to purchase it.

• Does my dog have to wear a collar?

  Yes, this is essential, it is a legal requirement and we will be attaching a Top Dog Sitters tag, with your sitter's contact details.

• Are all dogs suitable for Home Boarding?

  In short - no. We cannot accept dogs that are aggressive, have been used as attack or guard dogs, have serious behaviour problems or are not house trained. Your dog would be staying in a family home, so our service is only suitable for friendly, family dogs. We are duty bound to report banned breed dogs.

• What happens if my dog becomes unwell during their stay?

  The well being of your dog is of utmost importance to us. If we are concerned we will take your dog to the vet. We will use your own vet where possible, but if this is not feasible, we will use the nearest vet. You are liable for all costs. You have the option to provide us with additional details on your registration form as well as emergency contacts in which case we will let you or your contact know what is happening.

• My dog is on medication, can the sitter administer this?

  Yes, we will have taken full details at the registration stage. If the medication levels change, please let us know at drop off. You will be asked to sign an authorisation form that confirms medication needs.

• My dog mustn’t be let off the lead. Will this be a problem?

  No, your dog will be exercised as per your instruction given at the registration stage. Whilst we give guidelines on a routine to sitters we try and adapt to your own dog's routine and needs.

• I have two dogs. Will you accept both into the one house?

  Yes, we would always aim to board dogs from the same family together and would recommend sitters who can take more than one dog. If you already have a booking and then need to add an additional dog please contact us to ensure your booking still suits.

• How far ahead do I have to book?

  The more notice the better particlaurly if you want a specific sitter. We will try and accommodate last minute bookings but it is safer to book in advance.

• What if I cancel my booking?

  Please refer to our terms and conditions for associated costs if you cancel your booking.

• My dog is getting on in years. What happens if they pass on after I have booked my dates and paid my deposit but before my trip?

  This is one of the hardest parts of being a dog owner & we are sympathetic to this. Please just let us know.

• What if I collect my dog early?

  You are at liberty to collect your dog early however no refund is due if you chose to do so. Your sitter will have been allocated for your pre-booked dates; whilst the sitters do this because they love dogs we do not ask them to give up their time for free.

• What if my flight is delayed or I’m late back?

  Ring your sitter (or this office if you don't have their number) as soon as possible and let them know about the change in your collection times.

• Do you offer any discounts for longer stays?

  Generally no, our service and sitters are regularly booked out and we believe we offer a reasonable rate for an excellent service, however we are a personal service that can adapt. Please ring with details and we can advise you better.

• Can you provide day care?

  We will try and accommodate this but we do not offer a doggie day care service. We offer this as an extra to customers that use our holiday service and have been to stay in the past. The charge would be the daily rate.

• Can I stay with a different sitter next time?

  Yes, not a problem. We tend to find that customers, dogs and sitters all like their friends to return but you are at liberty to request a change. We recognise that a dog's needs evolve.