FAQ - BOOKINGS
It says on your web site that you need 14 days notice to organise a booking. I have only just found out that I need to go away next week. Can you help me?
We will do our best to help you when you are caught out at short notice. However, we would need you to work with us to make this happen. The things you can do to help us are to fill out our online booking form and then sign our terms and conditions and get them back to us while we are working on finding a minder. We would also need full payment at the time of making the booking. Once we’ve found the right minder you will need to make yourself available to visit the minder with your dog a.s.a.p.
When I submit a booking will I be obliged to proceed?
After you submit your booking your local Dog Care Manager will contact you to discuss it. If we feel that we can find a fabulous minder to suit your dog/s requirements then we will collect a deposit. Otherwise, submitting a booking does not put you or us under any obligation.
What happens if I cancel after paying a deposit?
When you pay your deposit we invest a considerable amount of time looking for the best minder for your dog and making calls to the minders we know will suit so your deposit is non-refundable. Please view our cancellation policy. However, if we can’t find a minder that you’re happy with we will refund your deposit in full.
Can I change my dates?
Of course, however do let us know as soon as possible as it may mean that the minder we have found for you is not available for those dates which would mean that we would need to work quickly to organise another minder.
What sort of people mind dogs for “Don’t Fret Pet!”?
We have a variety of minders ranging from retired people to families with children. We use the information you give us at the time of booking to select the right minder for your dog. The common element with our minders is that they all mind dogs for the love of dogs and not for the money.
Can I meet the minder beforehand?
Absolutely, it is essential that you meet the minder so that you can go away feeling totally comfortable that your dog will be in good hands. It is also important for the minder to meet your dog so that they can be sure that he/she will fit in with their household.
How will I know that the minder will really look after my dog?
All of our minders are carefully screened by us but, as you will be meeting them in their home beforehand, you will also be able to make your own assessment. All minders have a fully-fenced yard, must have experience with dogs and, of course, love them! Also, if we wouldn’t leave our own dogs with the minder then we don’t take them on board.
Can my dog stay with the same minder each time?
We have some dogs who have been to the same minder over 40 times. The minder’s home is like a second home to them. As long as the minder is happy to take your dog again and you book early enough before the minder is booked up then we will definitely place your dog with the same minder as your dog will remember them and be excited to be going to stay with them again. You’ll go away knowing that you don’t have to worry at all about your dog fretting.
If I am not happy with the minder selected by you will I have my deposit refunded?
As we have been operating since 1993 we have a great team of minders and we would firstly offer you an alternative minder. If we can’t find a minder to suit your dog then we will refund your deposit.
I have two dogs. Can they stay together?
Yes, we believe that it is important for them to be together as that will help them to settle in with the minder.
What are your drop-off and pick-up times?
Our minders are very flexible about drop-off and pick-up times which sometimes means that you can leave your best friend for one day less than you would need to in a kennel. However, it is best to deliver your dog during daylight hours so that they have time to settle in before bedtime. We do ask that you do arrive during sociable hours unless previously agreed to by your minder. We also ask that you respect their time by calling them in advance if you are going to be more than 15 minutes either side of the agreed drop-off or pick-up time.
Can I check up on my dog while I’m away?
You are welcome to phone or email the minder to see how your dog is settling in. We just ask that, if you do phone, you call at a reasonable hour.
My dog sleeps inside. Do you cater for this?
We know how important it is for dogs to have similar privileges as at home so, if your dog sleeps inside, it will definitely sleep inside when he/she is staying with our minder. Some dogs even get to sleep on the bed!
What do I need to provide?
You send along the food that your dog usually eats at home so that there are no upset tummies because of a change of diet. You also send along your dog’s bedding so that it has something familiar from home as well as his/her bowls, lead and favourite toys. It may also be a good idea to include an old t-shirt that you have worn the day before so that he/she has your familiar smell around.
What happens if my pet becomes ill or is injured?
We will take your pet to his/her regular vet. In the case of an emergency we will take him/her to the nearest vet. We will, of course, keep you up to date.
What safety precautions do you take when walking my dog?
When our minder walks your dog they will keep him/her on a lead at all times but, as a backup, we attach a bright yellow Dog-E-Data tag to your dog’s collar from the moment they arrive until they leave to go home with you. Dog-E-Data provide a 24/7 security service for dog owners. Make sure you deliver your dog to our minder wearing a secure collar so that we can attach the Dog-E-Data tag.
How do I book my dog in with a “Don’t Fret Pet!” minder?
Go to our Online Booking Form and complete the form. After you submit your booking your local Dog Care Manager will contact you to discuss it. If we feel that we can find a fabulous minder to suit your dog/s requirements then we will collect a deposit which will enable us to start working on finding the best minder for your dog.
How can I pay for my booking?
You can pay us with your credit card (Mastercard or Visa), send us a cheque or money order, transfer payment directly into our account or walk into a branch of our bank and deposit over the counter.
When is payment due?
In order for us to hold your dog’s fabulous minder for you we need payment 14 days prior to the commencement of your booking.
I think my dog would enjoy having other dogs come to say. How do I go about becoming a minder?
Have a look at our minder information page on this site and then contact us if you would like to proceed.
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