Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • We are currently serving the Westshore area of Greater Victoria, BC, and offer services in Colwood, Langford, and View Royal.

  • We offer Group Dog Walks (60 mins, maximum 5 dogs); Solo Dog Walks (30 and 60 mins); and Pet Sitting for dogs & cats (30 and 45-min visits).

  • Dog Walks

    • Group walk (60 min): $35

    • Additional dog (group): $10

    • Solo walk (30 min): $38

    • Solo walk (60 min): $50

    • Additional dog (solo): $10

    Pet Sitting

    • 30 min: $35

    • 45 min: $45

      Prices include up to two cats or one dog

    • Additional cat: $5 per visit

    • Additional dog: $8 per visit

    • Basic medication administration: $5 per visit

    Weekend & Holiday Rates

    • Weekend: +$5 per service

    • Holiday: +$15 per service

  • Fear Free is a veterinary-led initiative designed to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets during walks, visits, and care. It utilizes specialized training, gentle handling techniques, and environmental modifications to create a calming, safer experience, fostering trust and improving health outcomes for animals.

    We are certified by Fear Free as a Fear Free Certified Pet Professional. This means we use Fear Free techniques to reduce FAS in dogs and cats during our dog walks and pet sitting.

  • Yes. We are fully insured and bonded.

  • We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Late cancellations are charged in full. This policy allows us to maintain consistent scheduling and staffing.

  • Dogs: We accept dogs 6 months and older for Group Dog Walks, Solo Dog Walks, and Pet Sitting.

    Cats: Pet Sitting may be available for cats 12 weeks and older, subject to suitability assessed at the Meet & Greet.

  • We walk in most weather conditions. In cases of unsafe conditions (extreme wind, icy hazards, heat advisories, or other safety risks), we may modify the outing (shortened walk, neighbourhood route, or enrichment-focused visit) to prioritize safety. In some situations, we may be required to reschedule the walk.

  • For all dogs, we require current rabies and DHPP vaccinations, or a veterinarian-documented titer test showing immunity.

Meet & Greet

  • Yes. A Meet & Greet is required for all new clients prior to booking any Group or Solo Dog Walks or Pet Sitting.

  • Most Meet & Greets take 20–30 minutes. Some may include a brief walk if needed for assessment.

  • For Group Dog Walks and Solo Dog Walks, we’re assessing leash behaviour, comfort around new people, reactivity level, handling tolerance, and whether your dog is a good fit for our service style (solo or group). We also review routine, access instructions, and any safety considerations.

    For Pet Sitting, we’re confirming your pet’s daily routine, feeding/clean-up needs, home access, and any medications (if applicable), and ensuring we can provide care safely and consistently.

  • No, there is no fee for a Meet & Greet.

Scheduling & Billing

  • Services are organized by neighbourhood-based routes for consistency and efficiency.

    Dog walks run on recurring routes, with solo walks scheduled based on availability. Pet sitting visits are scheduled throughout the day based on your pet’s needs and our route availability.

    You can indicate preferred days and general timing during intake and your Meet & Greet. Specific times are not guaranteed.

    All scheduling, updates, and invoicing are managed through Time To Pet.

    Arrival times fall within a scheduled window rather than a fixed time.

  • Yes, for Group Dog Walks. Group Dog Walks require a minimum weekly commitment of two walks per week to maintain stable routes and groups.

    We recommend committing to a weekly schedule for Solo Dog Walks, but this is not required.

    Pet Sitting is booked as needed, and based on availability.

  • Yes, limited weekend and holiday services may be available depending on scheduling capacity.

    These appointments are offered at a premium rate due to limited availability and off-route scheduling.

    The following premium rates apply:

    • Weekends: +$5 per service

    • Statutory Holidays: +$15 per service

    Holiday availability is limited and not guaranteed.

  • All scheduling, invoicing, and payments are processed through Time To Pet, the secure client portal used by Westshore Dog Walking Co.

    Group Dog Walks

    Group walks operate on a recurring monthly schedule and are billed monthly in advance.

    Invoices are issued prior to the start of each service month, and payment is due before the first scheduled walk of that month.

    A reserved group spot is not confirmed until payment is received.

    Solo Dog Walks

    Recurring solo walks are billed monthly in advance.

    Occasional or one-time solo walks are billed at the time of booking and must be paid prior to service.

    Pet Sitting

    Pet sitting visits are billed upon confirmation and must be paid prior to the start of services.

    Bookings are not considered confirmed until payment is received.

    Payment Method

    Clients are required to maintain a valid payment method on file within Time To Pet. Autopay may be required for recurring services.

    All services are subject to GST.

Group & Solo Dog Walks

  • We currently offer:

    • Group Dog Walks: 60 minutes

    • Solo Dog Walks: 30 or 60 minutes

    This includes pick-up, drop-off, and any towelling or cleaning (as required). All walks are local to your dog’s neighbourhood.

  • Dogs on both Group Dog Walks and Solo Dog Walks are on-leash only at all times.

  • Dogs are walked locally in their neighbourhoods. This is to encourage consistency, familiarity, and safety.

  • No. Group Dog Walks operate on a recurring schedule and are not offered on an on-demand basis. This helps maintain stable groups, predictable routes, and a calm experience for the dogs.

  • Group Dog Walks work best for dogs who are comfortable walking on leash, can remain calm around other dogs, and are able to settle into a small, structured group. We do not place dogs into group walks if they show persistent reactivity, unsafe behaviour, or difficulty managing in a group environment.

  • If your dog isn’t a fit for Group Dog Walks, we may recommend Solo Dog Walks instead. Our goal is always safety and a positive experience for your dog.

  • Solo Dog Walks are available for dogs who benefit from individualized attention, a quieter walk environment, or a flexible schedule.

  • Yes! Upon request, we will provide you with details of your dog’s experience while with us, including details of water intake, food intake, and poop & pee status. We will also periodically send photos and videos.

  • Dogs are transported in a climate-controlled vehicle that is specifically outfitted for professional dog walking.

  • At this time, we accept only spayed or neutered dogs for Group Dog Walks.

    Intact dogs may be considered for Solo Dog Walks on a case-by-case basis, subject to behaviour and handling suitability.

  • Our services are not suited for dogs displaying aggressive or highly reactive behaviour toward people or other dogs.

    Dogs must be safe to handle on leash and able to walk calmly in a neighbourhood environment.

    Final acceptance is determined at the Meet & Greet.

  • Dog Walks

    • Group walk (60 min): $35

    • Additional dog (group): $10

    • Solo walk (30 min): $38

    • Solo walk (60 min): $50

    • Additional dog (solo): $10

    • Weekend walk: +$5

    • Holiday walk: +$15

    All prices subject to GST.

  • We’ll confirm access details during the Meet & Greet. Keys and access codes are handled securely and are only used for scheduled services.

Pet Sitting

  • There are two options for Pet Sitting:

    • 30-minute visits

    • 45-minute visits

  • At this time, we offer Pet Sitting services for dogs and cats only.

  • No. Overnight stays are not offered. Multiple daily visits can be arranged depending on your pet’s needs.

  • Visits typically include:

    • Feeding and fresh water

    • Litter box or yard clean-up

    • Play / enrichment and calm companionship

    • Brief walk (for dogs)

    • Basic medication administration (if disclosed and agreed)

    • A visual wellness check

    • A secure entry/exit and a written update after the visit

  • Basic oral and topical medications may be administered if disclosed in advance, with clear instructions, and if the pet is cooperative. We do not provide injectable or complex medical treatments.

    An additional cost of $5 per visit will be charged.

  • No, at this time we only offer pet sitting services in your own home.

  • In-home Pet Sitting rates:

    • 30-minute visit: $35

    • 45-minute visit: $45

    • Basic medication administration: $5 per visit

    Pricing includes up to two cats or one dog.

    • Additional cats:+$5 per cat, per visit

    • Additional dogs:+$10 per dog, per visit

    • Weekend rate: +$5 per visit

    • Holiday rate: +$15 per visit

    All prices subject to GST.

  • We’ll confirm access details during the Meet & Greet. Keys and access codes are handled securely and are only used for scheduled services.