Tākaka Tails

Do you take casual bookings?
No — as safety and quality of care are my top priorities, I need to get to know both you and your dog’s specific needs before beginning walks or in-home visits. That’s why a pre-care meeting is required before we start.

Do I need a regular booking for walks?
Yes — I only have a limited number of spaces available. How often is completely up to you — whether it’s a once-a-week adventure or five days a week, I’m happy to fit around your schedule. The minimum booking is one walk or visit per fortnight. Of course I understand needs change depending on circumstances. So once I know your dog through past walks or care visits, I’m happy to do overnight care for you without current bookings.

Do you still walk if it’s raining?
Yes — unless the weather is unsafe for dogs or staff. If there’s thunder or lightning, we’ll head home straight away, as many dogs can get anxious during storms. After every walk, your dog will be towel-dried before being safely settled back at home — whether they’re damp from rain or after a swim!

Do you offer a discount for more than one dog?
Yes — if you have more than one dog from the same household, each additional dog is $10 extra per walk or visit.

How does in-your-own-home overnight care work?
Ruby and I come to your home to look after your pets, or if preferred, I can bring my off-grid caravan (site permitting). Your dog enjoys the comfort of being in their own home and can choose whether to sleep in their usual spot or cuddle up with Ruby and me in the caravan. If you’d like me to bring the caravan, there’s an additional one-off charge of $30 — regardless of whether the stay is for one night or a week. The nightly charge remains the same whether you have one dog or multiple pets. Your usual booked walks are included at no extra cost on your regular days. On all other days, your dog will receive at least one 30-minute walk daily.
I can also water plants, collect mail, and make sure your home looks lived-in for your peace of mind.

Do you offer a discount for longer stays?
Yes — for six days or more of in-your-own-home overnight care, you only pay for a maximum of five nights per week.
For example:
– 2-night stay = pay for 2 nights
– 5-night stay = pay for 5 nights
– 7-night stay = pay for 5 nights
– 10-night stay = pay for 8 nights
– 14-night stay = pay for 10 nights
The day of your departure and return are both considered full days.

Do I need to provide a key or access to my home?
If your dog is kept outdoors, I’ll only need access to the outside area. If your dog spends time indoors, I’ll need a way to enter for walks. For your peace of mind, I provide a secure lockbox for any keys — so I never need to carry them around. This allows me to collect your dog whether you’re home or not.

What happens in an emergency?
Your dog’s safety is my top priority. If your dog becomes injured or unwell, I carry a Dog First Aid Kit and will provide immediate care if needed. If veterinary attention is required, I’ll try to contact you first. If I can’t reach you, I’ll contact your nominated emergency person. If neither of you can be reached, I’ll take your dog to your preferred vet for treatment. Please note that all veterinary costs are your responsibility. In the unlikely event your dog runs off, I’ll immediately begin searching and keep you informed every step of the way until they’re found.

Do you do dog clean-ups?
Yes — I always scoop the poop! I clean up after your dog during walks and also make sure your property is tidy before I leave. I use eco-friendly products to keep everything clean and environmentally friendly.

Do you provide pictures of the dog walks?
Yes — completely up to you! Some people like daily updates and photos of their dogs, while others prefer contact only when needed. Whatever level of communication you’d like, I’m happy to provide it.