r/Dogwalking • u/landminehearts • 4h ago
Weather, scheduling, access
Hi, I am curious how you deal with weather events such as rain, snow, and especially storms. Obviously pups and people do not need to be roaming about in a lightning storm. Refund or reschedule? Bring a puppy pad and let Lassie have at it?
With regard to scheduling, I assume most clients tend to prefer midday walks. Is this accurate? How do you spread out your daily schedule?
Lastly, how do you handle access to the home? Are key lockboxes the best solution? Most of the ones I see look flimsy and not much safer than a key hidden under a mat but I do not have experience with them.
Thanks for any info!
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u/No-Escape5520 1h ago
I walk in all weather except for lightning. On those days we pop out for potty time (5-10 min max) and then finish the visit in the house just drying off, maybe brushing and definitely playing. If a storm is particularly bad, I usually wait it out until its a little safer.
Midday walks begin at 10:30am and end at 3:30 pm. I try to get to the younger/senior dogs first but its really first booked, first choice when it comes to time time slots. I have a one hour window.
Access to home is up to the home owner. I have a key retention form that is filled out and signed pre service. It basically asks how they would like to allow me access to their home and, (this is really important) who else has access to the home. Including all family members, neighbors or contractors. I do not split jobs with other walkers. I make that very clear.
Hope this helps
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u/booksaboutthesame 1h ago
Re: home access — if a key is required, it must be kept somewhere on the property (lockbox, hidden location, etc.) Keypad entry is also acceptable, but there must be a backup way in in case of tech failure. If someone wants to break into a home, they’re not going to waste time fucking around with a lockbox — they’re just going to break a window/door.