FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Do you hike year round?
A. Yes, we do! We hike in all kinds of weather, including rain and snow. Please be aware, we will, however, cancel hikes in dangerously low temperatures. Please see our Severe Weather Policy for additional details.
Q. Why do you require recurring hikes?
A. Our hikes are designed to be a regular physical and social activity for your dog (like a weekly group fitness class would be for you). We feel having consistent packs of dogs, as opposed to different dogs every single time, makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for all the dogs.
Q. Do you ever offer non-recurring hikes?
A. Yes, but only to current club members. If a dog cancels his hike, we will offer it up and attempt to fill the spot with a compatible dog who would like to attend.
Q. Can my dog hike more than once per week?
A. Of course! Our experience is that dogs thrive on multiple adventures per week.
Q. I’ll be home during pick up/drop off my dog. Is that OK?
A. Not only is that OK, we love to see our human club members! Trail Paws hikes are not traditional dog walks. It’s the rare person that has three hours in their day to take their dogs on a 60-90 minute hike on a regular basis. That’s why we are here!
Q. Do you offer private hikes?
A. Depending upon availability, we offer private leashed hikes at a greater cost. Please contact us to discuss.
Q. What is your payment policy?
A. We accept major credit cards and debit cards (processed as credit cards). When you become a member, you provide a credit card for us to use. We retain your card securely on file and will charge your card as services are rendered. You will receive notification of all charges as they occur.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. We offer free cancellations with 48 hours notice. We offer all cancelled spots to our current club members. If you provide less than 48 hours notice and we are able to fill the spot with a compatible dog, you will not be charged. If you provide less than 48 hours notice and we are unable to fill the spot with a compatible dog, you will be charged full price for the hike. Please see our cancellation policy for additional details
Q. I am travelling. Can my dog still go on his hike?
A. Of course, if your dog is at home while you are away, we are happy to continue with his hikes during your trip.
Q. Will my dog get dirty?
A. You probably already know the answer to this question, especially for off leash hikes! Some dogs are magnets for leaves, mud, water, dirt and burrs. Other dogs on the exact same hike will stay clean. It all depends on the coat type, personality of the dog and his definition of fun! Rest assured, Trail Paws is armed with towels, paw washers, and other supplies and will do a thorough rub down of every dog to get them cleaned off before dropping them in your home. Of course, we are not groomers and are limited by time and resources, but we will do our best. Please do not expect a full bath after a hike. We recommend setting up a “dirty dog protocol” (crating, containing them in a certain area of your home, etc.) that we can follow if you are AT ALL concerned about your dog/house/furniture post-hike.
Q. Do you require certain vaccinations/preventatives?
A. We require your dog to be up to date on his rabies vaccination, and to be current on heartworm, flea and tick preventatives.
Q. Will you communicate with me about my dog’s hike?
A. Yes! We want to share your dog’s experiences with you! We use a software program called Scout for Pets. You will receive an email when your dog’s hike begins, and a second email when your dog has been returned home. The second email contains a report card and notes about the hike, a gps track of the route (both car ride and hike) and lots of pictures!