Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellations for play groups must be made by 7 a.m. the day of a scheduled service in order to avoid any additional charges. Any cancellations made after 7 a.m. will be charged a $10.00 play group cancel fee. If your team member arrives for a scheduled service and the dog is not available, or we are unable to gain access to your apartment, you will be charged in full for that service. Additionally, if your team member is en route to you, or an hour or less from your scheduled start time when we receive the cancellation, you will be charged in full.

We understand that things come up last-minute, but we do greatly appreciate limiting last-minute cancellations, as a spot is being reserved for your dog and it is difficult to fill that spot with little notice. Our team works hard, rain or shine, to give your dog the best playgroup experience possible, and last-minute cancellations directly affect their income. So, while the cancellation policy is in place for those times when unexpected things come up, we ask that you keep your set weekly schedule as consistent as possible.

Cancellations for overnight sitting must be made 48 hours in advance to avoid any additional charges. A $30.00 cancellation charge will apply for cancellations with less than 48 hours notice.

Are you closed for any major holidays?

Yes. With the exception of overnight care (booked in advance), we are closed on the following major holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We are partnered with another dog walking company who we can refer you to for any holiday walking needs.

Why do you require my dog to wear a harness?

One word: safety. A properly fitted and secure harness is a much safer option for your dog than a collar, especially when walking in a small group. Collars can easily slip off over a dog's head, and it is our #1 priority to keep your dog safe and sound while under our care. If your dog has never walked with a harness, we are happy to make some recommendations! We are big fans of the Easy Walk Deluxe harness (great for dogs who pull!)

Do you require dog be spayed or neutered to join playgroup?

For safety and liability reasons, we require that all male dogs be neutered prior to joining playgroup, and that all female dogs be spayed as early as your vet recommends as long as it is PRIOR to their first heat.

How do you handle keys?

All clients must provide Hoochie Poochie Club, Inc. with 2 copies of the key to your apartment at the initial consultation. Or, a key needs to be made available daily with your doorman. Hoochie Poochie will not be able to provide services to any client who does not provide us with 2 copies of keys, or can not make one available to Hoochie Poochie Club, Inc. on scheduled days of service. 

How Does Billing Work?

Charges are processed weekly every Monday for the services provided for the previous Monday-Sunday week. All payments are processed electronically by Hoochie Poochie Club, Inc. by credit card. You will receive an itemized invoice and receipt each week to keep for your records. You will not need to make any payments on your own, this is all done automatically for your convenience.

Any client with an outstanding balance on their account for longer than 2 weeks are subject to being removed from the schedule until the account is paid in full.

Do you offer evening and weekend walks?

Hoochie Poochie Club does not offer playgroup after 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, or any time on the weekends.

We are partnered with another dog walking company who we can refer you to for any weekend or evening walking needs.

How can I view my schedule and see who is coming for my dog?

Hoochie Poochie uses an online software program called Precise Petcare. Once you become a client, you will be assigned a username and password. You can log in 24 hours a day to view your upcoming schedule, update billing and pet information, and view past invoices.

I want to leave some special instructions for my team member. Can I get their contact information?

We do not share the personal cell phone numbers of our walking team members, but you are welcome to email or call the office with any special instructions for the day, and we will be sure to relay the message. This policy is in place to make sure nothing gets missed or lost in translation.

Do you offer overnight pet sitting services?

We do! However, we only provide this personalized service to clients who have a consistent weekly schedule with Hoochie Poochie Club. For more information on what is included, please see the "Rates & Services" section.