Pet sitting & dog walking questions
Tap a question to see the answer. Don't see yours? Call or text us.
Getting started
Do I need a meet & greet first?
Yes, for every new client, and it's free. Plan on about 30 minutes. Dogs meet us at a nearby park first, on neutral ground, then we walk home together to go over routines, feeding, meds, keys and your vet's info. Cats are met at home.
What areas do you cover?
All of Waikiki, where we live. If you're just outside Waikiki, call or text us and we'll see if we can come.
How do I book after the meet & greet?
In our client app, where you can request visits, message us and pay. You can always call or text us too.
How do keys and entry work?
We pick up a key at the meet & greet, or use your lockbox or door code. Keys are labeled with a code, never your address.
Walks
How do Buddy Walks work?
Your dog walks with 1 or 2 matched dogs from your building or block, max 3 dogs per walker, always on leash. We match dogs by size, energy and temperament at the meet & greet and do a short trial walk first. Reactive dogs stick with solo walks. Bring a neighbor on and you both get $5 off.
What vaccines do you require?
Every dog needs current core vaccines (distemper/parvo) and rabies. Puppies can start once they've had their first round of core vaccines and their rabies shot. For Buddy Walks, dogs also need Bordetella (kennel cough), since it spreads easily between dogs, and puppies need the full core series. Cats should be current on the vaccines their vet recommends. Bring your vet records to the meet & greet.
Do dogs need to be spayed or neutered?
Only for Buddy Walks. Dogs over 12 months need to be spayed or neutered to join a group, and females in heat sit out until their cycle ends. Not fixed? That's your call, and we respect it. Your dog gets solo walks, on leash 100% of the time.
What about heat and hot pavement?
We rub a protective paw balm into your dog's pads before every walk, keep to shade and grass on hot days, and avoid hot pavement. Sport Tours run early morning or evening only.
My dog is reactive or anxious. Can you still walk them?
Yes. Suari is Fear Free Certified and has handled nervous dogs for years. We'll plan quieter routes and times.
Care & safety
Are you insured?
Yes. We're insured and bonded through Pet Sitters Associates: $1M liability, up to $25K coverage for pets in our care, and $10K for your belongings while we're in your home. We'll show you our certificate at the meet & greet.
What if my pet gets sick or there's an emergency?
We contact you first and decide together. In an urgent situation we get your pet to your preferred hospital by pet taxi, or the nearest emergency hospital if yours is closed. If we can't reach you, we follow the vet release you sign at the meet & greet.
Can you give my pet medication?
Yes, for +$10 a visit. Oral and topical medication exactly as your vet prescribed, from labeled packaging, with written instructions. We don't diagnose or give medical advice.
What if one of you gets sick?
The other one covers. We both know your pet from the meet & greet, so your visit still happens.
Do you care for cats?
Yes. Drop-in visits cover feeding, litter, fresh water and play. Extended Visits are good for cats who want company.
Payment & cancellations
How do I pay?
Your card is saved when you sign up and charged after each visit. Memberships are billed monthly, and Traveler Packs are paid up front.
What is your cancellation policy?
Walks, drop-ins and baths: free up to 24 hours before, later is charged at 50%. Overnight stays: free up to 72 hours before (7 days for holidays), later and the first night is charged.
How do memberships work?
Month to month, billed monthly in advance, with 2 weeks' notice to cancel. Skipped walks need 48 hours' notice and don't carry over.