Dogs have been my one constant companion since I was born. Our little family joined Rover in 2017 as clients for our gorgeous cream golden retriever, who passed away at 14 from old age, and we started sitting in late 2019. We now have a 3-year-old cheeky Irish Setter. We are a family offering your dog a family life while you are away. We are not a professional dog kennel, we do not use crates or cages, and we do not leave dogs outside after dusk. Also, please note that we cannot take dogs with contagious conditions. The dogs usually go on about 3 to 4 walks and errands a day and stay with us at home, where they can access a fenced garden. I work from home, so your pet will not be alone. We offer treats (you will provide/ per your instructions), walkies, fun-filled days, tummy rubs, etc. Pets will sleep in the house in our living/kitchen area (I try to keep them out of the bedrooms). Walks are calibrated to the dogs' needs; we never push dogs, but most of the time, we provide them with more opportunities to go out than they may be used to. As a result of the increased activity and the stress of being away from you, especially the first time, they might seem a little tired and sleepy upon returning home, which is normal. Strict drop-off and pickup times: earliest: 6:30 AM, latest: 6:00 PM. Please do not book outside these hours (no exceptions). ALL Drop-off and pickup take place at Doc Edgar Park in Fairfax. Our small road ends in a trail (dead end); it is easier to meet at the park. Also, we do not allow clients on our property at present. We keep more than one dog at once. If your dog does not get along with other dogs, we are probably not the right sitters for you. For New Clients: meeting you and your dog before booking the stay is essential. We need to see if we are a good match. We offer free 30-minute preliminary meetings during the week only. Due to our insurance, we no longer take: Rottweilers, Pitbulls, American Bullies, Great Danes, Staffordshire Terriers, or mixed breeds, including any of the above, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, or any dogs showing aggressiveness, and we cannot take dogs with contagious illnesses (Kennel cough or intestinal parasites). Puppies: need to be fully vaccinated, and the vet must approve taking them to a dog park. Unfortunately, we cannot accept puppies on heat. Please understand that we are not responsible for any items you bring with your dog (bed, crate, soft toy, etc). These items may be damaged, buried, or torn during the stay as dogs play with each other, especially puppies. LOGISTICS - FEES - CANCELLATION - POLICY - BOARDING IS PER 24-HR Periods. For example, if you drop off the dog at 9 AM on day one but pick it up at 5 PM on pickup day, I will add a daycare fee. We do not charge per hour. The Rover app lets you enter any time in your initial booking request and does its own calculations, but it is up to the sitter to specify and apply their rates and procedures. PAYMENTS - Payments must be made through Rover; we do NOT accept cash or any other form of payment. - I do not control how visible Rover makes the rates or cancellation policy on their website; I do not control their terms either - please get in touch with them directly for any payment-related or lack of clarity regarding their terms. - Rates: Please check the rates; they are different if you book for a holiday or a puppy CANCELLATION POLICY - Details of the Rover Seven Days Policy - I do not control the wording or updates to the policy (by calling Rover) OVERNIGHT KIT REQUIRED - FOOD: Please measure the amount of food the dog needs for the stay and for one or two more days (just in case). WE NO LONGER TAKE WHOLE FOOD BAGS OR TUBS. At drop-off, you will be asked to measure the food if it has not already been calculated. - No bowls needed – we use stainless steel bowls and labyrinth stainless steel for those fast eaters – no plastic - No beds needed – we have beds with removable covers that we wash between dogs TOYS: We can NO LONGER ACCEPT toys - We do not take responsibility for toys when dogs play together; toys may be destroyed, lost, or mixed up on pickup day. CRATES: Up to you - We do not have any. COMMUNICATIONS - I take photos of your dog and send them to you. I cannot control service connection or download times, and we might be on a trail with limited receptioso n, photos might be delayed. - I answer inquiries (change in drop off pick up, new requests, etc.) as best I can between 8 AM and 6 PM during workdays and more sporadically at weekends (I am usually out with the dogs in places where the connection may vary). I do NOT provide a summary of everything your dog did each day; the photos are the vehicle to communicate how your dog is doing. I only reach out if I have a question (running low on food) or if it is an emergency. Pet Care – SHAMPOOS: We are not a salon; we are not equipped to pamper your pet. We love dogs, and dogs love to run in the grass, in the rivers, on the beach, and often in the mud. Very few dogs like tarmac. We clean their paws, but if you want a squeaky-clean, fragrant dog, please book an extra cleaning service with your usual pet salon for the pickup day. Should we have to wash your dog due to excessive dirt or extended stays, we would use Burt's Bees for Puppies Tearless Shampoo for puppies or Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo for adult dogs. You must list any known medical issues on your dog's profile, including allergies, and let us know if your dog has any known allergies and/or if you have a specific shampoo you use; please bring it. Your dog must be tick-treated. We walk on trails, and there are lots of deer and ticks around. I tried to cover everything, but if I forgot anything, don't hesitate to ask when we meet! We look forward to meeting you and your furry friends!