FAQs & Policies

Effective January 1, 2026

We know policy pages aren’t the most exciting read, but we promise we’ve kept things clear and straightforward! At Walking Wet Noses, our policies are designed to protect your pets’ care schedule, ensure our team can deliver exceptional service, and give you peace of mind. We’ve outlined everything from booking and cancellations to payment terms and holiday schedules. 

Please note: All clients must have a valid, active credit card on file in order to book services with Walking Wet Noses.

For all questions, concerns, or schedule changes, please contact our office team so we can assist quickly and update your account—call 703-493-1003 or email Pets@WalkingWetNoses.com—and please note that a signed policy acknowledgement is required before scheduling 2026 services.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans change! Here’s what you need to know about canceling services:

Dog Walking & Single Visit Services

  • Cancellations must be received before 4:00 PM the day before the scheduled visit
  • Any cancellation received after 4:00 PM the day before, or on the day of service, is considered a same-day cancellation and will be charged in full
  • Example: For a Wednesday visit, cancellation must be received by 4:00 PM on Tuesday to avoid charges

Prepaid Package Cancellations

  • Clients who purchase prepaid visit packages are subject to the same cancellation deadlines (4:00 PM the day before)
  • Timely cancellations (by 4:00 PM deadline): The visit will be returned to your package balance and can be rescheduled within the package validity period
  • Same-day cancellations (after 4:00 PM the day prior or day-of): The visit will be deducted from your prepaid package and cannot be refunded or restored
  • All package visits, including cancelled visits, must be scheduled and completed within the package expiration period (60 days from purchase)
  • Unused visits after the expiration date are forfeited with no refund.

Pet Sitting, Boarding, Overnight Care & Tuck-In Visits

  • Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will incur a Cancellation Fee equal to 50% of the total invoice
  • This allows us to potentially fill the booking and helps offset the income we’ve reserved for your pet’s care.

Early Returns & Services in Progress

  • Once Pet Sitting, Overnight Care, or 24-Hour House Sitting services begin, the full service fee is due
  • We do not offer credits for early returns under any circumstance
  • We’ve reserved our team members’ time and turned away other clients to care for your pets, so the full booking must be honored once services commence.

How to Cancel

You may submit cancellation requests via:

  • Phone call
  • Email
  • Text message
  • Client portal

Important: Cancellations are processed based on the timestamp of when your request is received, not when we respond. Please ensure you receive confirmation of your cancellation.

No Pet Policy

Your pet’s safety is our top priority! If our pet care professional arrives at your home for a scheduled service and your pet is not present, the full service fee will be charged.

This policy ensures our team members are compensated for their time and travel, and helps us maintain our commitment to reliable scheduling for all clients. If your plans change and your pet won’t be home, please cancel according to our Cancellation Policy above.

Payment & Refund Policy

Payment Terms:

  • All service fees are due prior to the start of services
  • To provide flexibility for updating credit card information, we offer a 2-day grace period after the completion of your first visit on a specific invoice
  • If payment is not received by the end of this 2-day grace period, a $35 Late Payment Fee will be applied as outlined in our Late Payment Policy below

Refund Policy:

  • Walking Wet Noses does not offer refunds for any reason once payment has been received
  • We stand behind the quality of our services and encourage clients to communicate any concerns so we can address them promptly
  • This no-refund policy is disclosed to all clients prior to booking and payment to ensure transparency in our business practices

Credit Policy:

  • In rare circumstances where a credit may be issued, it will be applied to your client account for future use
  • Account credits must be used within 12 months of the credit being applied
  • Credits are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Holiday Fee Policy

To ensure our amazing pet care team can enjoy time with their own families during major holidays, we apply a $15 Holiday Fee per visit for services scheduled on Walking Wet Noses recognized holidays.

2026 WWN Recognized Holiday Dates:

  • January – New Year’s Holiday: January 1, 2, 3, 4
  • April – Easter Holiday: April 4, 5
  • May – Memorial Day: May 23, 24, 25
  • June – Juneteenth: June 19
  • July – Independence Day: July 3, 4, 5
  • September – Labor Day: September 5, 6, 7
  • November – Veterans Day: November 11
  • November – Thanksgiving: November 26, 27, 28, 29
  • December – Christmas: December 24, 25, 26, 27
  • December – New Years Eve 31

Please note: Holiday dates are specific to the 2026 calendar year and will be updated annually. We’ll communicate the following year’s holiday schedule in advance.

I have a special needs/elderly pet; can you take care of him?

Absolutely! We have a special soft spot for senior pets and those with special needs. Our experienced team is trained to provide the extra care, patience, and attention that older or special needs pets require. Whether your pet needs medication administration, mobility assistance, dietary restrictions, or just a slower, gentler pace, we’re here to help.

During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your pet’s specific needs, routines, medications, and any health concerns. This allows us to create a customized care plan that ensures your furry family member receives the best possible care. We believe every pet deserves exceptional care, regardless of age or ability!

Have questions about your pet’s specific needs? Contact us at 703-493-1003 or Pets@WalkingWetNoses.com to discuss how we can best care for your special companion.

Do you have minimum visit requirements?

Yes, to ensure your pet’s health, safety, and well-being, we do have minimum visit requirements for Pet Sitting, Boarding, and Overnight Care services:

 For Dogs:

  • Minimum of 2 visits per day for pet sitting services
  • We recommend 3 visits per day for optimal care, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with special needs
  • Crated Dogs: If your dog is crated while you’re away, a minimum of 3 visits per day is required to ensure adequate bathroom breaks, exercise, and time outside the crate
  • Overnight Care and 24-Hour House Sitting options are also available for pets who need extra companionship

 For Cats & Small Animals:

  • Minimum of 1 visit per day for pet sitting services
  • We’re happy to schedule multiple visits per day based on your pet’s needs and preferences

These minimums ensure your pets receive adequate food, water, exercise, bathroom breaks, and companionship. Every pet and situation is unique, so we’re happy to work with you to create a care schedule that fits your pet’s needs!

Need help determining the right visit schedule? Give us a call at 703-493-1003 and we’ll create the perfect care plan for your pet.

Do your sitters go thru a criminal background check?

Yes! The safety and security of your pets and your home are our top priorities. Every member of the Walking Wet Noses team undergoes a comprehensive criminal background check before joining our team.

Walking Wet Noses is also fully insured and bonded through Travelers Insurance, giving you peace of mind that our services are backed by professional liability coverage.

We carefully select, train, and vet each team member to ensure they meet our high standards for professionalism, reliability, and pet care expertise. Your trust means everything to us!