Everything You Need to Know — Before You Even Ask.
Our policies exist to protect your pet, your home, and the relationship we're building together. Read through them once — then relax.Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Office Hours
Office
Our office team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Weekend office hours vary.
Service Hours
Dog walking and pet sitting visits take place between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
While office hours vary on weekends, we monitor phone and email regularly and will return your call or message as soon as possible.
Scheduling & Visits
How to Request a Visit
All service requests must be made directly through the Walking Wet Noses client portal or by contacting our office by phone or email. We do not accept service requests made directly to individual team members. Bookings made outside of our official channels are not covered by our insurance and cannot be guaranteed.
Visit Windows
All services are scheduled within an arrival window, not an exact time. We do our best to accommodate arrival times that work for you and your pet, but we cannot guarantee a specific arrival time.
End of Visit Report
Every completed visit includes an end of visit report summarizing how things went, with arrival and departure times and photos. Dog walking visits also include a map of the route.
Scheduling Changes
We’re flexible — life happens. Any changes to scheduled visits must meet the cancellation policy deadlines outlined above. Changes requested after the deadline are treated as a cancellation and rebilled as a new visit.
For visits impacted by severe weather, please refer to our Inclement Weather policy for details on how we handle affected visits.
Billing & Payments
Payment Terms
Payment is due prior to services. A valid credit card must remain on file at all times. There is a 2-day grace period after the first visit on an invoice. A $35 Late Payment Fee is applied if payment is not received within the grace period.
Recurring Service Billing
Clients on a recurring schedule are billed prior to the start of services each month. Payments are processed on the 28th of the month prior to the service period.
Payments & Credits
Walking Wet Noses does not offer refunds once payment has been received. In rare circumstances where a credit is issued, it is applied to your account for future use — credits must be used within 12 months, are non-transferable, and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Simple, transparent billing. No surprises. No hidden fees. Just straightforward billing so you can focus on what matters — knowing your pet is in good hands.
Cancellation Policy
Dog Walking & Single Visits
Cancel before 4:00 PM the day prior. Same-day cancellations are charged in full. Requests to move or reschedule a visit are treated the same as a cancellation — if you miss the 4:00 PM deadline, the original visit is charged in full and the rescheduled visit is billed as a new service.
Prepaid Packages
The same 4:00 PM deadline applies. Timely cancellations are returned to your package balance. Same-day Cancellations are deducated with no refund. All visits must be completed within 60 days of purchase. Unused visits after expiration are forefited.
Pet Sitting / Overnight / 24-Hour House Sitting
Less than 24 hours’ notice results in a 50% cancellation fee. Once services begin, the full service fee is due regardless of early return.
Recurring Walk Club Schedule
Recurring schedules may be cancelled at any time and will continue through the end of the current month. No credit is issued for cancelling mid-month. Same-day visit cancellations are charged in full and count toward your monthly Club minimum.
How to Cancel
Phone, email, text, or the client portal. Cancellations are processed by the timestamp of your request — not when we respond. You must receive a confirmation that your cancellation was received.
We hold that time specifically for your pet. Advance notice helps us manage our team’s schedule and keep visit windows consistent for every household we serve.
Surcharges
After Hours — $10 per visit
Applied to visits scheduled before 8:00 AM or at/after 8:30 PM.
Holiday Surcharge — $15 per visit
A $15 surcharge applies to any visit on one of our designated 2026 holidays.
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.
Pet Safety
Vaccination Requirements
All pets must be current on rabies vaccination. We accept current records or a letter of waiver from a licensed veterinarian.
Emergency Protocol
Your pet’s safety is always our first priority. In the event of a medical emergency during a visit, our team will act immediately — determining the appropriate course of care and whether to contact your primary vet or the nearest emergency clinic. We will notify you as soon as possible, but we will never delay care waiting to reach you. This is why we ask for both your primary vet and emergency vet information at enrollment — so we’re never scrambling when it matters most.
All Pets in the Home
At enrollment, we ask that you tell us about every pet in your household — even pets we won’t be providing care for. This isn’t about billing. It’s about safety. For example, if we don’t know there’s a cat in the home, we can’t take precautions when opening the door for a dog walk — and suddenly an indoor cat is outside when no one intended that.
Weather & Outdoor Visits
Every pet handles weather differently. Our team uses their judgment — along with the details you share about your pet at enrollment — to determine how long it’s appropriate to spend outside on any given day. In cases of extreme heat, cold, or heavy rain, visits may be shortened or rescheduled. We will always communicate proactively if weather affects your visit.
Your pet’s safety is never an afterthought. We take every precaution on every visit — and we’ll always communicate openly with you if anything gives us pause.
Home Access & Keys
Access Requirements
We require two forms of access for all clients — this does not need to include a physical key. At enrollment, we’ll work with you to confirm your access setup before services begin.
Key Handling
Keys are labeled with a unique client code — never with your name, address, or any identifying information. For dog walking clients, keys must remain secured in the lockbox at the home at all times. For pet sitting clients, keys must be in the lockbox during the service period. Between bookings, keys may be stored at our office until your next scheduled service — just let us know at enrollment and we’ll make that arrangement.
Lockbox
Clients requiring a key for access must keep the key secured in a lockbox at the home. Clients are responsible for purchasing their own lockbox — we’re happy to help with setup and installation if needed. If a lockbox cannot be installed due to community or building standards, we’ll work with you to find an alternative that meets your access needs
How Many Visits Does My Pet Need?
The following minimum visit requirements apply to pet sitting services only and do not apply to scheduled dog walking, recurring walk packages, or the Weekday Walk Club.
Dogs
Minimum 2 visits/day for pet sitting. We recommend 3 visits/day for puppies, senior pets, and pets with special needs. Crated dogs require a minimum of 3 visits/day.
Cats & Small Animals
Minimum 1 visit/day. Multiple daily visits are available for pets that benefit from more frequent check-ins.
For pets that need around-the-clock companionship, Overnight Care and 24-Hour House Sitting are also available. Not sure how many visits your pet needs? Give us a call at 703-493-1003 — we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Inclement Weather
Our Commitment
We make every effort to serve your pet regardless of weather conditions. Your pet’s care is our commitment, and we take that seriously even when conditions are difficult.
Service Prioritization
When severe weather impacts our ability to operate at full capacity, we prioritize visits in the following order once roads are safe to travel: pet sitting and overnight clients first, followed by pets requiring medication, and senior pets. Dog walking visits may be shortened or rescheduled depending on conditions.
Out-of-Town Clients
If you are away from home with pets in our care, we make every effort to reach your pets regardless of weather conditions. We will always contact you as soon as possible to keep you informed.
Communication
You will always hear from us before a visit is affected by weather. We will never leave you wondering — proactive communication is part of how we operate.
When in doubt, reach out. Call or text us at 703-493-1003 and we’ll give you a real-time update on conditions and your pet’s scheduled visit.
Terms & Conditions
Effective January 1, 2026
These terms apply to all services provided by Walking Wet Noses. By scheduling services with us, you agree to everything outlined below. We’ve written them in plain, straightforward language because we believe you should know exactly what you’re agreeing to — no legal jargon, no fine print, no surprises. If you ever have questions about anything on this page, we’re always just a phone call away
Terms & Conditions
Acceptance of Terms
By scheduling services with Walking Wet Noses, you agree to the terms outlined on this page. These terms exist to protect you, your pet, and our team — and we’ve written them in plain language so there are no surprises.
Services
Walking Wet Noses provides dog walking, pet sitting, overnight care, 24-hour house sitting, and related pet care services in the Fairfax, VA area. We reserve the right to decline or discontinue service at our discretion — if we ever have concerns about a pet’s needs or a situation we can’t safely serve, we’ll always be upfront about it.
Client Responsibilities
You agree to provide accurate and complete information about your pet at enrollment — including health conditions, medications, behavioral traits, and vaccination records. You also agree to maintain valid home access, keep a lockbox at the home where required, and provide both a primary and emergency veterinary contact.
Payment
Payment is due prior to services. A valid credit card must remain on file at all times. Late payments are subject to a $35 fee. All payments are final. Credits may be issued at our discretion and are subject to the terms outlined in our Billing & Payments policy.
Cancellations
All cancellations are subject to the terms outlined in our Cancellation Policy above. By booking services, you acknowledge and agree to those terms.
Scheduling & Booking
All service requests must be made directly through the Walking Wet Noses client portal or by contacting our office by phone or email. We do not accept service requests made directly to individual team members. Bookings made outside of our official channels are not covered by our insurance and cannot be guaranteed.
Liability
Walking Wet Noses is fully insured and bonded through Travelers Insurance. However, we are not liable for injury, illness, or death related to a pre-existing condition, a pet’s own behavior, acts of nature, or circumstances outside our reasonable control. Veterinary costs are always the pet owner’s responsibility. By using our services, you authorize our team to seek emergency veterinary care for your pet if needed — we will always notify you as soon as possible, but we will never delay care waiting to reach you.
Photo & Media Release
From time to time, we share photos of the pets in our care on our website and social media channels. No identifying information — including home details, addresses, or license plates — is ever included. If you prefer that your pet not appear in our content, just let us know at enrollment and we’ll note it on your account.
Text Message Communication
By providing your phone number at enrollment, you consent to receive text messages from Walking Wet Noses regarding your appointments, scheduling updates, and pet care communications. Message frequency varies. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP or contacting our office directly.
Privacy
Your personal information is used solely to provide and improve our services. We do not sell or share your information with third parties for marketing purposes. Access to client data is limited to Walking Wet Noses staff only.
Changes to These Terms
We may update these terms from time to time. When we do, we’ll let you know. Continued use of our services following any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.
Questions about our terms? Call us at 703-493-1003 or email Pets@WalkingWetNoses.com — we’re always happy to talk through anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us at 703-493-1003 — we’re happy to help.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No long-term contract is required. Before services begin, all clients sign a policy acknowledgement confirming they’ve read and agreed to our terms. This protects you and your pet just as much as it protects us.
Are you insured and bonded?
Yes. Walking Wet Noses is fully insured and bonded through Travelers Insurance. This means you have peace of mind knowing that our services are backed by professional liability coverage every time we’re in your home.
Do your team members undergo background checks?
Yes — every member of the Walking Wet Noses team undergoes a comprehensive criminal background check before joining. We carefully select, train, and vet each team member to ensure they meet our standards for professionalism, reliability, and pet care. Your trust in us means everything.
Can you care for senior pets or pets with special needs?
Absolutely. We have a genuine soft spot for senior pets and those with special needs. Whether your pet requires medication administration, mobility assistance, a slower pace, or just a little extra patience and attention — our team is experienced and ready. During your initial consultation we’ll discuss your pet’s specific needs, routines, and any health concerns so we can provide the right level of care from day one.
Do you have minimum visit requirements for pet sitting?
Yes. For dogs we require a minimum of 2 visits per day — we recommend 3 visits per day for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with special needs. Crated dogs require a minimum of 3 visits per day. For cats and small animals we require a minimum of 1 visit per day. We’re happy to schedule additional visits based on your pet’s needs.
What happens if my pet isn't home when your team arrives?
If our team arrives for a scheduled visit and your pet is not home, the full service fee is charged. We have reserved that time specifically for your pet — if your plans change and your pet won’t be home, please cancel according to our cancellation policy to avoid being charged.
Will I always have the same sitter or walker?
We aim for consistency and will do our best to assign you a primary team member who becomes familiar with your pet’s routine and personality. If a backup is ever needed due to scheduling or illness, we pull from a small, trusted group — we don’t rotate through our entire roster. We will never assign a team member we don’t feel is the right fit for your pet and your home.
Can you handle dogs who pull, are reactive, or need special handling?
In many cases, yes. We discuss your dog’s specific temperament, behavior, and any handling needs during your initial consultation. We won’t take on a client we can’t serve safely and well — for your pet’s sake and ours. If we have any concerns, we’ll be upfront about them before committing.
What if my pet needs medication during a visit?
Medication administration is included at no additional charge across all of our services. We’ll document your pet’s medication details during the initial consultation and note administration after every visit so you always have a record.
I have multiple pets — do you charge extra?
No. We do not charge additional fees for multiple pets. We do ask that you tell us about every pet in your household at enrollment — even pets we won’t be providing care for. Knowing who’s in the home helps us keep everyone safe. For example, if we don’t know there’s a cat in the home, we can’t take precautions when opening the door during a dog walk — and suddenly an indoor cat is outside when no one intended that.
I only need occasional visits — can you accommodate this?
Absolutely. While many of our clients are on recurring schedules, we welcome one-off and occasional bookings across all of our services. Whether you need a single dog walk, a few pet sitting visits while you’re away, or occasional drop-ins, we’re happy to help. Availability may vary, so we recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure your dates.
Do you use a lockbox? How does that work?
Yes — we recommend a lockbox as the simplest and most reliable access method for all clients. At enrollment, you’ll provide a lockbox code and our team uses it for every visit. This eliminates the need to manage key exchanges and ensures your pet’s schedule is never disrupted. Clients are responsible for purchasing their own lockbox — we’re happy to help with setup and installation if needed. If a lockbox isn’t possible due to community or building standards, we’ll work with you to find an alternative.
How do I pay?
Payment is due prior to services. A valid credit card must remain on file at all times. Invoices are generated through our client portal and payment can be made online. If you have questions about billing, give us a call at 703-493-1003 or email Pets@WalkingWetNoses.com.