FAQ’s

  • FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

GETTING STARTED

To book your dog’s first walk, please fill out the contact form or send an email to cat@pupsvancouver.com with a brief description of your dog. I’ll reach out to schedule a meet & greet, and from there we’ll set up your dog’s free trial adventure to make sure it’s the perfect fit.
Once you submit the form, I’ll reach out to schedule a meet & greet so I can get to know your dog and make sure they’re a good fit for the pack. After that, we’ll book your pup’s free trial adventure.
To keep the pack consistent and the bond strong, I require each dog to join a minimum of one adventure per week at the same hike time. This routine helps your dog stay comfortable with the group and connected to me on the trails.
Most dogs can join their first trial adventure within a few days of the meet & greet, as long as all forms are completed and vaccinations are up to date. Once the trial goes well, I’ll set up your dog’s regular weekly spot right away.
Before your dog starts, I’ll just need their completed forms and up-to-date core vaccinations (DA2PP and Rabies). These keep the whole pack safe and healthy on the trails.
The meet & greet is a short introductory visit where I come by to meet you and your dog, go over their routine, and make sure they’re a good fit for the pack. We’ll chat about temperament, recall, trail experience, and any care details I should know. It also gives your dog a chance to get comfortable with me before their first adventure. The visit usually takes 15–20 minutes.

PACK WALKS DETAILS

I walk a maximum of six dogs per adventure. This keeps the group feeling safe, manageable, and social without being overwhelming for anyone.
We hike in the West Vancouver mountains on real forest trails like Brothers Creek and Millstream. These trails have natural terrain, fresh water spots, and plenty of room for the dogs to explore. It’s the perfect mix of exercise, enrichment, and freedom.
Each adventure is 75 to 90 minutes of true mountain time, not including pick-up or drop-off.
I run two hikes each weekday: 8:00am–12:00pm and 10:00am–2:00pm. Your dog will stay on the same hike time each week so the pack stays consistent and comfortable.

IS MY DOG A GOOD FIT

I do not accept dogs who are reactive or aggressive toward people or other dogs. Intact (unneutered) dogs may be accepted after a meet & greet and a successful trial adventure, as long as they’re comfortable and safe within the pack.
Basic off-leash understanding is helpful, but it’s not required. What matters most is that your dog is social, responsive, and able to stay connected to me and the group. I’ll assess this during the trial adventure to make sure the trails are a good fit for them.
All dogs must be healthy and up to date on their core vaccinations (DA2PP and Rabies) before joining the pack. This keeps everyone safe on the trails and is required for group walking.
Safety is always the priority. I hike in controlled, familiar areas, keep group sizes small, and only walk dogs who are comfortable in a pack setting. I monitor recall, group dynamics, trail conditions, and each dog’s comfort level throughout the hike. If a dog ever seems unsure, overwhelmed, or unsafe, I adjust right away.
I am pet first aid certified and carry a full trail first aid kit on every walk. In the case of an injury or emergency, I’ll assess the situation and contact you immediately .
If your dog seems unsure or overwhelmed in a group setting, I’ll let you know right away. Some dogs just need more time or a different routine. If pack hikes aren’t the right match, I’ll help you figure out the best option for your dog moving forward.

PICK-UP & DROP-OFF

I service North and West Vancouver. If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, just send me your location and I’ll confirm availability
Dogs are transported safely in a reliable, well-ventilated vehicle with secure tie-down points and plenty of space for each dog to travel comfortably. I always make sure each dog is comfortable and safely secured before we head out.
Not at all. Most pet parents aren’t home during the day. Clients usually provide a key, fob, or door code so I can pick up and drop off their dog while they’re out. After the hike, I’ll bring your dog back inside, wipe them down if needed, and make sure they’re comfortable before I leave.

WEATHER POLICY

Walks will run in most weather conditions. Light rain and typical West Coast weather are no problem. In extreme conditions such as heavy rain, snow, heat warnings, or poor air quality, the hike may be cancelled or adjusted for safety. You will be notified right away if anything changes.

PAYMENT

Invoices are sent every two weeks through the client app. Payment methods include credit card or ACH through the app, and e-transfer can be arranged upon request.
Cancellations must be made before 9:00pm the night before your scheduled hike. Late cancellations or missed pick-ups may be charged at the full rate, since a spot was reserved for your dog in the group.

Welcome to PUPS. Your dog’s first mountain adventure is on us.

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