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Please Note: As of 31st August, I will no longer be dog walking during weekdays - I am returning to University, for post-graduate studies, to begin my PhD Doctorate! I will be available to walk dogs on occasional weekends (however, if you require a weekend walk, then please email me in advance to arrange this). I will continue to do cat sitting, and will still be available for this 7 days a week - visit times will change slightly however (morning cat visit will now be between 7.30am - 8am, and afternoon visits will be approx between 4.30pm - 5.30pm).
Hello, I'm Jill, and I am the owner of Doggy Wox. Since I can remember I have had a passion for animals. I was brought up in a home surrounded by a wide variety of animals including horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, terrapins, birds and other rodents. I have experience working with all types of animals, from horses to hamsters. I have gained valuable skills and knowledge through working in a variety of places - These include Kennels, Catteries, Rescue & Rehoming centres, Shelters, and Stables. In 2005 I part shared a 14.1 Cob, and in 2006 I became the proud owner of my own 15.1 Connemara mare. In October 2010 I successfully completed an Animal First Aid Course which has qualified me in Canine first aid - a crucial qualification when looking after peoples pets everyday! I love the outdoors, and I have a University Degree in Geography. I thoroughly enjoy hiking, mountaineering and hillwalking, as do my dogs! I live in a lovely detached home in Burntisland & thoroughly enjoy living here (although there aren't as many hills as when I lived up north!). Retaining a huge passion for animals, I decided to combine the outdoors and pets, and Doggy Wox was born.
I own two dogs. A Labrador Retriever and Border Collie and I peruse activities with both my dogs as often as I can. My Labrador currently participates in Gun Dog activities and he particularly enjoys water retrieves. Leo has completed his KC Good Citizens Awards, and we now enjoy participating in Obedience Tests. My Border Collie, Meg, currently participates in Agility competitions and Shepherding (Sheep Dog Training). In addition to Agility, previously Meg and I have competed in Flyball too.
My dogs mean the absolute world to me - which is why I fully understand how difficult it can be to find a dog walker/sitter which you trust and feel safe leaving your pets with. This is why I am fully insured, CRB Police checked, and hold a certificate in animal first aid.
In addition to the above, I also continue to be as environmentally friendly as possible - I only ever use bio-degradable poo bags for dogs waste. Furthermore any dog treats that are given on the walks are completely organic and hypo-allergenic! :)
Leo & I on a gundog day
Doggy Wox exclusive service allows you complete peace of mind, that your dog is not only out with a qualified animal first aider, but is also out in the company of other dogs who are well mannered and obedient...
Before taking on any dog, I expect the following to be in place:
1. A sociable dog, who gets along well with people and other dogs.
2. A reliable recall whilst out on walks (i.e. Comes back when called, and not when the dog feels like it. Doesn't refuse to come back when passing by another dog, or run off to another dog then refuse to return)
3. Travels well in the car (I understand some dogs may bark out of excitement, but excessive barking which frightens other dogs cannot be tolerated)
4. Walks reasonably well on the lead. Some pulling is understandable, especially as many dogs are eager and exciting at the beginning of a walk. However, excessive or very strong pulling cannot be tolerated.
5. Dogs must NEVER jump on people. I will not tolerate a dog jumping up on a passersby or other dog owners at a park etc.
Please note that these rules are in place primarily for the dogs own safety, my safety, and the safety and consideration of other dogs and people. It is unfair that my attention is taken up by 1 dog throughout a walk, or that other people and passersby could possibly incur injury from a dog jumping up at them etc. I feel it is only being a responsible dog walker by putting these guidelines in place.
If your dog has any of the problems mentioned above, then a group walk is unfortunately not possible, and a private walk must be requested until these problems can be ceased.
News: Saturday 9th October 2010 I successfully completed my Animal First Aid Course!
As of 31st August, I will no longer be dog walking - I am returning to University to begin my PhD Doctorate! I will be available to walk dogs on occasional weekends (however, if you require a weekend walk, then please email me in advance to arrange this). I will continue to do cat sitting, and will still be available for this 7 days a week - visit times will change slightly however (morning cat visit will now be between 7.30am - 8am, and afternoon visits will be approx between 4.30pm - 5.30pm).
Arrival times: Although Doggy Wox makes every effort to arrive and collect your dog at the time specified, please be aware that there are occasions where your dog will be collected earlier or later! Many things can happen or occur during the day - traffic delays, road closures, or even just a dog needing thoroughly towel dried from being dirty on a walk - all of these things take a little extra time. Please understand that one day it might be your own dog who needs that extra towel dry and so one day it could be your own dog who we spend that extra 10 minutes with. These things cannot be helped and we do hope that people understand that we cannot always arrive exactly on time to collect a dog. For example, if your dog is normally walked at 12 noon, it is assumed that it is acceptable that doggy wox arrives anytime between 11am and 1pm. This is an hour each way, and this is deemed acceptable due to the mentioned possibilities! It certainly doesn't happen on a regular basis, but what is mainly being said is that it CAN happen. It's impossible to foresee possible delays such as how heavy the traffic is that day, etc..
Other Information
Dog Walking Insurance
What does dog walking insurance cover?
Does it mean my dog is covered for anything that happens on their walks?
Does it mean the dog walker pays if my dog gets injured?
Do you have questions such as the above? Do you see dog walkers sporting huge bold writing on their leaflets or websites stating "FULLY INSURED FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND" Does seeing this make you think they are covered for absolutely anything that happens?
WRONG
Many dog walkers and other pet services don't want owners to know the whole truth! Here, I expose the truth about dog walking insurance. I am an extremely open person and would absolutely never keep anything hidden from owners. I feel owners/clients/customers have a right to know the truth! So I have written this short article to help describe what dog walking insurance actually covers!
Insurance
Many Dog walkers brag the fact that they are insured and covered. However, what does this actually mean? Doggy Wox believes that you should have a full understanding of what is, and what is not covered by pet insurance. This eliminates any confusion that may arise during the stressful moment if something should happen to your pet. Most Pet businesses will go out of their way to imply that their insurance covers everything. However, this is certainly not the case.
Please be aware that this is the same for all dog walking insurance. Very few dog walkers have insurance that will fully cover your dog and any medical bills! If they claim that they do, you should request to see their policy!
Third party liability This covers against being sued by a member of the public for injury or damage to property. It does not apply to the animal in our care or to our customer.
Care, custody and control This covers against being sued by you (the owner), it does not cover the animal at all. This insurance will pay our legal fees and if a case is proven against us will pay a settlement.
House sitting You should inform your home insurance company that you are employing a house sitting service and add appropriate cover to your policy. Care, custody and control policy is also applicable here but only if damage is caused through negligence.
Care, Custody and Control examples 1. The dog walker and your dog are walking through the park and the dog steps on some broken glass. This is not covered as it is 'accidental'.
2. The dog walker and your dog are walking through the park and the dog walker trips and falls on your dog causing injury. This is not covered as it is 'accidental'.
3. The dog slips it's lead and gets knocked down by a car. This is not covered as it is 'accidental'.
4. The dog gets injured because our lead snaps. This could be covered because our lead is faulty.
5. Your house sitter knocks over a vase when walking through the hallway. This is not covered as it is 'accidental'.
Only acts which are perceived as negligent would be covered by the care, custody and control insurance. Which is why it is important to inform your home insurance of your house sitters presence. Any veterinary care needed for the above would be your responsibility. Care, custody and control compensation is only applicable where there is evidence that the dog walker was negligent with their care.
These exclusion are standard in almost all general liability and care,
custody and control policies so it is unlikely that other dog walkers
have a policy that covers this. If they state that they do, you should
ask to see the policy document and search under the care, custody and control exclusions sections.
Your own pet insurance Doggy Wox does not necessitate animals to be insured before using our services. However, we do recommend that all your pets are insured, for your own peace of mind. We wish to state up front that we could not pay vet bills for you in the event of injury due to exclusions in our pet insurance policy.
These exclusion are standard in almost all general liability and care, custody and control policies so it is unlikely that other dog walkers have a policy that covers this. If they state that they do, you should ask to see the policy document and search under the care, custody and control exclusions sections.
Please be aware that this is the same for all dog walking insurance. Very few dog walkers have insurance that will fully cover your dog if anything should happen! If they claim that they do, you should request to see their policy! I very much hope I have helped you to understand Dog Walking Insurance more clearly. I always like to think of myself as being honest and upfront with all my customers.
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