Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose CapeK9Cardio?
We will provide your pets with the absolute best pet care. We are bonded, insured and professionally trained by Joe the Dog Man. We begin providing excellent service by meeting you and your pets at your home during our free consultation. We interview you and take time to meet your pets to ensure our service meets your needs.
How long is the free consultation?
Expect to spend 30 minutes to one hour with us so we can become knowledgeable about your home and each of your pets.
What results and benefits can I expect from daily dog exercise?
You can expect a happy and healthy dog as well as relief of stress and guilt over leaving your pet. Daily exercise is an essential component to your dogs physical well-being, and also helps prevent mental fatigue. This is especially important for pets who are home alone for extended periods of time. A restless dog will become irritable and may become destructive. If you enroll your dog in one of our K9Cardio dog exercise plans, we guarantee you will see a change for the better in your dogs.
Can I contact some of your former clients?
Absolutely. We can provide you with references from clients who are willing to speak with you about our services. You can also read all of our reviews by clicking the review icons at the bottom of our home page.
Where is your service area?
Our current service area is Upper Cape Cod and some of Mid Cape Cod. This includes the towns of Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee, Sandwich, Hyannis, Yarmouth and also Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts and more. View our Service Area Map for complete details.
Are you bonded and insured?
Yes, we are bonded and insured though National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), and we can provide proof upon request.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes, we need a signed service agreement that explains that you are aware of and agree to our policies and procedures. We will explain everything at the consultation where we will leave a copy of the agreement with you and answer all of your questions.
Are there any extra fees during major holidays?
Yes, a $15 surcharge is added for each day of the following days:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- President’s Day
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Columbus Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve
When is payment due?
We are a pre-pay service. Pay by cash, check or online. Regular daily dog running and walking can be made via automatic payment through Paypal. Please Contact Us for instructions. Pet Sitting visits are pre-paid during your consultation or online prior to service. If you hare a returning client, you can make your reservation online via our Order page.
What are your key policies?
Most clients give a key(s) to the sitter during the consultation. We have a “Ready Key” program that ensures the safety of your key. Once we get your key it is assigned a cryptic code and will be stored securely. Your key code and address are stored separately for security purposes. If you do not have the key ready at the initial consultation, there will be a $15 key pick-up fee. We will not leave your key in a hidden place or in your home after our visit for security reasons.
What other benefits should we expect from regular dog exercise?
Wether your goal is to have your dog lose weight, or just burn energy, our programs will match your goals. Here are just some of the benefits you and your dog will receive from exercise:
- Leaner dogs are healthier than obese dogs
- Dogs that receive regular exercise are happier and so are their owners
- Exercised dogs are have more calm, submissive attitudes
- Dogs that exercise with other dogs become more social
- Dogs who exercise are more well balanced
- Running is the best calorie and energy burning exercise on the planet
Should I order a run or a walk?
Exercise service and fitness plans are tailored for each dog. Puppies and elderly dogs will benefit from dog walking, while other dogs may be better suited for our dog running service. We will help you plan and develop a training plan for your dog based on our free consultation and our initial assessment run or walk. You dog will benefit from a real workout with CapeK9Cardio.
Compare walking and running below, consult with your veterinarian, and sign up for the exercise that best suits your dog.
Calorie Burning based on a 70 lb dog:
- 30 minute dog walk – 54 calories
- 30 minute dog run – 251 calories
So most dogs are suited for running?
Dogs are natural born runners. They feel a sense of purpose while they are running, and after a few minutes, even the most stubborn dog will ignore distractions and concentrate on enjoying the run. We will safely allow your dog to determine the pace and never push too hard. If your dog is not ready for a run we will walk or jog. We will help you decide what is right for your dog.
How much exercise should my dog get?
Whether you have a Great Dane or a Yorkie, dogs typically need 30-45 minutes of exercise or each day. Our service will help you achieve this.
What safety precautions do you take?
During your dog’s exercise training session we will:
- Provide a warm-up and cool-down with each running or walking exercise session.
- Constantly monitor your dog’s well-being
- Keep your dog on a leash (this gives us control when running or walking).
- Wear reflective material if exercising at night.
- Check your dog’s feet for the presence of debris, all of which should be removed immediately.
What should be done after the exercise?
After your dog’s exercise training session:
- Check carefully for ticks after each exercise session, especially if your dog has been on a trail.
- Check your dog’s feet for the presence of debris, all of which should be removed immediately.
- Provide your dog water.
