On The Leash /seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your contact information?
Mailing address: On The Leash /seattle, Rich DaCunha, Owner/Manager, 1105 Spring St., Suite 308,
Seattle, WA 98104. Telephone: 206-920-3800. Email: info@ontheleashseattle.com, or
rich@ontheleashseattle.com.
What makes you unique from other pet care providers?
We strive to provide personal, one-on-one care according to your wishes. Each pet, and owner have
different wants and needs, so we tailor our care accordingly.
What results and benefits can I expect?
You can expect a happier and healthier pet, as well as relief of stress, and guilt over having to leave your
pet while you work, or travel.
Does it cost me extra if you feed my pet?
Absolutely not. All dog walking & pet sitting visits, regardless of whether they are Regular (15 min), or
Extended (30 min), include feeding, refreshing water, scooping the litter box, administering veterinarian
prescribed medication, giving treats, play time, and tons of love, companionship & special attention.
May I contact some of your current/former clients to get a glimpse of what it's like working
with your company?
Absolutely, simply ask, and we will be happy to provide you with a list of clients who are willing to speak
with you about their experience.
How do we work together, and what does your program entail?
As a client, we will need paperwork such as a service agreement, vet release form, and detailed info on
your pet, as well as a key to your home, or condo/apartment building.
Are you bonded, insured, and a member of Pet Sitters International?
Yes. Upon request, any of our walkers/sitters will be happy to provide proof of bonding and insurance.
We are current, dues paying members of Pet Sitters International.
Is On The Leash /seattle environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. We only use biodegradable poop bags, made with corn starch, which will not clog our
landfills, or take hundreds of years to break down like traditional plastic bags.
Will my pets, and I meet the pet sitter/dog walker before service starts?
Yes. Every client schedules a free, introductory visit ("Meet & Greet") with a On The Leash /seattle pet
sitter/dog walker before services begin. During this visit, the pet sitter meets the pets and owners, and
reviews policies and guidelines.
Does the pet sitter I meet with personally take care of my pets?
Except in an emergency, the pet sitter you meet at your introductory visit is the person who will be taking
care of your pets. If your pet sitter will be unavailable because he/she is going on vacation, you will be
notified in advance so you can have an opportunity to meet with the substitute pet sitter.
How much notice for cancellation do you need?
At least 24 hours for regular visits, and at least 72 hours for holiday reservations. Please refer to the
"Rates" section for any applicable fees.
Do I have to sign a contract?
We need a signed Service Agreement statement that you agree to let us into your home to care for your
animals, as well as that you are aware of, and agree to, our policies/procedures.
How am I billed, and when is it due?
We bill upfront, per week, so we ask for the week's payment by the time of the first appointment of the
week. Holiday reservations must be paid in full at the time of scheduling. For your convenience, we
accept cash, or personal checks. *A $30 fee is assessed on all returned checks.
Is it customary to give the walker/sitter a gratuity?
Tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated, however, never expected/required.
Will my dog receive individualized attention?
Yes, we do not pack walk. Unless you have more than one dog in your home scheduled for a walk, or you
specifically request your dog be walked with a neighbor's/friend's dog, your dog will be walked individually.
What if I need emergency pet care service?
We will try to accommodate you as best as possible, but cannot guarantee on, very short notice, that we
can provide service. Existing clients whose contracts and keys are already in our files can, more easily,
be accommodated on very short notice.
Are there any extra costs on holidays?
Yes. Please refer to the "Rates" section.
My pet has been aggressive in the past, can he still be a client?
This depends on the pet. If the walker, and he/she get along, then great. But, if there is threat of physical
harm to the walker, or a person/animal outside the home, then we cannot.
I generally walk my dog without a leash, will your dog walker do the same?
No. On The Leash /seattle's dog walkers are obligated to follow Seattle law which requires all dogs be
walked on a leash, at all times (except when in a designated "off-leash" park). On The Leash /seattle
reserves the right to discontinue service, or add a surcharge to continue service, for dogs who are not
properly trained to walk on a leash.
Do you care for puppies too, or just adult dogs?
On The Leash /seattle does accept puppy clients (under 6 months of age) for dog walking & pet sitting
services on a case by case basis, and reserves the right to charge a puppy surcharge. Please refer to
the "Rates" section.
How do I get you my house keys?
There are two (free of charge) ways. During the complimentary, initial "Meet & Greet" you can provide
the pet sitter with a set of keys to your home (this is the preferred method), or you can drop a set off at
the On The Leash /seattle office, 1105 Spring Street, Suite 308, Seattle, WA 98104, at least 48 hours
prior to the first scheduled visit.
How are my keys handled?
Your sitter keeps your keys in a secure location in his/her home. For your security, keys are labeled with
your pet's name only (not your name, address, or phone number).
When I go out of town, how many visits per day shall I schedule?
We generally recommend three, or four visits per day for a dog (one visit per day for a healthy cat). Of
course, you know best how often your pet is used to going out, or being fed. Your pet sitter will work with
you to set up a schedule that's comfortable for you and your pet.
Is there anything special I should do before I leave?
Please make sure you have left enough supplies (pet food, cat litter, medications, treats) for your pet for
the duration of your trip. Also, please leave out your pet's collar, leash, coats/sweaters, & bowls. Be sure
to show your pet sitter where to find cleaning products in case a mess needs to be cleaned up while
you're gone. If your pet's routine has changed since you last spoke with your pet sitter, please let him/her
know before you leave.
What will you do if my pet has an emergency while I'm away?
If we suspect that your pet is ill, your pet sitter will follow the emergency instructions you provided before
you left. This usually entails taking your pet to the veterinarian, unless you request otherwise. We will
also try to contact you immediately.
What should I expect when I return home?
You should return to happy, healthy pets. We will leave a note for you that includes a report on our time
spent with your pet. Please call us when you return home so we can be certain you arrived, and we no
longer need to visit your pet.
Do On The Leash /seattle pet sitters/dog walkers work every day?
Yes. For the convenience of you, and your pets, we work 7 days a week, rain or shine.
How do I get started with On The Leash /seattle pet care service?
You can call us at 206-920-3800, or email us from the form in the "Contact Us" section of the website.
You may also email us at info@ontheleashseattle.com. Please be sure to include: Where you live
(neighborhood, address, zip code). When, and how often you need our services. What kind of pets you
have, and how many.
How can I get a picture of my pet posted on your "Furry Friends" page?
Simply email us a photo, and we will be happy to post it on our website. On The Leash /seattle
occasionally photographs pet clients, and posts the pictures on our website without pet owner's
knowledge. If you would prefer not to have your pet's photo displayed, please feel free to notify us, and
your wishes will gladly be respected.
Can I work with you as a On The Leash /seattle pet sitter/dog walker?
On The Leash /seattle is always expanding our team of qualified pet sitters/dog walkers. Please call/email
for information.


