General Questions
What services do you offer?
We provide private and, when appropriate, group on-leash Dog Walking, and In-Your-Home Daycare and Sitting services. Special requests? Please let us know, we're always looking for ways to extend our services.
What areas do you service?
The Tail Trail serves Bergen County, New Jersey.
How do I sign up for your services?
You can either call us on 201-669-7525, email us at info@thetailtrail.com, or click and complete our Contact Us form. We will then arrange for your complimentary consultation. This meeting will give you an opportunity to discuss your specific needs and, of course, allow us to meet you, your dog(s) and/or cat(s) face to face.
Are you bonded and insured (and what does that mean for me as a client)?
The Tail Trail is fully bonded and insured, and a proud member of Pet Sitters International (PSI), the largest governing organization in the pet care industry. As members of PSI, we are required to maintain appropriate insurance coverage and to abide by the highest of standards.
Now, what this means to you as a Tail Trail client is quite simple ..... complete peace of mind! We take full responsibility for your dogs and cats when you put them in our care. In other words, your dogs and cats are covered, as well as your possessions, while in our care. Having these policies in place demonstrates a level of professionalism and commitment to you and your pets.
How do I pay for services?
We accept cash or check in advance of service. We will begin accepting credit cards shortly.
What is your cancellation policy?
24 hours cancellation notice is required for all dog walking services. For dog and/or cat sitting, 48 hours cancellation notice is required. Cancellations received less than the prescribed time are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Do you charge a holiday fee?
What is the purpose of the initial interview?
We provide a free in-your-home consultation so we have a chance to personally meet with you and your dog or cat. In addition, this meeting will provide us the opportunity to discuss your specific needs, as well as our services. To schedule an appointment, please either click and complete our Contact Us Form, give us a call on 201-669-7525, or email us at info@thetailtrail.com.
Should I call or email you when I need to get in touch?
Phoning, texting and emailing are all good ways of contacting us, as we check our emailbox and voicemail often.
Is the information I give you kept private?
Yes. The Tail Trail is committed to keeping all information we receive from our clients and staff confidential, and we will not disclose any of your personal information, including your mailing address. The Tail Trail will only use your information as a means to take excellent care of your dog, cat and home while you are away.
Can I make last minute arrangements?
Yes, though we prefer advance notice. If, however, we are unable to provide you with the service you request, we will do our very best to find the next best solution to meet your needs.
Can you provide references?
Absolutely! We come with glowing reviews from many satisfied clients. Our clients want to let you know the great job we do for them.
Dog Walking
Is there a minimum number of days required to use your dog walking service?
No. We provide dog walking services Monday through Friday and on weekends too, and do not require a minimum number of days. However, most of our clients use our dog walking services on a regular basis. Some request that we walk their dogs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Others prefer to use our dog walking service on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, most of our dog walking clients ask that we walk their dogs every day of the work week (Mon-Fri). Providing our dog walking service on a continual basis is clearly our preference, as daily exercise, on a consistent schedule, is best for your dog(s).
Daycare / Extended Stay
Why did The Tail Trail add Daycare?
We introduced our In-Your-Home Daycare or Extended Stay Service to address the care requirements of higher energy breeds, puppies and senior dogs; as these dogs often need more than just a 30 or 60 minute visit.
Are there specific times that Daycare is offered?
We generally provide our 'In-Your-Home' Daycare service during the hours of 8:00am & 11:00am, and 3:00pm & 6:00pm. However, we are flexible with the timing.
What exactly is The Tail Trail's version of Daycare?
The great thing about our 'In-Your-Home' Daycare / Extended Stay service is that it allows us to design, with you, a tailor-made care program for your dog(s). Walking may be included in the visit (2 dogs or less), along with other fun activities. Sessions typically run for either 2, 3 or 4 hours, though we're happy to extend sessions to better fit your and your pet's needs.
Another great thing about this service is that our pricing does not increase if you have more than 2 dogs. So, the rate charged for 2 dogs is the same as that for 3, 4 or even 5 dogs, in the same household.
Dog & Cat Sitting
How do you screen your Sitters?
The Tail Trail performs a comprehensive background check through Certified Background (criminal, residency history, social security verification and nationwide sexual offender index) for all of our Sitters, as well as for those involved with providing our dog walking service. In addition, each Sitter is carefully screened, interviewed, trained and joined in the field. We also encourage our clients to give us feedback on the Sitter after every assignment.
Why should I not hire my neighbor’s child or a low cost pet sitter?
In most cases, you get what you pay for. All Tail Trail staff members are professionally trained, bonded and insured.
When can I expect to meet my Sitter?
Once you have scheduled service, you should expect a phone call from your assigned sitter within 24 hours. Please Contact Us if you do not hear from them during this period.
Can I hire my Sitter directly without going through The Tail Trail?
No. Please do not place our Sitter in an awkward position by offering them dog and/or cat sitting or dog walking employment outside of The Tail Trail. All Tail Trail staff are prohibited from soliciting or accepting employment opportunities directly from clients of The Tail Trail, and have signed a legally binding contract to this effect. We thank you in advance for honoring this policy.
Can you give my dog or cat medication while I'm away?
Yes, as long as your dog or cat does not pose a threat to our staff.
I have to go away on very short notice and have no time to meet the Sitter. Can I still book your Dog and Cat Sitting service?
No. Unless we have already met you and your dog or cat we cannot take care of them without a prior meeting. This is for the safety of you, your dog and/or cat, and our Sitter. We are sometimes available for last-minute Dog and Cat Sitting. If we happen to have space available and time to arrange the required initial interview, we will be delighted to help you.
Do you board dogs or cats at The Tail Trail?
No, not at this time.
Safekey Program
How does it work?
This is an industry standard program. We keep two sets of your keys. The first key is used to access your home for walking or sitting services. The second key is kept in our office as a back-up in the unlikely event that the first is either misplaced, broken, or fails to work in your lock for any reason. Participating in this program enables us to be fully ready to provide you with immediate services when you need us, without having to plan a meeting to pick up your key. This program also makes it easy for us to provide you with immediate coverage should you ever have an emergency, or for any other short notice situation. Ask about joining our SafeKey Program at your initial consultation. There is no fee to join the SafeKey Program.
Other Services
What other services do you provide?
Bathing, only, as well as Grooming is coming to The Tail Trail shortly. We'll be offering these services at our retail store, Fur the Love of Pets. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with our progress.
Special requests? Please let us know. We are always looking for ways to better serve our clients, so any pet care related service request is not only welcomed, but encouraged.
So, don't hesitate to email us at info@thetailtrail.com, or call us on 201-669-7525, or use our Contact Us Form to let us know what you are thinking. You will hear back from us within 24 hours of your request.
Ready to go?
Click here to submit your Dog Walking or Dog/Cat Sitting service request and to arrange your Initial Consultation!
