Good to know
Frequently asked questions.
Useful information before your dog joins Running Paws.
Do you collect my dog and drop them back?
Yes. Collection and return are included for group walks within the Running Paws service area. Timings vary slightly depending on the day’s route and the other dogs being collected.
Are you an insured dog walker?
Yes. Running Paws Ickenham is fully insured, DBS checked and holds a council dog-walking licence.
Where do you walk the dogs?
Walks take place across suitable parks, woodland and open spaces around Ickenham, Ruislip and Hillingdon. Routes vary to suit the weather, ground conditions and dogs in the group.
How many dogs are walked together?
Groups are limited to a maximum of six dogs and arranged around compatibility, confidence, energy levels and safe group dynamics.
How do you decide whether my dog will suit a group?
We begin with a conversation and meet and greet. Where appropriate, a trial walk helps make sure your dog is comfortable and fits safely with the group.
Do new customers need regular walks?
Yes. New reserved group-walk places require a minimum of three fixed days per week. This supports familiar, settled groups and a reliable collection schedule.
Are occasional PAYG walks available?
They may sometimes be available at £24 per walk, but only where spare capacity, location, timings and group suitability allow. PAYG does not reserve a regular place.
When do walks and visits take place?
Regular group walks operate on weekdays in planned walking and collection rounds. Exact collection times can vary slightly with the route, traffic and dogs booked that day. Home visits, pet sitting and occasional services are arranged separately and remain subject to availability.
How are house keys and access details handled?
Keys and access information are stored securely and are never labelled with an identifying address. Customers must ensure that keys, lockboxes, access codes and alarm instructions are accurate and kept up to date.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
Dogs must be vaccinated in accordance with veterinary advice, including against Leptospirosis, and evidence of current vaccination status is required. Kennel Cough vaccination is strongly recommended. A veterinary confirmation will be needed if a dog has a medical exemption.
Will my dog be walked off lead?
Off-lead exercise is never guaranteed. It is considered only with the owner’s written permission and where it is safe, lawful and appropriate for the individual dog, location and group. A long line or lead may be used whenever that is the safer option.
What is your cancellation policy?
For PAYG bookings, cancellations made at least 24 hours before the service are not charged; cancellations within 12–24 hours are charged at 50%, and those made with less than 12 hours’ notice are charged in full. Reserved-plan walks remain payable because the recurring space has been held. Exceptional circumstances may be considered individually.
What happens in very hot or severe weather?
Your dog’s welfare comes first. Walks may start earlier, use shaded routes, be shortened or adapted when conditions make the normal plan unsafe.