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Welcome to Kokiri Canines, where compassionate pet care is our top priority. My name is Sam Van Dale, and I am a pet first aid certified professional with six years of experience in the pet care industry. My experience includes working in a doggy daycare, volunteering in shelters, volunteering with spay and neuter clinics, shadowing a positive reinforcement trainer, and of course, pet sitting and dog walking. I am bonded and insured, and I specialize in working with fearful or reactive pups. I have experience caring for dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and fish, and I am always eager to learn more.​
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Do you cancel walks in bad weather?At Kokiri Canines, we're dedicated to ensuring your pup gets their much-needed exercise, rain or shine! We don't cancel walks unless the weather poses a danger, specifically temperatures above 30°C or below -30°C. If you're comfortable with your furry friend getting a bit muddy, we’ll be out there making the most of our adventures together, regardless of the weather conditions! So rest assured, your pup's walk is in reliable hands with us.
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Can you administer medication?Absolutely! At Kokiri Canines, we are fully equipped and experienced to administer any kind of medication your dog may need during their stay. Our team understands the importance of proper medication protocols and takes great care to follow your specific instructions to ensure your dog's health and well-being. Whether it's oral pills, topical ointments, or injections, you can trust Kokiri Canines to manage your pet’s medication needs with the utmost attention and professionalism. Your furry friend’s health and happiness are our top priorities!
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What is Kokiri Canines' cancellation policy?At Kokiri Canines, we understand that plans can change. To secure your booking, we require a 50% deposit. If you need to cancel your service, our policy is as follows: - If you provide at least 72 hours’ notice, we will refund 50% of your deposit. - For cancellations made within 72 hours of the scheduled service, no refund will be provided. This policy is in place because we may have to turn down other clients to reserve your dates. Therefore, it ensures that we can manage our schedule effectively and continue to provide the best service to all our clients. Thank you for your understanding.
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Do you require a minimum amount of visits for animals at Kokiri Canines?Yes, at Kokiri Canines we have specific minimum visit requirements to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of your pets. For dogs, we require a minimum of three visits per day if you will be gone overnight. This ensures they get ample exercise, bathroom breaks, and social interaction. For cats, we require at least one visit per day to make sure they are fed, their litter box is clean, and they receive some affection and playtime. These minimum visit requirements help us maintain a high standard of care and attention for your beloved pets while you're away.
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What qualifications do Kokiri Canines have that set them apart from other pet care professionals?At Kokiri Canines, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional pet care services, distinguishing ourselves with a unique combination of qualifications and experience. Firstly, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, ensuring a high level of trust and safety for your beloved pets. With over six years of professional experience working with animals, we have developed a deep understanding and expertise in pet care. Additionally, our team is certified in pet first aid, equipping us to handle any emergencies or health concerns that may arise. We also have extensive experience in dog training, allowing us to provide not only care but also behavioral guidance for your canine companions. Your pets are in capable and caring hands with Kokiri Canines!
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How do I book services with Kokiri Canines?Booking services with Kokiri Canines is simple and convenient! To get started, you can either call or send a message to the phone number listed on our contact page, or reach out to us through our social media channels. We take pride in offering personalized care, so we require a meet and greet before your first booking to ensure we understand your pets unique needs and personality. This initial meeting helps us provide the best possible service and ensures a great fit for both you and your furry friend. We look forward to meeting you and your pup soon!
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What are the age, vaccination, and training requirements for dogs to participate in Kokiri Canines' services?At Kokiri Canines, we prioritize the health and safety of all dogs in our care. Therefore, we have specific requirements for age, vaccination status, and training for participation in our services. 1. **Age Requirements:** We accept dogs of all ages, but they must be old enough to have completed their core vaccinations to qualify for any walks. Pet-sitting can still be arranged prior to vaccination with proper precautions in place. 2. **Vaccination Requirements:** It is mandatory for all dogs to be up to date on their rabies, parvovirus (parvo), and distemper vaccinations. Additionally, while not obligatory, we strongly recommend that all dogs be up to date on their Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations as well as on a regular parasite prevention regimen to ensure the overall health and safety of all dogs in our facility. 3. **Training Requirements for Pack Walks:** To ensure a cohesive and safe group dynamic, dogs are required to undergo a minimum of two solo walks as a screening process before they can join our pack walks. This helps us assess their behavior and compatibility with other dogs in a group setting. 4. **Training Requirements for Off-Leash Walks.** At Kokiri Canines, we’re passionate about creating fun, safe, and stimulating environments for your furry friends! For our off leash pack walks at our private dog park, we require dogs to have the fundamentals of recall in place and to be friendly with other dogs. This ensures that all dogs can play and interact harmoniously. For off leash walks in open spaces with no fencing, it’s crucial that dogs demonstrate reliable recall even around distractions. This helps us ensure their safety and the safety of others around them. Additionally, we require a minimum of two leashed walks before transitioning to off leash activities to ensure your dog is comfortably acclimated and responsive to our staff. By adhering to these requirements, we strive to create a safe, enjoyable, and healthy environment for all dogs and their owners at Kokiri Canines.
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How many dogs do you walk at one time?At Kokiri Canines, our top priority is the safety and happiness of your furry friends! For pack walks, we cap the walks at a maximum of four dogs to ensure each dog receives ample attention and care. Our regular walks are typically one-on-one, providing a personalized experience for your dog. If you have multiple dogs from the same household, they can enjoy these walks together. This approach allows us to tailor our services to meet each dog's unique needs, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable outing for every canine companion!
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Do you have any breed restrictions?At Kokiri Canines, we don't impose any breed restrictions! We have extensive experience walking dogs of all sizes, from the tiniest 5-pound pups to the mightiest 200-pound giants. No matter the breed or size, we ensure that every dog is handled with the utmost care and control. Your canine companion's safety and happiness are our top priorities, so feel confident entrusting your furry friends to us.
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Will Kokiri Canines walk reactive dogs?Absolutely! At Kokiri Canines, we are proud to offer specialized walking services for reactive dogs. Our team is highly skilled, with extensive training and a solid background in positive reinforcement (R+) methods. Having shadowed an experienced R+ trainer and accumulated a wealth of knowledge in dog training, I am confident in safely handling reactive dogs. During the walks, we not only ensure your dog's safety and comfort but also incorporate basic obedience training. This dual approach helps in managing reactivity while promoting positive behavior, making every walk a productive and enjoyable experience for your furry friend.
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