Pet Care FAQs
Helpful answers about booking, payments, care at home, and Beyond the Backyard adventures.
Getting Started
Do you offer a free meet & greet?
Yes! I offer a free meet & greet so we can get acquainted, let your pets meet me, and talk through their routines and care needs. It’s a chance for both of us to decide whether Lakeview is the right fit before booking.
How do I request a free meet and greet for pet care?
Complete the interest form on the website or call/text me at 804-944-5063. Share your location, the care you need, and your preferred dates. I’ll follow up to discuss availability and arrange a meet & greet. Sending an inquiry does not reserve your dates.
What areas do you serve?
I serve the Ladysmith and Beaverdam areas, including Lake Land’Or, Lake Caroline, Ladysmith Village, Pendleton, and surrounding neighborhoods. Care outside my usual service area may be available for an additional travel fee. Contact me with your location and care needs, and I’ll confirm availability and any travel fees before booking.
Booking & Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and cash. I’ll provide payment details when we confirm your services.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. Overnight stays and multi-day vacation care require a 50% deposit, due seven days before care begins. For bookings made less than seven days in advance, the deposit is due when the booking is confirmed. The remaining 50% is due within 24 hours after the booked care is completed.
Dog walks, individual drop-in visits, pet transportation, and Adventure Club outings are paid in full before the service begins.
When is payment due?
Dog walks, drop-in visits, pet transportation, and Adventure Club outings must be paid in full before the service begins.
Overnight stays and multi-day vacation care require 50% upfront, with the remaining balance due within 24 hours of completing the booked care.
How far in advance should I book?
The earlier, the better! Reach out as soon as you know your dates, especially for holidays, overnight stays, and multi-day vacation care. Booking early gives us time to arrange a meet & greet and confirm your care plan. Last-minute requests are welcome, subject to availability.
Care at Home
What happens during a drop-in visit?
Each visit is tailored to your pets’ needs and familiar routines. That may include meals, fresh water, potty breaks, litter box care, playtime, and companionship. We’ll agree on the details beforehand so your pets receive the care they need while you’re away.
What does overnight care include?
I stay in your home from evening through morning—typically around 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., with timing agreed upon when booking. Care includes evening and morning meals, fresh water, potty breaks, playtime, and walks suited to your pets’ abilities and the weather.
Your pets have company overnight, with a calm presence and their familiar routines. I may step out for other pet visits during the evening or leave for daytime appointments, so overnight care does not include continuous 24-hour coverage. We’ll discuss your pets’ needs and my schedule before booking.
Will I receive updates about my pets?
Absolutely! I send text messages and photos so you can see how your pets are doing while you’re away. With your permission, I may also share their moments on Lakeview’s Instagram and Facebook—a little extra entertainment featuring your favorite faces. You’ll stay connected and enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re receiving thoughtful care.
Beyond the Backyard
What is Beyond the Backyard?
Beyond the Backyard is Lakeview’s approach to giving dogs opportunities to explore, sniff, and exercise outside their own yard. That might mean a neighborhood walk or exploring somewhere new—adding variety and enrichment to their routine.
For dogs ready to go further, Lakeview Adventure Club offers half-day outings in small groups. Individual adventures may also be available on a case-by-case basis, depending on your dog’s needs.
Can my dog participate if they’re reactive or don’t get along with other dogs?
Possibly—it depends on your dog’s needs and comfort around other dogs. We’ll discuss their behavior and triggers during a meet & greet to determine whether a small-group adventure is appropriate. Some dogs are more comfortable with individual walks, and I won’t place your dog in a group that isn’t a good fit.
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes! Pickup and drop-off are included with Adventure Club outings within my usual service area. If you live outside that area, transportation may be available for an additional travel fee. We’ll confirm the details before booking.
How is Lakeview Adventure Club different from a regular dog walk?
A regular dog walk offers exercise, sniffing time, and attention closer to home. Lakeview Adventure Club goes further with half-day outings to explore new places and enjoy new scents, with opportunities for off-leash play in fenced-in areas when appropriate for your dog.
Outings are offered in small groups of up to four dogs, with pickup and drop-off included. Individual adventures may also be available on a case-by-case basis. Both are part of Lakeview’s Beyond the Backyard approach.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated for Adventure Club?
Yes. Dogs participating in Lakeview Adventure Club must be current on rabies and Bordetella vaccinations. Leptospirosis vaccination is also strongly recommended because our adventures include outdoor exploring. Please discuss your dog’s vaccination needs with your veterinarian and provide current vaccination records before their first outing.