Safety, veterinary & inclement weather concerns

Per her insurance policy, Lyndsay is prohibited from walking or sitting for dogs with a bite history, no exceptions.

 In the event that Lyndsay thinks a pet may need veterinary attention while under her care, she will first contact the owner to discuss their symptoms and then the pet's primary veterinarian if the owner wishes to pursue further evaluation.  

With the owner's permission, if the pet's primary vet's office is closed, unable to see your pet or is located too far away to assist, Lyndsay will contact another local veterinarian.  While Roanoke Island Animal Clinic in Manteo, NC (252) 473-3117 is not a 24 hour animal hospital, they will return emergency calls on the weekends and after their regular business hours. 

If you plan to travel, and your pet has ongoing heath issues that may require emergency care, veterinary boarding may be your best option.  

If you're hiring a sitter or leaving your special needs pet with a family member, let your veterinarian's office know when you'll be out of town, give them contact information for your sitter, and leave a credit card on file so that your pet receives prompt treatment.

For your dogs' safety, as well as her own, Lyndsay limits walks to no more than 3 dogs from the same household, with a maximum combined weight of 100 lbs.

Lyndsay will keep any dog in her care on a leash during walks, including walks on the beach & will only be let dogs off leash in secure, fully fenced areas, such as the owner's backyard.   Unfortunately Sandbarks insurance policy does not define a dog park as a safe enclosure, due to the possibility that other dogs with unknown temperaments or vaccination histories may be present.

Lyndsay prefers non-retractable leashes for all dogs, and requires use of a standard leash for dogs over 25 lbs.  She carries several leashes in various sizes in her pet sitting kit, in the event that the owners only have retractable or "flexi" leashes.

Extra precautions will be taken throughout the summer months, especially during "lunch hour" visits during the hottest part of the day, and with dogs that may be especially susceptible to heat stroke.  To prevent overheating, walk duration and distance may be shortened, and the remaining time substituted with play in a safe grassy/shaded area or inside your home.  In addition, Lyndsay physically checks the temperature of the road, sidewalk or sand with her own hand to make sure it's not hot enough to burn a dog's paws, and carries water and a collapsible bowl to prevent dehydration.

In the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms, walk or visit timing may be adjusted up to half and hour earlier or later to avoid dangerous weather.  Owners may cancel or reschedule walks due to inclement weather at their discretion without a cancellation fee.  If there's no way to avoid going out in a downpour, the walk may be shortened to a 5-10 min "potty break," and the remaining time will be substituted with play indoors.  Lyndsay carries an umbrella, extra towels and pet wipes in her pet sitting kit, and will make every effort to return your dog to your home as clean and dry as possible.