FAQ : Happy Trails - Portland's Dog Running Service

There are a variety of options, which will be discussed during the meet-and-greet. Leaving your dog in a gate-accessible backyard (weather permitting), leaving a key with a doorman, leaving a key with a trusted neighbor, or issuing us a key are all possibilities. Issued keys are kept secure and are coded so that no corresponding address is ever specified on them.

Which areas of Portland do you service?

We are fairly centrally located in Portland and service most of the nearby districts and neighborhoods. The Pearl District, Northwest District, John's Landing and South Waterfront Districts, Hawthorne District, Hollywood District, Laurelhurst, Old Town, Woodstock, Sellwood, Irvington, Beaverton, and Alameda are all covered. If you do not live in one of these areas, please still contact us to see if accomodations can be made. Often, they can.

Do you offer a free trial run?

No. Due to travel time and demand, we don't offer a free trial. The first run takes place immediately after our 15 minute meet-and-greet with you. So, if for some reason you don't think our service seems right for your dog, you can just pass on the run and there will be no charge for the visit.

Do you have any special discounts?

Yes. Adding a second dog to the run only costs $5 extra. This can include the dog of a neighbor (within a few blocks) or a second dog from a multi-dog household. Runs split between neighbors work out to only costing $15 per owner. It's the most economical way to go and dogs love the extra companionship. A maximum of two dogs are ever run at once.

My dog is old/overweight. Is a run too much?

Probably not. This is assessed on a case by case basis. Both old and overweight dogs are in a position to greatly benefit from regular exercise. However, there are certainly dogs for whom running simply isn't appropriate. Slower dogs will begin with a regimen that may consist of both running and walking, and will progress in speed in tandem with their fitness progress. The individual needs of your dog are all that is considered when gauging at what pace to begin and progress at.

Where do runs take place?

Runs typically begin from place of residence. However, dogs are never run along high-traffic roads and will be commuted elsewhere to run when necessary. Commuting time is free of charge and no time is deducted from your dog's running minutes. They will still receive 30 minutes of running. Dogs are run primarily in quiet neighborhoods. Whenever possible, we aim for parks and forests. However, due to mid-day traffic and the distances involved, we typically can't commute dogs there so we'll need to make it by foot. Routes are varied as much as possible to ensure the most stimulating experience for the dogs.

What does a run consist of?

1. Runner arrives at an agreed upon time, enters the residence, greets your dog, and makes sure everything is fine.
2. Your dog is leashed up, your door locked, and the the run begins.

• At the risk of redundancy, it's important to reiterate that running intensity varies between dogs and is dictated solely by their needs and abilities. No dog will be run past their comfort level, so it's only doggy boot camp if they want it to be. ;) A dog's "grin" from panting too hard isn't cute and they are watched closely for signs of fatigue, injury, and dehydration.
• We carry dog treats, water, poop bags, and cell phones that we can be reached on at all times.

3. Dogs are returned home.

• They are toweled off when wet.
• Their water bowl is checked before leaving.
• A note detailing your dog's energy level, progress, and any interesting observations or episodes is left for you.

What are your hours of operation?

7 days a week (regardless of rain). We try to finish all runs by 1pm, but make an effort to be flexible if that doesn't work for your schedule.

What are your specific pet sitting policies?

Holidays - We offer pet sitting through all major holidays and there are no additional charges.

Initial consultation - We always do a free run-though the first time we pet sit for someone. Basically, we meet you at your home and then go over everything from where the food is located to allergies to security systems. You name it. Just whatever is needed to ensure a great pet sit.

Additional pets - There are usually no added charges for additional pets. However, if you have a TON of pets, there may be a slight rate adjustment.

Keys - Typically owners have a spare key ready for us at the time of the initial consultation. However, there is a $10 pick-up charge if the owner forgets the spare and it requires a special trip for us to pick it up from their home.

Cancellation policy - We never like charging people for services not rendered, but when we reserve dates for your pet(s), it means that we will henceforth turn away pet sitting requests with dates overlapping yours. If a pet sitting stay is canceled more than 4 weeks before the starting date, we will not charge you at all. If an appointment is canceled between 2-4 weeks before the stay, we will have to charge you 25% of the total bill. If an appointment is canceled less than 2 weeks before a stay, we will need to charge you 50% of the total bill. Again, we hope not to do this, so if you must cancel, please do so early.

I hadn't heard of a dog running service. Is this a new thing?

Yes. Professional dog running services first popped up in 2002. They were a big hit! Spreading rapidly, they are now present in most major cities in the US.