Looking After Your Dog Whilst Working Full-Time?

BLEEP – the alarm rattles you out of bed, as you groggily pull on your workwear. While you’re getting ready for another long, coffee-filled morning at work, your pet looks up at you with shining eyes: ‘Where are you going?’ they seem to say, ears perked, nose snuffling around the breakfast leftovers…

It’s heartbreaking to leave our dogs in the house for eight, nine or ten-plus hours at a time. They aren’t built for it, and neither are we. Isn’t there a way to ensure your pooch has company when you’re gone?

Follow Scamps and Champs down several options for looking after a home-alone pet:

Ensure they have everything they need

Before leaving for work, it’s important to care for their thirsts, appetites and sense of comfort until you return. Fill up the water and biscuit bowls. Then prep the doggie bed with soft, warm blankets, and leave any rooms open that you don’t mind your pet wandering between (conservatory, kitchen hallway etc.) with a favourite toy.

Some dogs are fine with being left outdoors when the weather permits. Just remember that they need to have topped-up food and water, guarded by a secure gate, fence or paddock.

Make a schedule for coming back halfway through the day

Anyone can reasonably think that eight or more hours is too long – we’d go a little mad ourselves in that time, without anything to distract us! To keep your pooch stimulated, why not see if you can head back home, on a lunch break, for a brisk 20-minute walk around the neighbourhood?

During these periods, try to wear the dog out as much as you can, either through walking, a Frisbee session, or tugs of war with a rope. That’ll tire them out until the evening; they might make a habit of falling asleep, only rousing when you walk through the door again.

Embrace professional dog sitting

Many people, however, aren’t able to flex their schedules, or make it to and from the workplace in a short span of time. Long commutes, single living and/or tough bosses can make caring for your dog a hardship in the week… That is unless you take on a dog sitting service like ours.

Scamps & Champs offer dependable carers who will turn up several times a day (if required) for a dog sitting experience like no other. We take on only the warmest, most capable pet lovers, so you’re guaranteed a fine friend in lieu of your own presence. Every dog gets their own dedicated sitter, and an updated feedback report every time we turn up at your doorstep. You’ll be aware of what happened in the day, how your dog was behaving, and anything else crucial to your peace of mind.

See what dog sitting can do for your home-bound hound – we’re very happy to have a chat, as Scamps & Champs continue to help hundreds of full-time workers in the UK. The stark choice of ‘dog’ or ‘career’ shouldn’t be drawn so deeply in the sand… With us on your side, we can rub it out altogether.

Contact us if you would like to enquire, make a booking or ask us a question about our services, via our online enquiry form.

Scamps and Champs Chichester is Growing!

In the last 2 months Chichester Scamps and Champs has taken on 4 new team members. Requests for services are increasing weekly and with great reviews and plenty of happy pet lovers it can only get better.  If you are looking for a reliable premium per service then look no further that Sarah and her team at Scamps and Champs Chichester.

‘I am really pleased that Scamps and Champs Chichester has taken off so well and this is due to great service from the team of pet lovers that we have and the great brand that is Scamps and Champs.’


Sarah Davies – Branch owner

The current team at Scamps and Champs Chichester can cover your dog boarding, pet sitting and pet visit needs all over Chichester, Bognor Regis and the surrounding area.  We have a great team in place to look after your pets and treat them as part of the family. 

Our team members so are:

Mike Parham – East Wittering

Mikes is the name, dog boarding our game!

We are a family of three, Mike, Ksenia and Anarella (7) we live in West Sussex.

We have a great passion for our four-legged friends, as a child I grew up always with a German Shepard around and in adult life, until recently, there has always been one or even two at times, with the occasional Irish Wolf and even a Cavalier King Charles (slight diversity there!)

I have to admit that we currently do not have any dogs of our own. I have been reluctant despite family pressure to own another dog as the memories of losing one’s best friend is always so heart breaking, something you, animal lovers, no doubt will appreciate

So here we are! Scamps & Champs dog boarders! 

Cyra Shepherd – Fishbourne

Cyra has just joined our home boarding team at Scamps and Champs Chichester. She has a lovely home that she shares with Ernie, her lovely golden Labrador and her family.  We are thrilled she has come on board and know that she will be a real team player. Cyra says: 

“I love dogs. This is an ideal job for me where I look forward to welcoming them into our home, in a safe and loving environment for them to enjoy, so the owners can relax and feel confident that their dog is well cared for while they are away.” 

Carla Campbell – Nutbourne

My name is Carla and a really excited to join Sarah at Scamps and Champs Chichester. I am a very happy, friendly and energetic person. I’m a big animal enthusiast and have studied animal care at college to achieve my higher national certificate. I love all animals but my main passion is for dogs.

Having grown up with a variety of dogs from Rottweiler’s and German Shepherds to Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. I couldn’t imagine my life without them. I have a little Cockapoo called Daisy who is my world. We enjoy lovely walks around the local villages where we live. Emsworth, Nutbourne and Bosham are among our favourites. I love walking and exploring new places for dog walks. 

I can’t wait to start looking after your pets in Chichester and bring Scamps and Champs to the South Coast.

Jane Mason – Pagham

I’m Jane and I have lived with and cared for animals of all types and sizes for over half a century!

I teach animal care and management at a local college and have a particular interest in animal/owner bonding.

I am happy to be working with Sarah and her team and look forward to getting to meet new pets and their owners around the South Downs area.

If you think you might need one of our premium pet services then drop me an email here chichester@scampsandchamps.co.uk

For more news and reviews then please follow us on our Facebook page and sing up to our newsletter on the website https://www.facebook.com/Scamps-Champs-Chichester-556789104730590/

We would love to hear from you!

REASONS SCAMPS & CHAMPS DON’T PACK WALK

At Scamps and Champs, we recognize that dog walking is a huge part of a dog’s life and also an excellent way to keep them healthy and fit. It opens them to new and stimulating experiences needed for their overall well-being. Additionally, it can also help them to tire them out, and you might know, “a tired dog is a happy dog.” 

You might have noticed that that pack walks are springing up all over the U.K. as many believe it’s a fantastic way for dogs to experience strangers and other canine friends in a safe environment.  While it might appear to hold many benefits for those, it does have several downsides which shouldn’t be brushed off in a hurry. Here are the reasons Scamps and Champs don’t pack walk.

1. Supervision

Walking just one dog requires full attention to keep an eye on them effectively and to make sure they’re safe. Dogs often get easily fascinated by new sights, smells, and sounds that they encounter during the walk. If something new and interesting catches their attention, they may forget their manners and rush up to that thing or person. Consider all the concentration walking a single dog requires and then imagine what it is like trying to control five or more dogs at once! Additionally, controlling them on busy roads and unfamiliar surroundings can be quite risky during pack walks.

2. Lost Training Opportunities

Walking a dog is an opportunity to train them and reinforce what they have learned. For example, if you take your dog on a walk, you can notice their reaction to potential triggers and take appropriate action. If your dog takes a look at a scary sight and focuses on you, it’s a sign that your dog is learning some manners and should be rewarded with a treat. On the flip side, it is hard to specially train one dog at a time during a pack walk since there are about five other dogs or more.

3. Disease

Whenever dogs congregate, there’s always a high risk of them spreading diseases such as kennel cough, canine influenza, or canine parvovirus. Your dog is also at risk of coming home with fleas and ticks after exposure to a dog gathering, no matter how careful the owners are. This could cause severe discomfort for your pet and also require a visit to the vet. The chances of a dog contracting a disease is drastically reduced when we walk them individually and not in a pack.

4. Fights and Bullying

Just as in any human group, bullying can also happen among dogs leading to fights in a bid to establish their dominance. The bigger the group, the more likely it is for some dogs to break the rules of polite social interactions and make their own rules. This can lead to cases of dogs overwhelming their potential playmates with overly assertive and inappropriate behaviours. Many dog owners try to avoid situations that might trigger their dogs and result in fights as well as protect their pets from being picked on. Pack walks increases the likelihood of fights and bullying among dogs, potentially leading to lacerations, puncture wounds, and even broken bones.

5. Injuries

Although injuries are unexpected occurrences that can happen in an instant, they tend to occur more during pack walks due to divided attention of walkers and fights that may break out.   It is nearly impossible to keep an eye on other dogs while tending to one dog, and this could turn out badly in several ways. Conversely, walking one dog at a time allows walkers to give adequate attention to injured dogs without having to worry about monitoring other pets.  

6. Physics

When it comes to pack walks, some walkers sacrifice safety for management by walking five (or more) strong reactive dogs at the same time. This might appear to be easy except that the physics is wrong. Imagine a dog walker who is 11 stone and walking seven stone large dogs; it’s going to take a lot of hard work to keep them under control, and that is only possible if they’re able to resist the pull.

 Conclusion

Pack dog walks might be trending at the moment, but the disadvantages are hard to ignore. Like every dog owner that loves their canine bestie, it’s important you make the right decision, so your pet can have an enjoyable and stimulating walk with our walkers from Scamps and Champs.  

If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, we will carefully match your dog to a dog of similar size and temperament.  

To view our Dog Walking Services and our extensive range of other
Pet Care Services please visit our Scamps and Champs Website. To ask us a question, make a booking or to simply make an enquiry please complete our Online Enquiry Form


Dog Walking in Chichester & Bognor Regis – Scamps and Champs Chichester can ‘Take the Lead’ for you!

We’ve all been there; when the dog walk has sunk to the bottom of the list. A change in lifestyle, sickness or an emergency can leave you struggling for time. 

Let our premium dog walking service in Chichester help!  At Scamps and Champs we are here to help when getting out for a walk becomes difficult; for any reason.

We have a team of Chichester dog walkers waiting to ‘Take the Lead’ and lavish attention and walkies on your best friend.  Our local area is renowned for its dog walks and Chichester is surrounded by some fantastic areas.  Let us show them to your dog.

Scamps and Champs Chichester offer a premium dog walking service. One of our experienced and local dog walkers can come to your home and walk your dog for you, ensuring they have an engaging, fun and stimulating walk out in the fresh air. When your dog is happy and exercised then you are happy and life can become easier and less stressful.

You can also qualify for our 10% new customer discount and if you are within the Armed Forces community we offer a 5% discount.

Do we Pack Walk?  No we don’t…

Our Chichester dog walkers will never ‘pack walk’ your dog. We believe in individual attention and offer a premium one to one dog walking service. Whether it’s a one off walk while you’re out for the day or a regular weekly walk; each package is tailored to your individual needs and your dog’s personality. We will never walk your dog off the lead unless we have your consent and your dog displays a solid 100% recall.

However, if they love the company and would benefit from socialising with other dogs, then we are happy to pair your dog up with a walking buddy or two. Assuming everyone is getting on well with each other and that every dog is going to benefit from a group walk, we are happy to walk your dog with up to three other pup-pals.

Yours and your dog’s individual needs…

We offer a friendly, reliable and compassionate service, which can be tailored to suit your dog’s individual needs. We will come and meet you and your dog and ascertain exactly what it is you are looking for.

Keep an eye on us and you dog with GPS…

We offer GPS Location Check in Service – so that you know your dog and walker has arrived at their destination.

Our GPS Route Tracker – you can access our GPS route tracker so that you can see where your dog is being walked and see that they are getting the walk you have been promised.

Scamps and Champs Chichester want to make your life easier…

You can book our Chichester dog walkers online – we provide a quick and easy to use online booking system, so that you can book your dog in for their walk, whilst you are anywhere and at any time.

Just in case, You never know…

You never know what’s around the corner. We have back up dog walkers – if due to unforeseen circumstances your dog walker is unable to attend the walk, we always have a backup dog walker organised so that your dog can still get out and go for their walk.

How did it go…

Our personal feedback report will be sent to you. We have an electronic feedback report with photographs of your dog on their walk so you can see what they have been up to.

What does it cost…

Group Dog Walks:  30 minutes  = £8 or 60 minutes = £12

Solo Dog Walks: 30 minutes = £10 or 60 minutes = £15

Additional dogs from the same household, half price. We can also do the weekend or bank holidays.  If you require more information then visit the Chichester Dog Walking price list on Scamps and Champs here

The New Addition – A Puppy!

In addition to all of the above, we also offer sessions in your home to assist your puppies with toilet training, behaviour and confidence. If you have something specific you want to work on, please get in contact via the details below and we would be happy to consider your request.

To contact Chichester Scamps and Champs, simply send us a message via our online form, we will be in touch as soon as we can.

Dog Walking and Pet Care in Reigate

It only takes a quick walk in the local parks to see Reigate is full of dog lovers and they all want the best possible care for their dogs if the need arises

Scamps and Champs Reigate branch can offer you a premium service for dog walking in Reigate and and surrounding areas. We have carefully picked Reigate dog walkers and fellow animal lovers to care for your loved ones. One of our Reigate Dog Walking team can come to your home and walk your dog for you, ensuring they have an engaging, fun and stimulating Reigate dog walk out in the fresh air. At Scamps and Champs Reigate we are here to help if you are unable to walk them for any reason. We offer a friendly, reliable and compassionate Reigate Dog Walking service, which can be tailored to suit your dog’s individual needs. This can be regular or ad hoc Reigate dog walk, which is sometimes difficult to find.

Scamps and Champs Reigate will never ‘pack walk’ your dog with multiple other dogs, as we fully understand how precious your pets are to you and therefore we believe in a caring service and treating each dog as if it was our own. We can offer you a regular or flexible Reigate dog walking service, each package is tailored to your individual needs and your dog’s personality. We will never walk your dog off the lead unless we have your consent and your dog displays a solid recall.

When using Scamps and Champs Reigate dog walking services you will always receive the following:

  • Online Booking – we provide a quick and easy to use online booking system, so that you can book your Reigate dog walk, whilst you are anywhere and at any time.
  • GPS Location Check in Service – so that you know your pampered pup has arrived at their destination.
  • GPS Route Tracker – you can access our GPS route tracker so that you can see where your Reigate dog walker is and see that they are getting the walk you have been promised.
  • Back up Dog Walkers – if due to unforeseen circumstances your Reigate dog walker is unable to attend the walk, we always try our very best to have a  backup Reigate dog walker organised so that your dog can still get out and go for their walk.
  • Feedback Report – we will send you an electronic feedback report with photographs of your Reigate dog walk so you can see what they have been up to.

Individualised Group Size – Scamps and Champs don’t believe in pack walking your dog in large groups. However, if they love company and would benefit from socialising with other dogs, then we are happy to pair your dog up with a walking buddy or two. Assuming everyone is getting on well with each other and that every dog is going to benefit from a group walk, we are happy to accommodate a Reigate dog walk with up to three other pup-pals.

In addition Scamps and Champs Reigate can also offer pop in service for all your Reigate pet care needs  so whether you have a new Puppy who is not yet ready to be fully socialised yet and needs toilet breaks we can organise one of our Reigate dog walkers to pop by one or maybe a few times during the day. Also if you have an older dog who just needs some company and to be let out or you need your cats, guinea pigs, mice, reptiles and or birds fed please do get in touch and one of the experienced Reigate dog walking and Reigate pet care team will be happy to pop by to discuss requirements.

To contact Scamps and Champs Reigate, check pet care service availability or to make a booking, simply complete their online enquiry form and I will respond to you as soon as possible.

Walking Your Dog in Reigate

Its easy to see that Dog walking in Reigate seems to be one of the most popular past times judging by the amount of people out dog walking in the various open spaces of Reigate and surrounds.

Dog walking in Priory Park with all its various footpaths is a great place to meet other dog walkers and socialise and even pick up a pastry an a drink at Pistachios in the Park. Dog walking in Reigate can offer so much to you and your beloved hounds with so many places being dog friendly so when you are out dog walking in Reigate you are bound to be able to head off to somewhere dog friendly like Skimmington castle pub or if you head into town itself you have Café Nero and Monty Bojangles

Scamps and champs Reigate is here to help if you are finding dog walking in Reigate difficult for whatever reason. We offer 1-1 dog walking in Reigate and all our team are passionate animal lovers who would take care of your pooch when dog walking in Reigate as it were their own.

Scamps and Champs dog walking Reigate will never ‘pack walk’ your dog with multiple other dogs, as we fully understand how precious your pets are to you and therefore we believe in a caring service and treating each dog as if it was our own. We can offer you regular dog walking in Reigate or flexible dog walking service, each package is tailored to your individual needs and your dog’s personality. We will never walk your dog off the lead unless we have your consent and your dog displays a solid recall.

Over the past few months we have been building a team to offer flexible dog walking in Reigate as we know some people will not have a set time with lots more people working from home so dog walking in Reigate is something they can do themselves but please do get in touch even if it is just ad hoc dog walking in Reigate that is required as we will be happy to help.

Visit our Scamps and Champs Reigate Webpage for further information.

To check availability, make a booking or enquiry simply complete our online form.

Best Dog Walking Places in Stockport

Stockport, Greater Manchester, is a lovely place to visit.   The place is rich in history, and there is so much to explore.   Stockport has some pet friendly hotels and there are plenty of parks for you and your best friend to enjoy dog walking in and around Stockport.

Reddish Vale Country Park

When you visit Stockport, you really have to visit the Reddish Vale Country Park.   It is a beautiful place, and the Reddish Vale Country Park is pet friendly too. It is a large place, and part of it is designated as a local nature reserve.  

There are plenty of places for you to explore with your pet.  There are many open spaces for off lead adventures.  Lovely park where you can go for a walk, to see the animals. There is also a cafe at the entrance where you can enjoy a range of hot drinks and even ice cream if the weather allows it! Family friendly park.  Fantastic routes for dog walking, including a river they can swim in.  Free car park at the visitor centre.  Beautiful walking trails.

Etherow Country Park

Etherow Country Park is another local nature reserve that is located in Compstall, Stockport.

Located in the Etherow Country Park is a mill pond as well as the, Compstall Nature Reserve, which is a 12.8-hectare area that is designated to be a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its wide variety of plants and habitats.  This beautiful place is very scenic.  Etherow Country Park also offers good facilities; with pay and display parking, Visitors centre, cafeteria and toilets at the car park and near the Weir.  Popular with anglers so you may need to keep your dog on a lead.

Cale Green Park

This park in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, is a Victorian style park that is friendly to pets.   The Edwardian park which is such a welcome feature of the Davenport / Cale Green area once was part of a working farm.  Popular with dog owners and there is a children’s play area, tennis courts and toilets.  Close to shops and parking.   Activities in the summer and a quiet place to picnic.

Woodbank Memorial Park

Woodbank Memorial Park is situated adjacent to Vernon Park, Offerton, Stockport It is ideal for a leisurely stroll in its wide open spaces.  The park connects with the River Goyt and the Goyt Way. Footpaths can lead you through Poise Brook or towards Otterspool and Bredbury. The Midshires Way and the Fred Perry Way also pass through the park.

Lovely riverside walks with a pebble “beach” area which is perfect for dogs to play.   Large open spaces, children’s play area.  Plenty of parking. Woodbank Memorial Park is home to Stockport Harriers Athletic Club.

Vernon Park, Stockport

Vernon Park is the oldest country park in Stockport.    Well maintained gardens. Extremely steep in places so keep that in mind for the elderly or wheelchair users. Lots of benches and ducks in the pond. Newly refurbished café.  Free parking. Connects to Woodbank Park.

Bramall Hall & Park

Bramhall Park is a large scenic park in the grounds of Bramall Hall. The park consists of magnificent landscaped grounds, woodland and trails. A stream runs through the park and there are large ponds for play fishing and feeding ducks.

There is a fenced off smaller children’s play area, larger childrens wooden climbing frame and picnic area plus opportunities to play bowls and boules.

The park does have many landscaped gardens that are very beautiful and scenic. Being pet friendly, you can bring your dog along to run in the parks.   Landscaped parkland with lakes, woodland, and gardens.

Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens

This area is one of the must-visit places when you are in Didsbury, Manchester.   This 21 acre park was acquired as a gift from Alderman Fletcher Moss in 1914. Renowned for their botanical beauty, the gardens contain many antiquated and unusual plants and flowers. The park has retained many of its original features such as the rock and heather gardens, and there is an Alpine house in the gardens adjacent to Fletcher Moss.

You might need a few hours to properly explore the area with your dog.   From wide areas to dedicated gardens and rivers, there are so many places for you to relax with your furry companion.

Roman Lakes

If you are making a trip to Marple, then we will strongly urge you to visit the Roman Lakes. It is a pet friendly area that allows you and your pet to have a good time exploring the area.  Walk or cycle around the lakes, have a fun run around in the play area, try canoeing or mountain biking.  Picnic area, free parking, tea rooms, toilets, kiosk selling hot and cold drinks, children’s play area.  Popular with anglers so you may need to keep your dog on a lead.

Brabyns Park

A visit to Marple will not be complete if you omit visiting Brabyns Park.   It is the largest park in Marple, and it is surrounded by the river Goyt as well as the Peak Forest Canal making it a joy for you to bring your dog along for a nice stroll in the park.

There are many activities for you and your dog to do here. You can play with your dog in the endless fields, or you can choose to lie down and have a picnic with your family and your favourite pet on the parkland or woodland. As there many open spaces, it is a prime area for dog walking.  Free parking, children’s play area, playing fields. Woodland & riverside walks; Picnic areas; Horse riding area; Car park.

Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton, Stockport

The Brookside Garden Centre is another dog friendly day out.  Family shopping attraction with garden plants and tools plus mini train rides, model shop and a dog friendly cafe.

Wyvale Garden Centre, Romiley, Stockport

Wyevale Garden Centre is a dog friendly shopping attraction with garden plants, garden furniture, pet products and much more.   There is the miniature railway which is always a huge hit with children and a dog friendly café.   Soft play centre for children inside the café area.

Alexandra Park

Alexandra Park, located at Edgeley, Stockport, is a place that dog owners love to bring their dog for walks. This is due to the big and open space that is extremely inviting for dog owners to bring along their family and dog for a lovely picnic.   Plenty of dog bins to dispose of your “doggy bag”.  Alexandra Park offers crown green bowling greens, children’s play area, tennis courts, skate park, picnic areas.  

Alexandra Park is also a popular place for anglers. They take advantage of its reservoir which offers plenty of freshwater fishing opportunities. The reservoir is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. 

Abney Hall Country Park

Abney Hall is a substantial Victorian house surrounded by a park in Cheadle, near Stockport.  Abney Hall Park provides natural woodland recreational facilities to local residents and visitors.   You can explore the wetlands, historic hall, secret pathways, ponds, waterfalls and a pet cemetery. There’s lots of wildlife to enjoy.   Free access and free parking.   Children’s play area.   Abney café.

Didsbury Park

Didsbury Park is located near several pet friendly hotels.  As such, Didsbury Park is a natural choice when it comes to bringing the dogs out for walks! It is a tranquil place that offers the owner and the dog to have a time away from the city life. Though it is not exactly a big park, there are many areas for you and your dog to have a good time. In fact, there is a rich history behind this park itself. Why not have a little chat with the locals to find out more!

Children’s play area, football pitch, bird garden, two bowling greens, picnic area and a café.   Dogs are not allowed in the bird garden, football pitch or children’s play area. Disbury Park, which holds a Green Flag’ award for excellence, is situated within easy walking distance of the many shops, restaurants, pubs that makeup Didsbury village. 

Debdale Park

Debdale Park is considered to be an inner city park, and it is one of the largest of its kind in the area.   Debdale Park is located in Gorton, Manchester.

Activities include a children’s play area, Multi use games area, skate park, tennis courts, football pitch, pitch and putt, bowling green, toilets, visitors centre and community centre. Two large reservoirs for licensed fishing.

There is also an outdoor centre with various activities including dinghy sailing, kayaking, canoeing and much more.

Free parking, off lead areas.

Haughton Dale

Sandwiched between the Peak Forest Canal in Hyde and Haughton Green, on the sometimes steep-sided Tame valley is our largest Local Nature Reserve. Haughton Dale is rich in both natural and industrial heritage on both sides of the river Tame.   This woodland walk can be accessed near the Stockport Sports Village in Woodley, Stockport.   Lovely dog walk and also popular with cyclists and horse riders.

Chadkirk Chapel & Country Estate

This pretty country park is located on the River Goyt near Marple. The estate includes a 60 acre farm, an old orchard, woodland and a 16th century chapel with an audio visual presentation on the history of the site. The Etherow Goyt Valley Way runs through the park so you can continue your walk through the beautiful Goyt Valley on this trail.

Contact Scamps and Champs Stockport about our Dog Walking and Pet Care Services using our online form and one of our team will be back in touch as soon as possible.

How to Choose A Dog Walker

Dog Walker, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Dog Home Boarding, Dog Sitting,

Ask friends for recommendations

Ask your friends/colleagues if they use a dog walker and ask whether they are happy with them and get their contact details.

Use Instagram/Facebook

Instagram and Facebook are great places to see what kind of experience your dog will be getting. Most dog walking companies will have their own Facebook & Instagram accounts.   Instead of taking the dog walking company’s word for it, you’ll be able to scroll through their pages and see where your dog goes, what kinds of dogs your dog is playing with and how dirty your dog is getting.

You should also be upfront with your potential dog walker if your dog has any particular quirks. Does your dog not get along with certain breeds? Is your dog scared by loud noises? It’s important for you to be honest with the potential walker to ensure the best care for your dog.

Are you insured?

There are a number of Insurance companies who deal specifically with pet care related businesses and offer cover that includes Public Liability, Key Cover, Care, Custody and Control and Employers Liability (if the company has staff members). Do not be afraid to ask to see their insurance certificate.

Do you have a pet contract, terms and conditions and references?

You should be asked to sign a contract to clarify the walker’s responsibilities as well as your own.  Ask to see references/reviews.

Are they DBS checked?   The dog walker will most likely hold a key to your home so trust is essential.

Will the same person walk my dog every day? Consistency is good for your dog and will enable your dog to build a relationship with the same person.

Do you arrange cover for when my usual dog walker is on holiday or sick?

How many dogs do you walk at a time? It’s common for walkers to take more than one dog out at a time, and that can help keep the costs down for you. But the more dogs, the less attention given to your dog. This can be an issue for dogs with special needs or more timid dogs.

How much time do you guarantee on the walk?

Make sure the time quoted e.g. a 60 minute walk should be 60 minutes out having fun.   The journey time shouldn’t be included.

Will you come out to meet me and my dog beforehand?

Most professional Dog Walkers will arrange to meet you and your dog beforehand to discuss all your requirements. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and for your dog and the walker to start building a relationship.

If you would like any more information on our services, or on Dog Walking in general, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 612 3811.

To check availability or to book Scamps and Champs Dog Walking Services in your local area simply complete our online form.

Summer Sun and Dog Walking Fun

Dog, Walking, Summer

We all know that dog walking is a necessity for any of us that own one or multiple canine companions, however as the days get longer and the sunshine hours increase, there is definitely a lure to get outside walking with our dogs. But what can increasing our dog walking hours do for us and why should we get outside?

It is suggested, that on average we spend 90% of our time indoors, with millions of us working from home, in offices and in a variety of indoor environments. When we finish our days’ work, we are often exhausted and too tired to walk long distances, accompanied with the multiple other aspects of life and family that need incorporating into our routines.

Dog walking is fantastic in that it gets us out of the house once or twice a day, into the fresh air and daylight, accompanied of course by our furry best-friends. What nicer way is there to spend some ‘me time’ than with our dogs, walking around our local area. This is our time to switch off and mentally disconnect from life’s schedule, worries and stresses.

Of course dog walking is not only beneficial to us but our dogs absolutely love every second of it, it is the absolute highlight of their day! All those exciting sights and smells, the socialisation, the fresh air and best of all their special time with you. What is not to love about dog walking?

So what other benefits does dog walking have?

  • Strengthens Your Bond – Dog walking increases your bonding time with your dogs, through dog walking you are spending quality time with them.
  • Weight Control – Dog walking is excellent exercise and therefore will keep you both in shape and healthy.
  • Improves Socialisation – This is true not only for your dog but for you as well. You will meet other dog walkers and say hello to people. Dogs are excellent conversation starters for us humans and we love to chat about the breed and personalities of other dogs we meet.
  • Increases Physical and Mental Health – The vitamin D from the sunshine and the endorphins that are released from physical exercise, are all huge ‘feel good factors’ for our mental health. As well as the physical health benefits that can be experiences through dog walking.
  • Loneliness Decreases – Even if you say hello to people whilst you are dog walking and you never meet them again, it doesn’t matter. In fact even if you don’t say hello at all, just physically being around other people and by being outside, this can decrease loneliness and social anxieties.

So with all of the benefits of dog walking, why not challenge yourself this summer? If you normally walk your dogs once a day, why not walk them twice? If you normally walk one mile, why not try walking two? Increasing your dog walking hours can be beneficial not only for your dog, but for you as well. For your mental, physical and emotional health and in strengthening your bond with your dog.

Learn more about our Scamps and Champs Dog Walking Services via our Website.

Get in touch, ask us a question or check availability of our services using our online form.

Not Simply a Dog Walking Service – Pet Care in Reigate Offers you Advice for your Pets in the Heat!

Well what a beautiful Easter weather we are having but whilst it makes all the difference to us humans and raises those spirits from the gloomy winter months. Please do remember the effect it has on your much loved pets, something I and the Scamps and Champs Reigate team are so conscious of and make sure all our clients have the support if they you unable to be there during the day. The continuing changeable weather also makes it challenging for pets to acclimatise to the heat, making sudden, un-seasonal hot spells even more dangerous.

Dogs rely on panting as their main method of cooling – but it only controls body temperature up to a point. As temperatures and humidity rise, panting is no longer able to cool them and it can lead to potentially fatal heatstroke. I am sure by now we are all well aware of the dangers of leaving dogs in cars during warm weather, but Scamps and Champs Reigate pet care services just wanted to reiterate with some handy advice on keeping your pets safe when the temperatures rise.

Don’t leave animals in cars even in the shade, car temperatures can increase quickly and as the sun moves and shade disappears the internal car temperature will rapidly increase. Leaving windows partially open has little effect on car temperature, Instead, if you are stuck in traffic or travelling, have the air conditioning on to keep the car cool and make sure windows are shaded from direct sunlight. Ideally, leave your dog at home in hot weather, however be conscious that conservatories and greenhouses can have similar affects to cars.

Avoid the hottest part of the day it’s best for pets not to stay outside in the hottest part of the day. Take dogs for walks in cooler parts of the day in the early morning or evening and avoid any strenuous exercise in the heat. Cats need shade and water too in fact all pets need access to cool water and shade to keep their temperature down don’t forget your small furries like rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. If your pet is unfit, obese or suffers from a respiratory disorder, you should be particularly careful exercising in hot or humid conditions.

You should ideally make sure you supervise activity as pets themselves won’t know when to stop in the sun. Scamps and Champs Reigate dog walking and pet care services will be happy to help with this even if it is just to pop in to check up on your loved ones and make sure they are keeping cool.

What to do if you suspect your pet has heatstroke Signs: Rapid, heavy breathing, lack of energy, decreased urine production, bulging eyes, and the tongue appearing long and dark red. Vomiting and/or diarrhoea can follow. If you think your dog has heatstroke, get it to a vet as quickly as possible. Avoid using ice or very cold water as this can cause blood vessels on the skin surface to constrict and reduce effective cooling. It can also cause shivering which can create more heat from the muscles. Key areas to cool are the neck, abdomen and inner thighs with lukewarm water or water-soaked towels. It is important that you do not over cool your dog, as this can lead to shock – a lack of blood supply to vital organs – so using lukewarm water is important. Out and about, cool surfaces, shade, air conditioning in cars and fans can also aid cooling. Even if the dog is cooled, veterinary treatment is still key to allow more targeted treatment and monitoring to occur.

I am sure all your pets are always looked after and you would never allow them to be overheated but I just wanted to put this together so you know if you are having to go out and you are worried and you have pets in the Reigate, Redhill, Banstead, Dorking and surrounding villages please do get in touch and Scamps and Champs Reigate branch will do all we can to help.

To learn more about our pet care services in Reigate and the surrounding areas including; dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, overnight pet sitting and our wedding pet chaperone service. Simply visit Scamps and Champs Reigate.

To ask us a question, to get in touch or to check service availability, simply complete our online form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.