FAQ
I am interested in booking SoHo Hound. How do I get started?
To get started you can contact SoHo Hound at 813.563.7646 or email us. We will arrange a convenient time to meet you and your pet, discuss our services, review our process and your needs, and select a start date. All bookings, payment, communication with owners and staff and access to our GPS feature are at your fingertips via our pet app. You can use the app to get up-to-the-minute updates while we are with your pets!
What services do you provide?
SoHo Hound provides a variety of services to meet your pet’s needs. We provide dog walking, overnight pet-sitting at your home, exercise programs, baths, and pet transportation. Take a look at services for more information. Please view our coverage area on the contact page. Don’t see your location listed? No worries! Reach out to us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Note that additional fees will apply to visits outside our regular service areas.
How do your sleepovers work?
We will stay in your home (8PM-8AM) with your pet to keep them as happy as possible in their everyday environment. We send updates and pictures to let you know how your pet is doing. Our goal is to ensure your pet remains on schedule and happy in your absence. During a sleepover, a designated staff member stays on location the entire 12-hour period, aside from dog walks with your pet. Our staff member can bring along an inflatable mattress or sleep in a designated bedroom-whichever option you prefer. Around the clock care ensures your pet is well looked after safe.
What do you mean by 'professional' dog walking?
SoHo Hound’s care of your pets is our main focus, not a hobby or pastime. We are insured, qualified, skilled and certified so that you can rest assured that your pet is being cared for safely and effectively. We have an experienced and professional team who take pride in the SoHo Hound name. All staff members are trained to be able to care for each and every client. This way, we can send anyone from our team, to complete a pet service. Each member of our crew has completed an extensive vetting process and reference check.
Do you provide off leash walks?
SoHo Hound does not provide off leash walks since your pet's safety is our utmost concern. We believe the safest way to walk your dog is on leash. Of course, we are happy to spend time with your pet off a leash during play time, fetch, or other kinds of activities in the security of your backyard or home. Note that we do not use retractable leashes. Please provide another leash option if that is what you personally use for your dog.
How long does the visit last?
As the pet owner you can select the length of the walk for your dog. Our walks are based on 15 minute increments. For example, if you select a 15 minute visit the walk will be about 12 minutes with the remainder of the time devoted to freshening the water bowl, feeding (if applicable), and making sure the dog is comfortable and secure. For cat visits we will change litter, feed, give fresh water, and always leave time for play! Household requests (watering plants, checking mail, etc.) and administering medication (oral or eye/ear drops) are included in this allotted time at no extra charge. Please make sure to book sufficient time for us to complete all of your requested tasks. We can assist with other animals as well. Just ask!
How much do you charge?
Prices vary depending on the service(s) the pet owner selects. Please refer to our services page.
Do you have any references?
Of course! We have a growing network of happy customers that would gladly share their experiences with you. References are available on request to support the character, trustworthiness and reliability of our services. We hope that you can be a reference for us in the future too! Please visit our home page to read some of our recent customer reviews.
What do you do in case of bad weather?
In the case of inclement weather such as heavy rain storms SoHo Hound will assess the appropriateness of a walk for your individual dog and keep you posted. If a walk is not advisable, we will ensure your dog gets out for a potty break and will play inside with them for the remainder of the visit.
If serious weather (such as tropical storms, hurricanes or tornado warnings) pose any danger to your pet or our staff, SoHo Hound reserves the right to cancel walks.
Strenuous activities (such as our exercise runs) will also be reviewed based on the heat index and your pet’s needs. We will give as much notice as possible in these cases to allow you to make plans accordingly.
How does SoHo Hound access my residence?
We use a lock box system. We will pick up your keys at the initial meet and greet. Please have two sets of keys ready for us. One copy will go in a lock box. You can purchase the lock box directly from us for a one-time fee of $30 or you can provide us access to your own to use. You can place the lock box wherever you prefer and we will use any code you like. If you choose not to use a lockbox, you have the option to hide a key in a location of your choosing or provide us with a garage or door code. If your home requires a fob or code to gain access, we will need that fob or code as well. The second set of keys is kept in a locked safe for emergency situations. We are happy to discuss individual needs for access to your home at the initial complimentary meet and greet.
Where are my keys kept?
All client keys are kept in a lockbox near the preferred entrance to your home OR locked and secured in a safe place when not in use. The keys are never labeled with the client’s address.
Do you accept last minute bookings?
Our goal is to be as flexible and available as possible. However, each situation is assessed case-by-case based on our schedule. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with a last minute request as we have a team that will assist and do its best to meet your needs. If you book a service within 24 hours, please note that a $10 surcharge will be added onto the service.
How much notice is needed to cancel a service?
For regular services (M-F), SoHo Hound requires a 24-hour cancellation notice. Full fee of all scheduled services will be charged for "last minute" cancellations made with less than 24-hours notice. For traveling clients who have booked multiple walks a day and/or sleepover services, the full fee for services booked will be charged for any confirmed booking cancelled within 7 days of the scheduled start date. If the services are cancelled between 30 and 7 days, a fee equal to 50% of the services booked will be charged. For weekend services any cancellations made after 6pm on Thursday will be charged the full fee of services booked. Services scheduled on a holiday (listed under our services tab) will be charged the full fee if cancelled within 7 days.
How will I know how my pet is doing while I am away?
SoHo Hound provides all clients with updates using a GPS tracking system that delivers a report card of the visit and pictures after each service via a smartphone app.
What happens if my pet becomes ill while I am away?
If your pet becomes ill while you are away, SoHo Hound will contact you immediately. In the event that both you and your emergency contact are unavailable, we reserve the right to seek medical care for your pet. We will take them to the vet on your profile or an emergency vet that provides after hours care. Please make sure that your current vet is always listed in your profile. Note that you are responsible for all expenses incurred in the event that your pet requires emergency medical attention.
My pet needs medicine. Are you able to provide this service?
SoHo Hound will administer pills and drops. We will not, however, administer any medicine via an injection.
What types of payment methods do you accept?
SoHo Hound accepts credit or debit card payments through our pet app. You must create an account and register on the app before your first service. A credit or debit card is required to be on file prior to the start of any service. Weekly invoices will be sent via email and be viewable on the app if you are a regular weekly client. We will charge your card on file at the end of every week so please make sure to review your invoice for any inaccuracies before then. For traveling clients, an invoice will be emailed and available on the app to you as well before any service is completed allowing for payment before departure. We will automatically charge your card before the first service of your trip. If your card is declined a late payment fee of $5 per week will be applied after due date.