Prior to any services being agreed, you will be required to:
Complete a free of charge 'Meet & Greet' or 'Walkie Talkie'
Meet & Greet - If you require house visits or solo/private walks, we will arrange to meet in your home. I may also request to join you and your dog on a walk. This allows for a better understanding of your dog's personality and needs outside of its home environment.
Walkie Talkie - Group walk applications require a 'Walkie Talkie'. You will be invited to attend one of my existing group walks with your dog. The location, day, and time may not reflect your ongoing requirements. The purpose of this meeting is to assess your dog's behaviour in a group environment and observe their recall skills. Please note that you will remain responsible for your dog and their actions throughout this meeting.
Read and agree to Hyltons Hairy Hikers Terms and Conditions
A copy will be sent to you along with your registration link after a successful 'Meet & Greet'/'Walkie Talkie'.
Register your pet(s) via the link provided
Once you have completed the form, I will review the information you have supplied and contact you if I have any further questions.
Book your first service
If you require my services at least once every week, you will enter a two-week trial period beginning on the day of your first service. After successfully completing this trial, you will automatically become a member of The VIPaws Club, my complimentary rewards initiative.
If you require my services less frequently than once a week, you will be classed as an ad‑hoc client, and no trial period will apply.
Group walk applicants must book a solo/private walk as their first service. This initial session allows me to get to know your dog one‑to‑one and begin building a bond before integrating with their future pals.
The VIPaws Club is a loyalty initiative that rewards clients who commit to at least one recurring weekly service. If you meet the criteria, you’ll be automatically enrolled and can begin enjoying your VIPaws Privileges.
VIPaws Privileges
A FREE walk or house visit on your dog's birthday
Dependant upon your selected service. Terms and conditions apply.
Exclusive access to Pet Sitting services
New for 2026. Introduced to increase availability for those who rely on me most and to reward loyal, repeat clients. You must be a VIPaws member for a minimum of one month before you are able to make Pet Sit bookings.
A guaranteed regular space, with up to six weeks' holiday permitted per year
No retainer is required for up to six weeks of holiday. If your space becomes filled by another client, your holiday will not be deducted from your allowance. Any holiday taken by the service provider does not count towards your allowance. Holiday entitlement is calculated proportionally based on your pet's number of recurring services per week. For example, two days per week equates to 12 days of holiday per year (2 days × 6 weeks). If you join part‑way through the year, your holiday entitlement will be calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
Additional Dog discount for group walks
New for 2026. Reduced rates for multiple dogs from the same household. Limited availability.
Hot Weather House Visit discount
Take advantage of a 50% discount on a same‑day house visit when your regular walking slot has been brought forward due to hot weather.
Referral rewards
🧡Introduce a new client to the VIPaws Club - Earn account credit equal to the total weekly value of the recurring services they enrol in upon joining
For example: if your referral commits to three group walks per week, you will receive £54 in credit.
Rewards are issued once the referred client has maintained their booking for a minimum period of one month and are automatically applied to your subsequent invoices until fully used. Rewards have no cash value.
🧡Introduce a new ad-hoc client - Receive £5 credit
Rewards are issued once the referred client’s booked service has been completed and are automatically applied to your subsequent invoices until fully used. If the client cancels their service, no reward will be given. Rewards have no cash value.
Your two‑week trial period begins on the day of your first service. This time allows both parties to assess compatibility and gives your pet space to settle into their new routine. Any initial concerns can be discussed and addressed where practical. VIPaws Privileges (excluding pet sitting services) become available once the trial period has been successfully completed.
Either party may end the trial early if it becomes clear that Hyltons Hairy Hikers isn’t the right fit. Should this happen, you will receive a refund for any future booked services, regardless of the standard cancellation policy.
All service requests are managed on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Ad‑hoc clients are no longer eligible for Pet Sitting services. This service is now offered exclusively to VIPaws members. Any pet sit bookings confirmed prior to this change will still be honoured.
Ad-hoc clients are welcome to transition to VIPaws Club membership at any time. Eligibility begins once a recurring weekly service is established, at which point VIPaws Privileges will automatically apply. A minimum of one month's VIPaws membership is required before pet sit bookings can be made.
Payments can be made via bank transfer or in cash. Bank account details are included at the bottom of each invoice.
Any available Referral Reward credit earned by a VIPaws Club member will be applied, in full or part, to the subsequent invoice(s) following the date it was earned.
All services must be paid for in advance. You will be invoiced weekly for all services scheduled for the upcoming week. Any bookings made during the current week will be invoiced immediately. All invoices must be settled before the start date of their billing period.
Pet Sitting services lasting more than 24 hours will be invoiced separately. Full payment is required 48 hours prior to the sit commencing.
This policy applies to both VIPaws Club members and ad-hoc clients.
You are required to give 48 hours’ notice to cancel a service and receive a full refund.
Cancellations made with 24–48 hours’ notice will receive a 50% refund. At my discretion, this requirement may be waived if I am able to fill the space.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are non‑refundable.
Q. Which areas do you cover?
A. Penn & Tylers Green, Hazlemere, Knotty Green & Beaconsfield, Penn Street & Winchmore Hill and West Wycombe, Radnage & Bledlow Ridge …along with a few surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether you fall within my service area, please get in touch.
Q. Are you insured to walk dogs professionally?
A. Hyltons Hairy Hikers is fully insured through Pet Business Insurance (PBI). Cover includes authorisation to walk up to six dogs at one time. Copies of the current insurance certificate are available on request.
Q. Are you DBS checked?
A. Yes, I have held an up‑to‑date DBS check since 2008 due to the nature of my previous employment and voluntary roles. Please contact me if you would like to see my current certificate.
Q. What qualifications do you have?
A. I hold qualifications in Canine First Aid Level 2 and Canine Body Language.
Q. How do I book a service?
A. Please go to the contact me page and select one of the options available. If you are not yet registered as a client, you will need to do this first. If your booking is accepted, you will be invoiced accordingly.
Q. How many dogs are in your group walks?
A. My group sizes are intentionally smaller than the average dog‑walking group — typically around four dogs — to ensure a more personalised experience for each dog.
Q. How do you introduce new dogs to a group?
A. Every new dog begins with a solo walk evaluation so I can understand their walking style, confidence, and behaviour around other dogs. New dogs travel in a separate area of the car until they have fully settled in with their new pals. Group introductions are controlled and may be supported by an additional Hyltons Hairy Hikers team member where appropriate. This process is designed to set each dog up for success; however, not all dogs are suited to group walks, and that is absolutely fine. If this is the case, we will discuss suitable alternative options.
Q. Is my dog suitable for group walks?
A. Your dog should have reasonable manners whilst on lead and when meeting other dogs. Nervous but non‑aggressive dogs may still be considered suitable for group walks, as small group sizes can help build their confidence. Suitability will be assessed on an individual basis. Your dog must also be comfortable being handled and travelling in a shared vehicle environment.
Q. What is your policy on off-leash walking?
A. Written consent is required before any off‑leash walks take place. Your dog must have reliable recall and a solid understanding of the basic commands: sit, stay, and leave. All dogs will remain on‑lead until we reach a safe, appropriate environment. As an added precaution, trackers and ID tags containing my details may be used for dogs who are new to off-leash freedom.
Q. Do I need to be home when you collect or drop off my dog?
A. No. During the meet‑and‑greet process, we will discuss and agree on access arrangements and my security policy, should you wish for me to act as a key holder.
Q. What is your policy on aggressive dogs?
A. All dogs in the care of Hyltons Hairy Hikers must be non-aggressive towards humans. Dogs who show aggression towards other dogs will not be able to participate in group walks; however, subject to a risk assessment, solo/private walks may be offered as an alternative.
If a muzzle is required, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is appropriately muzzle‑trained.
In the event of any uncharacteristic aggression, an incident report and risk assessment will be completed to determine the most appropriate and safe course of action.
Q. What is your policy on larger dogs?
A. For safety reasons, if your dog weighs 30kg or more and is unable to walk calmly on a lead, or displays reactivity that results in lunging or pulling, walking services will not be available to book.
Q. How do you ensure the safety of my dog whilst in your care?
A. All equipment provided by Hyltons Hairy Hikers is inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear. Between walks, equipment is changed and/or sanitised using pet‑safe disinfectant to minimise the spread of viruses and bacteria.
Dogs travel crate‑free and are secured using dog seat belts, and the vehicle itself holds a four‑star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Risk assessments are carried out on all walking areas and reviewed periodically to ensure they remain safe and suitable. In addition, clear emergency protocols are in place to manage unpredictable situations efficiently and prioritise your dog’s wellbeing at all times.
Q. What happens if the weather is bad?
A. Hyltons Hairy Hikers are all‑weather walkers, and I closely monitor Met Office weather warnings. In most cases, walks will continue during a yellow weather warning, with extra care taken and routes adjusted where necessary. Amber or red weather warnings will result in the cancellation of all walks, and some other services may also be affected. Any changes will be communicated to you by text message.
In hot weather, walks may be rescheduled to an earlier time, shortened in duration, or replaced with a house visit. If spaces are limited, priority will be given to VIPaws Club members and to dogs who are home alone for a prolonged period. If walks are rescheduled to an earlier time, VIPaws Club members also have the option to add a Hot Weather House Visit later in the day if required. Refunds are only issued when I make the decision to cancel your service.
Q. What if my dog doesn't want to walk?
A. There are many reasons a dog may be reluctant to walk, and their comfort will always come first. If your selected service is a solo/private walk, the allotted time will be adapted to suit your dog’s needs on the day.
If you have booked a group walk, you will receive a 50% refund on the first occasion this occurs. If the same issue arises again within a two‑month period, no refund will be given, and you may be asked to switch to a solo/private walk to better support your dog.
Q. Do you offer puppy visits?
A. Absolutely. Please select a 30-minute house visit when booking for puppies who aren’t ready for full walks. Once they’re old enough, I'll support them through their first steps outdoors and help shape those early experiences with confidence and care.
Q. Do you provide updates and reports of my dogs walk?
A. I regularly share photos of our adventures on my social media accounts, should you wish to see what we’ve been up to. If you ever have a specific question about your dog’s walk, please feel free to get in touch. And rest assured — if I notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour or health, you will always be informed.
Q. Do you offer a discount on group walks for dogs from the same household?
A. Yes — this discount is available exclusively to VIPaws Club members. From January 2026, VIPaws members receive a reduced rate for additional dogs from the same household on group walks. Ad‑hoc clients are not eligible for this discount.
Q. What happens if I only want regular term-time walks and will therefore exceed the six-week holiday entitlement?
A. If your space becomes filled by another client, your holiday will not be deducted from your allowance. This is why providing as much notice as possible is important, as it allows time to advertise and potentially fill your space.
If you exceed your allowance, you will be offered the choice of either paying a 50% service retainer on all your regular slots not filled for the remainder of the year or becoming an ad‑hoc client and forfeiting your space.