FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • We care for the whole ecosystem - pets, people, and the planet we share. Every walk is an adventure tailored to your pet's curiosity and energy, not just a loop around the block. You'll receive personalized "Pax Playbooks" celebrating what makes your pet uniquely special, daily photo updates that capture their personality, and the peace of mind that comes from building a genuine relationship with someone who truly loves what they do. Plus, we operate sustainably and give back a percentage of profits to local animal rescue organizations.

  • Yes! We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and pet care-specific insurance that protects your pet, your home, and your peace of mind. We're also a registered LLC in Virginia.

  • I'm Pet First Aid & CPR certified through the American Red Cross and bring 15+ years of professional relationship management and stakeholder engagement experience. I hold a Master's degree in Natural Resources with a focus on systems thinking and sustainability. Most importantly, I have a lifetime of loving and learning from animals, especially my yellow lab Pax, who inspired this business.

  • Honesty is important to me: as a solo operation, my availability is my capacity. I maintain strict limits to ensure quality care and never overbook. If an emergency arises, I'll communicate immediately and work with you to find a solution. As the business grows, I'm building a trusted network of backup providers for true emergencies.

  • Every pet gets their own personalized profile celebrating what makes them uniquely themselves - personality traits and quirks, energy levels, favorite activities, communication style, comfort zones, behavioral notes, social preferences, and special care requirements. It's not just a care sheet for me; it's a celebration of your pet that you receive a copy of. We update it as I learn more about your pet over time.

  • Start by filling out our New Client Information form on the website. I'll respond to schedule a free 30-45 minute meet + greet at your home or a local park. You can also send an email request to info@paxspaws.com or call/text 804.337.2320. After we connect and create your pet's Pax Playbook, we'll finalize your booking with a service agreement. Then you're all set!

  • We understand life happens! Here's our standard policy:

    👉 48+ hours notice: Full refund
    👉 24-48 hours notice: 50% refund
    👉 Less than 24 hours: No refund (but we'll work with you on emergencies)

    ✨ For established clients with ongoing relationships, we're always happy to discuss flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

  • Yes! We offer:

    ✨ 15% off first service for friends & family
    ✨ Discounted rates for walking memberships (save $40-160/month depending on frequency)
    ✨ $25 referral credit for you + $25 off for your friend when they book
    ✨ Occasional seasonal promotions

  • Every service includes personalized attention, fresh water, daily photo/video updates, medication administration if needed, and lots of love. Specific inclusions vary by service:

    🏠 Boarding (my place): Pickup/drop-off, multiple daily walks, feeding, playtime, enrichment, couch snuggles
    🏡 House sitting (your place): Overnight stays, 2+ daily walks, feeding, playtime, home security
    🦮 Drop-in visits: Feeding, potty breaks, playtime, quick home check, text update with photo
    🐕‍🦺 Dog walks: Adventure walks with varied routes, sniff time, waste cleanup, post-walk report with photos

  • Absolutely! We offer multi-pet pricing:

    🏠 Boarding/House sitting: $10/night for each additional pet beyond the first two
    🦮Walking memberships and services can accommodate multiple dogs from the same household

    ✨ We're happy to create custom care plans for your whole furry family

  • Yes! While we specialize in dogs, we're happy to care for cats, especially in multi-pet households. Cat services include drop-in visits for feeding, litter box cleaning, playtime, and companionship. Let's discuss your cat's personality and needs during our meet + greet.

  • Safety is our top priority. I'm Cat and Dog First Aid & CPR certified by the American Red Cross and carry a fully stocked pet first aid kit. During our meet + greet, we'll establish emergency protocols including your preferred emergency vet, authorization for veterinary care, and emergency contacts. If anything concerning happens, I communicate with you immediately and take swift action to ensure your pet's wellbeing. I know the location of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet and never hesitate to seek professional care if needed.

  • I'll contact you immediately and follow your emergency care instructions. With your pre-authorization, I'll transport your pet to your preferred vet or emergency clinic if needed. Our pet care insurance covers incidents during care, and I'll stay with your pet, keep you updated throughout, and make sure they receive the attention they need.

  • Absolutely! Check out our testimonials page on the website, our Google Business reviews, and our Instagram @paxspaws for photos and stories from happy clients. I'm also happy to connect you with current clients who've agreed to serve as references during your meet + greet.

  • We're based in Richmond, VA and serve Richmond and surrounding areas. Service area is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on your location and scheduling needs. Contact us to confirm we can reach you!

  • Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    Weekends and evenings: By arrangement. We're flexible and will work with your schedule to find times that work for your family.

  • Yes! Holidays are often when you need care most. We're available for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and other holidays at our standard rates (no premium holiday pricing for established clients - though this may change as demand grows). I do block out personal time for my own travel well in advance, so early booking for major holidays is encouraged.

  • For best availability, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is ideal, especially during peak seasons (holidays, summer vacation). However, I understand life doesn't always work that way, so reach out whenever you know you need care and we'll do our best to accommodate.

  • Contact me as soon as possible! While I can't guarantee availability for last-minute requests, I'll do everything I can to help established clients in a pinch. For new clients, we'll need time for a meet + greet before your first service, but we can often arrange this within a few days if schedules align.

  • We accept:

    • Venmo, Zelle, PayPal (preferred)
    • Cash or check
    • Credit/debit card (processing fees apply)

    Payment details will be discussed during our meet + greet, and you'll receive an invoice after services are completed.

  • Payment is due at the end of service for first-time clients. Once we've established a relationship and trust, we can set up recurring billing or payment plans that work for your family's rhythm.

  • Yes! Walking memberships offer significant savings:

    8 walks per month (2x per week): 30min = $200 (save $40); 60min = $400 (save $80)
    12 walks per month (3x per week): 30min = $300 (save $60); 60min = $600 (save $120)
    16 walks per month (4x per week): 30min = $400 (save $80); 60min = $800 (save $160)

    Memberships include priority scheduling, consistent days/times, flexible make-up walks, and discounted per-walk rates.

  • Multi-pet households receive bundled pricing:

    🏠 In-Home Boarding (my place):
    One pet: $95 per night
    Two pets: $120 per night
    $10 per night for each additional pet

    🏡 House sitting (your place):
    One pet: $85 per night
    Two pets: $110 per night
    $10 per night for each additional pet

    🦮 Drop-in visits & walks:
    Contact us for custom multi-pet pricing

    We're happy to create a personalized package that works for your whole furry family!