FAQs
Here at Irma Leads the Way, we understand that you may have concerns about the safety and well-being of your four-legged friend. That's why we've compiled answers to some key questions to help ease your mind. If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to contact us! We're always here to help.
What areas do you cover? We cover West Oxford including Botley, Cumnor and Farmoor. If you are unsure whether we cover your location, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Are you insured? Yes, we are fully insured with public liability insurance specifically for dog walking and pet care.
Are you DBS checked? Yes, we are fully DBS checked for your peace of mind.
Are you first aid trained? Yes, we are trained in pet first aid, human first aid, and dog behaviour, helping us provide safe and responsible care for your dog.
What services do you provide? We provide individual dog walks, group walks, and drop-in visits. We can tailor our care to suit your dog’s personality, age, energy levels, and needs.
What equipment do you provide? We carry essentials including first-aid kits, water, waste bags, towels, and spare leads. We use secure leads and equipment suitable for each dog.
**We will not walk dogs that are not microchipped or do not have a collar with ID tag as this is a legal requirement**
Do we need a meet & greet first? Absolutely—it's free and essential! We meet you and your dog at home or a neutral spot to discuss routines, keys, vet info, and see how everyone gets along.
How do I book walks with Irma Leads the Way? Easy online booking via our website, email, or phone. We recommend starting with a free meet & greet to introduce your pup to Irma!
How far in advance do I need to book? While we do last-minute requests when possible, it's best for regular/recurring walks to book 1–2 weeks ahead to help secure your preferred times. Same-day often available depending on our schedule.
What are your walk times and availability? Typically 7am–6pm on weekdays, with flexible start times. We can accommodate early mornings or evenings in some cases—let us know your needs!
Do you offer recurring or one-off walks? Both! Many clients love weekly routines for consistency, but we happily do one-time or occasional walks too. *Priority for regular and pre-booked clients.
What do I need to provide? Leash/harness (or we can use ours), treats if on special diet, and any special instructions (meds, allergies, etc.).
Can you pick up/drop off my dog? Yes, home collection included for convenience—no extra charge in most Oxford areas.
What is your cancellation/no-show policy? We understand things happen without notice and life can change in a heartbeat. Full cancellations made with 24+ hours' notice are free. Late cancellations (under 24 hours' notice) incur a 50% charge. No fee is charged if a service is successfully rescheduled within 12 hours of the original booking.
What if you're unavailable (e.g., illness or holiday)? We plan ahead and notify clients early. Backup options or rescheduling are arranged to minimise disruption.
Cash – payable on the day of your dog’s walk or visit.
Bank Transfer – details provided when your booking is confirmed.
*Payment is required before or on the day of your scheduled service unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed in advance.
How long are the walks? Standard walks are 30–60 minutes depending on whether you booked a solo or group session. We focus on quality exercise, mental stimulation, and fun—tailored to your dog's age, energy, and needs.
Do you do solo walks or group walks? We offer both: private solo walks for shy/special-needs dogs, or small supervised group walks (usually 4 dogs max)
What happens if my dog needs special handling (e.g., puller, anxious, senior, reactive)? We are experienced with all types—we adapt routes, use gentle tools if needed (Halti or full harness), and give extra attention. We discuss this at the meet & greet to ensure it's a great fit.
Do you provide updates or photos during/after walks? Yes! You'll get a quick report via WhatsApp after each walk (time, distance, behaviour notes, toilet success) plus fun photos/videos of your pup enjoying Oxford's parks. With your permission, we may also use photos of your dog for our website, social media, and future marketing. Your dog's privacy and comfort always come first, and we will never share photos without your approval.
What if the weather is bad? We walk in most conditions (dogs love it!), but we shorten or adjust for extreme rain/cold/heat to keep everyone safe and comfy. When it is extreme heat we can replace the walk with a fun filled drop in visit to make sure your dog is safe and stimulated.
What happens if my dog becomes ill or injured while with you? Your dog’s safety is our priority. We will contact you immediately and, if needed, seek veterinary assistance. We always follow your agreed emergency care instructions.
Can you administer medication? Yes, depending on the medication and requirements. Please discuss your dog’s needs with us before booking.
Questions not covered here? Reach out—we're always happy to chat about your dog's needs!