Frequently Asked Questions
A few of the questions I’m asked most often about services, bookings, pet care and how Paws N Whiskers works.
What types of services do you offer?
I offer a range of in-home pet care services including:
- Dog walking
- Pet visits and drop-ins
- Stay & Play daytime care
- Overnight pet sitting for existing clients
- Pawdicure nail trims for suitable existing clients
- Vet Buddy
- Pet Chauffeur
If you’re unsure which service is best suited to your pet, I’m always happy to help you work out the best option.
How many visits per day does my pet need?
This depends on your pet, their routine and whether they have secure outdoor access.
Dogs with secure outdoor access may be comfortable with 1–2 visits per day, although I generally recommend two where possible so they still receive regular human interaction and companionship.
Dogs without outdoor access require a minimum of 3 visits per day, as they need regular opportunities to toilet and shouldn't be left for excessively long periods.
Visits can also be mixed and matched. For example, a Paw Stop in the morning followed by an Express Paw Stop later in the day.
What's included in a pet visit?
This depends on the service booked, but care can include feeding, fresh water, toilet or litter care, medication, enrichment, playtime, cuddles, exercise and general wellbeing checks.
I tailor each visit to your pet's individual routine and needs, with photo updates provided during care.
Do you use treats, and are they suitable for pets with allergies?
I’m selective about the treats I use and aim to choose high-quality, low allergen-risk options wherever possible.
For dogs, I commonly use single-protein treats such as kangaroo and fish. I may also carry other options such as chicken or peanut butter, but these are only used where appropriate and are avoided where known allergies or sensitivities are present.
For cats, I use high-value treats such as Churu where appropriate to support positive, low-stress handling.
I’m always happy to use owner-provided treats to suit your pet’s individual dietary requirements.
How do you handle nervous, anxious or difficult pets?
I use low-stress handling techniques and take a patient, gentle approach to building trust with each pet.
Where appropriate, I may use calming aids such as pheromone products to help create a more comfortable environment.
My veterinary nursing background also means I'm comfortable recognising when a pet is becoming stressed and adjusting handling accordingly.
Does my pet need to be friendly?
Your pet doesn't need to be overly social or immediately comfortable with new people, but I do need to be able to safely provide their care.
Please let me know about any behavioural concerns, reactivity, aggression or handling difficulties before booking so I can assess the situation and plan appropriately.
Can you care for pets with medical needs?
Yes. I am a qualified Veterinary Nurse with hands-on experience caring for animals with medical needs and administering medications.
Routine medication administration is included where it can be carried out safely and without significant additional handling.
Additional charges may apply where care becomes medically or behaviourally complex, requires intensive monitoring or significantly increases the time and responsibility involved.
Do you offer discounts?
My standard pricing reflects the time, care and professional service provided.
However, multiple visits within the same booking receive a discounted rate, and some services can be combined to create a more practical care schedule.
See the Travel & Visit Guidelines for more information.
Do you charge extra on public holidays?
Yes. A 30% public holiday surcharge applies to services booked on public holidays.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments can be made through Time To Pet, by bank transfer, card or cash where applicable.
Are there additional travel fees?
Travel is included within 5 km of my Mambourin base. Travel fees apply beyond this radius and are calculated per visit where applicable.
Full details are available on the Travel & Visit Guidelines page.
How do I book?
All bookings are now managed through the Paws N Whiskers Client Portal.
New clients can create an account and request their first service through the portal.
Existing clients can log in to request new services, manage bookings and view visit reports and invoices.
Do you offer meet & greets?
Yes. I offer free meet & greets so we can make sure we're the right fit and go over your pet's routine, personality, needs and care requirements before their first booking.
How far in advance should I book?
I recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for school holidays, public holidays and other peak periods, as availability can fill quickly.
My current availability can be viewed on the Availability page .
What area do you service?
I am based in Mambourin and service Wyndham City, Melton City and Hobsons Bay.
Travel fees may apply depending on the distance from my base. If you're unsure whether your property falls within my service area, you're welcome to get in touch.
Why should I choose Paws N Whiskers Pet Care?
I am a qualified Veterinary Nurse with hands-on experience in animal care, medical handling and low-stress handling.
I take a professional, personalised approach to every pet, focusing on their individual needs, comfort and wellbeing rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
My goal is to give both pets and their owners peace of mind, knowing their animals are being cared for safely, respectfully and with genuine attention to their individual needs.
Still Have a Question?
If you can't find what you're looking for here, you're welcome to get in touch. I'm always happy to answer questions about your pet's individual needs or help you work out which service is right for you.
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