FAQ
Why should I use Happy Tails Pet Care?
Happy Tails Pet Care provides dependable, professional dog walking in Columbus, Ohio, built for busy professionals who want peace of mind and time back in their day. Whether you have a high-energy pup who needs daily exercise or a senior dog who thrives on routine, our bonded and insured team delivers consistent, one-on-one care tailored to your pet’s needs.
Unlike hobby sitters or neighborhood helpers, Happy Tails is a trusted, established company with over 12 years of experience, long-term staff, and an extensive training program that ensures standardized, high-quality care in every home. Our GPS-tracked walks, detailed visit reports, and photo updates let you stay connected while we handle the rest.
Dog walking is our core service, but our recurring clients also enjoy exclusive access to travel care options—including in-home pet sitting, vacation visits, and overnight stays—delivered by the same reliable team your pets already know and love. At Happy Tails, we treat your pets like family and give you the freedom to focus on your busy life, knowing they’re in expert hands.
What is the minimum requirement for dog walking to gain access to other services?
To access our exclusive travel care services (including in-home sitting, vacation visits, and boarding), clients must maintain a consistent weekly dog walking schedule of at least 2 walks per week. This allows us to build a strong relationship with your dog and ensure they’re comfortable with the same familiar sitter when you travel.
Can I meet with you before I make a booking?
Yes! We begin every client relationship with a complimentary meet and greet to ensure we’re a great fit for your family. During this visit, we’ll get to know your pets, answer questions, and walk through our process. All new clients must submit an application and go through our approval process before services begin.
What does Happy Tails need from me for a booking?
Our online booking system, Time To Pet, allows our customers to create a client portal where they can update their home and pet information. All we need from you before requesting a booking is a meet and greet and updated client profile.
Do you walk dogs in groups?
No. All of our walks are one-on-one to ensure your dog gets the full attention and care they deserve.
How will I know how the visit went?
After every visit, you’ll receive a GPS-tracked report with notes, photos, and updates via the Time To Pet app.
Will the same dog walker come every time?
At Happy Tails, we operate as a team-based service, so we do not guarantee that the same walker or sitter will always visit your home. However, you’ll notice consistency and familiar faces, as many of our team members have regular routes in the same neighborhoods.
All of our staff are trained in standardized care protocols, allowing any Happy Tails team member to step into your home and provide the same high-quality, reliable experience every time. Our system, notes, and GPS tracking ensure your pet’s routine is followed seamlessly, no matter who’s on duty.
How are you different from other dog-walking and pet-sitting services?
We’re not just another pet sitter marketplace. At Happy Tails, we’ve spent over a decade building a standardized system that delivers consistent care every time. Our sitters don’t set their own rates or operate independently—everything is managed and supported by our professional team.
Unlike many services, we focus on long-term dog walking relationships, allowing our clients access to a full suite of services through sitters their pets already know. We also guarantee coverage—no last-minute cancellations or sitter no-shows here.
What services are available to walking clients?
Clients on a recurring walking schedule (minimum 2x/week) receive exclusive access to:
In-home vacation visits
Home Stay/Overnight care/Guardian Care
Do you operate on holidays?
Yes! We provide services 365 days a year! Please refer to our policies page for more information of holiday services and fees.
Are You Bonded and Insured?
Absolutely. Happy Tails is fully bonded and insured, giving you peace of mind that both your pets and your home are protected. You can feel confident knowing our team operates with professionalism, accountability, and care at every visit.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Columbus, including Worthington, Westerville, New Albany, Dublin, Clintonville, Upper Arlington, and surrounding neighborhoods. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, reach out—we’re happy to confirm!
How quickly can we get started with dog walking?
Once you complete the free Meet & Greet, submit the client profile in our portal, and we approve your application, we can often begin walks within 24–72 hours (depending on availability and your neighborhood).
How do you handle bad weather or unsafe walking conditions?
We monitor conditions and will adapt accordingly — for example shortened walks during extreme heat, alternate indoor play if heavy rain or storms, or cancel for extreme conditions while offering a credit/reschedule. Safety is our top priority.
What if my dog is not house-trained or has other behavioral issues?
We can accommodate many behaviorally challenging dogs, but aggression, biting, or unsafe leash behaviour requires evaluation. For dogs not yet house trained, we’ll work with you to build a custom walk plan and crate/house break routine.