FAQs Bookings | Dog Boarding | Pet Sitting | Don't Fret Pet

Frequently Asked Questions

About Making a Booking


It says on your website that you need 14 days notice to organise a booking. I have only just found out that I need to go away next week. Can you help me?

We will do our best to help you when you are caught out at short notice.  However, we would need you to work with us to make this happen.  The things you can do to help us are to register online, add your dog’s details, add your booking and sign our online terms and conditions.  On bookings that are starting in less than 6 business days we do require full payment at the time of making the booking.  Once we’ve found the right minder you will need to visit the minder with your dog a.s.a.p.

When I submit a booking will I be obliged to proceed?

After you submit your booking your local Pet Care Manager will contact you to discuss it.  If we feel that there is a good chance that we can find a fabulous minder to suit your dog/s requirements then we will collect a deposit.  Otherwise, submitting a booking does not put you or us under any obligation.  If we can’t find a minder with whom you are totally happy we will refund your deposit.

What are the fees?

Visit our Fees page to see the fees for your area.

What happens if I cancel after paying a deposit?

When you pay your deposit we invest a considerable amount of time looking for the best minder for your dog. We sometimes need to call several minders to see who is available. Because of this your deposit is non-refundable.  However, if we can’t find a minder that you’re happy with we will refund your deposit in full.  Please read the section on cancellations on our services page.

Can I change my dates?

Of course, however do let us know as soon as possible as it may mean that the minder we have found for you is not available for those dates.  We would then need to work quickly to organise another minder.

What sort of people mind dogs for “Don’t Fret Pet!”?

We have a variety of dog minders ranging from retired people to families with children.  We use the information you give us at the time of booking to select the right minder for your dog.  Our minders all mind dogs for the love of dogs and not for the money.  Read about how much our minders love minding dogs for “Don’t Fret Pet!”.

Can I meet the minder beforehand?

Absolutely, it is essential that you meet the minder.  That way you can go away feeling totally comfortable that your dog will be in good hands.  It is also important for the minder to meet your dog so that they can be sure that he/she will fit in with their household.  There is an even more important reason to meet in advance.  It is so that, when you drop your dog off, they are not going to a totally strange place.  They will be happier going to a place they have visited before and staying with people they have met before.

How will I know that the minder will really look after my dog?

Our minders are all carefully screened by us.  Also, as you will be meeting them in their home beforehand, you will also be able to make your own assessment.  All minders have a fully-fenced yard, must have experience with dogs and, of course, love them!  Also, if we wouldn’t leave our own dogs with the minder then we don’t take them on board.

Can my dog stay with the same minder each time?

We have some dogs who have been to the same minder over 70 times.  The minder’s home is like a second home to them.  It is important that the minder is happy to take your dog again.  You will also need to book early enough before the minder is booked up.  The main benefit of going to the same minder is that your dog will remember them.  He or she will most likely be excited to be going to stay with them again.  And you can go away knowing that you don’t have to worry at all about your dog fretting.

If I am not happy with the minder selected by you will I have my deposit refunded?

As we have been operating since 1993 we have a great team of minders.  This means that we can probably offer you an alternative minder.  If we can’t find a minder to suit your dog then we will refund your deposit.

I have two dogs. Can they stay together?

Yes, we believe that it is important for them to be together as that will help them to settle in with the minder.

What are your drop-off and pick-up times?

Our minders are very flexible about drop-off and pick-up times. This often means that you can leave your best friend for one day less than you would need to in a dog kennel.  However, it is best to deliver your dog during daylight hours so that they have time to settle in before bedtime.  We do ask that you do arrive during sociable hours unless previously agreed with your minder.  We also ask that you respect their time by calling them if you are going to be more than 15 minutes either side of the agreed drop-off or pick-up time.

Can I check up on my dog while I’m away?

You are welcome to phone or email the minder to see how your dog is settling in.  We just ask that, if you do phone, you call at a reasonable hour.

My dog sleeps inside. Do you cater for this?

We know how important it is for dogs to have a similar environment as at home.  So, if your dog sleeps inside, he/she will definitely sleep inside when staying with our minder.  Some dogs even get to sleep on the bed!

What do I need to provide?

You send along the food that your dog usually eats at home.  This will prevent an upset tummy due to a change of diet.  You also send along your dog’s bedding so that he/she has something familiar from home.  Also pack his/her bowls, lead and favourite toys.  It may also be a good idea to include an old t-shirt that you have worn the day before.  This will ensure that he/she has your familiar smell around.

What happens if my pet becomes ill or is injured?

We will take your pet to his/her regular vet.  In the case of an emergency we will take him/her to the nearest vet.  We will, of course, keep you up to date.

What safety precautions do you take when walking my dog?

When our minder walks your dog they will keep him/her on a lead at all times.  As a backup, we attach a bright yellow tag to your dog’s collar from the moment they arrive until they leave to go home with you.  Boomerang-ID provide a 24/7 security service for dog owners.  Make sure you deliver your dog to our minder wearing a secure collar so that we can attach the tag.

How do I book my dog in with a “Don’t Fret Pet!” minder?

Go to our Online Booking Form and complete the form.  After you submit your booking your local Pet Care Manager will contact you to discuss it.  If we feel that we can find a fabulous minder to suit your dog/s requirements then we will collect a deposit.  This will enable us to start working on finding the best minder for your dog.

How can I pay for my booking?

You can pay either online or over the phone with your credit card (Mastercard or Visa).  All credit card payments are processed via eWay which is a secure and reliable online payment gateway.

Alternatively, you can transfer payment into our account via online transfer or over the counter at a bank.

When is payment due?

In order for us to hold your dog’s fabulous minder for you we need payment 14 days prior to the commencement of your booking.

I think my dog would enjoy having other dogs come to say. How do I go about becoming a minder?

Have look at our minder information page on this site and then contact us if you would like to proceed