Scamps provides professional, inclusive, consistent, care for pets in Cedar Cottage, according to owner instructions. Here’s how we keep up with 100 families a month.
Communication
For booking, payment, and storing personal information, our website is a secured, password protected platform that families and our staff use to schedule appointments. We do NOT store credit card information. We use email for payment receipts and to share company updates and policy info.
On the fly, we use Whataspp whenever possible, to make groups for pet families to coordinate with walkers and share updates, photos, and videos. Seeing your pup having fun and playing with friends will be the best part of your day. When it’s not possible, we will text.
Whatsapp is free and extremely versatile so we love it, but you can choose how you communicate with us below.
Disclosure: Accidents May Occur
Scamps staff have safety and communication protocols, and always follow owner instructions, however, we request your acknowledgement that when working with animals (and people) accidents may yet occur, including:
- Animal Escape
- Injury
- Attack
- Equipment Loss
- Property Damage
- Etc.
Please Note: Owners retain responsibility for their own pets, including decision-making and vet costs, even while in our care.
Prevention First
To reduce the risks as much as possible, our staff are trained in animal first aid and safe pack walking, and have (password protected) access to pet family contact information at all times. We promise to keep you informed about your pets.
We hold all personal information about your family and pet in highest confidentiality, and depend on your openness regarding your pets’ behaviour and health considerations to keep everyone safe.
Behaviour Guidance
We treat all dogs (and humans) with unconditional positive regard, but extremely disruptive behaviour, such as excessive barking, dominance games, and unsafe walking, are not allowed. We always use social training to show them what they should do, and give lots of chances to get it right.
When behaviour persists, we use our experience and relationships with the dogs to determine the cause, and may add humane, measured, consequences to reduce it. This may include secluding the animal from the group so they can reset (in a crate), physical corrections to let them know the problem (bark collar or deterrents), and safe and appropriate prevention devices (such as muzzles).
Consequences, Not Punishment
Using tools and staying calm while correcting behaviour leaves no scars. It’s called training. We never physically or emotionally punish an animal (or human) for making a bad choice. We teach them to play and express themselves safely, and to feel confident in their environment and among their peers. This comes from clear, consistent expectations, with fair, reliable, consequences for unsafe behaviour.
Want a glimpse into how we do it? Check out our Staff Manual for Managing Pack Walks.
Emergency Response
If an accident occurs and an animal is injured we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
- For injury requiring stabilizing veterinary care, Scamps staff will contact owners for permission to take pets to Trout Lake Animal Hospital.
- For non-life threatening injuries (ie: pets are stable and resting), owners should collect them as soon as possible.
Follow Up
After any such incident, a follow up assessment of the situation will be conducted and shared with owners within 24 hours. We retain records in order to improve our policies and prevent recurrence.
Safe and Controlled Home Access
We appreciate the responsibility of accessing your home, and promise to safeguard it to the best of our ability at all times. Keys provided to Scamps are numbered and kept secure, with no identifying mention of the address, owners, or dogs to whom they belong. Access is limited to contracted Scamps staff, who collect keys and equipment prior to each walk, and return them at the end.
If a key becomes lost and/or we are unable to access the home during the requested time frame, we will contact you for next steps and will work with you to resolve the issue as smoothly as possible.
Any accidents or incidents will be reported to you within 3 hours.
Equipment & Supplies on the Walks
Scamps walkers always carry a cell phone for communication and a locking hook to secure the dogs in the case of an emergency. We use our own easy-to-hold 4′ leashes, and provide poop bags. We don’t usually give treats on the walk.
We require that dogs wear a martingale-type collar or harness, which are inescapable, and we will provide such equipment for a $2 rental fee (waived for your first month).
Costs & ServiceFees
Walks, baths, and socializing are always on the agenda, and you can book them and pay online with a credit card, or by making a request and paying with e-transfer. We also have a debit machine in the centre. And we love cash 😉
As your neighbourhood pet place, we’re happy to support pet families with additional services, for a small additional fee, including:
- home pick-up and drop-off – $5/direction
- same day appointments – $5 admin fee
- off-hour walk requests – $10 for outside of 9 – 10am, 12 – 2pm, & 4 – 5pm
- administration of medication – $10/day (including reporting)
- extended hours – $10 for 7:30am – 9am and 6pm – 8pm
- food provision* – $8/day
- equipment rental – $2/day
Service fees are tracked and invoiced at the end of the month, due upon receipt.
Monthly Membership for $45
All the service fees are waived if you’re a monthly member, plus you get free nail trims, discounted hours, and our deepest appreciation! Thank you for your support. Click here to join.
