Dog Walking & Pet sitting Faq Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk
Frequently Asked Questions About our dog walking and pet sitting services
Stable Hands Pet Care & Services provides professional, in-home pet sitting and dog walking throughout Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. Below are answers to common questions about our services, care standards, and booking process.
How do you vet and train your pet sitters and dog walkers?
All Stable Hands pet care professionals are employees, not independent contractors. Every team member is background checked, fully onboarded and trained, and covered by liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Many of our team members have been with us for a year or longer, with some serving Hampton Roads families for six years or more. That longevity supports consistent, dependable care and allows us to build real familiarity with your pet and home.
How will I know my pet sitter or dog walker completed the visit?
We use professional pet care software to document every visit clearly and consistently.
After each visit, you’ll receive a detailed report that includes notes about your pet, care completed, and photos or videos. You’ll have clear confirmation that your pet’s routine was followed as scheduled, whether you’re at work or traveling.
How do you customize pet care for each pet?
Every new client begins with an in-home meet and greet. During that visit, we review your pet’s routine, feeding schedule, walking preferences, medications, and any behavioral or household guidelines that matter to you.
Care details are documented clearly so your assigned care team can follow them consistently. As a team-based service, trained backup support is always available, and both owners remain actively involved to ensure continuity and oversight.
How far in advance should I book pet sitting or dog walking services?
For new clients in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, we recommend booking at least one week in advance. This gives us time to schedule your in-home meet and greet and assign the appropriate care team.
Advance booking allows us to maintain consistent coverage and high standards of care, especially during busy travel seasons.
What happens if there is an emergency while I’m away?
Stable Hands is licensed, bonded, and insured. If an emergency occurs, we contact you immediately and take appropriate action based on the care plan and veterinary instructions you’ve provided.
When necessary, we coordinate directly with your veterinarian to ensure timely treatment. With over 10 years of professional pet sitting experience, we are prepared to respond calmly and decisively while keeping you informed.
Your pet’s safety and well-being remain our highest priority.
What happens if my trip is extended due to weather or travel delays?
If your return is delayed, we continue care according to your established routine until you are able to return. We monitor communication closely and adjust scheduling as needed to ensure uninterrupted coverage.
Because travel disruptions are common in Hampton Roads during storm season, we encourage clients to share contingency plans in advance. Our team is structured to provide consistent care even when plans change unexpectedly.
Do you provide puppy care in Hampton Roads?
Yes. Puppy care is scheduled as two visits per day, spaced approximately four hours apart. This schedule supports consistent potty training, feeding routines, and age-appropriate enrichment.
It is especially helpful for working pet parents in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake who want structure maintained during the workday.
Can you care for senior or special needs Pets?
Yes. Senior and special-needs pets receive individualized care plans tailored to their mobility, medical requirements, and daily comfort.
We follow detailed instructions closely and monitor changes in behavior, appetite, and overall condition. Our goal is to support your pet’s quality of life while meeting daily needs with patience, attentiveness, and professionalism.
Do you provide in-home care for cats?
Yes. We provide in-home cat sitting that maintains feeding routines, litter box care, and daily monitoring while you’re away.
Cats often thrive when able to remain in their familiar environment. Our visits focus on consistency, cleanliness, and attentive observation to ensure your cat remains comfortable and secure.
Can your pet sitters and dog walkers administer medication?
Yes. Our team is experienced in administering a wide range of medications, including oral medications, liquid prescriptions, insulin injections, and subcutaneous fluids.
Medication instructions are reviewed carefully during the in-home meet and greet to ensure accuracy and consistency in your pet’s care.
What is included in a professional dog walk?
Our dog walking services focus on safety, structured exercise, and mental enrichment. Walks are scheduled as either focused potty breaks or dedicated midday exercise sessions, depending on your dog’s needs.
We allow appropriate sniffing and exploration, as scent-based engagement supports canine mental health, while maintaining steady, controlled handling throughout the walk.
Do you work with dogs that need special handling on walks?
Yes. We regularly walk dogs who pull strongly, become anxious or overstimulated, or have mobility limitations.
During the in-home meet and greet, we review leash handling, known triggers, and walking expectations so each dog is matched with a team member experienced in managing those needs safely and confidently.
Looking for a Trusted Pet Sitter or Dog Walker in Hampton Roads?
If you’re seeking professional pet sitting or dog walking in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, Stable Hands Pet Care & Services is ready to support your pet’s routine with consistent, dependable care.
Schedule your in-home meet and greet to get started.