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 reliable, in-home pet sitting and dog walking throughout Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. Below are answers to the most common questions local pet parents ask before booking.

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

  • Covered by liability and workers’ compensation insurance

Many of our pet sitters and dog walkers have been with us one year or longer, with some serving Hampton Roads families for six years or more. This consistency allows us to provide dependable, relationship-based pet care in your home.

How will I know my pet sitter or dog walker completed the visit?

We use Time to Pet, professional pet care software trusted by established pet sitting companies nationwide.

For every visit, clients receive:

  • A personalized message about your pet

  • Detailed visit reports

  • Photos and/or videos of their pet

Whether you’re at work or traveling, you’ll always know your pet’s care was completed as scheduled.

How do you customize pet care for each dog or pet?

Every new client begins with an in-home meet & greet. This allows us to:

  • Introduce your pet to their assigned care team

  • Review routines, feeding schedules, walking preferences, and medications

  • Discuss personality, training rules, and special considerations

Clients can also upload detailed care instructions directly into Time to Pet. We operate as a team-based pet care service, meaning backup staff and senior team members are always available if needed. Both owners, Lara and David, are actively involved and accessible.

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 allows us time to:

  • Assign the best-fit pet sitter or dog walker

  • Schedule your meet & greet

  • Ensure seamless coverage

Advanced booking helps us maintain high standards of care.

What happens if there is an emergency while I’m away?

Stable Hands is licensed, bonded, and insured. In the event of an emergency:

1. We contact the client immediately
2. We assess the situation
3. We proceed with the agreed-upon emergency plan or veterinary care

With over 10 years of professional pet sitting experience, we’ve handled everything from urgent vet visits to overnight monitoring for pets in distress. Your pet’s safety and comfort always come first.

Do you provide puppy care in Hampton Roads?

Yes. Puppy care is typically scheduled as two visits per day, spaced about four hours apart. This approach supports:

  • Consistent potty training

  • Feeding routines

  • Age-appropriate play and enrichment

This structure is ideal for working pet parents in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake.

Can you care for senior dogs or pets with special needs?

Absolutely. Senior and special-needs pets receive custom care plans built around their abilities, comfort, and medical requirements.

We understand that caring for aging pets requires patience, observation, and respect. Our goal is to support your pet’s quality of life while meeting their daily needs with dignity.

Can your pet sitters administer medication?

Yes. We are experienced in administering a wide range of medications, including:

  • Pills and capsules

  • Liquid medications

  • Insulin injections

  • Sub-cutaneous fluids

Medication needs are reviewed during the meet & greet to ensure safe and confident care.

What is included in a professional dog walk?

Our dog walking services focus on safety, exercise, and enrichment. Walks may be structured as:

  • Potty breaks

  • Midday exercise walks

We allow appropriate sniffing and exploration, as scent-based engagement is an important part of canine mental health—while still keeping the walk purposeful and controlled.

Do you work with dogs that need special handling on walks?

Yes. We regularly walk dogs who are:

  • Strong pullers

  • Anxious or overstimulated

  • Seniors with mobility limitations

During the meet & greet, we discuss leash handling, triggers, and walking goals so your dog is matched with the right team member.

Looking for a Trusted Pet Sitter or Dog Walker in Hampton Roads?

If you’re searching for professional pet sitting or dog walking in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, Stable Hands Pet Care & Services is here to help.

👉 Schedule a meet & greet today and partner with a team that treats your pet like family.

Schedule A Meet & Greet