FAQ

šŸ¾ Hound Mates | Frequently Asked Questions

1. Local Dog Walking & Socialisation

Are you Auckland Council Approved? Yes, we are. Hound Mates is an officially Auckland Council Approved Dog Walking service. This means we are vetted to operate in local parks and stay up to date with all regional bylaws and professional standards.

How do you ensure a happy group dynamic? We focus on "quality over quantity." Every dog is assessed individually before joining a group to ensure they have the right temperament for social play. We hand-pick our packs (maximum of 5 dogs) based on energy levels and personalities to keep the vibe relaxed and fun. If a group setting isn't the right fit for your pup, we offer Solo Walks as a specialised alternative.

Where do you offer walking services? We are local specialists in The Bays and Central Auckland. Youā€™ll find us adventuring through:

  • The Bays: Orakei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Glendowie, and Wai o Taiki Bay.

  • The Hub: Remuera, Meadowbank, St Johns, Stonefields, Parnell, Epsom, Mt Eden, Newmarket, and Greenlane.

2. In-Home Doggy Minding & Pet Sitting

What is "In-Home Doggy Minding"? It is a professional alternative to a kennel. We visit your pet in their own home to maintain their usual routine and reduce stress. This includes feeding, fresh water, administering any required medication, and plenty of companionship. We also take care of the basics like clearing the letterbox and tidying pet waste.

How do you handle security and insurance? We treat your home and privacy with the highest level of care. We use a secure, unlabelled key management system for all home entries. Hound Mates holds Business Liability Insurance for our operations; this coverage is subject to our insurerā€™s standard terms and approvals. If you would like to understand our specific cover amounts or what is included under our policy, please contact us directly and weā€™ll be happy to discuss the details with you.

3. North Island-Wide Transport

Where can you transport my pet? While our daily walks are local, our transport service moves pets throughout the North Islandā€”including Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupō, and Wellington.

What is the travel environment like? We travel in a purpose-built, ventilated van with a maximum of 5 animals per trip to ensure attentive care. Each pet has its own sanitised crate with non-slip mats. We hit the road on Friday afternoons and weekends. You are welcome to provide a familiar blanket for the journey (please ensure these are non-choking types for safety).

4. Health, Safety & Bookings

What is required before the first visit? To maintain a safe environment for all pets in our care, we require the following at least 72 hours before your booking:

  • Documentation: A copy of your current Vaccination Certificate and Council Registration.

  • Identification: Your dog must be wearing their current council tag.

  • Details: Completion of our online Registration Form, including vet details and any known health or behavioural history.

Can you decline a booking? To ensure the safety of our team and the animals in our care, Hound Mates Limited reserves the right to refuse the provision of any services or products at our sole discretion.

What are your booking terms?Ā 

To manage our small group sizes and travel schedule, we require full payment at the time of booking. We understand plans change, but because we hold a spot for your mate, the following cancellation terms apply:

  • More than 24 hoursā€™ notice: You will receive a 50% refund.

  • Less than 24 hoursā€™ notice: The full fee applies, and no refund is provided.

Who is responsible for my pet's health? It is the owner's responsibility to ensure their pet is fit and healthy for exercise or travel. Please disclose any medical conditions or medications during booking so we can provide the most appropriate care for your mate.