Question 1

How much does dog walking cost in Houston?

Accepted Answer

Shaggy Chic charges $35 for a 30-minute solo neighborhood walk. That price includes GPS tracking, a full visit report with photos, and the peace of mind that comes with a W-2 employee, not a stranger from a gig app. There are no hidden fees or surge pricing.

Question 2

What neighborhoods in Houston do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Greater Heights (77008, and portions of 77009 and 77007, north of I-10 and west of I-45), Garden Oaks, Oak Forest (77018, 77092, 77008, 77091), Spring Branch (77055, 77080, 77043, 77041), Timbergrove, and Lazybrook, all inside the loop of Beltway 8. If you're on the edge of one of these areas, reach out. We may be able to accommodate you.

Question 3

Do you offer overnight pet sitting in Houston?

Accepted Answer

We offer two in-home options: Staycations ($235 which includes 10 hours of overnight care) and Almost Overnights ($150 which includes extended visits for evening and morning coverage). Both are in your home, in your dog's routine, providing ultimate comfort.

Question 4

How is Shaggy Chic different from Rover or Wag?

Accepted Answer

Rover and Wag are gig marketplaces. They connect you with 1099 contractors and cannot legally mandate their training or conduct. Shaggy Chic's sitters are W-2 employees: background-checked, Fear Free Certified, covered under commercial insurance, and held to real standards. You also get a direct line to Kristen, the owner, not a support ticket.

Question 5

Are you insured and bonded?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shaggy Chic Pet Services carries full commercial liability insurance and bonding. Every sitter is also covered under our workers' compensation policy. We take the safety of your home and your pets seriously.

Question 6

What is a Meet & Greet?

Accepted Answer

Before any service begins, we schedule a free Meet & Greet at your home. You meet a member or two of the Shaggy Chic team, we'll gather information on your pet's routine, record where everything lives, and most importantly, curate the best plan that supports your pet's emotional needs. We'll introduce you to our software and show you how easy it is to work with us. We can't wait to meet you!

Question 7

Will my dog always work with the same walker?

Accepted Answer

We are proudly team based! That means we can guarantee a professional member of our staff will always be able to fulfill your booking. We carefully log your pet's routine, quirks, and personality on our software for the entire team to be informed. While we do our best to keep visits consistent, specific walker assignment per visit isn't guaranteed. What is guaranteed: every person who walks through your door is a familiar Shaggy Chic employee: background-checked, insured, and Fear Free Certified. Never a stranger from an app.

Question 8

How do you handle house keys?

Accepted Answer

We are keyless! If your home does not have keyless entry (smart lock or keypad), we encourage the purchase of a lockbox. On-site entry allows for seamless operations, eliminates any risk of key issues, and is the safer alternative to juggling multiple physical keys.

Question 9

What happens if my dog gets sick or injured during a walk?

Accepted Answer

Kristen and every team member are Pet First Aid + CPR certified. In an emergency, we immediately contact you (and your emergency contact if you're unreachable) and transport your pet to your preferred vet or the nearest emergency clinic. We never leave your pet alone in a crisis.

Question 10

Are your sitters employees or independent contractors?

Accepted Answer

All Shaggy Chic team members are W-2 employees. This means they are fully covered under our insurance and workers' comp, they pass thorough background checks, and we can legally mandate their training, schedules, and care standards, something gig platforms cannot legally do with 1099 contractors.

Question 11

What is Fear Free Certified?

Accepted Answer

Fear Free is a certification program (originally developed for veterinary professionals) that trains pet care providers to recognize and reduce signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in animals. This is a movement we feel is necessary to move animal welfare and the entire pet care industry forward. We use positive reinforcement, gentle handling, and go at your dog's pace. We vow to never use force or punishment, we'll always honor your pet's communications.

Question 12

Do you walk dogs in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with modifications that honor safety first. In Houston summers, we shift walks to early morning to avoid heat stroke risk, and we always bring water. In heavy rain, we shorten the outdoor portion and supplement with indoor enrichment. We will never skip a scheduled visit and will always aim to adapt. As long as the roads allow for our team's safe travel, we operate rain or shine.

Question 13

Can you care for cats and other pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are cat lovers, too! While dog walking and dog sitting are our primary focus, we also provide visits for cats, litter box service, and feeding/watering for small caged pets.

Question 14

How do I get started with Shaggy Chic?

Accepted Answer

Fill out our contact form or call/text Kristen directly at 832-868-8430. We'll respond within one business day to schedule your free Meet & Greet. Service typically begins within a week of that first meeting.

Question 15

Do you offer dog walking for puppies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with appropriate care. Puppies under six months need shorter, more frequent outings rather than a single 30-minute walk. We'll work with your vet's guidance and your puppy's vaccination status to build a schedule that's safe and developmentally appropriate.

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