Frequently Asked Questions 

We understand that you may have questions about our dog walking services in Hilo. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us!

About Our Packages:

• Tell me more about the 🌞 Small Kine Kruz Walk (Weekday Favorite!) This is our go-to weekday walk! It's a full hour, perfect for active dogs who need to burn off energy while you're busy. We ensure they receive plenty of sniffing time and hydration breaks. You'll even get a post-walk update with the distance covered and some happy snapshots! It's ideal for dogs that need a good energy release during the workweek.

• What's included in the 🏖️ Weekend Aloha Hustle Package (2 Walks/Weekend)? This package is all about weekend adventures! Your pup will enjoy two separate 1-hour walks on the weekend, exploring routes like local parks or trails (where appropriate and safe). We'll still include hydration breaks and sniffing time, and you'll get fun post-walk updates. It's ideal for adventurous dogs who love seeing new sights on the weekends.

• How does the 🌊 Big Island Breeze Package (3 Walks/Week) work? This package provides consistent exercise three times a week, perfect for medium-energy dogs who thrive on a routine without a daily commitment. Each walk is approximately one hour long and includes hydration breaks, fun exploration, and post-walk updates to keep you informed.

• What is the 🤙 Ohana Social Pack (4 Group Walks/Month) all about? This is for your social butterfly of a dog! These are 1-hour group walks held on weekends, allowing your well-mannered pup to socialize and exercise with other furry friends in a small, supervised setting. After each walk, you'll get updates on the fun highlights and group dynamics.

• Tell me about the 🌅 Pau Hana Paws Package (5 Walks/Week). This is our weekday superstar! Your dog will get a 1-hour walk every weekday, making it perfect for busy pet parents who want consistent and reliable care to burn energy and prevent boredom. We'll keep you updated with hydration breaks, distance tracking, and adorable snapshots of their daily adventures.

• What are the benefits of the 🌸 Ultimate Aloha Subscription (10 Walks/Month)? This is our best value for consistent care, offering the most flexibility. You receive ten 1-hour walks per month, which you can mix and match between weekdays and weekends. It's ideal for busy pet parents who want a reliable schedule and even guaranteed availability during busier times.

General Questions About Our Services:

•  What areas of Hilo do you serve?

We proudly serve most neighborhoods within Hilo, including Downtown Hilo, Puainako, Waiakea, Keaukaha, and parts of Panaewa.

• What types of dog walking services do you offer?

We offer a range of services tailored to your dog's needs, including individual walks (perfect for focused attention), small group walks (ideal for socialization), puppy visits (for essential potty breaks and gentle playtime), and gentle senior dog walks (paced for comfort and well-being).

• How long are your dog walks?

Our standard walking duration is 60 minutes. We understand every dog is different, so we're happy to discuss customized walk lengths to best suit your dog's energy level and your schedule.

• Do you offer other pet care services besides walking?

Yes! In addition to dog walking, drop-in visits for feeding, playtime, and those essential check-ins when you're away.

• What happens during a typical dog walk?

A typical walk with Hilo's Best Dog Walking Service starts with a punctual pick-up from your home. We want to make sure your dog is securely leashed and then head out for an engaging walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park. We focus on providing beneficial exercise, exciting sniffing opportunities, and positive reinforcement throughout the walk. After their adventure, we make sure your dog has fresh water and is safely back home. We love to share the fun, so we can also send you a text update and even some photos of their walk!

• Do you walk dogs in all weather conditions?

Being in our beautiful Hilo, we're accustomed to the occasional shower! We will happily walk dogs in light rain. However, for heavy downpours or severe weather conditions, your dog's safety is our utmost priority, and we may need to shorten or reschedule the walk. We will always let you know of any weather-related adjustments.

• Where do you typically walk the dogs?

We take advantage of the fantastic walking environments Hilo has to offer, including the safe streets of your neighborhood, the scenic paths of local parks, and even some dog-friendly trails. We're always mindful of leash laws and strive to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for your dog.

• Can you accommodate dogs with special needs?

Yes, we are happy to discuss how we can best accommodate dogs with special needs, such as medical conditions, leash reactivity, or mobility issues. Please provide us with detailed information during our initial consultation so we can create a safe and comfortable plan for your furry friend.

• Do you provide off-leash walking?

For the safety of all dogs in our care and in accordance with local leash laws, we generally keep dogs on a leash during our walks. Off-leash activities may be considered on a case-by-case basis with explicit owner consent and in designated safe areas only after we have established a strong bond and assessed the dog's reliable recall.

About Our Walkers:

• Who will be walking my dog?

Our team consists of responsible, caring, and local Hilo teenagers who share a genuine passion for dogs. Each of our walkers undergoes training that covers dog safety protocols, understanding basic dog behavior, and our specific service guidelines. We strive to provide consistency by assigning the same walker to your dog whenever possible, fostering a comfortable and trusting relationship. You'll have the opportunity to meet your walker during our initial meet-and-greet.

• Do your dog walkers have experience with different breeds and temperaments?

Our team members have experience interacting with a wide variety of dog breeds and temperaments. Their training equips them with the skills to handle different personalities and energy levels safely and effectively.

• What kind of training do your dog walkers receive?

Our dog walkers receive training in essential areas, including pet first aid and CPR, understanding basic dog body language and behavior, safe leash handling techniques, and our company's policies and procedures. We are committed to providing them with the knowledge and skills to ensure the best possible care for your dog.

• Will my dog always have the same walker?

We understand the importance of consistency and building a strong bond between your dog and their walker. While we strive to assign the same walker for recurring services, there may be occasional situations where a substitute walker is needed. In such cases, we will always notify you beforehand and ensure that the substitute is fully briefed on your dog's needs and routine.

• How do you ensure the safety and security of my dog during walks?

Safety is our top priority. We use secure leashes and harnesses (provided by you or talked about during our meet-and-greet), stay alert to our surroundings, avoid busy roads whenever possible, and adhere to responsible dog walking practices. Our walkers are trained to recognize signs of stress or discomfort in dogs and to respond appropriately.

Scheduling and Booking:

• How do I schedule dog walking services?

Scheduling your dog's walks with us is easy and convenient! You can submit a service request through the "Book a Walk" section on our website, send an email directly to hilosbestdogwalkingservicellc@gmail.com, or call us at (808) 222-3758. We will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm our availability and finalize all the details.

• What is your availability?

We generally offer dog walking services Monday through Friday, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Our schedule may change to align with the school times of our walkers.

• Do you offer regular, recurring walks or occasional walks on demand?

Yes, we cater to both! Whether you need regular, scheduled walks to maintain your dog's routine or just occasional walks when your schedule gets hectic, we're happy to help.

• What is your cancellation policy?

Please give at least 1 hour notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee.

• Can I request specific walk times?

We will do our best to accommodate your preferred walk times. Please let us know your desired schedule when you book, and we'll work with our walker availability to find the best fit.

• How much notice do I need to give for booking a walk?

While we can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests, we recommend booking at least one hour in advance to ensure we have availability for your preferred time slot. 

Pricing and Payment:

• How much do your dog walking services cost?

Our pricing is based on the duration and frequency of the walks. You can find a general overview of our rates on our webpage services page here. We also offer discounted packages for clients who book regular, recurring walks. We're happy to provide a personalized quote tailored to your specific needs and the number of dogs you have.

• What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept credit/debit cards through PayPal and Venmo, as well as cash. Note: When paying with cash, we cannot schedule appointments until payment is received.

• Do you offer any discounts or packages?

Yes, we offer discounted packages for clients who commit to regular, recurring walks, such as multiple walks per week. Be sure to ask about our package options when you inquire!

• Are there extra charges for multiple dogs or holidays?

We may incur a small additional charge for walking multiple dogs from the same household at the same time. There may also be a slight premium for services provided on significant holidays. Please don't hesitate to ask about our specific rates for multiple pets and holidays.

Getting Started:

• How do we get started with Hilo's Best Dog Walking Service?

Getting started is easy! You can start by downloading the registration form if it's your first time here. Please complete the form in its entirety, then proceed to the booking section here. 

• Do you require a meet-and-greet before the first walk?

Yes, we need a complimentary meet-and-greet before scheduling your first walk. This critical step allows us to meet you and your dog in person and discuss their individual needs, routines, and any specific instructions you may have. It also gives your dog a chance to meet their potential walker in a comfortable environment, ensuring a positive experience from the very first walk.

• What information do you need about my dog?

When you fill out our registration form, we'll ask you for important information about your dog, including their breed, age, temperament, energy level, any known health conditions or allergies, any specific behavioral quirks, their veterinarian's contact information, and their feeding schedule (if applicable for drop-in visits).

• Do I need to provide my leash, collar, or harness?

Yes, please provide your dog's regular leash and a well-fitting collar or harness. This ensures familiarity and comfort for your dog. We can discuss the best type of equipment for your dog during our meet-and-greet.

Communication and Updates:

• How will you communicate with me about my dog's walks?

We believe in keeping you informed! During each walk, you'll have the option to track your dog's location live with our GPS tracking feature. After each walk, you can expect to receive a text message update informing you of how the walk went and any notable events that occurred during it. We can also send photos of your happy pup enjoying their walk – just let us know your preference! For regular clients, we can also provide more detailed "walk reports" upon request.

• What happens if there is an emergency during a walk?

The safety and well-being of your dog is our top priority. Our walkers are trained to handle various situations and are equipped with emergency contact information for you and your veterinarian. In the event of an emergency, we will make every effort to contact you as soon as possible. If necessary, we will transport your dog to your designated veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital for immediate care.

Mahalo, thank you for your interest in Hilo's Best Dog Walking Service! If you have any other questions about our packages or anything else, don't hesitate to reach out – we're always happy to chat about your furry best friend! 🤙