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If your house has a doorcode or smartlock, enter the code in the instructions and the walker will follow your instructions upon arrival. Don’t forget to include locking instructions, and any tricks that might apply to your doorcode unit, for example:- Place your hand over the black surface, this will illuminate the buttons- The code unlocks the knob for 5-seconds, which needs to be turned clockwise- Enter the code, followed by the button at the top with the unlock symbolBe as detailed as possible with your entry instructions to help facilitate a seamless arrival. There are many different doorcode units that each have their own unique characteristics and tricks.
A lockbox is a secure place to store your keys and/or fob, and can be locked to a doorhandle, railing, pole, post, or fence, or, hidden somewhere out of site, like your mailbox or somewhere in the backyard.Lockboxes can be ordered through Spot using the link below, or purchased at any hardware store.
If you hide a key and you’re comfortable sharing its location with the walker, enter this information in the instructions and the walker will follow these instructions upon arrival. Be as detailed as possible with your entry instructions to help facilitate a seamless arrival. If multiple family members use the hidden key, it’s a good idea to hide a second key for the walker(s) to use exclusively, this will eliminate the chance of a family member forgetting to return the key to its hiding spot. If you have ordered a lockbox but have walks scheduled before it arrives, hiding a key is a good short-term solution.
If someone will be home when the walker arrives, enter whether you would like the walker to ring the doorbell, knock, text, or call, and the walker will follow these instructions upon arrival.
Many apartment buildings have a place specifically for lockboxes, it’s usually right out front or just inside the first door, and there are often several realtor lockboxes locked to a pole. Once your code is set and your lockbox is in place, enter its location and code in the instructions and the walker will follow these instructions upon arrival. Be as detailed as possible to help facilitate a seamless arrival. If the location is not obvious, use descriptive instructions, for example, turn left when facing the front door and you’ll see the lockbox attached to the 3rd railing from the top of the stairs. If there are multiple lockboxes attached to the same railing, use descriptive instructions, for example, the lockbox is a black rectangle with a silver switch at the top, and 4 silver digits running vertically below the switch. Ideally, you will put whatever is required to gain entry into the building and unit inside the lockbox. Such as a fob to get into the building and a key to get into the unit. If this is not an option, have a look through the other 4 entry methods for buildings.
Using a building buzzercode is another option, but its slightly less convenient as you will have to be near your phone when the walker arrives, and when they return with your dog at the end of the walk. You will also need to provide access to your unit, which can be done with any of the following methods:
If you work a busy job and can’t always check your phone, using a building buzzer code might not be the best home entry option for you. If you decide to use your building buzzer code, enter the code and unit entry instructions and the walker will follow your instructions upon arrival. If you use a building buzzer code, don’t forget that the walker will also need to be buzzed in when they return with your dog at the end of the walk.
If your building has full-time concierge, enter the instructions required to contact the concierge and the walker will follow these instructions upon arrival. Make sure to contact the concierge prior to booking, to confirm that there aren’t any policies that would prohibit the concierge from letting a walker into the building and unit.
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Yes, the walker can use the scheduled time however you’d like. Here are some examples of activities your walker can perform during the scheduled time:
Please provide instructions if you would like your walker to spend the scheduled time doing activities other than walking.
Yes, walkers are permitted to feed your dog! Please provide feeding instructions if you would like your dog to be fed before or after a walk.
To ensure proper fit and comfort, Spot does NOT bring or supply any of the walking tools, instead we use the dog owner’s collar, harness, leash, and bags.
Due to allergies and dietary restrictions, Spot does NOT bring or supply treats. Please supply treats and provide instructions if you would like your dog to receive treats on a walk.
Spot guarantees on-time walker arrival or the walk is FREE! Therefore, if a walker arrives past the scheduled arrival timeframe, you are entitled to a free walk! To redeem your free walk, send Spot support a message and we can apply a free promo to the scheduled walk, or add a free walk promo to your account for future use. To redeem a free walk, you must contact Spot support within 7-days of the late arrival.
Spot guarantees that every scheduled walk will actually occur! We are the only company that will pay backup walkers hundreds of dollars to drop what they’re doing to fill in for a last-minute cancellation or unresponsive walker, as a result, we haven’t had a walker no show in several years!If for whatever reason, Spot is forced to schedule a backup walker who arrives late, you are entitled to a free walk! To redeem your free walk, send Spot support a message and we can apply a free promo to the scheduled walk, or add a free walk promo to your account for future use. To redeem a free walk, you must contact Spot support within 7-days of the late arrival.
Whether you booked using the App or Website, Spot guarantees a replacement walker in the case of a cancellation! Our support staff is constantly working behind the scenes to ensure that every scheduled walk occurs as planned. We are the only company that will pay backup walkers hundreds of dollars to drop what they’re doing to fill in for a last-minute cancellation or unresponsive walker, as a result, we haven’t had a walker no show in several years!
When a walker arrives and the owner has instructions to buzz, ring, knock, text or call, and the dog owner is not answering, Spot implements the following procedure to exhaust every possible option in an attempt to gain access to the home/dog:
When a walker arrives and the lockbox is not opening, Spot implements the following procedure to exhaust every possible option in an attempt to gain access to the home/dog:
When a walker arrives and the lockbox is not where it’s supposed to be, Spot implements the following procedure to exhaust every possible option in an attempt to gain access to the home/dog:
When a walker arrives and the key is not working, Spot implements the following procedure to exhaust every possible option in an attempt to gain access to the home/dog:
When a walker arrives and the key is not where it’s supposed to be, Spot implements the following procedure to exhaust every possible option in an attempt to gain access to the home/dog:
Only your scheduled walker has access to your Walk & Entry Instructions. When requesting a walk, dog walkers who service your location are notified, they can view the date, arrival timeframe, length of walk, and your pup profile. Once available walkers begin to accept, you can review their profiles, start chatting, and accept the walker of your choice. Once you accept a walker, the walk is scheduled, and the walker will have access to your Walk & Entry Instructions.
Replacement lockboxes are $20 and arrive by mail within 1-3 business days. Lockboxes are yours to keep. You can update the code to your lockbox anytime.
Tap (Menu) > Replacement Lockboxes > Order Lockbox > Request Lockbox
There are 3 ways to update your Walk & Entry Instructions:
When booking a walk: Tap (Book) or (Find Walkers) on the HomepageIn My Pups: Tap (Menu) > My Pups > Walker InstructionsIn My Account: Tap (Menu) > My Account > Walker Instructions
When a walker arrives and the doorcode is not working, Spot implements the following procedure to exhaust every possible option in an attempt to gain access to the home/dog:
As soon as the walker presses Start Walk, a banner with the following message will appear on the homepage:“Active Walk! Click here to see pictures, videos, & GPS.”
Clicking the banner will take you to the walk report where you can see pictures, videos, and the live GPS walk map. The GPS map updates every 10-seconds so you can follow along every step of the way!
Yes, if you would like the walker to feed your dog, please leave detailed instructions in the Walk & Entry Instructions. Its also a good idea to send your scheduled walker a message to ensure they don’t miss this important detail.
Spot does NOT bring/supply treats, as some dogs may be allergic to certain types of treats. Therefore, please supply treats if you would like your dog to be given them before, during, or after a walk.
You may absolutely ask that a walker play fetch with your dog. However, please keep in mind that Spot walks are strictly on-leash, so it must be with a leash long enough that the walker always remains in control. If you have a secure backyard, your dog can play fetch off leash, while under the direct supervision of the walker.
Yes, if you have a secure backyard your dog can be off leash while under the direct supervision of the walker. When booking with Spot, you can request a backyard break instead of a walk, in which case a dog is permitted to be off. Backyard breaks are great for unvaccinated puppies, dogs who are not yet leash trained, or for any other reason. A backyard break is a great way to give you dog a chance to do their business, while breaking up the day home alone with some mental stimulation and physical activity.
Yes, all Spot dog walks are private, which means one-on-one between the walker and the dogs of a single household. If you own multiple dogs and would like them walked together, it costs an extra $5 per additional dog.
Your dog(s) will always be walked alone. Spot does not offer group/pack walks to ensure that every dog receives the walker’s full and undivided attention throughout the walk.
You may absolutely suggest a route for your scheduled walker. However, please keep in mind that Spot walks are strictly on-leash, and door-to-door, which means no transportation in vehicles.
Spot does NOT bring/supply the walking tools, instead we use the dog owner’s collar/harness/leash/treats/bags to ensure proper fit and comfort.
No, Spot walks are all private, which means one-on-one between the walker and the dogs of a single household. Spot does not offer group/pack walks to ensure that every dog receives the walker’s full and undivided attention throughout the walk.
Spot dog walkers are also not insured to transport dogs in their vehicles.
No, Spot dog walks are on-leash only. This includes fenced-in off leash parks. Off-leash services are not insured and are not permitted due to the elevated risk of injury to a dog, injury caused by a dog, and potential loss of a dog. Even within a fenced-in off-leash dog park, a dog is more likely to injured by another dog, and is more likely to inflict injury to another dog or person.
The only exception to the on-leash rule is within the dog owner’s backyard. When booking with Spot, you can request a backyard break instead of a walk, in which case a dog is permitted to be off leash under the direct supervision of a walker.
Spot walkers are NOT dog trainers, and all have varying levels of experience.
As part of the walker onboarding process, there is an 8-part video tutorial and 15-question multiple choice test to provide walkers with the basics needed to safely greet, leash, and walk a dog, and included information to help walkers mitigate risk and prevent dangerous situations. This tutorial is a basic introduction to safe dog walking and is not to be mistaken for a certified dog training program.
If you have specific training techniques that you would like reinforced during a walk, it’s recommended that you schedule a meet-and-greet where you can discuss your preferred training techniques and philosophies. Spot offers unlimited free meet-and-greets when booking a recurring walk, and $12 meet and greets for non-recurring walks. However, there’s no guarantee that specific walkers will be available for specific dates and times once you have met.
When booking walks using the Spot App, you will have the ability review a walker’s profile before scheduling them. Once you enter the specifics of your walk request (dates and times), available walkers will accept, at which point you can review their profiles, ratings, & comments, start chatting, and select the walker of your choice. If you are not comfortable with any of the available walkers, you may cancel the pending walk request without being charged.
In the rare instance that something goes wrong during a walk, Spot offers reimbursement for veterinary expenses up to $15,000, and reimbursement for your home and personal property up to $15,000.
Spot also has $1,000,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage to a third party, or dog bites to another animal.
To submit a claim please contact Spot Support by chats, email, or phone, and a Spot Claims Representative will help you.
Spot hires less than 5% of dog walker applicants. We look for mature and responsible adults who are dog owners, have experience with dogs, or have career aspirations to work with dogs or other animals. Every Spot dog walker must complete a multi-step screening and onboarding process that includes a 15 question multiple choice test. When booking walks using the Spot App, you will be connected to available walkers based on the dates and times requested, at which point you can review their profiles, ratings, & comments, start chatting, and select the walker of your choice.
To request a refund, contact Spot Support by tapping the (Support) button on the App, or the Chat With A Human button on the website.
To request a refund, contact Spot Support by tapping the (Support) button on the App, or the Chat With A Human button on the website. Spot will issue your refund immediately without question, and the refund will appear on your credit card statement within 5-business days.
You can save 20% when combining a 10-walk package (10% discount) with a recurring walk (10% cash credit).
How to purchase a 10-walk package:
How to book a recurring walk:
The walks in a prepaid package can be used anytime and never expire. With a walk package, rather than charging your credit card after each walk, instead, a walk is taken from your package.
After every completed recurring walk, 10% of the regular (pre-discount) walk price is added to your account as a Cash Credit. For example, $2.40 after every 30-minute recurring walk. Cash Credit can be used to purchase future walks or packages and never expires.
With the Auto-Repurchase setting turned on, when your walk package reaches zero walks, all of the accumulated cash credit will automatically be applied to the purchase of your next package. With this setting on, you will automatically be charged every 10-walks, and will automatically receive the 20% discount.
With the Auto-Repurchase setting turned off, the process above will not be automatic. Instead, you will be notified when your walk package has 1 walk remaining, and when it reaches zero walks. With this setting off, the purchase of future walk packages and the use of your Cash Credit will be at your discretion.
To apply cash credit to a scheduled walk, tap the walk in your schedule and press Edit > Edit this walk. Select the amount of cash credit you would like to apply to the walk.
If you need to change the walk length or number of dogs in a package, contact Spot Support by tapping the (Support) button on the App, or the Chat With A Human button on the website. Spot Support will convert the package and charge/refund you for the difference in price.
No. You do not need a walk package for a recurring walk. If you do not have a walk package, your credit card will be charged the regular price after every completed recurring walk.
Whether you do or don’t have a walk package, you will still accumulate the 10% cash credit after every recurring walk. Cash credit can be used to purchase future walks or packages and never expires.
No. The walks in a package can be used anytime, they do not all need to be scheduled at once. Walks in a package also never expire.
You will be notified when your walk package has 2, 1, and 0 walks remaining. The use of a walk package is completely optional. If your walk package runs out and you do not purchase a new package, your credit card will be charged the regular price after every completed walk.
Spot offers 2 prepaid discount walk packages:
With a prepaid walk package, rather than charging your credit card after each walk, instead, the system uses 1 walk from your package.
Prepaid walks can be used anytime, they do not need to be booked all at once, and they never expire.
If you purchase a walk package after scheduling a walk, you do not need to cancel and rebook. The system will automatically use any prepaid walks in your account, whether they were purchased before or after a walk was scheduled.
The details (walk length and number of dogs) of a scheduled walk must match your walk package in order for the package to be used. If your scheduled walk does not match your walk package, your walk package will not be applied, and your credit card will be charged after the walk.
You do not need a walk package to book walks. Walk packages are completely optional. If you do not have a walk package, your credit card will be charged the regular price after every completed walk.
Spot does not store any credit card information and uses Moneris to process payments. Moneris is the largest payment processor in Canada. Moneris uses Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE).
P2PE is an encryption standard established by the PCI Security Standards Council, which outlines detailed security requirements that a solution has to meet to be considered a PCI validated P2PE solution. As defined by PCI, a PCI P2PE solution must include all of the following:
No problem! The walker can use the scheduled time doing activities other than walking, for example:
Yes, Spot works great for new puppy owners! the walker can use the scheduled time however you’d like. Here are some examples of activities your walker can perform during the scheduled time:
No. Because Spot walks are strictly private, on-leash, and door-to-door, which means no groups and no off-leash parks, we do not require vaccination records.
To book multiple walks (or puppy visits) on the same day, you will have to complete the booking process twice:
If you need the same set of multiple walks/visits on more than one day, complete the above process using the Future Dates option when booking.
When combining a recurring walk (or puppy visit) with a prepaid 10-walk discount package, you will receive total savings of 20%, bringing the per walk/visit cost of a 15-minute booking down to $16.80.
To book a recurring walk (or puppy visit):
To purchase a 10-walk package:
A puppy visit can consist of any combination of walking, backyard time, indoor play time & cuddles, & feeding. Booking a puppy visit is the same process as booking a walk, just be sure to leave detailed instructions outlining how you would like the walker to spend their time.