Questions and answers
FAQ's
Clear answers about solo dog walks, home visits, service areas, booking, pricing and what you can expect from K9 Time.
Fully insured
DBS checked
Canine First Aid
Reiki Master
NarpsUK member
Frequently asked questions
Click a question to see the answer. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please get in touch.
Are you insured?
Yes — K9 Time is fully insured.
Are you DBS checked?
Yes — Derek Collinson has completed a police CRB/DBS check.
What are the benefits of a personal dog walker?
Think of it like choosing between a group gym class and a session with a personal trainer. Both are good for you, but the personal trainer builds a routine that’s perfect for you. In the same way, we put your dog, and only your dog, first.
Every dog has its own personality, energy levels and wonderful quirks. A group walk, with its mix of personalities, often can’t meet all those different needs. A personal dog walker tailors every outing, so we can:
- Match their pace: from a brisk walk for an energetic Spaniel to a gentle amble for an older dog.
- Focus on what they love: whether that’s chasing a ball or exploring quiet woodland trails.
- Give them undivided attention: helping us spot and avoid potential dangers.
How do I pay?
You can pay by bank transfer or debit/credit card. Invoices are payable on the date your booking is confirmed (the invoice date). If you book a regular schedule with fixed days and times each week, you’ll receive an invoice each Thursday for the following week.
How do I book?
The booking process is simple:
- Request a free meet and greet.
- We agree a convenient time to meet in your home.
- The meet and greet takes place.
- I send you a link to our free app.
- You download the app on your Android phone or iPhone.
- You complete the onboarding process and request your services.
- I confirm availability and schedule the services.
What hours and days are your services available?
Our normal hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm, but we will always endeavour to provide services outside these times if a client needs us to do so.
How many dogs do you walk at a time?
I usually walk one dog at a time unless a client has two or three dogs and wants them walked together. I never walk dogs from different owners together.
How will I know you have arrived at my home?
You’ll get an automatic notification on your Android phone or iPhone through the mobile app I provide free of charge. After each visit, you’ll receive a report with pictures, videos and — for walks — a GPS map showing where your dog was walked.
Are you trained in dog first aid?
Yes — I have completed a CPD-accredited classroom course in dog first aid.
How much pet-care experience do you have?
Derek Collinson has over 20 years’ experience in pet care.
How long has Derek been a Certified Animal Reiki Practitioner?
Derek has treated horses, dogs, cats and humans for 27 years.
What is Animal Reiki?
Animal Reiki is a gentle, holistic energy-healing practice focused on promoting balance, relaxation and wellbeing in animals through the flow of universal life energy. It is based on the same principles as traditional Reiki, which originated in Japan, but is adapted to the needs and sensitivities of animals.
Reiki is not a replacement for veterinary care, but many people use it as a complementary therapy. Potential benefits include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved relaxation and sleep
- Support during illness, injury or recovery after surgery
- Comfort during end-of-life care
- A stronger bond between animal and caregiver
What does the free app do?
The free mobile app provides automatic arrival notifications and, after each visit, a report that can include pictures, videos and — for walks — a GPS map showing where your dog was walked.
You can quickly request new services, check scheduled visits, update your pet information, view and send messages, make payments, and receive pictures and visit report cards as soon as services are completed.
Related K9 Time services and local information
Book a free 30-minute meet and greet
No obligation. Derek will come to your home, meet your dog or cat and talk through exactly what they need.