FAQ's

Which areas of Sheffield do you cover?

We cover the following Sheffield areas: Abbeydale, Beauchief, Bents Green, Bradway, Brincliffe, Broomhill, Carter Knowle, Crookes, Crosspool, Dore, Ecclesall, Endcliffe, Fulwood, Greenhill, Greystones, High Storrs, Hunter’s Bar, Lodge Moor, Millhouses, Nether Green, Nether Edge, Ranmoor, Ringinglow, Sharrow Vale, Totley and Whirlow .

Are you insured?

Yes — K9 Time is fully insured. 

Are you criminal record checked?

Yes — Derek Collinson is police CRB/DBS checked.

Do you have Google reviews?

Yes, we have 25 genuine Google five star reviews.
 

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 single dog has its own personality, energy levels, and wonderful quirks. We’ve met bouncy puppies with endless get-up-and-go, wise old seniors who prefer a gentle amble, and shy rescue dogs who need a bit of extra patience. A group walk, with its mixed bag of personalities, often can’t meet all those different needs.

A personal dog walker, on the other hand, tailors every single outing. This means we can:

  • Match their pace: Your energetic Spaniel can enjoy a good, brisk trot to burn off steam, while your old Bulldog can take their time sniffing every lamppost without being hurried along.
  • Focus on what they love: Does your dog live for chasing a ball in the park? Or do they prefer exploring quiet woodland trails? We can build their walk around whatever makes their tail wag the most.
  • Give them undivided attention: This one-on-one focus is vital for safety. It means we can spot and avoid potential dangers, like dropped food on the pavement or another dog that might be reactive.

This focused approach creates a safer, more enriching adventure for your dog and gives you invaluable peace of mind. It’s about quality over quantity, ensuring every moment of their walk is positive and fulfilling.

How do I pay?

You can pay by bank transfer or by debit/credit card. Invoices are payable on the date your booking is confirmed (the invoice date). If you book a regular schedule (fixed days/times each week) you’ll receive an invoice each Thursday for the following week.

How do I book?

The booking steps are as follows:

  1. You request a free meet and greet
  2. We agree a convenient time for the meet and greet in your home
  3. Meet and greet takes place 
  4. I send you a link to our app
  5. You download the app on your Android or iPhone 
  6. You complete the onboarding process on the app and request services 
  7. I confirm that the services you have requested are available and schedule them

What if I need to cancel?

Cancellations by 6pm the day before will be credited against your account.
  
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 that you have arrived at my home to provide your service?

You’ll get an automatic notification on your Android or iPhone via the mobile app I provide free of charge, and after each visit you’ll receive a visit 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  am dog first aid trained (CPD accredited classroom course).

How many years experience have you got in pet care?

Derek Collinson has over 20 years’ experience in pet care.

How long has Derek Collinson been a Certified Animal Reiki Practitioner?

For 27 years Derek has treated horses, dogs, cats and humans.

What is Animal Reiki?

Animal Reiki is a gentle, holistic energy healing practice that focuses on promoting balance, relaxation, and wellbeing in animals through the flow of universal life energy. It’s based on the same principles as traditional Reiki, which originated in Japan, but it’s specifically adapted to meet the needs and sensitivities of animals.

Animal Reiki can be offered to any species—dogs, cats, horses, birds, farm animals, and even wildlife. Certified Animal Reiki practitioners often work with rescues, sanctuaries, and veterinary clinics.

While Reiki isn’t a replacement for veterinary care, many people use it as a complementary therapy. Potential benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved relaxation and sleep
• Support during illness, injury, or post-surgery recovery
• Comfort during end-of-life care
• Strengthened 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 your scheduled visits, update your pet information, view and send messages to me and make payments. You can receive updates with pictures and visit report cards as soon as services are completed.

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