Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — collection and return is included in all walking and daycare services where applicable. Rob will collect your dog from your home and return them once the service is finished. You don't need to be home for collection if you're happy to provide a key or door code.

Standard walks are 60 minutes. Longer adventure walks are available by arrangement — contact Rob to discuss options and pricing.

Rob's insurance permits a maximum of six dogs in public spaces for group walks. In practice, day-to-day groups are typically smaller than that — Rob doesn't routinely walk six dogs simultaneously. If you'd prefer your dog to be walked alone, a solo walk is available for £24.

Yes — solo walks are available and are a great option for dogs that prefer their own company, dogs that are reactive around other dogs, or dogs with specific handling requirements. Solo walks are one-to-one: just Rob and your dog. See the dog walking page for more information.

Off-lead time isn't automatic — it depends on your dog's recall, temperament and the conditions on the day. Rob will discuss this at your meet & greet and again as he gets to know your dog. Where suitable, he may use a secure enclosed field. Dogs that aren't ready for off-lead work will be walked on lead with enrichment built into the walk to keep them engaged.

Normal rain won't stop a walk. The tagline isn't just a phrase — Rob is happy to be out in typical British weather. Dogs need to get out, and so does he.

In extreme heat, your dog's welfare takes priority. Rob may move walks to cooler parts of the day, shorten them or replace them with a home visit or indoor enrichment activity. He'll always let you know in advance if he thinks conditions require a change. Burned paws and heatstroke are taken seriously.

In genuinely dangerous conditions — electrical storms, dangerous ice, flooding or extreme snow — Rob may need to adjust, shorten or replace walks. He'll communicate clearly and work with you to find an alternative. Safety always comes first.

Both are welcome. Daycare can be a regular weekly arrangement or an occasional booking for specific days when you need it. Contact Rob to check availability — some dates fill up quickly during busy periods.

Maximum two client dogs at a time, alongside Gracie. This small capacity is deliberate — it means every dog gets genuine individual attention rather than being one of a large group.

Daycare is currently intended to be available Friday through Tuesday, plus Wednesday mornings. Availability may vary — contact Rob to confirm specific dates.

Yes, if your dog is with Rob over a mealtime. You provide their usual food along with feeding instructions, and Rob will feed them at the time you specify. Keeping their diet consistent is important, especially in a new environment.

A home visit is a check-in at your own home — useful for feeding, toilet breaks, companionship and reassurance for dogs that aren't happy being left for longer periods. Puppy visits follow a similar format, tailored to a younger dog's routine. See the daycare and care page for details.

Yes. Puppies must have completed their required vaccinations before joining any group service. Puppy walks are adapted to a younger dog's pace and stamina. Puppy home visits are also available.

Possibly, depending on the degree of anxiety and the service. The low-capacity daycare environment and solo walking options often suit nervous dogs better than busier settings. Rob will discuss this at the meet & greet and make an honest assessment of whether he can give the dog what it needs.

Reactive dogs may be suitable for solo walking, where they won't encounter the distraction of other dogs. Rob takes reactivity seriously and won't put a reactive dog in a group situation that could cause stress or risk. Reactive dogs should not be assumed suitable for group daycare without a thorough discussion at the meet & greet.

Yes — dogs should be up to date with vaccinations. This is for the health and safety of all the dogs in Rob's care. Puppies must have completed required vaccinations before joining group services.

Not necessarily. Unneutered males may be accepted, assessed on an individual basis. Females currently in season cannot be accepted for group services or daycare. Contact Rob to discuss your dog's specific situation.

Yes — Rob has grown up around large, energetic and working breeds throughout his life. There is no general size or breed exclusion at Gracie's Place. Contact Rob to discuss your specific dog.

If your dog requires regular medication, let Rob know during the meet & greet and he'll discuss what's possible. Medication details are collected as part of the initial onboarding process.

The meet & greet is a free, relaxed, no-obligation meeting — usually at a secure dog field. Rob watches how your dog moves and interacts, and asks about their background: temperament, recall, behaviour around other dogs and people, feeding, any medical conditions, medication, fears or triggers. You can ask Rob anything too. There's no pressure at the end of it — it's about both of you deciding whether the service is a good fit.

Yes. Rob sends photos, videos and WhatsApp messages during walks and daycare so you know how your dog is getting on. It's straightforward communication — no apps or portals to deal with, just a normal message.

Gracie's Place is based in Pewsey and primarily serves the surrounding villages and hamlets. For normal dog walking and collection, Rob's general area is approximately 10 miles from Pewsey. He may accept bookings slightly further away depending on the service — contact him to discuss your location.

The easiest way is to drop Rob a WhatsApp. You can also call him or send a message through the contact page. He'll have a chat about your dog and what you need, then arrange a free meet & greet before confirming any booking.

Bank transfer and cash are currently accepted. Payment is normally expected approximately two weeks before the booking. Regular customers may arrange monthly invoicing. Last-minute bookings may pay on the day where specifically agreed. Card payments are not currently available. See the prices page for full details.

At least one week's notice is preferred. The minimum is 48 hours. Late cancellations may still be chargeable. If Rob has to cancel, you'll receive a refund or be offered an alternative date.