FAQs

1. Dog Eligibility & Fitness Requirements

Q: How do you determine if my dog is a good fit for your services?

A: We don’t guess when it comes to your dog’s health and safety—we evaluate! Every pup’s journey starts with a careful assessment of their health, age, and temperament:

  • Veterinarian Approval: We always recommend checking with your vet before starting an athletic running or hiking regimen, especially for senior dogs, giant breeds, or pups with prior injuries.
  • Growth Plate Protection (Age Requirements): To protect developing joints, we restrict high-impact running and mountain hiking until growth plates are fully matured:
  • Small to Medium Breeds: 8+ months old
  • Large & Giant Breeds: 18+ months old
  • The Mandatory Trial Session: During this initial meeting and outing, our athletic handlers evaluate:
  • Leash Etiquette: Looking for predictable movement that minimizes sudden pulling, weaving, or traffic hazards.
  • Baseline Stamina: Gauging current cardio levels to establish a safe starting pace.

Q: How do you know if my dog is fit enough for a running session or mountain trail hike?

A: Every new pup undergoes a customized onboarding process to safely build their stamina over time:

  1. The Initial Consultation: We review your pup’s age, breed, daily activity history, and medical background.
  2. The Baseline Walk Evaluation: Your dog's first session begins as a structured, moderate-paced walk. This lets our handlers assess their baseline cardio, gait, mobility, and energy.
  3. The Gradual Conditioning Ramp: We don't drop a couch potato into a 5-mile run on day one. We gradually scale duration and intensity over multiple sessions.
  4. Continuous Vital Checks: Handlers actively monitor for fatigue (excessive panting, lagging behind, or shade-seeking) throughout every session.
  5. Transparent Fitness Tracking: You’ll receive a detailed, GPS-tracked journal after every workout detailing your dog’s stamina, progress, and trail readiness!

Q: I have a flat-faced breed (or just moved to Denver). Are high-intensity runs and hikes safe for altitude acclimation?

A: Absolutely—because we never use a "one-size-fits-all" approach! Whether your pup is a flatland transplant adjusting to our 5,280-foot baseline elevation, a senior pet, or a short-nosed breed (brachycephalic like Frenchies or Pugs), we tailor every outing to their oxygen and thermal needs:

  • The Acclimation Ramp: For dogs new to Colorado, we start with low-intensity neighborhood walks and slowly build stamina before introducing trail elevation gains.
  • Smart Breed Management: For flat-faced pups who struggle with heat regulation, we recommend our popular Leisurely Walks & Sniffaris, prioritizing shade, sensory enrichment, and low-impact movement over intense cardio.
  • Hydration First: Colorado air is notoriously dry. Our handlers carry fresh water on every outing and enforce mandatory hydration stops.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: If a pup shows the slightest sign of altitude fatigue or heat stress, we pivot immediately.

Q: Do you work with puppies or senior dogs?

A: Yes! While a 6-mile mountain trek or a 3-mile sprint might be too intense for growing puppy joints or aging senior hips, we offer tailored Leisurely Walks and Fast-Paced Walks designed specifically for gentle movement, fresh air, and low-impact fun.

Q: Are there breed or size restrictions for your services?

  • Mountain Hiking: To ensure every dog travels comfortably in our shuttle crates, dogs must have a maximum shoulder height of 30 inches or less.
  • Running & Walking: Open to dogs of all sizes and weights!
  • Breed Policies: We strongly object to breed discrimination. However, due to insurance carrier requirements, we cannot service banned breeds. For Denver's restricted breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers), we require a valid Denver Breed-Restricted Permit.

Q: Do you work with dogs that have behavioral issues (like reactivity)?

  • Hiking Service: Participating dogs must be 100% friendly toward people and other dogs to maintain a safe, harmonious pack environment on trail and in transport.
  • Running & Walking Services: Dogs must be human-friendly. If your dog is reactive toward other dogs, squirrels, or bikes, our handlers are trained in proactive space management to keep outings calm and stress-free!

Q: Will my dog ever be grouped with unfamiliar dogs?

  • Hiking Service: Yes, but only with carefully screened, socialized pups after a successful trial evaluation.
  • Running & Walking Services: Never. These sessions are 100% private and reserved strictly for dogs from your single household.


2. On the Trail & Road: Service Details

Q: What distances do you cover?

  • Mountain Hikes: 4 to 6 miles over a 2 to 2.5-hour trail session (adjusted for weather and pack ability).
  • Dog Running: 2 to 6 miles depending on your dog's fitness level.
  • Dog Walking: 1 to 4 miles based on pace (Fast-Paced vs. Leisurely).

Q: How do you track the route and time of the service?

A: Every single session is recorded using live GPS tracking. Complete route maps, notes, and photos are uploaded to your private online journal after every visit!

Here is what your notification timeline looks like for each service:

🏔️ Hiking Services

  • ⏰ 6:15 AM: Morning ETA window sent for van arrival
  • 🚐 Pickup: Automated "Arrived" alert
  • 🕐 12:00 PM ish: Estimated drop-off window alert
  • 📸 Post-Hike: Full GPS Journal & Photo Report delivered straight to your inbox

🏃 Running & Walking Services

  • 🚗 En Route: "Handler on the way" - Arrival within 30 minutes
  • 🐾 Arrival: "Session Started" alert
  • 📸 Post-Run: Full GPS Journal & Photo Report delivered straight to your inbox




3. Safety, Weather & Emergency Protocols

Q: Do you service dogs in all types of weather?

A: We operate year-round, but safety dictates our limits:

  • Hiking Temperature Range: 15°F to 80°F. If temperatures top 80°F, hikes are strictly capped at 60 minutes.
  • Running Temperature Range: 10°F to 89°F. Above 80°F, running distances are capped at 2.5 miles.
  • Snow & Ice Policy: If local roads are safe enough for you to get to work, our drivers and handlers will be out servicing your pups!

Q: What safety gear do you use in extreme weather?

  • Winter Protection: We utilize client-provided winter coats in extreme cold. For hikers needing extra protection, our transport vans carry supplementary thermal dog jackets.
  • Handler Traction: All team members wear professional microspikes on icy terrain to prevent slips and maintain absolute leash control.
  • Custom Leash Safety: We ONLY use custom-designed Denver Dog leashes—engineered specifically for heavy-duty reliability and control. Handlers are strictly forbidden from using client leashes.

Q: How do you handle emergencies or injuries on trail?

🛡️ Our Track Record: In over 15 years and 150,000+ completed sessions, serious injuries or medical emergencies have been exceptionally rare.

Should an emergency occur, our protocol is immediate and decisive:

  1. Immediate Care: The handler secures the dog and initiates transport to the nearest emergency veterinarian.
  2. Trail Evacuation Gear: All hikers carry an emergency canine transport sling to carry injured dogs backpack-style off mountain trails safely.
  3. Owner Communication: Our dispatch team contacts you immediately while the handler is en route to the clinic.


4. Our Team & Staff Standards

Q: What training and vetting do your Team Members receive?

A: We leave no stone unturned to maintain Denver’s highest standard of care:

🚐 Van Drivers

  • Spotless Record: Must maintain a clean 7-year driving record.
  • AI Telemetry: Real-time AI DriverI® technology monitors speed, braking, and safety habits.
  • Strict Safety Score: Must maintain a mandatory 935+ / 1000 Safety Score to stay behind the wheel.

⛰️ Trail Hikers

  • Rigorous Coursework: 3 hours of intensive online training with a required 80%+ passing score.
  • In-Person Safety: 3 hours of hands-on tactical safety instruction.
  • Field Shadowing: 2 full days of trail shadowing with senior trainers, reinforced by bi-annual audits.
  • Ongoing Audits: Annual 120-minute safety refresher courses and continuous QA journal reviews.

🏃 Runners & Walkers

  • Core Safety Training: 3 hours of intensive online training with a required 80%+ passing score.
  • n-Person Safety: 3 hours of hands-on tactical safety instruction.
  • Field Evaluation: Practical field testing requiring official sign-off from a Field Trainer.
  • Ongoing Audits: Annual 120-minute safety refresher courses and continuous QA journal reviews.

🛡️ Background Checks, Bonding & Insurance

  • 100% Vetted Staff: Every team member must pass a thorough background check covering County Criminal Records, the Nationwide Sexual Offender Index, SSN Alerts, and Residency History.
  • Bonded & Insured: Fully bonded and insured for your complete peace of mind.


5. Booking, Hours & Location Logistics

Q: How do I get started with Denver Dog?

STEP 1: Pre-Screening Questionnaire 📝

  • Go to our GET STARTED page
  • Fill out a quick 2-minute form so we can understand your pup's unique needs.

STEP 2: Choose Your Onboarding Path 🛣️

  • Option A: Standard Trial Session (In-person baseline evaluation)
  • Option B: Fast-Track Setup (Skip the trial session, dog running and walking trial only, and request account activation)

STEP 3: 24/7 Portal Access 📱

  • Receive Invite: Watch your inbox for your official account activation email from us.
  • Complete Profile: Click the link to register your account, add your pup’s care details, and set up lockbox info.
  • Manage Anytime: Book, edit, and track recurring or as-needed sessions 24/7 directly through our app!

Q: What are your service areas and operating hours?

  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Dog Running & Walking Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Mountain Hiking Hours: Pickup between 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Drop-off between 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Service Neighborhoods: Arvada, Denver, Englewood, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, and Wheat Ridge.
  • Holidays: Closed on major public holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas).

Q: How do you handle house keys and home security?

To protect your privacy and guarantee seamless entry, handlers do not carry physical house keys. We require keyless home access, such as a digital keypad code or a secure lockbox located on your property.


6. Rates, Billing & Cancellations

Q: Do you offer package deals or discounts?

Rather than pre-paid packages, we offer discounted rates for recurring weekly schedules! As-needed visits are billed at standard rates. Additional dogs from the same household receive a heavily discounted multi-dog rate.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

We require cancellations to be submitted prior to the team member mark that the are on their way (usually 30 minutes or less before arrival for running/walking services and 6:15 am on the day of for hiking services). Cancellations made after a team member is already en route to your home will be charged the full session rate.