FAQs
Answers to some frequently asked questions about each of our services.
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Who will be looking after my pet?
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Your pet will be lovingly looked after by Lydia. She has been a rabbit owner for 8 years, and also lives with her family dog, Buzz. She has a rich backgrounds in the animal industry and is also working toward achieving a Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Care & Welfare.
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Err, you look too young to be looking after my pet!
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Thanks very much!! Age shouldn't be a barrier to hiring a passionate and experienced pet care professional. If it matters to you, Lydia may have a baby face but she is actually 28!
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What qualifications and accreditations do you have?
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Lydia is working toward an OFQUAL certified Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care & Welfare. She is also fully insured, a member of the Pet Industry Federation, member of the RWAF, and is DBS checked.
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How do I make a booking?
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Please select the service you would like from the main menu at the top of each page. On each page you will find a booking button or email address to contact. Please fill out this form or email us and we will get back to you ASAP to confirm details and take payment.
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Do you charge extra for school or bank holidays?
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We want our services to be accessible, no matter what day it is! All prices are standard 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We do not charge extra for school holidays or bank holidays. Please note, from April each year, all prices will increase slightly.
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Cancellation Policy
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Each service has individual Terms & Conditions. Within these T&Cs you can find our cancellation policies. You can find the link for our Terms, Conditions & Policies page at the bottom of our website, in the footer.
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Terms & Conditions
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Before booking, please carefully read our Terms, Conditions & Policies page (you can find the link for this page at the bottom of our website, in the footer).
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What type of dog walking do you offer?
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We provide one-on-one walks, meaning your dog gets our full attention - no group walks*, no distractions, just a peaceful and enjoyable outing tailored to their needs. *If you have up to 4 dogs that live in the same household, we can walk them together.
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How long are the walks?
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We offer dog walks up to 1.5 hours depending on your dog's needs. Prices start at £15 for 30 minutes.
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Where will you walk my dog?
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We’ll walk in familiar, safe areas near your home, such as local parks, quiet streets, or fields. If your dog has a favorite route, let us know! We can take your dog to a location in the car, but the drive time will eat into their walk time, so we tend to avoid this unless requested!
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Will my dog always have the same walker?
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Yes! All dog walks are with Lydia, so your dog will always have the same friendly face for their walks.
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Can I meet you first before booking?
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Absolutely! It's important to make sure we're a good fit before agreeing walks. We offer a free meet-and-greet before the first walk so your dog (and you!) can get to know Lydia.
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Do you walk reactive or nervous dogs?
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Yes! Our own dog, Buzz, is reactive and Lydia has experience with reactive dogs. Since walks are one-on-one, we can accommodate reactive or anxious dogs, taking things at their pace. We can even continue any training you've been implementing to help their behaviour. Just let us know their needs, and we’ll make sure they feel safe.
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Can I book occasional walks instead of a regular schedule?
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Yes! We offer both regular walks and one-off bookings to suit your needs. Please note, we recommend booking walks in advance to ensure a slot.
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Will my dog be let off the lead?
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For safety, we only allow off-lead time in secure, enclosed areas and only with your written permission. Otherwise, all walks are on-lead.
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Will you reinforce my dog’s training?
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Yes! If your dog is learning commands like “heel,” “sit,” or “leave it,” etc., we can reinforce positive behaviours using your preferred, positively reinforced, training methods.
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Do you provide treats & poo bags?
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We can provide treats (with your approval) or use your dog’s preferred snacks for training and positive reinforcement. We have our own poo bags, or we can use your own if you prefer!
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Will my dog be walked in all weather?
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We walk in most weather conditions, but if it’s dangerously hot, icy, or stormy, we may need to reschedule or shorten the walk for safety.
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Do you pick up after my dog?
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Absolutely! We always clean up after dogs and dispose of waste properly. This is both a legal requirement and common decency.
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Do you walk unvaccinated dogs?
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For safety, we only walk dogs that are fully vaccinated. This protects both your dog and others. We can walk puppies once they’re fully vaccinated. If they’re not yet ready for outdoor walks, we can offer home visits and garden playtime instead.
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What if my dog gets sick or injured on a walk?
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Your dog’s safety is our priority. In the unlikely event anything happens, we will contact you immediately and, if needed, take them to your designated vet.
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How will you access my home for pick-up?
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You can provide us with a key, key box code, or access code if needed. All keys are stored securely and never labeled with your personal details.
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Will my dog be towel-dried after wet or muddy walks?
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Yes! We’ll make sure your dog is as clean and dry as possible before returning home. If you have towels by the door, we’ll use them!
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Do you walk senior dogs or those with mobility issues?
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Absolutely! We adjust the pace and duration of the walk to ensure older dogs or those with health concerns feel comfortable and safe.
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Do you provide water during the walk?
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Yes! On hot days, we bring water to keep your dog hydrated, and we’ll also make sure their water bowl is refilled when they return home.
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What types of pets do you care for during home visits?
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We provide home visits for a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles, birds, fish, and other small animals. If you have a unique pet, feel free to ask!
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What do home visits include?
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Each visit is tailored to your pet’s needs and can include feeding, fresh water, litter or cage cleaning, medication administration, playtime, and cuddles (if your pet enjoys them). We can also bring in mail, water plants, and check on your home while you're away.
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How long is each visit?
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This can vary depending on your needs! Please view our Pet Sitting page for more details.
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How often can you visit?
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We can visit as often as needed, whether that’s once a day, twice a day, or more. Just let us know what works best for your pet.
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Do you offer overnight stays?
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At this time, we only provide daytime visits, not overnight stays.
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How do I book a home visit?
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You can book by emailing us at thehoppinesslodge@gmail.com. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially during holidays.
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What areas do you cover?
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We cover a 5 mile radius around Hedge End. If you're outside this area, get in touch—we may still be able to help!
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Can I meet you before booking?
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Yes! We offer a free meet-and-greet so you and your pet can get to know us before confirming a booking.
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What if I need to cancel?
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We understand that plans change! Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel. Our cancellation policy will apply, please read our Home Visits/Pet Sitting T&Cs.
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Can you give medication to my pet?
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Yes, we can administer medication as long as clear instructions are provided. We are able to give oral medication orr creams etc. only (no injections). Please let us know in advance if your pet has special medical needs
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What if my pet gets sick while I’m away?
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If we notice any signs of illness, we will contact you immediately and, if necessary, take your pet to your designated vet.
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How do I know my pet is okay while I’m away?
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We can send you updates, including photos and messages, after each visit so you have peace of mind that your pet is happy and well cared for.
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What types of pets do you board?
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We currently board rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small mammals. We are unable to accommodate birds or reptiles. Feel free to ask if you're not sure - we may be able to accommodate them! Unfortunately, our facilities are not suitable for giant rabbit breeds.
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Where are you located?
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We're located at the Burseldon end of Hedge End, a 2-minute drive from Hedge End village centre. Full address provided on booking.
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What do you provide for boarding?
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Our boarding facilities include, at no extra cost: provision of unlimited hay, daily fresh herbs & leafy greens, treats, blankets for cosiness & digging, litter box (cleaned daily), unlimited water (in bowls or bottles as chosen by you), areas to hide, a safe environment, natural daylight & last but not least, attention & love from us!
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Do I need to provide anything for boarding?
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Please provide enough of your pets regular food (dry/pellets) for the duration of their stay. Due to cross-contamination, we also ask that (where neccessary) you provide at least one chew toy to last the duration of your pet's stay. We will provide these at an additional charge if forgotten on drop-off day.
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Does my pet need to be vaccinated?
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Yes, rabbits must be vaccinated against Myxomatosis, RHD1, and RHD2 before their stay. Please bring proof of vaccination. Other pets do not require vaccinations.
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What are boarding drop off times?
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Drop-off is by appointment only. 8am - 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 10am - 4pm on Sundays.
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My pet lives indoors/outdoors - are your boarding facilities suitable?
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The Hoppiness Lodge is suitable for both indoor and outdoor pets. The lodge is inside our detached brick garage, is temperature controlled & kept comfortably mild throughout the year. We provide cooling and heat mats where needed and there are plenty of cosy blankets for your pet to snuggle in if they want, too.
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How will you help my pet feel at ease?
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We have tried to make The Hoppiness Lodge as cosy and calm as possible. The Lodge is temperature controlled, we play music quietly to mask sounds from outdoors, and each penthouse or suite has areas where your pet can hide away if they want to. For pets who particularly struggle to settle in, we offer Pet Remedy Calming Spray. This is sprayed on items in their suite/penthouse (not directly on your pet) and this has been clinically proven to help reduce stress in small animals.
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Can I visit before booking?
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Of course! You're more than welcome to view our facilities before deciding to book. Appointment only, please get in touch to arrange.
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Do you offer outdoor time in runs?
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At this time we do not have outdoor runs, but this is in the works!
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What safety measures do you have in place?
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Our boarding area is in a detatched, brick garage. It is secure, predator-proof, and regularly cleaned. We also keep a close eye on each pet’s health and well-being throughout their stay.
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What if my pet gets sick during their stay?
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Your pet’s health is our priority. If they show any signs of illness, we will contact you immediately and, if necessary, take them to our (or yours, if close-by) trusted vet. Please see our emergency procedure on our Terms, Conditions and Policies page (link in footer).
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What if I need to extend my pet’s stay?
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If you need to extend, let us know as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate, depending on availability.
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How often do you check on boarding residents?
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We check on your pet every couple of hours - no less, usually more! We also have pet cams, so we can keep an eye on them when we're not in the Lodge.
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What species can you groom?
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We only provide grooming services for rabbits and guinea pigs at this time.
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What grooming services do you offer?
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Please see our page "The Hoppiness Spa" for details on grooming services.
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Why is regular grooming important for rabbits and guinea pigs?
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Regular grooming prevents painful matting, keeps their fur and skin healthy, reduces the risk of flystrike (for rabbits), and helps detect any early health concerns.
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How often should my rabbit or guinea pig be groomed?
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Short-haired breeds – Brushing every week, nail trims every 4-6 weeks. Long-haired breeds – Brushing several times a week, trims every 4-6 weeks. Elderly or disabled pets – More frequent care to prevent hygiene issues if, for example, they are unable to groom themselves or do not have a capable bonded partner to help.
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How do you keep my pet calm during grooming?
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We take a gentle, patient approach with plenty of breaks if needed. We never rush, and we use calm handling techniques to ensure a stress-free experience. We will NEVER trance your rabbit as this is extremely stressful for them. For very nervous pets, we use Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress and Calming Spray on the towel that your pet will be burrito'd in (never sprayed on your pet).
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Do you use clippers or scissors for fur trimming?
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We use scissors only, as clippers can be too noisy and stressful for small pets.
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Can you remove all mats in one session?
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We do our best to remove mats safely, but if they are too severe, multiple sessions may be needed to avoid stressing or harming your pet’s skin.
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Do you offer a full bath for rabbits or guinea pigs?
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No. Bathing is dangerous for rabbits and guinea pigs, as it can cause shock and hypothermia. Instead, we provide gentle spot cleaning with a damp cloth if needed.
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More
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Nail Trimming🐾 How often do my pet’s nails need trimming?Every 4-6 weeks to prevent overgrowth, which can cause pain and difficulty walking.🐾 What if my pet’s nails are black?We trim carefully, a little at a time, to avoid cutting the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail).🐾 Can I hold my pet while you trim their nails?For safety, we prefer to handle the trimming, but we can discuss what makes your pet most comfortable.Hygiene & Health Checks🐾 Why do rabbits need scent gland cleaning?Rabbits have scent glands near their bottom that can build up with waxy debris, leading to discomfort or infection. Regular cleaning prevents this.🐾 What do you check during an ear, eye, and bum clean?✔ Ears – Checking for wax buildup, dirt, or signs of infection✔ Eyes – Looking for discharge, crustiness, or irritation✔ Bum area – Ensuring cleanliness to prevent flystrike in rabbits, especially in warmer months🐾 What is flystrike, and how can grooming help prevent it?Flystrike happens when flies lay eggs in dirty or damp fur, leading to serious infections. Regular grooming keeps your rabbit clean and reduces the risk.Booking & Pricing🐾 How long does a grooming session take?Sessions typically last [insert time, e.g., 30-60 minutes], depending on the services needed and your pet’s temperament.🐾 Do you offer at-home grooming?Currently, we offer grooming [at our location/in-home, specify what applies].🐾 How much does grooming cost?Pricing depends on the services your pet needs. Please see our rates [insert link or details].🐾 How do I book a grooming session?You can book by [insert booking method: website, phone, email, etc.].🐾 What if I need to cancel?Please give us at least [insert notice period, e.g., 24 hours] notice to cancel or reschedule.