Roscoe Pawtroll | Frequently Asked Questions

Support

Frequently asked
questions.

What does the onboarding process look like?

Schedule a complimentary meet and greet or text us directly. We'll meet your dog, walk their current route, and go over everything that matters — walking routine, medication, allergies, emergency contacts, and behavior. Once we're confident it's a good fit, walks are scheduled and payment is due before service. Your information is kept offline, never stored in a database. If we ever have to cancel, you get a full refund, no questions asked.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve the following Chicago neighborhoods:

  • Roscoe Village
  • Lakeview
  • Bricktown
  • Wrightwood Neighbors
  • Sheffield and DePaul
  • Northalsted
  • Sheffield Neighbors
  • Park West
  • Lincoln Park
  • Mid-North District
  • Ranch Triangle

For exact boundary details, refer to our Service Map or the neighborhood checker at the bottom of our home page.

How does the walker access the property?

  • Clients must provide two copies of keys: one primary set and one backup.
  • Key pickup is complimentary and arranged prior to the first scheduled walk.
  • If a lockbox or key code is used, it is the client's responsibility to ensure it is functional and accessible.
  • Walks may be missed or canceled if entry cannot be gained at the scheduled time.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Roscoe Pawtroll is licensed to operate in the City of Chicago and carries commercial liability insurance, bonding, and animal bailee coverage for pets in our care.

What happens in the event of an emergency?

In an emergency, we will attempt to contact the client immediately. If the client cannot be reached, the designated emergency contact will be notified. With prior authorization provided during onboarding, we may transport the pet to the client's preferred veterinarian. Veterinary contact information is collected before services begin.

What do walks include?

Walks include a water bowl refill and check, a 5-minute grace period, an extra leash for safety, nose wipes, a detailed walk report, photos, and GPS tracking. Each walk is conducted with active supervision including awareness of traffic, other dogs, and ground hazards. We monitor for signs of stress, fatigue, or overheating. Walks may also be converted to a drop-in visit if needed.

Do you offer drop-ins?

Yes. Our standard drop-in visits are 30 minutes and include feeding, medication, and a bathroom break. They're a great option for older pets, pets recovering from surgery, or pets who simply prefer staying cozy indoors.

Will I have the same walker every time?

Yes. We currently have one walker. As we grow, we will always ask clients for their preference.

What if my dog is reactive or nervous?

Walks are tailored to each dog. We use body-language cues to assess comfort and safety. If needed, we may shorten the walk and use the remaining time for calm indoor decompression.

How are walks structured?

  • A traditional (non-retractable) leash must be used.
  • Dogs remain leashed at all times — no off-leash activities or dog parks.
  • Maximum of two dogs per walker; no pack walks.
  • Dogs are not permitted to greet or sniff other dogs during walks. Dog body language can be unpredictable, and even friendly-seeming dogs can react without warning.

What's your cancellation policy?

  • More than 24 hours notice: full refund.
  • Within 24 hours or less: no refund.

How are visits documented?

After each visit, you'll receive a walk report with photos. Reports include bathroom activity, any hazards encountered, and notes on your dog's behavior. If your dog appears unwell before or during a walk, you'll be contacted right away.

How do I pay my invoice?

Invoices are sent by email or text and payment is due before your scheduled walk. We use Stripe for secure payments — accepted methods include debit, credit, bank transfers, Apple Pay, Cash App Pay, Amazon Pay, and Klarna. We don't accept cash at this time. You'll receive a receipt as soon as payment goes through.

Legal

Terms of Service
& Code of Conduct.

1. Dog Behavior & Training

Roscoe Pawtroll cannot walk aggressive or dangerous dogs, including dogs with a bite history not disclosed in advance.

Dogs must be reasonably leash-trained and manageable. Excessive pulling, jumping, lunging, or other unsafe behavior may make a dog unsuitable for walking services.

We reserve the right to shorten, modify, or discontinue a walk if a dog's behavior presents a safety risk. Repeated unsafe behavior may result in refusal of future service.

2. Safety & Handling

Walkers will walk no more than two (2) dogs at a time, and dogs must be from the same household.

Households with three (3) or four (4) dogs will require multiple or staggered walks.

3. Walk Time

Scheduled walk time begins when the walker arrives at the client's property and enters the premises. Time spent greeting the dog, securing equipment, and exiting the property is included in the scheduled walk time.

4. Extended Walk Time

Walks include a 5-minute grace period. Time beyond the scheduled walk duration is billed at $5 per additional 5 minutes, charged at the end of the walk.

5. Weather & Safety Cancellations

Walks occur rain or shine. Walks may be cancelled due to unsafe conditions such as severe storms or high winds. If Roscoe Pawtroll cancels due to unsafe conditions, the client will receive a full refund regardless of notice period.

6. Dog Health & Disclosure

We require proof of core vaccinations:

  • Rabies
  • DA2PP/DHPP (Canine Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
  • Leptospirosis

Clients must disclose all known medical conditions, mobility issues, behavioral issues, and medications prior to booking.

7. Treats & Rewards

If the client authorizes walkers to provide their own treats, the client confirms that all known food allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions have been disclosed. Roscoe Pawtroll is not responsible for adverse reactions resulting from treats provided with the client's consent.

8. Emergency Situations

The health and safety of dogs in our care take priority over the daily schedule. In the event of a medical emergency, walkers may need to cancel or suspend remaining services for the day. Clients affected by such cancellations will not be charged and will receive a full refund or credit.

9. Transportation & Bicycle Travel

Roscoe Pawtroll travels by bicycle between locations. In the event of a bicycle-related incident that impacts our ability to complete scheduled services, we may delay, modify, or cancel remaining walks. Clients affected will receive a full refund or credit.

10. Equipment & Access

Clients are responsible for providing a properly fitted collar or harness and a standard leash in safe condition. Retractable leashes are not acceptable. Missed walks due to access issues or failure to provide accurate information are treated as same-day cancellations.

11. Late Arrival & Delays

Walk times are approximate and not guaranteed to the minute. Delays may occur due to traffic, weather, or prior walks. Reasonable delays do not qualify for refunds.

12. Payment

Payment is required before booking is approved.

13. Client Cancellation Policy

Same-day cancellations: No refund. Same-day means any cancellation made after 12:00 AM on the calendar day of the scheduled walk.

Cancellations more than 24 hours in advance: Full refund.

Refunds are issued to the original payment method 5-10 business days (according to stripe).

14. Emergency Veterinary Authorization

If the client cannot be reached in a timely manner during an emergency, the client authorizes Roscoe Pawtroll to seek emergency veterinary care at the nearest available facility. The client agrees to be financially responsible for all veterinary costs incurred.

15. Liability Limitations

Roscoe Pawtroll is not responsible for pre-existing conditions, illness unrelated to walking services, or incidents caused by third parties. Liability is limited to the extent permitted by law and Roscoe Pawtroll's insurance coverage.

16. Right to Refuse or Terminate Service

Roscoe Pawtroll reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service due to unsafe dog behavior, undisclosed health or behavioral issues, unsafe environments, refusal to complete a required meet-and-greet, or repeated policy violations.

17. Photos & Updates

Clients consent to receiving walk updates and photos or videos for service confirmation purposes.

18. General Expectations

Clients must treat our walkers, any assistants, and any other persons encountered during the walk with courtesy and respect. A calm, safe environment is essential for the well-being of the dogs we walk.

19. Prohibited Conduct

The following actions constitute a breach of this clause and may result in immediate suspension or termination of service, without refund:

  • Harassment or intimidation — repeated, unwanted, or aggressive verbal or physical conduct toward our walkers.
  • Hate speech or discriminatory remarks — any language that attacks or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Racist, bigoted, or otherwise offensive comments that create a hostile or unsafe atmosphere.
  • Physical aggression or threats of violence.
  • Abusive treatment of the dog — any instruction or action that would cause unnecessary stress, pain, or harm.
  • Any other conduct that, in our reasonable judgment, endangers the safety, comfort, or dignity of our walkers, the dogs, or members of the public.

20. Reporting & Investigation

If we become aware that a breach may have occurred, we may request clarification from the client, review relevant communications or recordings where legally permissible, and speak with the walker(s) involved.

21. Enforcement Options

After confirming a violation, we may at our sole discretion:

  • Issue a written warning for a first, non-serious breach.
  • Suspend service temporarily.
  • Terminate the client relationship immediately without refund for prepaid fees.
  • Seek reimbursement for any extra costs incurred due to the breach.
  • Pursue civil or criminal remedies if the conduct rises to harassment, threats, or illegal activity.

22. No Waiver

Failure to enforce this clause in a particular instance does not waive our right to enforce it in the future.

23. Severability

If any portion of this clause is found unenforceable under applicable law, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

24. Acceptance

By booking a walk, signing a service agreement, or otherwise engaging our dog-walking service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms.

25. Data & Privacy

Client information is collected solely for the purpose of providing dog walking services. Data gathered through our booking form is accessible only to Roscoe Pawtroll and is not sold, shared, or disclosed to any third party. We do not maintain an online database of client records. For questions about your data or to request its deletion, contact us at [email protected].

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