Questions, answered

No — never. Every Howfen Solo Paws walk is private and one-to-one, so your dog is never mixed with unfamiliar dogs and has our full attention from collection to drop-off. If you have more than one dog at home, get in touch and we'll talk through the options at your meet and greet.

We're based in Westhoughton, Bolton, and cover Westhoughton and Daisy Hill (BL5), and nearby — just ask if you're close by and not sure. Collection and return from your home is included within the agreed service area. Bookings depend on availability and location.

Yes. Before any walks are booked, we'll visit you and your dog at home — free of charge and with no obligation. It's a chance for your dog to get to know us, and for us to learn about their routine, health, behaviour and how they like to walk.

Your dog's welfare always comes first. On hot days, walks may be moved to cooler hours or shortened. If conditions are unsafe, we may suggest a 15–20-minute home visit instead (£10), always agreed with you in advance.

Icy and snowy days are assessed according to the conditions on the day. If a walk wouldn't be safe for your dog — or for us — we may replace it with a short home visit, agreed with you first. If we can't provide the walk or an agreed alternative, you won't be charged.

As a small independent business, we take a planned break now and then. We normally give 6–8 weeks' notice for planned week-long holidays, so you have plenty of time to make other arrangements — and you're never charged for walks while we're closed.

Often, yes — private walks can suit nervous or reactive dogs well, because there are no other dogs in a group to manage. Every dog is different, though, so suitability is assessed individually at the meet and greet. We'll always be honest if we don't think we're the right fit for your dog.

Your dog's safety comes first, so dogs stay on the lead unless you've given written permission and we're confident it's safe — for example, a reliable recall in a suitable, secure space. We'll agree this together at the meet and greet.

Payment is made securely online through PayPal — by debit or credit card, or with a PayPal account — so there's no cash to leave out, and we never see your card details. Prices are always agreed up front, with no hidden extras, and we'll explain when payment is due at your free meet and greet, before any walks are booked.

Plans change — we understand. Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel a walk. And if Howfen Solo Paws ever can't provide a booked walk or an agreed alternative, no charge applies or your payment will be refunded.

Yes, if you'd like us to. Keys are kept securely and are never labelled with your name or address. Alternatively, a key safe works well — we'll agree the best arrangement at your meet and greet.