We are so excited to launch our brand new website today! Whoop whoop! Our intention for this blog is to be a forum to foster discussions and debate over topics of most interest to you, so please join in and express your opinions. Topics will include pros and cons of difference walking techniques and tools, positive training techniques to help solve behavior issue, end of life decisions, just for starters. Drop me an email at patricia@portlandmuttstrut.com if you have a topic you'd like for me to get started!

You'll also get to know our Animal Care Companions a little more (you can get started at our About Us page) as well as the "history" as it is, about Portland Mutt Strut and why we are unique, distinctive, and why we won Spot Magazine's Top Dog #1 Pet Sitter in Feb 2011.

We are also FUN and love what we do, so we will share our favorite videos, photos and stories of our adventures pet sitting and dog walking. Someday the book will come out – so look out for that! 

Special offers will also be announced here – so come back often, read, comment and laugh.

Bear with me, too. I am a newbie at blogging, so as with anything in life, I will learn as I go along. 

Let me know what you think our our new logo and website. Many many thanks to Heather Savoy-Miller at www.savoymillerdesign.com for her terrific new logo, superior website design and most of all for her super attitude and patience in pullling this all my marketing materials together. Check her out if you want a professional look from a wonderful designer! And a big "shout out" to John and Alex at Formic Media www.formicmedia.com for sharing their knowledge, education and their willingness to endure this long process of launching this site. And we were so fortunate to tap into the extraordinary talent of David Childs for the photography on our site – check out our Photos/Gallery page for just a sampling of his talent www.davidchildsphotography.com. THANK YOU all so very much!

Patricia McKinney

Owner, Portland Mutt Strut, LLC

What kind of animals do you care for?

Although we primarily focus on dogs and cats, we love and care for all creatures whether furry, feathery or leathery. We’re meticulous about lovingly caring for your pets, and if we need to learn about a particular species, we will fastidiously do our homework, consult with experts, note any special care requirements and follow your specific instructions to the letter.

What is your service area?

We’re based in NE Portland (Rose City Park neighborhood) and serve a ten-mile radius from our Headquarters, which includes all of Portland Metro.

We’re happy to discuss serving you if you’re outside this radius, but in order to cover our costs and time commitments, we charge a $1.00 additional per mile fee over the 10-mile service area for just one way to your home. Please contact us and we’ll discuss your needs.

Do you screen out particular breeds of dogs to walk?

Absolutely not! All of our Animal Care Companions are experienced professional dog walkers and pet sitters or dedicated dog walking volunteers at a shelter. So we have a tremendous amount of experience walking and working with all types of dogs.

One of our Animal Care Companions, Tamara, is a professional dog trainer and Jennifer is Behavior and Training Assistant at the Oregon Humane Society. With their background, knowledge and experience, we have access to tackle any concern with any breed.

Two of our Animal Care Companions spent time in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina caring for the rescued dogs labeled as “challenging” (Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, etc.). So we’re comfortable handling all breeds of dogs!

What do you require from my dog?

Your dog is required to wear a collar with an ID tag with your cell phone number. If you do not have an ID tag on your dog when we walk them, we would be happy to acquire one for you at a nominal fee. Not required, but recommend, is a registered microchip implant to reunite you with your pet if he or she gets lost and the collar goes missing.

We need written verification that your dog is current with their rabies and DHLPP (five-in-one) vaccination. If your dog attends group training or is boarded in a kennel, we recommend the Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine.

We also require that your dog be people-friendly, particularly to their Animal Care Companion. If your service package includes taking your dog to your local off-leash dog park, her or she must be manageable and must be trained to come when called off leash. In addition, you must sign a Portland Mutt Strut off-leash dog park liability release form.

Do you train dogs?

Two of our Animal Care Companions graduated from the Animal Behavior College and Tamara is a professional dog trainer and has her own training business, Beyond Sit Dog Training. We all know and practice proper dog walking techniques and are adept on how to use leashes, harnesses, including the Easy Walk and the Gentle Leader.

We can schedule a training session with Tamara through Portland Mutt Strut. Tamara can design a comprehensive curriculum for your dog customized to address all their needs from basic to advanced training. All of us can teach your pet positive behaviors such as sit, down, stay and how to take a treat gently. We believe solely in positive reinforcement training and discipline.

What do you require from my cat?

If your cat is an “indoor/outdoor cat,” they are required to wear a collar with an ID tag with your cell phone number. If you do not have an ID tag on your cat, we would be happy to acquire one for you at a nominal fee. Not required, but recommend, is a registered microchip implant to reunite you with your pet if they get lost and the collar goes missing.

We need written verification that your indoor/outdoor cat is current with their rabies and FeLV (feline leukemia) and FVRCPC (four-in-one) vaccinations. If your cat is solely indoors we prefer verification of only a rabies vaccination.

If your cat needs medications, we require that your indoor/outdoor cat remain indoors for the duration of our service agreement.

Although we recommend that your cat stay indoors for a longer, healthier life, if he or she does go outside, your Animal Care Companion is not required to find it when they visit, but we will attend to other contracted needs in your home.

Do you administer medication to pets?

Yes, we administer medication per your detailed directions. Pills, drops, creams, injections and Sub-Q fluids are administered at no additional charge. However, if we need to administer medications at a specific time OR before or after our service hours (M-Su 8am-7pm), we do add a nominal fee to your service package. Sorry, but we do not administer intravenous medication.

Do you provide service in my home or yours?

Animals, especially cats, tend to get somewhat stressed by a change in routine and location, so the benefit of partnering with us allows your pets to stay in their home and to maintain their regular patterns and sleeping spots. This keeps your pet happy and stress-free, and you can come home to a happy and “poop-free” home!

At this time, we do not offer boarding in our homes, but can recommend a couple good dog boarding facilities.

Why is it important that my animal care provider’s company be licensed, insured and bonded?

Portland Mutt Strut, LLC is a professional business licensed in the State of Oregon which means we pay taxes and must follow business ethics and legal requirements.

We also carry specific pet sitters' commercial liability insurance through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC which covers bodily injury or property damage as well as loss, injury or death of your animal or the involved animal, limited emergency veterinary care, and lost key replacement. Portland Mutt Strut is only responsible for costs caused by our negligence.

We also have an expanded bonded policy through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC, which means we are covered if Portland Mutt Strut is convicted due to a dishonest act (standard bonding) or if we’re at fault for negligent acts by one of our Animal Care Companions in your home (expanded bonding).

All of these important business policies, insurance and licenses guarantee that you are working with a professional business with strict ethics, principles and values. Please request a copy of our licenses and policies if you want more details and/or insurance coverage.

What will Portland Mutt Strut do if my pet suffers an acute illness or is injured while I am away?

During our initial consultation, we will document your pet’s medical issues and medications and, during our visits, to the best of our ability, look for any symptoms of illness. However, we are not trained veterinarians or vet techs and cannot diagnose or treat any illness. We will note and/or act upon any visible changes and call you and your vet for next steps.

We will contact you or your emergency contact immediately to discuss treatment if your pet displays signs of acute distress. If unable to reach you, we’ll contact your preferred veterinary clinic or emergency hospital and continue to try contacting you to discuss treatment and payment arrangements. Portland Mutt Strut is only responsible for costs caused by our negligence.

If your pet is hurt, injured or bites another animal or person under our care, we will contact you or your emergency number immediately and bring your pet to the vet or emergency hospital if needed. Portland Mutt Strut is only responsible for costs caused by our negligence.

What does the free initial consultation include?

Our initial consultation with you is very important for both of us. We’ll come to your home and meet with you and your pets, discuss their routine and needs, and address any medical issues and walking concerns.

We will review the services that we offer and discuss any customization you desire that we’re able to provide. In addition, our policies, procedures and contract will be discussed and your questions will be addressed. We’ll also document the procedures you want us to follow for the services you request.

This consultation is complimentary and is essential to assure that we’re both fully informed and comfortable with our partnership. Bottom line: we hope for a long-term, enjoyable relationship with both you and your pet.

What paperwork/documents are required?

After we get all the information we need from you during the free initial consultation, we go back and prepare the appropriate documents for your service so that we are all in agreement with what we will provide and at what cost. These documents include:

• Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service Agreement – this form gives us permission to enter your home with your key and perform the services that are required during the specific time period discussed. This form includes the formal price quote which is paid in advance of your departure in the form of a check (preferred) or cash.
• Client Information Form – includes your information (cell and work numbers), local emergency contact person and phone number, details about your home, alarm (if applicable), and the name and number of others who may be in your home during our visit.
• Pet Information Form – specific information about each pet, including their description, age, breed, feeding and medication needs, confinement and any precautions we need to be aware of during our visit.
• Veterinarian Release Form – allows Portland Mutt Strut to take your pet to your vet or emergency hospital if the need arises during our visit. We also ask that you contact your vet to advise them of your trip and to alert them that Portland Mutt Strut is authorized to treat your pet if necessary.
• (optional) Off-Leash Dog Park Release Form – our Animal Care Companions are trained to observe dog body language during a dog park visit and curtail any incident before it may arise. However, if an incident with another dog or human arises during our visit that we could not avoid, this form releases Portland Mutt Strut from any liability that was not foreseen.

Can I be assured of the same Animal Care Companion each time?

We prefer to maintain the same Animal Care Companion assigned to you for each visit. If your Companion is not available for any reason, a fully informed alternate Companion or the Owner will come in their place.

Depending on your care contract, you may have two regular Animal Care Companions for your services. If you require, we will introduce you to your Animal Care Companions. For Overnight visits, you will meet the Animal Care Companion in advance of your departure. All Portland Mutt Strut Animal Care Companions display identification at all times. All Portland Mutt Strut Animal Care Companions are covered by our liability and bonding insurance at all times.

How does my Animal Care Companion get into my home?

Once the contract is signed, we will obtain two keys from you – one for your Animal Care Companion and one for Headquarters. Both keys will have a coded label and will be kept in a secure location at all times. In the event that we lose your key, our liability insurance will cover re-keying your home.

The contract will outline your home’s security access requirements, including alarm systems and codes. We’ll need your security codes in order to prevent setting off an alarm upon our entry and to re-secure the home when we leave. As with your keys, this confidential information will be kept safe and secure in our Headquarters.

Do you offer longer term contracts at a discounted rate?

Yes, we do! At our initial consultation, we’ll determine your specific needs and, if appropriate, discount our rates accordingly. Obviously, the more services you engage with Portland Mutt Strut or the more visits you require per week, the greater your discount.

We also offer a one-time use “New Client” 10% discount off your first service as a "Thank-you" for engaging with Portland Mutt Strut. In addition, if at any time you book five or more overnights during any trip, we will discount those overnights as well. Please review our Rates/Policies page.

Do you have a Referral Program where I can benefit and how do I sign up?

We’re pleased to offer our clients a free visit (up to $30 in value) when you refer one of your family, friends, work colleagues or neighbors to Portland Mutt Strut, and they contract with us to use our services.

The more clients you refer, the more visits you earn. You’re automatically entered into this program when you sign up with Portland Mutt Strut. We believe our business success is based on referrals and great service!

How and when do I pay you?

All charges are paid by you in advance of services rendered via check (preferred) or cash. For new clients for your first overnight or vacation visits, we require a $100 deposit at time of booking and the balance due before you leave. There is a $25 fee for returned checks. Your Animal Care Companion will pick-up your check in your designated location.

May I give my Animal Care Companion a gratuity?

Yes and they will certainly appreciate it! We ask that you leave the cash or check (written out to them) gratuity in an envelope with their name on it to be picked up where the service check is left. We don’t want any misunderstanding of loose cash that may or may not be intended for them.

How do I get in contact with you or to sign up as a client?

Please call Portland Mutt Strut’s owner, Patricia McKinney at 503-335-9889 (please, just Mon-Sat from 9 am – 7 pm), or send an email to info@portlandmuttstrut.com to schedule a free consultation or to make any additional inquiries not addressed in this website. We would be happy to answer all your questions immediately and we look forward to serving you!

                     Costs – Per Visit                         

“Swagger and Strut”
30-minute visit
Click here for description of service

                     Costs – Per Visit                        

“Luxurious Outing”
45-minute visit
Click here for description of service

                     Costs – Per Visit                        

“Nirvana”
60-minute visit
Click here for description of service

                     Costs – Per Visit                         

Longer Daily Services Available

We can customize a package to suit you and your pet’s specific needs, whether it be a two-hour visit so that you can take in a movie with your friends and don’t want to leave your pet alone, or an afternoon visit so that you can spend some quality time with your family at the beach, just as examples!

Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your specific needs.

                     Costs – Per Day                        

“Just Once a Day”
One 15-minute visit a day
Click here for description of service
Note: Service only available within a ten mile radius of home base
(Rose City Park neighborhood)

                     Costs – Per Day                        

Very Special Note: Some clients have asked for “every other day” visits. However Portland Mutt Strut does not offer this service due to our concern for your pet, as well as that we cannot be held medically responsible for a pet we see just every other day. In case of a medical emergency, we need to be able to tend to your pet right away and address their needs immediately, which we can only do with daily visits.

We require as much advance notice as possible in order to make sure we can make arrangements to take care of you and your pets. We definitely sell-out during the holidays and summers, so please call when you are thinking of your holidays, vacations or trips away. We also require a $100 deposit at time of booking to guarantee your spot.

Overnight Sleepover
12-hour visit overnight
Click here for description of service

                    Costs – Per Night                       

Weekend Get Away
Two (2) 12-hour overnight visits in your home
Click here for description of service

                  Costs – Two Nights                   

Vacation Pet and Home Care
Multiple 12-hour overnight visits in your home
Click here for description of service

                  Costs – Per Night                  

We have a 10-mile service area from our home base in NE Portland (Rose City Park Neighborhood). If you are outside our 10-mile service area, we can take care of you and your pets at this additional nominal charge.

Holiday Supplement:
Time and a half of quoted cost

Includes: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

Outside Service Time Supplement:
$5.00 per visit

If you need an early morning visit (between 6 am and 8 am) or a late evening visit (between 7 pm and 10 pm) we can take care of you and your pets at this additional nominal charge.

Additional Services:
$35.00 per hour + actual hard costs

This includes vet visits, grooming, shopping for supplies, emergencies and anything required for your pets or your home not planned in advance. Detailed invoice is provided which is then payable immediately upon your return.

Emergency Key Drop-Off (if you are locked out):
$25.00

Insufficient Funds/Returned Check:
$25.00

Dog walking/animal care

Overnight care

Weekend care

Vacation care

Summer and Christmas Holiday Overnight Care

Key Policy

We require two keys made from your Master Key from a locksmith (please verify that they work correctly prior to giving to us). One is for your regular Animal Care Companion and one is for Headquarters. Your home safety is of utmost concern to us so your keys will be guarded and safely stored. Any alarm codes and/or home safety procedures will also be kept confidential.

If you misplace your key and need an emergency key drop off, we will come out to your location to open your door, pending our availability. If you need to keep this key, we will make an additional duplicate for our possession. There is an additional charge for this service.

Note: Please use a legitimate locksmith to make your keys. Fred Meyer and Home Depot keys are not reliable and we have had problems accessing homes with these keys. Thank you!

Payment Policy

All contracted services are to be paid in advance of the coming services – no exceptions. Regular dog walking service payments are to be paid the first day of the week of services. Arrangements can be made to pay weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Payments are accepted in the form of a check (preferred) or cash. There is a $25 fee for returned checks.

Vacation services for new clients or services of five or more nights are to be secured with a $100 deposit at time of booking to guarantee your spot. Balance due just prior to departure.

Service is usually provided between 7 pm and 7 am (12-hours); however, we can alter that schedule to fit your routine and needs and add time at the beginning of the evening or at the end of the morning at a minimal additional cost. Each visit includes a 20-min AM walk and a 20-min PM walk. Midday walk, if desired, is quoted at regular rates.
Click here for rates.

As with the “Overnight Sleepover,” service is usually provided between 7 pm and 7 am (12-hours); however, we can alter that schedule to fit your routine and needs and add time at the beginning of the evening or at the end of the morning at a minimal additional cost. Each visit includes a 20-min AM walk and a 20-min PM walk. Midday walk, if desired, is quoted at regular rates. Click here for rates.