What is your service area?
Four Paws Adventures currently serves Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Southwest Mesa. Some services may be available in an expanded area for an additional mileage fee. Four Paws Adventures is expanding to Scottsdale and the Northwest Valley soon - click here to receive an email when we expand!

What days do you offer walks and field trips?
Dog park excursions and hound hikes are offered Monday through Friday.

What requirements do you have?
All new canine clients are evaluated in order to determine their suitability to requested services and existing groups. All dogs must be six months or older, be licensed, be spayed or neutered, and have current vaccinations or vaccine titers. Dogs with worms, fleas, and/or ticks are not accepted until successfully treated. Dogs which have shown aggression toward other dogs are not accepted for group trips.

What credentials do you have?
Four Paws Adventures is owned and operated by Melanie Barnes. Melanie was a pet sitter from 2000 - 2006, is certified in pet first aid through the Red Cross, is a member of Pet Sitters International, and is insured and bonded. And Melanie is a dog mom herself, so you can be sure she understands the special relationship you have with your dog. Please visit the Testimonials page for references.

While pet sitting, Melanie saw a need for a professional dog walking service with the emphasis on exercise. She decided to get out of pet "sitting" and into dog adventures in 2006. In late 2006, she quit her day job and now focuses exclusively on canine fitness and fun!

Do you offer dog training?
Four Paws Adventures does not offer dog training, but we will work with you and your trainer to reinforce any current training which you are working on. We offer fun and adventure but we always gently encourage our canine clients to respect the pack leader and the rest of the pack!

Are dog parks safe?
We've all heard dog park horror stories; however, dog parks are much less crowded during the weekdays. We are experienced in handling dogs, always monitor the situations to which clients are exposed, and are specially equipped to break up doggie disagreements. Dog parks that Four Paws frequents all have multiple enclosures so that clients can be moved to a new area if there is another dog which causes concern. Dog park groups are limited to three dogs per trip, so you can be sure your dog is getting personal interaction and supervision. Dogs are grouped by size and/or temperament. Even small dogs can have their day at the dog park!

What about the heat in Arizona?
The Four Paws Adventures' Dog Bus is crate equipped, well ventilated, and climate controlled. Every adventure includes plenty of fresh water and the dogs are monitored closely for signs of heat exhaustion. During the hot summer months hiking services are not offered, but a trip to Cosmo Dog Park's doggie lake is a fun and refreshing adventure!

Isn't hiking dangerous?
It is Four Paws Adventures' job to insure the safety of the pack. Dogs are never let off leash during hiking trips - it is illegal and dangerous. During rattlesnake season, hiking is limited to well used trails where wildlife is frightened away from the trail by continuous traffic. Trails are wide enough that the dogs are always able to stay on trail and out of the brush and cacti. The pack leader carries a canine first aid kit and knows the location of the nearest veterinarian to each trail in case of emergency.

How do you pick up my dog while I'm not home?
Four Paws Adventures is insured, bonded, and reputable. You will be asked to provide a key to your home or access to your yard during the introductory meeting. This key will only be used for scheduled visits and is never marked or stored with your name or home address.

What types of payment do you accept?
Payments are accepted via personal check, cash, or PayPal. All services are prepaid. Payment can be made with a credit card via PayPal without having a PayPal account - just click on the PayPal button at the bottom of the Services page.

What if I need to cancel?
Because services are prepaid, Four Paws Adventures does not currently charge a cancellation fee. Refunds are not offered, but your dog's adventure will be rescheduled. If you do need to cancel, please provide as much notice as possible. Four Paws' clients are on regular schedules, but reschedules and last minute requests can often be accommodated.

Why should I hire a professional dog walker?
You can be assured of professional, insured and bonded service. Unlike neighborhood kids or part-time dog walkers, we take your dog's fun very seriously!

Why should I choose Four Paws Adventures instead of doggie daycare?
Because we pick them up, tire them out, and drop them off! Four Paws Adventures can also be a nice compliment to daycare services, giving your dog a chance to have a more adventurous experience and a different group of friends on non-daycare days.

How often should my dog go out with Four Paws Adventures?
That depends on your dog's condition and activity needs. Four Paws Adventures can take your dog out five days per week or can offer special "break-up-the-work week" outings.

How will I know if my dog had fun?
Check out the day's adventures on the Gallery page of our website! Your dog will have his or her own photo album in the Gallery where you can view photos of your dog in action!

How do I get my adventure hound signed up?
Call 602-617-6419 or click here to request a free introductory meeting. The introductory meeting takes about one half hour. Please be prepared to provide a key to your home or yard, proof of current licensing, a veterinarian receipt showing commonly accepted vaccinations or vaccine titer due dates, and payment.

Do you have a question that hasn't been answered?
Please click here to email Melanie.