...

Charlie & Friends | Dog Walking, Puppy Visits, Cat Sitting & Pet Taxi in Manchester

We pride ourselves on providing one of the best dog walking and pet services in Manchester.

About Us

About Us

Charlie & Friends

We pride ourselves on providing one of the best dog walking services in Manchester. We’re pretty amazing at it and the dogs we walk absolutely love us - you can see it in their faces. We treat each dog like they’re our own, just like anyone should. 
A dog is just like you and us, so the safety and wellbeing of every dog in our care is always our top priority. We carry out DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and reference checks on our dog walkers before they start working with us. As part of our initial training process we ensure that every dog walker completes a canine first aid course. Our dog walkers also complete various canine related CPD qualifications and receive on the job training throughout their career. It is our belief that every dog walker in the pet services industry should receive adequate training and actively complete additional qualifications to support their role as standard. It's also good to know that we're insured with PBI (Pet Business Insurance) which provides cover for accidents & injury to animals and public liability.

At the park we socialise, play games and walk around. We always reward good behaviour using positive reinforcement and treats. We only use treats that are natural and grain free because we recognise that many dogs have allergies or sensitive stomachs. The maximum number of dogs we take is six dogs per dog walker to a large park. We carry a first aid kit, water bowls and plenty of clean towels. We also use our own leads, treats, balls and waste bags. We update our social media pages throughout the day. All owners can see what their dog gets up to on their walks. From funny videos to cute pictures, we upload them all. Owners are also kept up to date with their dogs progress and behaviour. 

So, with all this in mind you can rest assured that your dog will be in safe loving hands with us and we guarantee they'll love every single walk.

Scott (pictured) - Founder & Dog Walker
With a vast knowledge of canine behaviours, canine communication, training skills, being canine first aid trained and having years of walking experience under his belt, your dog will certainly be well looked after with Scott. 

Dog dad to Charlie (left in the main page picture,) Scott has always had a genuine love and passion for dogs. From an early age he would always help his mum with the family dogs and at weekends he'd also help his sister with her 20 Pomeranians. From feeding them, to walking them, to helping out at dog shows, it was something he always loved doing. He went on to work in numerous roles in his adult life, but was never fully satisfied. There was always something missing. It was then in the spring of 2017 that he realised what he needed to do and decided to leave his job in recruitment to set up Charlie & Friends - and here we are today. 

Here’s a bit of background on his work life. Previous to his role in recruitment, he worked in retail banking for four years and he was a manager for a global fast food company for almost ten years. All completely unrelated to dogs we know, but they were simply stepping stones leading to his dream. Now he‘s got the perfect job for him with the added bonus that it‘s one of the best jobs ever. He absolutely loves it and wouldn’t change it for the world.


Our Partners
As a reputable company we’ve built relationships with numerous developments across Manchester and Salford. We’re proud to provide our services on their resident services websites and concierge apps. 

We’re currently partnered with: 


We’re always looking to partner with more developments, so please get in touch if you’d like us to feature on your resident services website or concierge app.

BOOK NOW

Dog Walking - Single Booking

Our group dog walks are brilliant for socialisation, confidence, mental stimulation and exercise. We take up to four dogs per dog walker to a large park in Manchester or Salford. We play fetch and walk around so that each dog can exercise their senses, stimulate their minds and socialise with their friends. All walks last one hour and we walk whatever the weather. The time your dog will be with us including their walk, collection and drop off will be approximately 90 minutes to two hours each time. We always make sure any muddy paws are given a clean before dropping them back off. Our price includes collection from home or the office, the one hour group dog walk and then drop off at home or the office. 

Dog Walking - 1 per week

Book a regular schedule of 1 walks per week (£12)Our group dog walks are brilliant for socialisation, confidence, mental stimulation and exercise. We take up to four dogs per dog walker to a large park in Manchester or Salford. We play fetch and walk around so that each dog can exercise their senses, stimulate their minds and socialise with their friends. All walks last one hour and we walk whatever the weather. The time your dog will be with us including their walk, collection and drop off will be approximately 90 minutes to two hours each time. We always make sure any muddy paws are given a clean before dropping them back off. Our price includes collection from home or the office, the one hour group dog walk and then drop off at home or the office. 

Dog Walking - 2 per week

Book a regular schedule of 2 walks per week (£24)Our group dog walks are brilliant for socialisation, confidence, mental stimulation and exercise. We take up to four dogs per dog walker to a large park in Manchester or Salford. We play fetch and walk around so that each dog can exercise their senses, stimulate their minds and socialise with their friends. All walks last one hour and we walk whatever the weather. The time your dog will be with us including their walk, collection and drop off will be approximately 90 minutes to two hours each time. We always make sure any muddy paws are given a clean before dropping them back off. Our price includes collection from home or the office, the one hour group dog walk and then drop off at home or the office. 

Dog Walking - 3 per week

Book a regular schedule of 3 walks per week (£36)Our group dog walks are brilliant for socialisation, confidence, mental stimulation and exercise. We take up to four dogs per dog walker to a large park in Manchester or Salford. We play fetch and walk around so that each dog can exercise their senses, stimulate their minds and socialise with their friends. All walks last one hour and we walk whatever the weather. The time your dog will be with us including their walk, collection and drop off will be approximately 90 minutes to two hours each time. We always make sure any muddy paws are given a clean before dropping them back off. Our price includes collection from home or the office, the one hour group dog walk and then drop off at home or the office. 

Dog Walking - 4 per week

Book a regular schedule of 4 walks per week (£48)Our group dog walks are brilliant for socialisation, confidence, mental stimulation and exercise. We take up to four dogs per dog walker to a large park in Manchester or Salford. We play fetch and walk around so that each dog can exercise their senses, stimulate their minds and socialise with their friends. All walks last one hour and we walk whatever the weather. The time your dog will be with us including their walk, collection and drop off will be approximately 90 minutes to two hours each time. We always make sure any muddy paws are given a clean before dropping them back off. Our price includes collection from home or the office, the one hour group dog walk and then drop off at home or the office. 

Dog Walking - 5 per week

Book a regular schedule of 5 walks per week (£60)Our group dog walks are brilliant for socialisation, confidence, mental stimulation and exercise. We take up to four dogs per dog walker to a large park in Manchester or Salford. We play fetch and walk around so that each dog can exercise their senses, stimulate their minds and socialise with their friends. All walks last one hour and we walk whatever the weather. The time your dog will be with us including their walk, collection and drop off will be approximately 90 minutes to two hours each time. We always make sure any muddy paws are given a clean before dropping them back off. Our price includes collection from home or the office, the one hour group dog walk and then drop off at home or the office. 

Puppy Visit

Our puppy visits are ideal for puppies that can’t go outside just yet or are too young for our group walks. We can pop round to feed them, change their puppy pads and give them some much needed attention while you’re busy working. 

Cat Sitting

We love cats too. Are you going on holiday? Do you need the cat feeding? We can pop round to feed them, give them fresh water, clean out their bowls, change their litter and give them some much needed attention.

Pet Taxi

Our Pet Taxi is perfect if you don’t have time to take your pet to the vets, kennels/cattery, boarders house, groomers or even the grandparents house. Individual circumstances can also be discussed. All journeys are subject to additional charges depending on the areas travelling to, and if there are waiting times. One booking at £10 = a single one way journey travelling up to a maximum of 5 miles from the pick up point. Additional miles are charged at £1.00 per mile. Wait times are charged at £5.00 per 15 minutes. We are only permitted to transport your pet due to licensing laws.  

FAQ

Are you still working during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are open and operating as normal throughout the pandemic. We are not required to close down during lockdowns. We keep up to date with government guidance, practice social distancing and have implemented strict hygiene practices. 

Will my dog be safe with your dog walkers?
The safety and wellbeing of every dog in our care is always our top priority. We provide extensive training on security, canine first aid, canine behaviours and canine communication. All training is given and/or supervised by Scott, our Director & Dog Walker. Our dog walkers are carefully selected following our two stage interview process and we carry out DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and reference checks before they start working with us.

Will my dog be walked by the same dog walker every day?
Yes. Your dog will be walked by the same dog walker every day. There may be occasions in the event of absence or holiday where another one of our dog walkers takes your dog out, but your dog should've met that dog walker before out on our walks. 

Can I meet the dog walker taking out my dog before they start?
We can arrange a meeting before your dogs first day or you can wait to meet them on your dogs first day. It's up to you. 
Initially, we will discuss all your requirements via email, WhatsApp message or phone call and agree a start date. We request that you are home on the start date to make sure your dog is comfortable coming with us and to give us keys and/or fobs. You'll also need to show us where your dogs harness or collar is kept and tell us where they're allowed to go in the home when you aren't home. 

Where will my dog be walked?
We take our groups to large parks in Manchester or Salford. 

Will my dog be walked on or off the lead?
With owner permission we walk all dogs off the lead providing their recall is satisfactory. If your dogs recall isn't great we can help to improve this, but your dog will be walked on the lead until we're comfortable with their progress. 

How many dogs are walked at a time?
Our groups are kept to a maximum of six dogs per walker. Groups are carefully selected with the breed, age, sex and personality in mind and will be discussed with you beforehand. 

Will you message me everyday to let me know how my dog is on your walks?
We'll give you daily updates on how your dog gets on for the first few weeks or so until you're happy that they are fully settled in. Once you're happy that they are fully settled in we'll stop messaging daily. You'll be able to see how they get on everyday on our social media pages and you'll always be welcome to ask any questions or request specific updates about your dog. Due to the amount of dogs we walk it is impractical to message every owner with an update every day. We will of course still message you when it is necessary.

Are you insured to take my dog out?
Yes. We are fully insured with PBI (Pet Business Insurance) who provide our cover for accidents and injury to animals, public liability and employer's liability.

What areas do you cover?
The main areas we cover are Manchester City Centre, Ancoats, New Islington, Northern Quarter, Green Quarter and Hulme. We also cover the Blackfriars, Greengate and Chapel Street districts of Salford. We're always looking to cover new areas, so please just ask if we can cover your area.

What time will my dog be walked?
We have set walk times for different areas. These will be discussed with you. On the rare occasion we may need to change set times for areas, but we will contact you if we need to do this. This is normally due to change in traffic conditions eg. major roadworks. 

Do you walk in bad weather or when it's really hot?
We walk come rain, snow or shine, however, in extreme weather conditions we will cancel walks and notify you. This is normally when the temperature is forecast to be 30 degrees or more. You will not be charged if we cancel in this instance. 
Generally on hot days we keep to shaded areas of parks and/or we go to parks where we know there is a river or a lake for the dogs to keep cool. We also try to restrict running around and we make sure there is plenty of drinking water available.

What happens in case of emergency?
In the unlikely event of an emergency we'll immediately call you or contact your nominated emergency contact person if you're unavailable. All of our dog walkers are trained in canine first aid. If veterinary assistance is needed we'll take your dog to your named vet or to the nearest possible one. 

My dog is anxious. Would you take them out? 
We can take anxious dogs on our walks as long as they are comfortable coming with us. We will update you how your dog gets on after each walk until they are fully settled in. An anxious dog may take a couple of weeks or even a month to fully settle depending on the frequency of their walks. 

What if my dog dislikes one of the other dogs on their walk?
If we find an imbalance within a group and it is causing a problem we'll consult with you. We would look at changing groups if deemed necessary. 

I’m worried my dog may get sick or get fleas if they are exposed to lots of different dogs. Will they be okay?
This shouldn't be anything to worry about as long as your dog has their annual booster vaccinations. Our van is thoroughly disinfected every day. 
There are many products on the market that provide effective protection against worms and fleas. If you keep on top of their treatment every month you shouldn't have any issues with fleas or worms.

My dog isn’t neutered. Will you take them out? 
Yes. We would just monitor their behaviour. If we deem their behaviour to be a problem at any point we will consult with you. 

My female dog isn’t spayed. What happens if she comes in to season - will you still take her out?
A female dog in season attracts unwanted attention from numerous male dogs in the park and often causes male dogs to fight. There is also a risk that the female may stray to seek a mate. We would have to temporarily suspend your dogs walks until their season has finished and they no longer give off the scent that attracts male dogs. This is normally a few weeks, but in some cases this can be up to a month.

Would you walk my older dog?
Our group walks are suitable for dogs of all ages as long as they are fit, healthy and their booster vaccinations are kept up to date.

Can you walk my aggressive dog?
Our walks are not suitable for an aggressive dog to be on.

Do you do solo walks?
We only offer group walks.

I don't need your services every week, can I just use them occasionally?
Yes. This is absolutely fine. We have many clients that have ad hoc services. 

Would you collect my dog from my office?
Yes. We would just ask you to meet us with your dog on a street nearby due to the many parking restrictions in the city centre. 

Can I make a same day booking if I'm a new client?
We require at least 24 hours notice for new client bookings. We cannot accept same day bookings. There is important paperwork that must be prepared and electronically signed before a service can start. 

How do I book?
All services should be booked via the resident services website or concierge app. Once you become a client we'll provide you with your client portal log in details so that you can easily manage your services online.

Do I need to be home when you pick up my dog?
Not after your dogs first day when you will have to be home to show us where everything is. You will need to get us a key and/or fob cut if you are going to be at work or out. All keys and fobs in our possession are coded and securely stored.

Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy is applicable to all booked services. All services must be paid for in advance. 
Any changes to agreed regular services must be submitted by 20:00 on Wednesdays. Any ad hoc bookings must also be submitted by 20:00 on Wednesdays. This means you will be making changes to services the following week.
We will always try to accommodate changes and late requests, however, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to honour every request. 
We reserve the right to charge 50% of the service price when a service is cancelled with less than 7 calendar days notice. Cancellation under exceptional circumstances will be honoured. 

How To Raise A Concern Or Make A Complaint
What To Do
We're confident that you won't need to raise a concern or make a complaint, however, we recognise that you may deem something necessary to contact us about. In this case you must put your complaint in writing and send it to our email address: hello@charlie-n-friends.co.uk.

Our Response
Upon receipt of your complaint we will investigate the matter and contact you to discuss it. We aim to resolve all concerns and complaints within 24 hours. Sometimes this may take longer if our investigation takes longer than anticipated, but we will always keep you up to date. 

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Marcia, Daisy’s owner - ★★★★★
I have a very nervous and anxious spaniel, Daisy. As soon as we met Scott she was very comfortable and relaxed around him which is quite unusual when she meets new people. She put her trust in him Straight away.

Alexandra, Pablo’s owner - ★★★★★
Pablo loves going on his walks and is always worn out when I get home, which is good for me!

Vicki, Humphrey’s owner - ★★★★★
The best dog walking service for our pup! always really accommodating for our dogs needs and Scott really looks out for him as if he’s his own! Our pup is always so happy on his walks and it’s great that we get videos and photos so we can see how much fun he’s having!

Melissa, Wilson’s owner - ★★★★★
Amazing service from Scott. You can tell he genuinely cares for our pooch and Wilson adores his daily walks. He is very reliable and happy to help. We would be lost with him! Could not recommend enough.  

Emily McCarthy, Winnie's owner - ★★★★★
Scott is amazing with Winnie she loves her walks with him and the rest of the doggy gang. I would highly recommend to anyone 😊

Contact

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 09:00-17:00
Mobile: 07507033684
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieandfriendsmanchester
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieandfriendsmanchester
Powered by Blackbell