How long will my dog be out of the house?

Dogs are typically out of the house for about 90 minutes to 2.5 hours total. This includes pick-up, drive time to and from the hiking location, the full 60-minute hike, and drop-off. Timing can vary slightly depending on your location, where your dog falls on the pick-up and drop-off route, and the park we’re hiking that day. Whether your pup is the first or last stop, rest assured they’ll get plenty of fresh air, exercise, and TLC!

How many dogs will be hiking?

Our pack hikes are kept intentionally small for safety, fun, and lots of personal attention! Packs are typically no larger than 6–8 dogs at a time.
The exact number can vary slightly depending on the day and how often certain pups are scheduled to hike. Even in a group, every dog gets plenty of one-on-one attention, encouragement, and care throughout the adventure!

Where do you typically hike?

We frequent a variety of beautiful parks and hiking trails throughout Fairfield County that are dog-friendly and approved for off-leash adventures when appropriate. Specific locations may vary depending on the day's weather, group needs, and trail conditions, but rest assured, every outing is chosen with your dog’s safety, enjoyment, and exercise needs in mind!

Are the dogs all off leash?

Only dogs who have been recall evaluated and approved will be allowed off leash. To qualify, a dog must reliably recognize their name and come when called for a treat or praise. If a dog isn’t quite ready for off-leash freedom, no worries, they will hike safely on a 10–15 foot leash, giving them plenty of room to explore while keeping their safety the top priority!

Is there anything I should provide?

Yes! Each dog should come equipped with a well-fitted harness for hiking (in case a leash is needed) and a collar with their name tag, a current phone number, and their rabies tag, this is required by local animal control regulations. If your dog is an adventurous spirit or you’d like extra peace of mind, a GPS collar is also highly recommended. Some great options we suggest are Tractive, Whistle, or Fi trackers!

What if it rains or the weather is bad?

Rain, sun, and snow, the hike will still happen! However, if weather conditions are unsafe, such as thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, blizzards, or unsafe driving conditions, we will cancel the hike either the night before or the morning of. Because these situations are considered an Act of God, you will not be charged for the missed hike. You will have the option to reschedule for later in the same week or the next available day.
If your dog still needs a potty break and the roads are safe for travel, we may be able to arrange a short check-in visit instead!

What areas do you serve?

Marnie’s Mutts proudly serves Fairfield County, Connecticut, focusing primarily on Westport, Norwalk, Fairfield, Wilton, and Weston. If you're located in a surrounding area nearby, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to review availability on a case-by-case basis depending on location and route planning!

What happens if my dog gets injured on a hike?

Safety is our top priority. Every van is equipped with a full canine first aid kit, including essentials like light bandages, Quick Stop powder (for minor bleeding), Benadryl, super glue, and other emergency supplies. If an injury happens on the trail, we will assess the situation immediately. In many cases, minor strains or twists simply require a few minutes of rest and walking it off, something we’ve seen plenty over our years of experience. If the injury appears more serious, we will contact you right away to discuss the next steps. With your permission, we can transport your dog to either your preferred vet or the nearest veterinary clinic, depending on the urgency. As part of our onboarding process, all clients complete a Veterinary Release Form so we can act quickly if emergency care is needed. In any emergency situation, we will stop the hike if needed to ensure your dog (and the rest of the pack) are safe and cared for.