Frequently asked questions

Yes, always. Every new customer starts with a free meet-and-greet with Priscila, the owner and principal carer, before any booking is confirmed. You will meet the person who enters your home.

Priscila carries out most visits personally. Occasionally a trusted part-time helper may assist. You will always be told in advance if anyone other than Priscila may care for your pet, and an introduction can be arranged where appropriate.

If Priscila is unable to make a scheduled visit because of illness or an emergency, she will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the safest option. Where appropriate, this may include the trusted part-time helper, with your agreement. Gentlekin does not guarantee backup cover, so alternative arrangements may sometimes be needed.

Yes. Gentlekin holds pet-care business insurance with Protectivity. Policy details are available on request.

Yes, Gentlekin holds a current DBS check.

Gentlekin is accredited in Dog First Aid and CPR, and in Dog Grooming.

Straightforward tablets, drops and topical medication are included in the normal visit price, agreed in advance with clear written instructions. Injections, complex schedules, wound care or pets that resist treatment are assessed at the meet-and-greet and priced individually. If care cannot be provided safely and confidently, Gentlekin will say so rather than take the risk.

After each agreed visit you receive a photograph and a short update by WhatsApp, text message or email, depending on what we agree with you. The update covers your pet’s wellbeing and anything you should know.

Keys are collected at the meet-and-greet where possible, labelled without your address or personal details, and stored securely. They are returned or retained between bookings only as agreed with you. Key collection or return outside the meet-and-greet is £8 per journey.

Before care begins, your emergency contact and registered veterinary practice are recorded, together with your veterinary-treatment authorisation. If there is a concern about your pet’s wellbeing, Priscila will contact you and, where necessary, your vet so the situation can be dealt with promptly.

There is no fixed minimum notice, but availability is limited because Gentlekin keeps the number of bookings manageable. For school holidays, Christmas and summer, it is best to enquire as early as possible. Short-notice requests are welcome when the schedule allows.

Individual visits and walks can be cancelled free of charge with more than 24 hours' notice; within 24 hours the full fee applies. Multi-day holiday bookings are free to cancel more than five days ahead (14 days for Christmas and New Year), then 50% applies, and 100% within 24 hours of the first visit. If Priscila can fill the cancelled time with another booking, the charge may be reduced or refunded. The full policy is in the Terms and Conditions.

Wokingham and selected nearby areas, including Winnersh, Woosehill, Emmbrook, Bracknell, Finchampstead, Barkham, Arborfield, Sindlesham and Reading. See Areas Covered, or send your postcode and we will confirm.

Not at present. Gentlekin currently offers home visits, cat sitting, dog walking, puppy visits and small-animal care. If that changes, it will be announced here first.