Q: Are you really the first dog running company?

A: We're proud of the fact that we we're the first dog running company in the world! Running Paws, Inc. was Incorporated in September of 2002 and while we certainly didn’t invent the idea of running with dogs we were the first to identify the fitness needs of the urban dog and build a business around those needs (see why Running Paws was founded.) We're always flattered when similar companies around the country pop up and we're proud to be the leader! We're similarly proud to have pioneered the services offered by puppypawsnyc.com our puppy company. Return to top of page


Q: Are you an alternative to a “Dog Walker”

A: Yes, and no. Daily Fitness Sessions are provided by our Endurance Athletes who have made a significant investment in their own fitness training, not everyone can run six miles five days a week. Additionally, our Athletes are all either college graduates or students and choose to work with us as they enjoy running and love dogs. Most of our clients don't use dog walkers on days they have scheduled Daily Fitness Sessions as these sessions provide relief walks on the way to and from the designated running areas. Return to top of page


Q: I already have a 'dog walker', why do I need you?

A: A 'walker' does not give sufficient exercise for your dog. Although we as humans walk around, this does not constitute as exercise for an active dog. We need to get the heart pumping and paws (legs) running! Return to top of page


Q: Is your company bonded & insured?

A: Yes, we are fully Bonded and Insured to protect you, your pet, and our staff. Upon request we will send you our certificates for both. You should always ask for proof of these before entrusting your pet with any care provider. Reputable providers will happily provide you with proof of their policies. Return to top of page


Q: Do you offer a “Free Trial” so I can see if my dog likes to jog?

A: In order to reduce the large number of meeting requests we have implemented a $25 fee for introductory meetings. However, this fee is credited back to your account when you sign up for service. The introductory meeting is an important start to our relationship with you as we introduce ourselves to you and your pet. At this meeting we bring a list of references, go over the details of what to expect if you hire us, and take your pup out for a quick trial run or walk to get an idea of his/her abilities. Return to top of page


Q: Do you have references I can contact?

A: Yes, we are proud of our accomplishments with Running Paws Inc. At our introductory meeting we will provide you with at least 15 references of our current clientele, additionally we can provide you with 3 references at your request prior to your meeting with us. Return to top of page


Q: Where do you exercise my dog?

A: It depends on where you live. Upper East/West Side residents are normally brought to Central Park. Below 59th Street we frequently bring dogs to the FDR running path and West Side Highway running path. In Battery Park we take dogs out along the Esplanade. Return to top of page


Q: Do you exercise more than one dog at a time?

A: Our services are priced based on the number of dogs that can be safely handled at a time. Exclusive services (running, jogging, and fast paced walking) are exclusive to your pet, Private services (running and jogging) allow a maximum of 2 dogs at a time. Please note that we only group dogs together when they are compatible. Return to top of page


Q: I work during the day, what times do you come and how do you get into my apartment?

A: We customize our runs for each dog.  Our time slots are from 11:00 am - 4 pm, we will accommodate your time preference as best as possible. If you have a doorman, we ask you to leave keys for us with them, if not we keep a copy of your keys with our staff. Return to top of page


Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: We only accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We do not accept personal checks or cash. We will bill your card every two weeks after services are rendered and send a detailed itemized email receipt. Our database system is completely secure and we use Wells Fargo as our credit card billing agency. Return to top of page


Q: Other companies in your industry don't charge sales tax why do you?

A: New York City requires that businesses in the pet service industry charge sales tax. Copies of our sales tax certificate are avaialble to our clients and we suggest that you request a sales tax certificate from any company in our industry prior to paying sales tax.Return to top of page


Q: How many hours can a dog run per week?

A: Certain breed can easily log up to 35 hours a week, according to the book Running With Man's Best Friend by Davia Anne Gallup (Alpine Publication, 1986). It really depends on the type of breed, your pets age, and the dogs current condition. Return to top of page


Q: At what age should I start exercising my dog?

A: Ideally, an exercise plan should be established when your dog is still a puppy and continue throughout your pet's life. As your dog ages, exercise tolerance and requirements can be adjusted. In general, no younger than 8 months is appropriate for your dog. Return to top of page


Q: Are certain breeds better suited for running?

A: A walk around the block or a 15-minute romp around several times a day is minimal exercise and is NOT enough to meet the average dog's needs. Active breeds such as dogs from the sporting, herding, hound and terrier groups, northern breeds and any mixture of these and virtually all adolescents require much more exercise! However, a few breeds do require very little exercise to maintain good health and will derive little benefit from running. Return to top of page


Q: At what age should a dog stop exercising?

A: Ideally, an exercise plan should be established when your dog is still a puppy and continue throughout your pet's life. As a dog ages, exercise tolerance and requirements will change. Your veterinarian will want to perform a complete physical exam on your pet and discuss exercises that are appropriate. Return to top of page


Q: Why is exercise important for senior dogs?

A: Exercise is important for your elderly dog for many reasons. First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.

Osteoarthritis is degeneration of joints. This problem may develop during a pet's geriatric years causing pain and discomfort. Excess weight on these joints can speed up the disease. Believe it or not, moderate exercise can help to delay the continued degeneration of joints that are affected with osteoarthritis.

Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients like glucose (blood sugar) at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition. Return to top of page


Q: Will running help my dog's hip dysphasia?

A: A light, short jog may be particularly beneficial for dogs with dysphasia because little active extension of the hip joint is required; rather, a light jog passively extends the hip by pulling the limb back. The dog then actively advances the limb. This activity may be especially beneficial early in the conditioning program while other treatments are started.

Additionally, weight loss results in greatly decreased progression of osteoarthritis. Appropriate exercise and training will also maintain muscle mass that will help improve stability of the hip joint, maintain endurance and maintain the health of cartilage. Return to top of page