Companions FAQ

1. What is the process of becoming a Companion ℠ Family?

First, we get accquainted. The easiest way would be to get in contact with us via one of these methods:

  • Fill out a Companion Family contact form
  • Email us at info@FlipFlopDogs.com
  • Call us at 800.710.1740

After the initial contact, you will be asked to have a brief phone interview to establish that you meet the basic requirements for being a Companion Family. The next step is an in-person interview from your local franchise, which is when we discuss more about you, specifically your likes verse dislikes regarding dogs and your schedule. Lastly, we require a home inspection, for safety reasons, and a criminal background check. These steps are required because we want to provide our customers with a carefree vacation and ensuring that their dog is in safe and loving hands while they are away.


2. Who can become a Companion Family? Do you have to be a certain age?

We do not have any prerequisites as to who fits the profile of a Companion Family. However, we require that you go through the interview process and that you are absolutely crazy about dogs.

3. When do I receive notification about getting a dog?

We ask for availability for one month in advance. When we find a dog that fits your profile and schedule, we contact you immediately via phone and email for acceptance.

4. Do I receive compensation for being a Companion Family?

Yes! We love how well you take care of the dogs and want to give you compensation for your time. However, FlipFlop® Companion Families do not depend on watching dogs for income. This is strictly for companionship (and some doggy kisses), without the full-time commitment of owning a dog. Some of our Companion Families love dogs so much that they donate their compensation back to their local Humane Society, or a dog charity of their choice. Let us know if you would like to do this and we can set this up for you!

5. How do I schedule for dogs to stay with me?

We would like you to email your schedule for a month in advance to your local franchise. This allows us to have enough time frame to schedule the visiting dog’s vacation with yours.

6. What happens if something goes wrong while I’m watching a dog?

FlipFlop Dog’s services are back by a company focused on providing superior care. There are specific processes that are agreed upon contractually and will be followed for routine care or even authorized emergency care. You have the support of the local franchise and our centralized call center around the clock.

7. Do I have to give the customer’s updates?

No, we are happy to do this for you. Send us a picture or video and we will pass them along!

8. Do I have to alter my daily routine while I’m caring for a dog?

Generally no, but we do require that dogs are not unattended for more than four hours. If you do have to leave for a few hours, we ask that you do not do this consistently throughout the day.

9. What if I’m scared of certain type of dogs?

Because our first priority is making the perfect match between Companion Families and the dogs they care for, we will be happy to give you only dogs that you enjoy watching. When we meet with you, please indicate what type of dog you prefer – you can even say a certain breed.

10. Who should I send a picture of the dog I’m caring for?

Send them to us! We would love to see them and pass them along to their owners. They greatly appreciate how their furry best friend is doing on their vacation!

11. How do I get the dog?

We provide the transportation. We will pick up the dog at the owner’s house and drop him off at your house, on the scheduled date and time. We will go over all the information the owner would like you to know at that point.

12. Any other questions?

Please contact us at 800.710.1740 or email us at info@flipflopdogs.com.

Click here to request more information on FlipFlop® Companion Families

From Our Blog

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Rave Reviews

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    • Sophia is calm and normal..we're snuggling in the chair and watching TV. Thanks again for helping to make one aspect (and a very important one!) of this mini-vacation go smoothly..

      —Patti C.

    • Danielle,  I wanted to take a few minutes to thank you for all that you have done for us and, more importantly, our dogs.  As you know, our dogs are very much apart of our family and when Morgan was diagnosed with oral cancer, we were devastated. He completely shocked everyone by living 6 months longer than expected.  During his last months you provided such amazing care to both him and Lexy while we were away.  You treat our dogs as if they were your own... with amazing love and affection.  We are so glad we found FlipFlop!.

      —Dana

    • I love that FlipFlop® provides the Call Center to handle incoming inquiries and bookings in a timely professional manner leaving me to focus on my favorite aspects of the business.  I enjoy spending time pampering my customers, working with Companion Families and being at so many great dog events.  My favorite moment is when I pick up a customer’s dog and he is so excited that he runs to my Transit body jiggling, tail wiggling because he knows that he is going somewhere fun.  Customers always say the same thing.  They just can’t believe that their dog is so happy that he didn’t even stop to say goodbye. .

      —Danielle E.

    • We have grown a successful business with many repeat customers. Our days are never boring! One day we are visiting vets and dog trainers to promote our unique service and the next we are meeting with customers and their dogs to match them with a suitable Companion Family. Every day we get to meet amazing dogs. .

      —Nancy D.

    • It feels good to know I can provide quality, loving care to a family’s dog or dogs so that they can have peace of mind to go on a trip knowing their furry family member is being well taken care of and is safe. And I have the assurance that I can call, email or text Danielle, the owner of FlipFlop of the Lakeshore if any problems arise. I enjoy having dogs as guests in my home and still have time for traveling when not watching a guest dog. FlipFlop Dogs provides a great service to pet owners and I am happy to be a Companion for FlipFlop Dogs..

      —Cindy

    • I must admit that my dog Twister is like my child. Leaving Twister in kennels and doggy day camps always left me feeling uncomfortable and fearing that something "bad" might happen. You see, to me, he was too small and too precious to be "housed" with large dogs and caged in a kennel. Therefore, when I realized that FlipFlop offered an alternative to kenneling, I decided to give them a try. From the first moment, I felt a tremendous ease. Upon Twister's return, I received pictures and a few other items that added the "perfect" personal touch. I was so impressed that I couldn't wait to tell my family and friends about their services. I would HIGHLY recommend FlipFlop to anyone I know. Twister and I am thankful to know that he will get the very best of care when "mommy" is away. Thanks so much!.

      —Mariea

    • We had previously boarded our [dog] Austin at a local facility and I will never do that again.  It was traumatizing for all of us. I was so comfortable with [FlipFlop of the Lakeshore franchisee] Danielle, that we decided to use her service.  It was awesome!  She comes to pick up your dog.  Austin had an amazing time with his  "companion family".  We received pictures while we were on our vacation of him playing, being brushed and even swimming!  He looked so happy and content.  I can't tell you how reassuring that was for us.  I have no qualms recommending FlipFlop.  .

      —Elizabeth

    • “Now that our children are grown, our world revolves around our three dogs. We finally have the chance to travel frequently, but the thought of putting them in a kennel would be impossible. Your company has the perfect solution! Knowing that they will be cared for by other canine-loving families like ours leaves us with no worries and the freedom to travel guilt free. We give you 5 stars!”.

      —Karen S.

    • When dashing to the airport, usually cutting it close, dropping my Lab off at the kennel just adds to the stress. (Did I mention that he gets carsick?) FlipFlop® will pick Huxley up at a prearranged time making my life so much easier.

      —Danielle M.

    • We never leave our dogs at the kennel, so when we must be away, we rely (impose) on our family and friends to pet sit. FlipFlop® is the ideal solution for us. We can leave our 'kids' with a Companion Family and have complete peace of mind while we are away..

      —Kristin K

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