FAQs

We currently serve all of Ozaukee County, Milwaukee's North Shore suburbs and portions of the Upper East Side, and eastern Washington and Waukesha Counties. If you’re unsure whether your location is included in my service area, please feel free to contact me for confirmation. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 6am to 6pm and Saturday from 8am to 1pm.

Please consult your veterinarian before beginning any new physical activity with your dog. All canine clients must be at least 4 months old and current on all required vaccinations.

We work with dogs ranging from 2 to 250 lbs and have experience supporting a wide variety of physical and behavioral needs—including anxious, fearful, reactive, stubborn, overweight dogs, as well as those recovering from surgery or managing physical limitations.

Every dog is different, so please share your dog’s specific needs with us. We’ll always do our best to accommodate and create a safe, positive experience tailored to them.

That's completely okay! Despite our name, not every dog who visits RunBuddy runs, and they don't have to.

Many dogs benefit from simply walking on the treadmill. Walking provides low-impact, controlled exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, strengthen muscles, support joint mobility, and provide valuable mental enrichment.

Our treadmills are set on an incline, which encourages dogs to engage their hindquarters and hip muscles more than they typically would during a level walk on a sidewalk. This added engagement helps strengthen the muscles that support the hips and rear legs while providing an effective, low-impact workout.

For overweight dogs, regular walking sessions can be an excellent way to safely increase daily activity as part of a veterinarian-approved weight management plan. For dogs recovering from injury or surgery, treadmill walking can also be a valuable rehabilitation tool when recommended by your veterinarian, allowing exercise in a controlled environment where speed, incline, and duration can be adjusted to meet their individual needs.

Every session is tailored to your dog's comfort level, fitness level, and confidence. Some dogs eventually choose to increase their pace, while others are happiest walking. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive experience that helps every dog move more comfortably, build strength, and enjoy the benefits of regular exercise, regardless of their pace.

One of the biggest benefits of our mobile dog gym is that all sessions are private and one-on-one.

In most cases, your dog will work individually in their own dedicated session, ensuring a safe, low-stress environment with full attention from the handler.

The only time multiple dogs are scheduled together (up to 4 dogs depending on size) is when they are from the same household or are pre-approved as familiar dogs (such as friends or neighbors who are comfortable together).

If your dog is reactive or uncomfortable around other dogs, there is no concern—our standard sessions are designed specifically to avoid those situations.

All sessions are approximately 30 minutes long. This timeframe is designed to support both physical conditioning and mental focus while allowing for safe, effective cardiovascular exercise and muscle development without overexertion.

In some cases, sessions may be shorter depending on your dog’s fitness level, conditioning, or any medical or physical limitations. The goal is always to provide a safe, individualized experience that meets your dog where they are.

Most dogs adapt to our treadmills very quickly. In general, the initial learning process takes about 5 minutes, during which we guide them on how to safely balance and begin moving on the equipment.

From there, confidence builds with each session. As your dog becomes more familiar, they naturally improve coordination, endurance, and comfort.

All sessions are closely supervised to ensure safety and a positive experience at every step. Because our treadmills are non-motorized, your dog controls the pace entirely—when they speed up or slow down, the treadmill responds to their movement.

We take a calm, patient approach with every dog and tailor the introduction based on their individual needs. Please let us know about any quirks, sensitivities, or special considerations so we can adjust the session accordingly.

Every dog is different. Some take to the treadmill right away, while others may need a few sessions to build confidence with both the equipment and the experience.

One of the key advantages of RunBuddy Mobile® - Greater North Shore is that an effective workout doesn’t require an all-out run. Even at a slow, steady pace, dogs are actively engaging—focusing, balancing, and working against an incline throughout the entire session.

This means they’re consistently using their mind, core, stability, and leg muscles, regardless of speed.

Our Golden Rule: The Dog is Always Right!

We recommend that the first Trial Run be done together so you and your dog can meet us, get comfortable with the environment, and experience the session side by side.

After that initial visit, you’re welcome to choose the option that works best for you—whether that’s joining us in the van for future sessions or doing a convenient handoff at your front door or the van.

We are also fully insured and bonded and can safely retrieve your dog directly from your home for scheduled sessions, if preferred.

Before your first session, you’ll receive an electronic liability waiver to complete—please take a moment to review it carefully. 

You’ll receive a confirmation text the day before your appointment, followed by an ETA text when we’re on our way. Appointments are scheduled on the hour or half-hour, with a flexible 30-minute arrival window before and after your scheduled time to accommodate traffic and any unexpected adjustments.

Please ensure your dog has had a potty break prior to our arrival, and withhold meals for at least 2 hours before the session to avoid exercise on a full stomach.

If you have a preferred harness, feel free to have your dog wear it for their session. Otherwise, we provide safe, comfortable harnesses for all runs.

When we arrive, you’re welcome to bring your dog out to the mobile gym, or if you’d prefer assistance, we are happy to retrieve your dog(s) at the door. 

Along with prompt, professional service, our highest priorities are safety and positivity.

Our goal is to provide your dog with the best possible workout for that day, fully tailored to their individual needs. We closely supervise every session and encourage steady movement—whether walk, trot, or run—at a pace that is appropriate for them, with breaks and water provided as needed.

A key benefit of our equipment is that it is completely non-motorized, meaning your dog is always in control. Nothing is forced, and every session is guided in a safe, supportive way that builds confidence and enjoyment.

We focus on positive reinforcement through encouragement, praise, and engagement—cheering, clapping, toys, and plenty of enthusiasm. We typically avoid treats during sessions, as many dogs have specific dietary needs or are working toward fitness or weight goals.

You’re always welcome to join the session, hang out, and cheer your dog on (it’s a fun experience). Or, if you prefer, you can step away and let us handle everything while you work or simply enjoy some downtime. Our policy is simple: you’re welcome to stay, and you’re also free to go.

We don’t call them “tile pancakes” for nothing! After a solid workout, it’s completely normal for your dog to sprawl out on a cool floor and pant while they recover.

Please wait until their heart rate has returned to normal before offering food or water in larger amounts. Some dogs may also experience a brief burst of energy afterward—this is a normal response to exercise as endorphins and adrenaline are still circulating. Once they fully settle, that extra energy typically fades.

For older dogs or those who are unconditioned, we recommend a gentle rubdown of the hind legs after exercise to help support recovery and reduce post-workout soreness. A little “doggie massage” goes a long way.

To schedule future sessions, you can book the same way as your initial appointment—by text or phone at 414-377-2125 or online at runbuddywi.com. We typically follow up within a week of your first session, but you’re always welcome to reach out sooner with any questions or feedback.

We accept cash, check, and credit cards. We currently do not charge any fees for credit cards.  You can prepay via Square invoice, save a card on file, or pay at your session.

We understand that dogs, people, and life can be unpredictable at times, and we do our best to remain flexible while keeping schedules running smoothly.

To help us manage appointments efficiently, we send a confirmation text at 8:00 AM the day before your scheduled session. Unless we’ve made other arrangements, appointments are considered confirmed at that time.

If you need to reschedule or cancel, we kindly ask that you notify us by 8:00 PM the day before your appointment. This allows us to adjust routes and accommodate other clients.

Cancellations made after 8:00 PM the day before your appointment or on the same day will incur a $25 fee. Cancellations made within one hour of the scheduled appointment time or a no-show will be charged the full cost of the missed session.

At this time, RunBuddy Mobile® - Greater North Shore is not actively hiring. However, we are always happy to connect with passionate dog professionals who are interested in future opportunities as the business grows. 

If you’d like to be considered for future openings, you’re welcome to send your resume and a brief introduction to katie@runbuddywi.com. We will keep it on file for when positions become available.