FAQs

We currently serve all of Ozaukee County, Milwaukee's North Shore suburbs, portions of Milwaukee's 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. 

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 required vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella. If your dog cannot receive certain vaccinations due to a medical condition, please provide documentation from your veterinarian. Dogs unable to receive a Rabies vaccination may be required to wear a basket muzzle for everyone’s safety. 

We welcome dogs of all sizes and a variety of physical and behavioral needs, including anxious, reactive, overweight, or physically limited dogs. Please share any specific concerns with us so we can provide a safe, positive experience tailored to your dog. 

One of the biggest benefits of our mobile dog gym is that sessions are private and personalized. In most cases, your dog will have their own dedicated session, creating a safe, low-stress environment with our full attention.

Dogs from different families can work out together if requested - up to 4 dogs depending on size - if they are familiar, comfortable, and get along well, such as neighbors or friends. All dogs must be picked up from the same location at the scheduled appointment time.

If your dog is reactive, anxious, or uncomfortable around other dogs, there’s no concern. They can enjoy a private session without having to interact with unfamiliar dogs. Every workout is tailored to your dog’s comfort, confidence, and individual needs.

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! We only use positive reinforcement and take a calm, patient approach to help each dog learn at their own pace. The initial learning process typically takes about 5 minutes, during which we guide them in safely balancing and getting comfortable with the equipment.

Our non-motorized treadmills are completely dog-powered, meaning your dog controls the pace. If they speed up or slow down, the treadmill responds, and when your dog stops, the treadmill stops too, providing an added layer of safety.

With each session, dogs build confidence, coordination, and endurance. Every session is closely supervised and tailored to your dog’s individual needs, comfort level, and personality. Please let us know about any quirks, sensitivities, or special considerations so we can make their experience as safe and positive as possible.

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!

That's completely okay! Despite our name, not every dog who works with us 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 have adjustable 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.

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.  You can prepay via Square invoice, save a card on file, or pay at your session.

Severe weather or unsafe road conditions may require us to close. As a general guideline, if local schools and/or businesses close due to weather, RunBuddy Mobile® – Greater North Shore will also be closed. If your appointment is affected, we’ll contact you as soon as possible to reschedule. 

We understand that things come up and schedules can change. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made by 8:00 PM the day before the scheduled appointment are not subject to a cancellation fee.

Cancellations made after 8:00 PM the day before the appointment or on the day of the appointment are subject to a $25 cancellation fee.

Cancellations made within one hour of the scheduled appointment time or no-shows will be charged the full session fee. For package holders, the applicable session will be deducted from the package.

Thank you for understanding that reserved appointment times are set aside specifically for your dog and are difficult to fill on short notice.

Yes! Please contact us at Katie@RunBuddyWI.com for event pricing as it varies by location and length of the event. 

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 if positions become available.