diff --git a/src/pint/models/timing_model.py b/src/pint/models/timing_model.py
index 3647bda04c..cbb229886d 100644
--- a/src/pint/models/timing_model.py
+++ b/src/pint/models/timing_model.py
@@ -1520,14 +1520,18 @@ def get_spin_freq(self, times, calctype="modelF0"):
         "numerical" is significantly slower, but is much more exact, and
         """
         calc = calctype.lower()
-        assert calc in ["modelf0", "taylor", "numerical"]
+        if calc not in ["modelf0", "taylor", "numerical"]:
+            raise ValueError(
+                "calctype must be one of ['modelf0', 'taylor'', 'numerical']"
+            )
 
         if calc == "modelf0":
             return self.F0.quantity
 
         # ToDo: How does this handle Glitch or Piecewise models?
         if calc == "numerical":
-            assert isinstance(times, TOAs)
+            if not isinstance(times, TOAs):
+                raise TypeError("times must be TOAs when using calctype='numerical'")
             return self.d_phase_d_toa(times)
 
         # Handle various types of input times for "taylor" calc