Choosing the Right Dog Walker
Admin Team
It doesn’t take a village to raise a dog, but an extra hand never hurts. If you’re returning to the city for the fall, hiring a dog walker becomes a more attractive option. If your pup seems to be craving more stimulation than what your schedule allows, a third-party might do the trick.
Choosing a dog walker isn’t complicated. At the end of the day, your dog walker will be entering your home and may hold onto a set of keys–so they need to be trustworthy. Both you and your dog should be happy to see them! With that said, some dog walkers are more dog-social than human-social. Just make sure everyone is comfortable with each other and on the same page.
Of course, you can’t hand your dog to anyone who just happens to like dogs. Your dog walker is responsible for your dog’s safety. Take the time to consider your dog’s needs and what kind of experience level you’re looking for. Some dogs are happy to go with anyone; others need someone with more dog handling experience.
Questions to Ask Your Dog Walker
Private vs. Group Walks: Do you want your dog to go out solo, or would your dog enjoy some canine friendships? Dogs who are anxious or reactive tend to prefer private walks, but plenty of dogs thrive in group settings. Pack walks are a great, low-stress way for dogs to socialize with one another, albeit with caveats:
No more than 3 to 4 dogs at a time
No aversive tools (prongs or choke collars)
Dogs are not left unsupervised outside of a building
Ask your dog walker plenty of questions on how they manage multiple dogs at once.
Dog Parks: Let your dog walker know if you’re comfortable with the dog park. If you are, your dog walker will also appreciate you keeping them up-to-date on any related behaviors you want to keep an eye on, such as running away when it’s time to go!
Experience Level: How long have they been walking dogs for? Do they have any other kind of dog handling experience, like at a daycare or grooming salon? Do they have experience walking dogs similar in temperament, size, or behavior to yours?
General Policies: Ask questions to figure out how they run their business. Examples include:
What is the arrival window?
How are cancellations handled?
How is bad or hot weather handled?
Bonded and Insured: Is your dog walker bonded and/or insured? Being “bonded” is a specialized insurance product that compensates you should your dog walker commit a crime in your home (ex. theft), while insurance covers any mishaps that might happen while your dog is in their care.
And while it’s not a question, observe how they interact with your dog. Some dogs like to take their time meeting new people–and some dogs are happily indiscriminate in their affections–but take note of how your potential dog walker introduces themselves to your pup. Ask for a quick test walk around the block and see if they seem like a good fit for each other!
Independent Walkers vs. Boutique Companies vs. On-Demand Walks
Dog walkers loosely fall into three categories.
Independent walkers operate solo, with maybe one or two employees to help cover emergencies. Their great strength is consistency–it’s not uncommon for some dogs to walk with the same person their entire lives! Many board pets in their home, which can take away some of the stress of leaving your pet behind. Independent walkers can form tight bonds with the dogs in their care and tend to be more experienced handlers. Ask your neighbors or building staff–they most likely are happy to recommend someone!
Boutique companies are petcare businesses with a rotating staff of dog walkers, balancing consistency and convenience. Boutique companies can accommodate unpredictable schedules and last minute walks more easily. Usually, one or two primary walkers take care of your dog daily. The rest of the walking staff helps out in case of emergency. Experience level can vary. Boutique companies may offer in-home dogsitting, which is less stressful than kennel boarding. Look on Yelp to find some companies that service your neighborhood.
On-demand walks are available through apps like Rover and Wag. These offer the most flexibility in timing, as walkers can accept walks last minute, and suit people who need walks infrequently. Your dog must be comfortable allowing strangers to enter your home and take them out. You can form a relationship with the same walker or hire different people each time. These walkers tend to vary in quality–use the review system to do your due diligence and be vigilant as you search.
How to Find Dog Walkers in Your Neighborhood
Many dog walkers rely on referrals and word-of-mouth to grow their business. And if their clients are satisfied, they’re usually happy to spread the word. Win-win situation! Your neighbors may know somebody, but don’t be afraid to ask around at the local dog park or meetup.
Ask other petcare professionals. Groomers, trainers, and vets build relationships with local walkers. Local pet stores may also be able to point you in the right direction.
Finding the right dog walker can take some time, but it’s worth the effort. They can take your dog on adventures, help shoulder some of the responsibilities of pet ownership, and keep your pet company while you’re away.