You need a dog walker, but you aren’t sure how to find the right one. This might be because the number of people setting up this kind of business is always increasing, so there is a lot of choice.
Not all of these choices are going to be equal. Let me explain why.
Unbelievably, anyone can set up as a dog walker, and they don’t legally need any qualifications, experience, a licence or even insurance. So, how do you choose a good dog walker? Here are 18 questions you should consider…
1) What qualifications and training does the dog walker have?
There are situations where your dog walker might need to act quickly and make decisions with your dog’s welfare in mind. If they have a bank of canine-specific training and knowledge to call upon, they will likely make better choices. This should include Canine First Aid and Canine Behaviour qualifications as a minimum. The higher the level and the more training they have, the more peace of mind you can have that they will know how to keep your dog safe.
2) Is the dog walker experienced?
We all know that the more you do something, the better you get at it. This is the same for dog walkers. If a surgeon was going to operate on you, would you choose the one who had completed five operations, or would you hedge your bets on the one who had completed over three hundred of them?
Experienced dog walkers have met and walked a variety of dog breeds. They have learnt the subtle differences between them. They will have encountered many more challenging experiences and situations over time. Not only will they have more confidence walking your dog, but they will also have more experience running a reliable business. After all, you want to choose someone with a proven track record so you don’t get let down.
3) Does the dog walker have a DBS (police check)?
You are considering letting someone have the keys to your home and be left alone with your dog. It is reasonable to expect them to have an up-to-date DBS check. This is a basic police check to see if the dog walker has any criminal convictions.
4) Is the dog walker insured?
Whilst insurance is not a legal requirement, you should expect a reputable dog walker to have some. They should have Public Liability insurance and insurance covering accidents and injuries. This means the dog walker is insured if your dog were to cause harm or damage to another animal, person or property.
5) Do they ask you to sign a contract?
A professional Dog Walker will ask you to sign a contract or service agreement that sets out their obligations and gives you a clear understanding of what happens, when, and how much it will cost. Many of them will also ask you to complete a questionnaire and will carry out a behaviour assessment before taking your dog out.
6) What happens in an emergency?
You will need to agree on what your dog walker would do in the event of an emergency. An experienced dog walker should be able to tell you their protocol. This should include you providing details of any medical conditions and the contact details for your vet. You should also be clear about which decisions a dog walker can make in your absence.
7) Who will be walking your dog?
Make sure you know who will be walking your dog. It should be the person you meet during the initial visit. This means you will have seen how they interact with your dog. If they are part of an agency or larger business, check if it will be the same dog walker every time.
8) Do they have any references and reviews?
It is really important to see what other dog owners think of the service the dog walker provides.
Google and Social Media are great places to find reviews. Be wary of relying on recommendations in group chats on Facebook; these could come from family and friends rather than clients.
Check any social media platforms to see what they post. If they have lots of photos and comments, take some time to analyse them. You will get an idea of who they are as a person and their values and experiences from these posts. You will be able to tell a lot from the way clients interact with them online.
9) Do they offer a meet and greet before agreeing to walk your dog?
This should be non-negotiable as this gives your dog a chance to become familiar with a new person. It also allows the dog walker to assess your dog’s temperament and how they respond to new situations. Beware of someone who will just arrive at the door to take your dog out without meeting them first.
This meeting is a great opportunity to discuss the finer details. Things like…
- What happens if the dog is wet or muddy when they return from a walk?
- Is your dog allowed a treat during or after the walk?
- Where do you keep the dog lead?
- How will you hand over the key, and where will they leave it after?
- Does your dog have any medical issues?
10) How will they communicate with you during or after the walk?
It is lovely to receive a little video or picture of your dog when you can’t be there. Not all Dog Walkers will offer this. If this is important to you, then make sure you ask if this is something they do.
11) Where will your dog be walked?
If your dog is being walked from your home, you can advise the dog walker where you would like them to be walked. Maybe your dog has a set route they enjoy, or perhaps you would prefer that they take different routes to have different experiences.
If your dog is being transported, consider where you are happy for them to be taken. This may mean they can visit a dog park and interact with other dogs or be taken to fields and forests if they like to run around.
12) How many dogs will be walked at the same time?
The RSPCA recommends that no more than four dogs be walked at the same time. You need to ask a potential dog walker if they intend to walk multiple dogs alongside yours.
There is a lot to consider when deciding whether to choose group walks or solo walks for your dog.
- Will all the dogs be vaccinated?
- Will all the dogs have up-to-date worm and flea treatment?
- Does the potential walker know the signs of canine infectious diseases, illnesses and infections? You would not want your dog to catch something from another dog during a walk.
- Is your dog happy to be around other dogs?
- Does your dog require a different pace? Are they older, or have any health issues that would make them slower than other dogs?
- How many other dogs will be walking with your dog?
- What happens to your dog if there is an emergency involving one of the other dogs?
Many dogs will happily plunge into walking in a group, but some may either be too nervous or need some time to adjust to the new walking regime by building up from solo walks to walking with a few compatible dogs.
At Poochee Care in South Wales, I only offer solo dog walking or walking dogs from the same household. I feel there are too many variables and possibilities with group walks amongst dogs who do not know each other.
13) Are you happy for your dog to be off the lead?
Some dog walkers will happily walk your dog off the lead, provided they have great recall. They must keep your dog under control at all times, so make sure you are confident about your dog’s recall and inform the dog walker if they have any history of aggressive behaviour.
This should all be pre-agreed, and there should be paperwork stating that you have agreed or have not agreed to have your dog off the lead.
14) Is your dog going to be in a van or car?
If your dog is going to be in a car or van, make sure the dog walker has suitable crates or containers to ensure they are safe. The vehicle should also be cleaned and disinfected regularly to avoid cross-contamination of fleas, illnesses, diseases or infections.
Consider the impact on your dog emotionally. Are they used to travelling in crates or containers? Are they used to being in a van? During the first few visits, they will not have built a relationship with the person picking them up. Your dog’s temperament needs to be suitable for this kind of experience.
Consider how much time your dog will be spending in a vehicle and make sure it will be suitable during extreme weather. For example, you might want to stipulate whether or not you want your dog to be driven when the roads are icy. Check the vehicle has suitable ventilation and temperature control.
15) What days and times will your dog be walked, and what happens if your Dog Walker has to cancel?
Make sure your Dog Walker is available for the days and times you need them longer term. Ideally, you want your dog to build a relationship with them and for this to be a consistent, reliable arrangement.
Ensure you check the cancellation policy in the contract so you know what the arrangement will be should you or the dog walker need to cancel the walk.
16) How long do you want the dog walk to be?
Make sure you find a dog walker who offers walks for the length of time you need. Some offer half-hour walks, and some offer an hour. If your dog is being transported, check if the time you are paying for includes the travel time in the vehicle.
17) What if my dog has a history of challenging behaviour?
You should always be honest with your dog walker. If your dog has any history of challenging or aggressive behaviour, they need to know so they can keep your dog safe and avoid any potential triggers. Let them know if your dog needs a muzzle, and show them how you put this on during their initial meet and greet.
If your dog is not okay with children or other animals, make your dog walker aware. This is not something you want them to find out through experience.
If your dog is anxious, help the Dog Walker understand what can cause your dog to feel like this. Let them know if there is anything they can do to help and if there is anything they need to avoid.
Speak to your dog walker about how they manage behaviour. You want to make sure they are firm but fair. They need to strike the balance between kindness and managing your dog’s behaviour to keep them safe.
18) How much does a dog walker cost?
Prices vary from £15 to £25 for half an hour to an hour. Of course, it depends on where you live, as prices vary by location. A great dog walker is usually booked up in advance, and where there is a higher demand for their services, prices tend to be higher.
The final word on finding a good Dog Walker
A good walker should adhere to the guidelines for professional dog walkers endorsed by The Dogs Trust, The Pet Industry Federation and The RSPCA. They should be able to produce a copy of their insurance, DBS and any qualifications and training.
Pay close attention to their reviews and how they interact with clients on their social media, and perhaps the most important but often overlooked advice…pay attention to your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t ignore it. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to find a trusted and reliable dog walker so you can be selective.
And if you are in South Wales and looking for a dog walker…
I offer solo dog walks in or around Rogerstone, Bassaleg, Rhiwderin, Alt yr ryn, Highcross, Mon bank Gaer, Ridgeway, Bettws, Newport and the surrounding areas. I have been dog walking, home boarding and pet sitting since 2018 and would love to hear from you. I only care for one dog or one family’s dogs at any one time, so if this is something you are interested in, I would love to hear from you. You can send me a message using my contact form. For everyone else, I hope you find the perfect dog walker for you in your area.
