How to Choose the Right Dog Walker: Questions to Ask Before Hiring 🕵️‍♂️🐾

Finding the perfect dog walker for your canine companion is an important decision, as it impacts your dog’s health, happiness, and safety. Whether you're busy with work, travel, or simply need some help during the day, hiring a trusted dog walker ensures that your dog gets the attention, exercise, and care they need. To make the best choice, it’s essential to ask the right questions before hiring. Below are the key factors to consider when choosing the right dog walker for your pet.

1. What Experience and Qualifications Do You Have? 🎓🐶

Experience matters when it comes to the care of your dog. An experienced dog walker will not only know how to handle different breeds and temperaments, but they will also be equipped to deal with any situation that might arise during a walk.

What to Ask:

• How long have you been walking dogs professionally?

• Do you have any certifications or training in dog behaviour, first aid, or pet care?

• Are you familiar with various dog breeds and their exercise requirements?

Experienced dog walkers will be able to provide tailored care, and their knowledge will help ensure a safe and enjoyable walk for your dog.

2. Are You Insured?

Insurance is crucial when hiring a dog walker. Accidents can happen—whether your dog gets injured, escapes, or another dog on the walk causes an issue. A professional dog walker should be insured to protect you and your dog in case of an emergency.

What to Ask:

• Are you fully insured?

• Does your insurance cover accidents or injuries that happen during the walk?

This will give you peace of mind knowing that both your dog and you are protected.

3. What is Your Availability and Flexibility? 📅✅

Consistency is key when it comes to your dog’s routine. You need to know if the dog walker’s availability matches your schedule. Whether you need daily walks or occasional visits, make sure they can accommodate your needs.

What to Ask:

• What are your regular hours for dog walks?

• Do you require a certain amount of walks each week?

• Can you accommodate last-minute or emergency walk requests?

• Do you offer flexible scheduling for holidays or special occasions?

This ensures you have a reliable service, whether it’s for a single walk or recurring sessions.

4. Do You Provide Updates During or After the Walk? 📱💬

Regular updates about your dog’s walk can help ease any worries you may have while you’re away. Many professional dog walkers send text messages or photos during or after the walk to keep you in the loop.

What to Ask:

• Do you provide regular updates about my dog’s walk (text, photos, etc.)?

• How do you provide these?

• How do you communicate with clients during the walk if there is an issue or emergency?

Staying connected can help build trust and ensure your dog’s safety while they’re out on their walk.

5. What is Your Approach to Dog Behaviour and Training? 

A good dog walker should be able to confidently handle dogs with different temperaments, or have the ability to recommend you to a more appropriate professional. If your dog has any behavioural issues, it’s important to ensure that the dog walker is trained to deal with them appropriately.

What to Ask:

• Do you do any training on your walks?

• How do you handle dogs that are aggressive, anxious, or reactive? (If applicable)

• What steps do you take if my dog displays undesirable behaviour, like pulling on the leash or chasing other animals?

• Are you familiar with positive reinforcement techniques or training methods?

Choosing a dog walker who understands dog behaviour ensures your pet’s needs are met and they have a positive walking experience.

6. Can I Meet You Before the First Walk? 🐕👋

Before your first booking, it’s a good idea to have a meet-and-greet with the dog walker. This gives you a chance to discuss your dog’s needs, routines, and any special instructions. It also helps your dog become familiar with the walker, reducing anxiety during the first walk.

What to Ask:

• Will you do offer a meet and greet/trial walk with my dog to ensure they are comfortable with you?

• How long do these typically take?

• Are they with other dogs or one on one?

• How do you group your dogs?

This face-to-face meeting will allow you to see how the dog walker interacts with your dog and if they’re a good match.

7. Do You Walk Dogs in All Weather Conditions? ☀️🌧️

Weather conditions can vary, especially in the UK, so it’s important to know whether your dog walker is willing to walk your dog in all types of weather. Some walkers may cancel during heavy rain or extreme cold, while others are prepared for all conditions.

What to Ask:

• Do you walk dogs in all weather conditions, or do you cancel if it rains or snows?

• What precautions do you take to keep my dog comfortable in extreme weather?

Make sure the walker can handle various weather conditions to keep your dog’s routine consistent.

8. How Do You Handle Emergency Situations? 🚑🐾

Emergencies can happen during dog walks, whether it’s a sudden illness, injury, or an unexpected encounter with another animal. It’s essential to know that your dog walker is prepared to act quickly and responsibly if something goes wrong.

What to Ask:

• How do you handle emergencies such as accidents or injuries during the walk?

• Do you carry a first-aid kit, and are you trained to administer basic first aid?

• Will you contact me immediately if something happens to my dog during the walk?

Knowing your dog walker is prepared for emergencies adds an extra layer of safety and confidence.

9. What Is Your Rate, and Are There Any Additional Fees? 💵

The cost of dog walking services can vary, so it’s important to understand the rates upfront. In addition, ask if there are any hidden fees, such as additional charges for extra dogs, long walks, or cancellation fees.

What to Ask:

• What is your rate for dog walks, and what does that include?

• Are there any additional fees for services like weekend walks, bank holidays, or multiple dogs?

• Do you have a cancellation policy?

• Do you have a retainer fee for holiday periods?
  

Clarifying pricing up front helps avoid any misunderstandings down the line.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog walker is an important decision that impacts your dog’s health, happiness, and safety. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that the dog walker you hire is professional, reliable, and equipped to meet your dog’s needs. At Carlen's Canines and Companions we offer experienced and insured dog walking services tailored to your dog’s needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get started!