One of the most enjoyable things about dog ownership is being able to take your dog out for a walk. It’s something that for many dog owners is a key part of their daily routine. If you’re out at work all day, fitting in a dog walk and insuring your dog isn’t on his own for long periods of time can be hard to achieve. If this sounds familiar to you, perhaps a dog walking service could be a great option. We look at what things to consider when selecting a professional dog walker.
In the US it is not a legal requirement to have any professional accreditation as a professional dog walker, but a business permit, regional licenses and permits, and a state driver’s license would be required. So, what do you look for when trying to determine the best dog walking service for your needs?
Discover the full range of services
Many dog walking services have a website or an online listing, that will give you an initial idea about their level of experience with dogs, the services offered and whether they can accommodate your requirements. Ideally the dog walker should have certifications in dog handling, dog behavior, and first aid. They should also have appropriate insurance cover.
Look at reviews and recommendations
Take advice from people who have been customers for a while and are able to offer a genuine opinion on the service. Whether these are referrals from friends or family, written online reviews, or references from other customers, you’ll get a feel for whether the service is reliable, caring, and the right match for your pup.
Find out how your dog will be transported
Dog walkers often have several dogs that they walk at one time. This number will be in their insurance cover, but also may be set by local rules. Insuring that the dogs are secure in the dog walker’s vehicle is important. If the dog walker’s vehicle is kitted out with a pet barrier/ trunk divider combination or crates, you know that dogs are being driven with their security and safety in mind.
Conduct an informal interview with the dog walking service
Meet the dog walker in person while your dog is present. You can have a chat about what your requirements for dog walking will be and see if you feel comfortable with that particular service. See how your dog engages with the dog walker and vice versa. Your dog can’t let you know how his walk went, so good communication between you and your dog walker really matters. Let your dog walker know of any medical or behavioral issues ahead of time. If your dog doesn’t do well when walked off leash, make sure the dog walker is aware of that. Also helpful is to advise of the commands that your dog is used to following. Ask the dog walker to let you know of any concerns that may have arisen that day, so that you can keep a closer eye on your pup’s health when you’re together.
