Are you considering hiring a dog walker but don’t know where to begin? The first time you hire a dog walker can be a daunting process, full of questions and concerns. How do you find a trustworthy dog walker in your area? What’s a reasonable rate to pay them? Do you need to give them a key to your home?
In this guide, we’ve partnered with Mitchell Park from Spot Dog Walkers to help you successfully hire a dog walker in your neighborhood. We’ll answer all the questions you might have about your first-time dog walker experience and provide you with a 7-step checklist to ensure you hire the right walker.
Feel free to share your own experiences and questions in the comments section. We value your input!
Why Hire a Dog Walker? The Story of Bella and Her Labrador Retriever Puppy
Bella, a working mother of two young children, recently realized she needed help with her energetic 4-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy. During the pandemic, Bella, her husband, and their children welcomed this adorable addition to their family. However, they hadn’t figured out a routine for their new puppy.
Labrador Retriever puppies are known for their boundless energy and need for outdoor exercise. Yet, with a busy schedule managing her children and work, Bella found it impossible to give her puppy the morning walk and exercise he required. It became clear that their puppy needed a dog walker.
Your reasons for hiring a dog walker may differ from Bella’s. Perhaps your job keeps you at the office until late in the evening, or you have limited mobility, making it challenging to take your dog for long walks. Regardless of your situation, hiring a dog walker can free up time for your work, family, errands, or hobbies. For working parents like Bella, gaining an extra 7 hours a week can make a significant difference between feeling overwhelmed and being in control.
Your 7-Step Dog Walker Hiring Checklist
If you’ve considered hiring a dog walker but have unanswered questions or concerns about how to find one near you, this checklist will guide you through the process.
Step 1: Understand Your Needs and Your Dog’s Needs
Imagine that hiring a dog walker is affordable and completely safe. Picture a local, experienced dog walker who lives in your neighborhood and loves taking care of dogs. What questions would you ask this person? Think about the ideal scenario that meets both your needs and your dog’s requirements. Consider factors like the days of the week for dog walks, the timing of walks, and any special needs your dog might have, such as medication or specific feeding times.
Step 2: Look for Dog Walkers Near You
You have two options to find a dog walker: hiring a local individual dog walker or using a professional dog walking company like Spot Dog Walkers, Rover, or Wag. Both options have their pros and cons. Individual walkers offer a more personal touch but may lack certain insurances. On the other hand, dog walking companies typically offer insurance and a network of walkers but might lack the personal connection of an individual walker.
Start taking action by reaching out to both types of dog walkers to see which one feels right for you. Ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, friends, and family for individual walkers. For dog walking companies, download their apps or visit their websites to browse policies, pricing, and customer reviews.
Step 3: Interview Your Walker Candidates
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a few candidates, it’s time to interview them. For individual walkers, meet with them in person and observe how they interact with your dog. For company walkers, request meet-and-greets to assess compatibility.
Prepare questions for the interview, such as their experience with similar dog breeds or sizes, walking locations, and the length of their experience as dog walkers. Make sure they’re comfortable with your dog and discuss any specific requirements or concerns you might have.
Step 4: Know Their Policies as Professionals
To make your final decision, review their policies as professional service providers. Understand their pricing, insurance coverage, cancellation and refund policies, and safety practices. Reputable dog walking companies should provide pet insurance and home insurance, with clear refund policies.
Use these policies to compare your options. For example, Spot Dog Walkers offers competitive pricing, including discounts for package deals and up to $30,000 in pet insurance. They also have strict safety practices, such as fully private and on-leash walks within your neighborhood.
Step 5: Give Your Dog Walker Everything They Need
After selecting a dog walker, ensure they have everything they need to do their job efficiently. Provide secure entry to your home through methods like a key lockbox or electronic keypad. Share your contact information, any relevant health details about your dog, and let them know where your dog’s leash, collar, and treats are located.
Address questions like, “How does your dog walker access your home if you’re not there?” Consider using a key lockbox or electronic keypad to minimize the risk of break-ins. Install home security cameras at your entrance, but inform your walker for transparency.
Step 6: Get Feedback from Your Dog Walker After the Walk
After each walk, communicate with your dog walker about your dog’s behavior. Experienced walkers can provide valuable feedback based on their observations. Services like Spot Dog Walkers offer GPS tracking and potty reports, allowing you to track your dog’s walk and potty breaks. Use this information to plan future walks accordingly.
Step 7: Get Feedback from Your Dog After the Walk
The final step is to evaluate your dog’s reaction to the walks. Is your dog content, excited, or happy to see the walker? A happy and content dog is a good sign that your dog walker is a great fit for your pet. Consider leaving a positive review to support your walker or the dog walking company.
In conclusion, hiring a dog walker doesn’t have to be a complicated or overwhelming process. With proper planning and research, you can find a reliable dog walker to help you reclaim your time while ensuring your dog gets the exercise and care they need. We hope you find this guide helpful. Please feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. Thank you!
