Hiring a Dog Walker: Important Questions to Ask Before You Hire

PET CARE

Hiring a Dog Walker: Important Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Hiring a dog walker is a fantastic way to ensure your furry friend gets the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need while you're away. Whether you have a busy work schedule, long days, or need extra help, a professional dog walker can be a lifesaver. However, choosing the right person to care for your dog is an important decision. To ensure your dog’s safety and happiness, there are key questions you should ask before hiring a dog walker. In this post, we’ll guide you through the most important questions to ask a dog walker, helping you make an informed choice for your pet’s well-being.

Why You Should Hire a Dog Walker

Before diving into the questions, let’s quickly review the benefits of hiring a dog walker:

Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular walks provide dogs with exercise and mental enrichment, preventing behavioral issues that can arise from boredom.
Socialization: Dog walkers can help your dog socialize with other dogs or people, improving their confidence and behavior.
Convenience: Hiring a professional dog walker saves you time and ensures your pet’s needs are met when you’re busy or away.
Relief for Busy Pet Parents: If you work long hours, a dog walker ensures your dog gets outside for potty breaks and exercise.

Now, let’s move on to the most important questions to ask when hiring a dog walker.

What is Your Experience with Dogs?

Experience is crucial when hiring a dog walker. You want someone who has a solid understanding of dog behavior and knows how to handle dogs in different situations. Whether your dog is friendly and easy-going or has behavioral challenges, the dog walker should be prepared to manage these situations.

Look for answers that indicate:

Experience with different breeds and sizes.
Knowledge of dog body language and how to manage common issues like leash pulling, aggression, or fear.
A professional attitude towards dogs and their care.

Why it’s important: An experienced dog walker is more likely to keep your dog safe and comfortable during walks. They’ll also be able to recognize and address any behavior problems.

Are You Insured and Bonded?

Insurance and bonding are crucial for protecting both you and your dog walker. Insurance protects your dog in case of accidents or injuries during walks, while being bonded means the walker has been screened for criminal history.

Look for:

Proof of insurance and bonding for your peace of mind.
A written contract that outlines the terms of service and liability.

Why it’s important: If something were to go wrong—whether it’s a dog-related injury or property damage—you want to be sure you’re protected. Hiring an insured and bonded walker is a professional standard.

What is Your Walking Routine?

Every dog has different exercise needs, and it’s important to discuss how the dog walker will handle your dog’s specific requirements. Some dogs need a brisk walk to burn off energy, while others may require a slower, more relaxed pace.

Questions to ask:

How long are your walks? (30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.)
Do you customize the walk based on my dog’s needs?
Will the dog walk be solo or in a group?

Why it’s important: You want to ensure the walker is providing the appropriate level of exercise and stimulation for your dog. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for all dogs, especially those with high energy or specific health concerns.

What Happens if My Dog Gets Sick or Injured During the Walk?

Accidents can happen, so it’s important to know how your dog walker will respond in case of an emergency. Ask about their protocols for handling situations where your dog may get sick, injured, or behave unpredictably.

Questions to ask:

What steps will you take if my dog is injured or becomes ill during the walk?
Are you trained in basic pet first aid or CPR?
Do you have an emergency contact for veterinary services?

Why it’s important: You want a dog walker who can handle emergencies calmly and effectively. Knowing that your walker is trained and prepared for unforeseen situations will give you peace of mind.

How Do You Handle Behavioral Issues?

If your dog has specific behavioral issues—such as leash pulling, barking at other dogs, or anxiety—it’s important to ask the dog walker how they would handle these situations. A skilled dog walker should have strategies for managing challenging behaviors.

Look for answers that include:

Methods to manage leash pulling, anxiety, or aggression.
A calm, positive approach to correcting behavioral issues.
Consistency in addressing behavior problems during each walk.

Why it’s important: A dog walker who understands dog behavior can ensure your dog remains safe and well-behaved during walks. They should be able to address issues calmly and consistently.

Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Asking for references or reviews from previous clients is a great way to gauge the dog walker’s reliability and quality of service. Reviews can also give you insight into their professionalism and how they interact with dogs.

Questions to ask:

Can you provide references from current or past clients?
Do you have reviews or testimonials available online?

Why it’s important: Positive feedback from other dog owners provides insight into how the walker cares for dogs and whether they’re trustworthy. References and reviews can help you avoid hiring someone with a poor reputation.

What is Your Availability and Schedule?

It’s important to align your dog walker’s schedule with your needs. Ask about their availability, especially if you need someone on a regular basis or during specific hours of the day.

Questions to ask:

Are you available for last-minute bookings if needed?
What is your policy for holidays and weekends?
How far in advance do I need to schedule walks?

Why it’s important: Consistency is key when it comes to dog walking, and you’ll want to ensure your dog walker’s schedule aligns with yours. Make sure they’re reliable and flexible enough to accommodate your needs.

What is Your Availability and Schedule?

Clarifying payment terms and cancellation policies upfront can help prevent misunderstandings later on. Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms and that they’re transparent.

Questions to ask:

What is your rate for dog walking services?
Do you charge for cancellations or last-minute changes?
What payment methods do you accept?

Why it’s important: Understanding the payment structure, cancellation policy, and any extra fees will help you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises later on.

Hiring a dog walker can provide both you and your pet with the peace of mind that your dog is receiving the care, exercise, and attention they need. By asking the right questions, you’ll be able to choose a reliable, experienced professional who is the right fit for your dog’s needs.