Your Essential Checklist for Hiring a Dog Walker

Ensure you choose the best dog walker for your pet with our detailed checklist. Learn what to look for in terms of credentials, experience, and more with Barnstable Dog Care.
Woman in black long sleeve shirt, holding paperwork, while sitting on the floor and petting a dog that’s laying on a couch next to her.

Choosing the right dog walker is crucial for your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind. This essential checklist is designed to help you navigate the process of finding a trustworthy, reliable, and qualified dog walker who meets your expectations and suits your pet’s specific needs.

1. Credentials and Experience

  • Certifications: Seek out dog walkers who have professional certifications in pet care, CPR, or first aid. These credentials indicate a commitment to their role and a readiness to handle emergencies.
  • Experience: Consider their experience level, especially with your breed or similar dogs. Experience with special needs dogs can also be a significant advantage if your pet has specific health or behavioral requirements.

2. References and Reviews

  • Client References: Always ask for references from current or past clients. A reputable dog walker will be happy to provide testimonials.
  • Online Reviews: Look for reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, or specialized pet service websites. These can provide insights into the dog walker’s reliability and quality of service.

3. Insurance and Bonding

  • Insurance: Ensure that the dog walker has liability insurance. This protects against possible accidents or damages that could occur during walks.
  • Bonding: Check if the dog walker is bonded. This is important for your property’s security and for protection against theft.

4. Compatibility and Interaction

  • Meet and Greet: Arrange a meeting between your dog and the potential walker to observe their interaction. It’s essential that your dog feels comfortable with the person.‍
  • Behavior Knowledge: Evaluate the dog walker’s understanding of canine behavior. They should be able to effectively manage different temperaments and behaviors.
A black and white coated dog licking a man’s hand as he sits next to it on the ground.
Meet-and-greets are essential to finding a suitable dog walker and ensuring there’s chemistry between the two.

5. Safety and Emergency Procedures

  • Safety Practices: Inquire about the walker's practices during walks, including leash use and strategies for dealing with aggression or unforeseen interactions with other dogs.
  • Emergency Plans: Discuss their emergency procedures. Make sure they know how to handle potential health issues or injuries.

6. Services and Specialties:

  • Service Range: Understand what services the walker offers. Some might provide individual walks only, while others might offer group walks, overnight stays, or additional pet care services.
  • Special Needs: If your dog has particular requirements, confirm that the walker has relevant experience and comfort in handling these needs.

7. Flexibility and Availability

  • Scheduling: Verify their availability matches your needs, especially if your schedule demands flexibility.
  • Cancellation Policy: Make sure you understand their cancellation policy to avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected fees.

Securing the Best Care for Your Furry Friend

This checklist should empower you to select a dog walker who is a perfect fit for your family. Taking the time to vet potential walkers thoroughly can ensure that your dog is in safe and loving hands.

Finding the Perfect Match

Finding the right dog walker means finding someone who will treat your pet with the same care and respect as you do. By following these steps, you can rest assured that your dog’s daily walks will be enjoyable and safe.