Choosing a Dog Walker

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Tips  to help you choose the correct Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

Of course, we all love our dogs. We wish to spend as much quality time with them as is achievable. Still, given that most of us work, not to mention the unexpected events that sometimes pop up in our busy lives, many of us will need to consider helping care for our dogs from time to time. Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters provide a range of services, such as offering companionship for your Dog when you’re at work, perhaps feeding and watering your pet, or walking your Dog when you cannot do so yourself. Be fully aware that anyone can call themselves a dog walker; therefore, it’s vitally important that you know how to choose a capable, experienced person to hire.

If, like me, your Dog is an important family member, you will, of course, want to ensure that you find an exceptional person to care for your Dog; obviously, someone who will care for your pet as much as you do, who is knowledgeable about animals, is competent and confident. How do you go about sourcing this perfect person?

Initial research when choosing a dog walker

One of the best sources of information is other pet owners who already use the services of a friendly, capable dog walker. Ask at your Vet’s surgery; they may keep a database of recommended dog walkers for their local area. Many dog walkers maintain their websites these days, so conduct a web search for your local area. Are there references on their website, Facebook, or Google that you can read and maybe even follow up on? To get an idea of how long they have been running, you can do a who.is on the website.

It’s a huge commitment to turn up at someone’s house every day to walk and care for your pets for months or possibly years, so always choose someone who does this for their living, rather than a retired person, a student, or a child who loves dogs. Ask them how long they have been a pet sitter or a dog walker.

The initial meeting with your Dog Walker

There should be an initial meeting to allow yDog Dog to meet and greet the new person and see how they interact. A professional dog walker will smell of other dogs and most likely have a healthy dog treat in his pocket. If your Dog has behaviour or medical issues, or is afraid of loud noises, speak honestly about them; you need to know whether your dog walker has the necessary skills to cope with any eventuality. Let the dog walker take your pet on a trial run, see how he handles your Dog on and off the lead, and notice how they interact. It is a positive experience for yDog dog.

Before you go ahead and hire their services, you will want to know what time they will arrive every day. What are their daily and weekly rates, and how do you pay them? What about their cancellation policy if you don’t require their services or your plans change? Who will pay the Vet’s bill if Dog Dog gets hurt while out playing? Do you do the walking? (Most Dog walking companies are very small – the sole proprietor is the only walker. However, it is always worth checking.

Don’t forget to ask the potential person questions

It is important to make sure you ask the right questions – write them down before the meeting to ensure you make the right decision about who will be looking after your Dog, the same way as choosing a nanny for your kids

Insurance

Choosing a dog walker or pet sitter with the necessary insurance cover is one of the most important aspects. Remember, this person will be directly responsible for your Dog when walking or coming into your home. You need to ensure they are covered for any unfortunate, unexpected situations, such as yDog sustaining an injury or causing damage to another dog or person.

A competent dog walker will ask you about your pet insurance policy and the circumstances and incidents it covers. They should also request authorisation in writing to act in your name if veterinary assistance is required, if they cannot contact you immediately.

A DBS check

As with insurance, it is important to know if the person coming into your home while you are out or away can be trusted. Do they have a DBS check (this replaced the old CRB), and how old is it?

References

If possible, request references from the dog walker’s other clients and follow up with them for confirmation. If they say they walk other dogs, ask to see photographs of them walking a dog. Be as scrupulous as if you were investigating care for your child.

Do they have any training?

At a minimum, they should have a canine first-aid certificate. A professional pet carer will also regularly update their CPD hours, ensuring their knowledge of dog behaviour and wellbeing remains up to date and constantly refreshed.

How many dogs do they walk at a time?

Would yDog Dog prefer one-on-one walks, or is it happy walking with other dogs? How do they choose which dogs to walk together, and what is the maximum number of dogs they would be comfortable walking and caring for in their care? I would recommend that, to be able to care for and control the dogs properly, they be walked, no more than four dogs at any one time. Are dogs from different households mixed, and do they use caging for the dogs in their care? Does their insurance cover the number of dogs they walk?

Check to ensure that the dogs walking with yours are up to date with vaccinations, worming, and flea regimes. The last thing you want is for yDog Dog to bring home unexpected guests after his play date.

How are the dogs transported?

Does your dog walker have transport to collect your dogs and take them to the park? Are they secure? Will your Dog share a crate, or will they have their own? How long are they left in the van?

What plans do they have when it is cold or hot? Remember, dogs die in hot cars. Do they have contingency plans? Will they offer visits instead, or can they adjust times and locations? Do they have an extreme weather plan?

What treats do they use?

It is essential to discuss and agree on what treats can be given.   After all, if your Dog is sensitive to chicken, you don’t want them to have lovely high-value chicken morsels as a treat.

What procedures are in place should an emergency occur?

How would the dog walker react if Dog Dog becomes injured or sick while in their care? Are they clear with their answers about how they would manage any emergency incident? Would it be dealt with effectively and in the required way? Is the person fully trained in first aid to cover any eventualities?

Where will they take your Dog?

Ask where your walker will exercise. yDog is a good idea. Is it an appropriate location and a stimulating and safe environment? Is it secure where they may be allowed off the lead? Are they happy to walk your Dog on a lead or a long line if necessary? Ask if there have ever been circumstances in which they lost a dog while out walking off the lead. It’s also a good idea to establish some ground rules if your Dog is brought home after rolling in something unmentionable or is soaking wet and muddy, as you will expect your dog walker to dry your Dog’s paws and coat to at least make sure he is comfortable before he is left in your home.

There are many great professional dog walkers out there. Do your research and ask questions, but above all, trust your gut and your Dog. After all, if Dog does not like them, then they are not the person for you.

Conclusion

Finally, once you’ve found the right person for yDog Dog, please be honest with them. Please tell them about your dogs’ character and behaviour. This enables the dog walker to tailor the walk.

Finally, if you are looking for a professional who offers one-on-one Dog walks for shy, nervous, reactive, or older dogs, then why not call Derek on 077 077 6 33 44

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