How To Choose A Dog Walker
There are a lot of fantastic dog walking professionals out there, which is great because it means more people can live their dreams of owning a dog while having to work or attend to other commitments. Dog walkers can give your pets stimulation and exercise while you can’t be with them.
However, choosing a dog walker can be daunting. The industry is not regulated at present. How can you ensure your dog will be in capable and safe hands? I’ve put together a guide of questions to consider when choosing a carer for your beloved dog.
Looking for a good dog walker.
Dog walkers should usually provide at least one face to face consulation with you and your dog, usually free of charge, to get to know you, your dog and you needs.
They should ask you to complete a registraion form providing all the details about your dog including any medical history. They should provide a contract/terms and conditions for you to look through and agree to.
Ask to see their documents such as proof of insurance and ask for details about their insurance coverage. I am always surprised how few potential customers ask to see my documents. I recommend you ask to see these when you meet your potential dog walker.
Ask about their qualifactions and to see proof of these. As a minimum they have a basic qualification in canine body language and canine first aid. Ensure their first aid is renewed every 2 to 3 years and they have attended a proper course with practical elements. Lots of people only complete an online first aid course which doesnt ensure the practical skills needed in an emergancy.
Make sure they carry a first aid kit. You may like to ask what they carry inside.
If your dog will be joining group walks, ask your walker how many dogs they walk in a group. Often, dog walking insurance will cover a maximum of 6 dogs at one time however it is safer to walk 4-5 maximum according to RSPCA Dog walker guidelines.
Ensure they carry fresh water.
How are the dogs trasnported? The dogs should have seperate cages to avoid any potential disagreements while travelling close together. The vehichle should be regualrly cleaned and have good ventiallation, temperature control, ideally a fan fitted for more airflow. The dogs should never be left unattended in a vehicle other than for short periods whilst collecting or dropping off. You should ask to see inside the vehicle where your pet will be travelling during your initial consultation.
Do they have references/reviews. Ask where you can find these and make sure they are genuine.
Unforunately, I see many dog walkers taking group outs for much less than the agreed time (usually 1 hour) and don’t engage much with the dogs. Sometimes shortening a walk is unavoidable, for example during hot conditions or if a dog becomes injured or unwell. But you want to make sure your dog has a quality walks the majority of the time.
Harbour Tails for example, texts owners their dogs GPS tracking data at the end of each walk so you can see where and how long they have walked! As well as having the extra GPS security in the rare instance a dog is lost.
Other key things to ask include:
What are their steps in an emergancy? For example if a dog is injured or lost.
What equipment do they use?
What are their ethics? For example do they practice and believe in postive and non-aversive techniques - make sure the dog walker avoids the use of physical punishement, shouting and aversive equipment.
Ask about treats, especially if your dog has allergies. Make sure they have treats appropiate for your dog.
Ask about schedules and timings.
Find out where they walk. Do they allow the dogs off lead? Make sure you discuss whether your dog is allowed off lead (if they have reliable recall) and understand the risks this entails.
Find out about the other dogs they walk to get a feel if your dog will be a good fit.
What do they do during extreme weather conditions? (For the UK the main consideration is summer heatwaves).
Ask them about their cancellation policy.
Find out about their payment terms.