Over half of dog owners admit to skipping walks each week.
Are you struggling to find time to walk your dog? Do you still want your four-legged friend to get the daily exercise he needs?
You might want to consider hiring a professional dog walker.
But where do you even start? There are hundreds of dog walkers out there to choose from, so finding the perfect fit for your situation can be overwhelming.
Here are the questions you need to ask to ensure you're matching your dog up with the ideal exercise buddy.
Experience
You don't want to trust your beloved pet's life with just anyone.
Getting to know what kind of experience a person has can help you decide if they're a good fit for you.
Of course, someone with a few years under their belt will be able to handle situations better than someone who just started, so keep this in mind before handing your pooch over.
Here are a few basic experience questions that will reveal a little more about your potential dog walker.
- What's your background in dog walking?
- How long have you been a professional dog walker?
- Do you have a dog of your own?
To read more about what to look for in a dog walker, check out this article.
Professional Dog Walker Certifications
If someone is dedicated to their career as a professional dog walker, they get certified.
Pet First Aid and CPR aren't required for dog walkers, but the people who do receive this training are showing their seriousness and dedication to the job.
- Certified individuals are great candidates. Here's what to ask:
- Are you certified in Pet First Aid?
- Are you certified in pet CPR?
- Do you have dog walker insurance?
- What will you do if my dog needs emergency medical care?
References
Ask for references. This way, you'll be able to hear about the dog walker's service quality from first-hand accounts.
Any reputable dog walker will be happy to give you the names and contact information of their previous clients because they're confident in their work. And if not? It might be a good idea to find another.
The Walk
Of course, it's important to know what's going to happen while your dog is away and with their new companion.
Many people are wary when it comes to letting another person walk their dog because they don't exactly know how it will be done.
Here are a few ways you can make sure your dog is getting the safest walk. The best professional dog walkers will be transparent with their answers.
- Where will you walk my dog?
- How many dogs do you usually walk at once?
- Will anyone else be walking my dog?
- How far will you walk my dog?
- What's your protocol for dealing with behavioral issues?
Pricing
Although prices can vary based on the experience of the dog walker, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $25 per walk.
Before you hire a dog walker, it's important to explain your situation and needs to them and then ask them what their estimate is. This way, you won't be guessing and you'll know if their services are within your price range or not.
Hire the Best
Now that you know the right questions to ask, it's time to search for the perfect professional dog walker. Contact us about our dog walking services here to get your furry friend matched up (and leashed up) now!