Walking your dog is a daily commitment, and whether you need occasional help or someone to take over most days while you are at work, you’ll need to find a professional dog-walker. Here are some things to consider to ensure your furry friend’s safety and wellbeing.
- Ask the dog walker about their experience with different breeds, behaviour issues and emergency situations. Look for someone who has experience with dogs similar to yours.
- What other pets are they looking after? What’s the maximum number of dogs they will be walking at the same time?
- Has your walker taken training or certification courses in pet first aid and dog walking?
- Ask for references from previous clients and call them to get feedback on the dog walker’s reliability, professionalism and how well they handled their pet.
- Make sure the dog walker has insurance that covers them in case of an accident, and liability insurance that protects you and your pet in case of any damage or injury.
- Look for a dog walker who communicates well and keeps you informed about your pet’s daily activities and any issues that arise during the walks.
- Arrange a meeting with you and your pet before the walks begin to ensure they bond and feel comfortable with each other.
- Discuss the rates and any additional fees for services like administering medication or extra hours if you are late returning from work.
