So you have a dog but don’t have the time to walk them due to your other responsibilities? You may want to consider a professional A dog walker is responsible not just for exercising your dog but for keeping him safe while out cruising on foot. The sitter is responsible for that and more. This is not a job for the eight-year-old kid down the street: the walker needs to be up to the job or you could risk a lost dog or one who’s been hit by a car.
Interview The Dog Walker.
Take the time to interview several people to see what they offer and how your personalities fit together. Does your dog respond well to any of them? Do you trust them?
Dog Walking Questions
Is the person bonded and insured?
How long has she been in business?
How many times a day does the sitter come?
How long a walk will your dog get?
How will you know that he’s really being walked for that amount of time?
How many dogs does the walker take out at the same time?
Will the dogs go to an off-leash fenced area, or will the dogs be on a leash the whole time?
What will the person do with the dog waste?
Will she water, feed, or medicate your dog, if needed?
Will she offer special assistance to your older or special-needs dog?
Can your blind, deaf, or lame dog go with a group of dogs being walked?
Does the walker have a group of older dogs, or will you have to pay extra for a solo trip?
If you have a puppy, will your pup be walked with other youngsters?
Does the walker have a first aid kit in her car, and does she provide water and treats when appropriate?
What is her discipline style? Does it differ from your methods?
Is there a backup in place should the walker get sick or have car trouble?
What is the fee and how does the person bill?
What is the procedure if you need to cancel a walk?
Get Dog Walking References.
If you know of people who are satisfied with a walker’s or sitter’s services, there’s a good chance you’ll be satisfied too.
Go On a Walk With The Prospective Dog Walker
Get a feel for the pack dynamics, including how the walker manages and interacts with her charges. If he or she not particularly keen on the idea of you tagging along, that may be a red flag.
If they walk dogs together, take a look at the physical makeup of the group–this is a case where size matters. Toy Poodles should not have to keep pace with German Shepherds and Great Danes. And of course there’s a safety issue: big dogs may trample, play too rough with, or simply trip over the little ones.
Final Ideas About Dog Walkers
A dog walker or pet sitter is a great way to keep your dog happy and well-cared for if you can’t be with him during the day. Interview potential candidates thoroughly and consider only those who take your dog’s physical and emotional well-being as seriously as you do. If you are interested in our professional dog walking services at North Jersey Dog Walkers, feel free to contact us here