How to Hire a Professional Dog Walker

A professional dog walker provides exercise and companionship to pets. The average length of dog-walking sessions varies from 15 minutes to 40 minutes. Pet parents can hire a professional dog walker for occasional help or as part of a regular routine. The key to utilizing this type of service, with the least amount of stress on the dog, is to find a match not only for the pet parent but for the dog. Most veterinarian services can offer recommendations of professional dog walkers for hire.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Telephone
  • Calendar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a list of three or more potential professional dog walkers. Place their contact numbers and information beside each name. Allow space under each prospect to make notes during the initial contact.

    • 2

      Telephone the first person on the list. Conduct a phone interview. Write notes from the interview. Determine schedule availability, rates, services provided and references. Make no decision at this stage of the process.

    • 3

      Repeat the second step with each person on the list. Wait 72 hours to allow time to think about the phone interviews and avoid an impulsive decision.

    • 4

      Cross through any names of dog walkers that are not a good match based upon the telephone interview. Contact the references for the names remaining. Ask the reference if the walker was reliable, on time or had any dog accidents or injuries.

    • 5

      Contact each potential walker who had good references and schedule separate appointments for them to meet the dog. Observe the interaction between the dog walker and the pet. For example, does the dog happily greet the walker, shy away, or growl? Does the dog walker interact comfortably with the dog or show signs of intimidation or fear?

    • 6

      Schedule to take a free 10-minute walk with the dog walker and your dog. Walk behind them and observe. For example, does the dog walker offer praise during the walk? Who leads during the walk? Does the dog walker interact with the dog? Ideally, a professional dog walker should praise, lead and understand the dog's individual needs while walking.

    • 7

      Select a candidate that matches your and your dog's needs the best. Ask for a written contract that specifies deposits, fees, methods of acceptable payment and payment schedule, services provided, plan of action for accidental injuries, duration of contract and cancellation of contract.

    • 8

      Schedule the dog walking schedule. Pay any agreed upon deposits or initial fees. Make appropriate arrangements for access to the dog. Write down any specific or special instructions.