We show how to hire a walker for your furry friend
It’s no piece of cake to work all day, deal with the kids, and get your dog out for walks. A tired dog is a happy dog. If you’re running out of hours in the day why not try a local dog walking service?
You wouldn’t pick just anyone to mind your furry friend – so read on for our tips and tricks for hiring the best walker for the job.
These are the average dog walking rates in different major cities:
To find your perfect dog walker, there are several things to consider.
Before you call a dog walker, it’s essential to sit down and decide what you need in a walking service. Go over every need or concern you have, and during the interview make sure you receive a satisfactory answer on each issue before deciding on a walker. These could be things like:
Be completely honest with your perspective dog walker so they can determine if they can keep your four-legged family member safe.
Before meeting with your walker, ask yourself some questions about your canine’s health and behaviour. Make sure your dog walker understands these issues so they can reassure you about their ability to handle every item on this list.
Unfortunately, not all dog walkers are honest. There are stories out there of dog walkers that never showed up, but said they did. Some have been caught just tying the dog to a tree while they did their errands. There are terrifying stories of dogs dying due to a walker’s negligence. Here are some tips to make sure your dog is safe:
Pet Selfies – Keep tabs on your fur-baby’s activity. Have your dog walker send you a few photos of themselves with your canine while they are on their outing.
Journaling – Have a journal to keep an open communication with the dog walker. Maybe have them put a route guide, poo and pee output results, and anything unusual that may have occurred.
GPS collar – Ask your potential walker if they have a system set up already for dog tracking or if they are willing to carry a GPS tracker in case of an emergency.
A professional dog walker should have training in certain skills, including Canine First Aid, Pack Training, and Social Behavior. Most programs offer a certificate of completion.
Ask for referrals: Ask a pet professional you trust, like your dog’s groomer or vet, if they have someone they can recommend. Check with your friends, neighbours or even your favourite clerk at the local pet supply store.
Find dog walking services on credible directories: Ask for proof of appropriate licenses, bonding, and insurances. Most states only require a general business license for dog walkers, but check with your local and state authorities to see if there is anything else you need to be looking out for. Make sure that the person is also bonded and insured. This will protect you and the people that your dog is around if something happens like an injury or a bite accident.
Tip: Oneflare’s dog walking services have listed their ABN, Insurance, and past reviews on their profile. You can also pursue their social media accounts and look for complaints and praises.
Find dog walkers near you: Take a few days to sit in your local park and see if you see any dog walkers. This way, you can easily find someone from your neighborhood.
When it involves getting from point A to B, it’s important for the dog walker to use a canine seatbelt, a puppy seat, a kennel, or any other safety equipment to make sure your dog is safe inside the vehicle.
Some dog walking services will provide a free, no obligation meet and greet. Make sure that your canine is comfortable with the person and that they are comfortable with the dog.
The better prepared you are through the entire process of hiring a dog walker for your pooch; the smoother the whole experience will go. Follow the guide above and find the most suited dog walker in your area.
The Oneflare Cost Guide Centre is your one-stop shop to help you set your budget; from smaller tasks to larger projects.