Finding the perfect person to care for your dog can feel like a daunting task. With so many dog walkers and pet sitters available, knowing who to trust can be overwhelming.
Your dog walker will become an important part of your dog’s life. They will influence your dog’s experiences, confidence, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. That is why choosing a dog walker is such an important decision.
We have created this guide to help you understand what to look for when finding a dog walker who is the right fit for you and your dog.
Written by experienced dog walkers, these are the questions we believe every dog owner should ask.
Start With Recommendations From Other Dog Owners
One of the best places to begin when choosing a dog walker is by asking people you trust.
Speak to:
- Friends and family who own dogs
- Other dog owners at the park
- Your vet
- Local dog trainers
Recommendations are valuable because they come from people with first-hand experience.
However, don’t just ask who they use. Ask why they recommend them.
Consider:
- How long have they used the dog walker?
- Has their dog had a positive experience?
- Do they trust them completely?
- What do they love about their service?
Personal recommendations can help you create a shortlist of potential walkers to research further.
Check Reviews and Online Reputation
Once you have found some potential dog walkers, take a look online.
Check their:
- Google reviews
- Facebook recommendations
- Website testimonials
Look beyond just the star rating. Read the comments and pay attention to how the business responds to feedback.
A professional dog walker should respond to reviews with care and professionalism.
Remember, one negative review does not always tell the full story. Look at the bigger picture and consider how the business handles situations when things don’t go perfectly.
For example, ScenterBarks has hundreds of positive reviews and recommendations from happy clients, helping demonstrate the trust owners place in our dog walking service.
Meet Your Dog Walker Before Making a Decision
When choosing a dog walker, one of the most important things is how comfortable you and your dog feel with them.
You are trusting this person with a very important member of your family.
Your dog walker should be someone who:
- Makes you feel confident
- Understands your dog’s individual needs
- Takes time to get to know your dog
- Communicates clearly with you
Your relationship with your dog walker matters, but there are also other important factors that should not be overlooked.
Look at Their Experience and Qualifications
Experience is one of the most important things to consider when finding a professional dog walker.
Ask questions such as:
- How long have you been dog walking?
- Have you studied dog behaviour or training?
- Are you trained in dog first aid?
- What experience do you have with different breeds and behaviours?
Dog walking may look like the perfect job (and it often is!), but it also comes with challenges. Dogs are unpredictable, and situations can change quickly.
A knowledgeable dog walker will have the experience needed to make safe decisions.
For example, at ScenterBarks, we have been providing professional dog walking and daycare since 2014 (with experience dating back further). Our team has backgrounds in animal care, training, behaviour, and hands-on work with dogs.
Make Sure They Are Fully Insured
Insurance is essential when choosing a dog walker.
A professional walker should have suitable insurance to protect:
- Your dog
- Your home
- Themselves
- Their business
Do not be afraid to ask for proof of insurance.
You should also ask:
- How many dogs does their insurance allow them to walk?
- Does their insurance cover group walks?
- Are there any restrictions?
Most insurers have limits on the number of dogs that can be walked at one time, so it is important to check.
Ask About Professional Organisations
Many professional dog walkers choose to be part of industry organisations.
If your dog walker belongs to one, ask:
- Why did they join?
- What standards do they follow?
- Are they required to follow a code of conduct?
Being part of a professional organisation can show commitment, accountability, and a desire to maintain high standards.
For example, ScenterBarks is a member of the Pet Industry Federation, as their standards and code of conduct align with our own commitment to excellent animal care.
Understand Their Training Approach
Every dog walker will have their own approach to training and behaviour.
When choosing a dog walker, it is important that their methods align with your own values.
Ask:
- What training methods do they use?
- How would they handle unwanted behaviour?
- How do they support nervous, reactive, or young dogs?
A dog walker should understand canine body language and know when a situation requires additional support from a qualified trainer or behaviourist.
The type of walks they offer can also make a difference.
For example, a walker taking several dogs off lead needs strong knowledge of:
- Recall
- Dog introductions
- Body language
- Group management
At ScenterBarks, we focus on kind, positive, and understanding training methods. We continue to develop our knowledge through education and working alongside experienced trainers.
Ask How Dogs Are Transported Safely
Transport is another important consideration when choosing a dog walker.
Ask:
- Do you use a car or van?
- Are dogs safely secured?
- Are dogs transported separately?
- How many dogs travel together?
There is no single correct way to transport dogs, but safety should always come first.
Dogs should always be secured properly when travelling.
At ScenterBarks, our vans are fully equipped with secure crates, allowing dogs to travel safely and comfortably to their walks.
Find Out What a Typical Walk Looks Like
Every dog walking service operates differently.
Before choosing a dog walker, ask:
- How many dogs do you walk at once?
- Where do you walk?
- How long are the walks?
- Are dogs walked on or off lead?
- How do you manage introductions?
- Do you provide updates after walks?
- How do you adapt walks for puppies, older dogs, or dogs with medical needs?
- What happens during extreme weather?
The right dog walker should put your dog’s individual needs first.
Ask About Emergencies and Backup Plans
Even the most experienced dog walkers can face unexpected situations.
Ask what happens if:
- They become unwell
- Their vehicle breaks down
- Your dog becomes injured
- A dog goes missing
A professional walker should have procedures in place.
At ScenterBarks, our team members are dog first aid trained and work together, meaning we can support each other if unexpected situations occur.
Having experience and preparation means emergencies can be handled calmly and efficiently.
Don’t Choose a Dog Walker Based Only on Price
Cost is naturally an important consideration, but it should not be the only deciding factor.
The cheapest option may not always provide the same level of experience, safety, or support.
Consider:
- What experience do they have?
- Are they insured?
- Do they have backup support?
- What happens if they are unavailable?
- Does their service provide peace of mind?
Choose a dog walker based on the overall value they provide, not just the price.
At ScenterBarks, our pricing reflects the level of care, experience, staff support, and safety measures we provide for every dog.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Dog Walker
Choosing a dog walker is a big decision, but taking the time to ask the right questions will help you find someone who is the perfect match for your dog.
Look for someone who is experienced, insured, knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely passionate about dogs.
Your dog deserves someone who treats them like one of their own.
If you think ScenterBarks could be the right fit for your dog, get in touch with our team to find out more about our professional dog walking services.
