Tips for Choosing a Dog Walker
If you are a dog owner with a busy schedule, you may want to hire a dog walking service to provide some daily exercise to your dog. A dog needs to get some fresh air and stretch its legs. If you are unable to provide this to your dog, a dog walking service can and will do it for you.
Services Offered by Dog Walkers
A dog walking service will walk your dog on a designated route, usually once or twice a day, depending on what you specify. They will be responsible for walking your dog, keeping your dog safe and cleaning up after your dog during the walk. You will most likely be required to provide a dog leash and, if necessary, a muzzle.
How to Screen Dog Walking Services
You will want to screen potential dog walkers by preparing a list of questions to ask them. These should include:
- Do you have a business license?
- Are you bonded and insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- Will my dog have the same dog walker every day?
- Do you have references?
- How many dogs will be walked at one time?
- Where will my dog be walked?
- Do you have a contract?
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Make sure to check the references provided. The main thing you will be looking for in a dog walking service is a good reputation and someone that you feel comfortable entrusting your dog to. You should feel reassured by the answers you get from the dog walking business. You may also want to meet with your dog walker ahead of time to make sure that your dog likes him or her.
Dog Walking Services vs. Private Dog Walkers
There are advantages and disadvantages to dealing with a dog walking business, as there are with an individual dog walker. A dog walking business will be able to provide your dog with a walk even when your normal dog walker is sick or unavailable. However, a dog walking business may charge more and may not be able to promise the same walker each day. A lot of people are uncomfortable not knowing who will be caring for their dog. By hiring an individual, you (and your dog) will be able to build a relationship with that person, but you may not have back up should he or she become ill.
The average charge for a dog walking service is between $10 and $15 per walk, depending on where you live. Some dog walkers will give a discount for two walks a day.