Step to It: Hiring a Dog Walker

Let’s face it — our four-legged friends are often bundles of boundless energy. They can play frisbee for hours, walk miles without tiring and chase squirrels until next Tuesday if we let them. We cherish their spirited personalities and appreciate that their love of exercise gets us out the door, too! But sometimes, human priorities take over and we just can’t squeeze Fido’s daily stroll into our schedule. The solution? A dog walker. Here’s how to help your clients find one in their neighborhood.

Do You Need a Dog Walker?
All dogs need regular exercise, but some need more than others. Hopefully they’ve chosen a breed that suits their lifestyle and schedule, but if your clients need a little help keeping their pup fit and happy, dog walkers are certainly their best option. Besides the obvious health reasons, hiring a dog walker also has other benefits for owners and dogs, including:

• Socialization and Stimulation — Meeting new people and animals on a walk as well as new smells, sights and sounds are good for dogs
• Improved Behavior — A tired dog is less likely to bark, chew or go to the bathroom indoors
• Peace of Mind — Knowing a dog isn’t locked up at home when we stay late at work can help us worry less

Tap into Technology
Finding a dog walker can be as easy as picking up a smartphone. Some of the apps that connect pet parents to dog walkers (and other pet services) include:

• Wag! — Offers 24/7 on-demand walkers (think Uber for dogs!) as well as scheduled, recurring service, GPS tracking of your pet and a post-walk “Pup Report.” Available in major metropolitan areas nationwide. https://wagwalking.com
  
  
• PetBacker — Users can search and read ratings and reviews for dog walkers in their area or choose to get the five best local quotes for a 30-minute walk. https://www.petbacker.com/dog-walking
  
  
• Rover — Guarantees background checks, detailed personal profiles and a vetting process for all walkers https://www.rover.com

However, these apps should be used with caution, animal experts say. It is always a risk to allow someone you haven’t met to care for your dog, even if they are backed by high ratings and reviews. Make sure your clients understand the risks and offer to provide local resources and recommendations instead.    

Find a Good Fit
If they have the time and opportunity, it is always best for owners to interview candidates and make sure they are a good fit, especially if they plan to use a walker on a recurring basis. The American Kennel Club recommends these screening questions:

• Where will you walk my dog?
• Do you walk multiple dogs together or one at a time?
• How long will you spend with my dog on each walk?
• Are you experienced with dogs similar to mine?
• How long have you been a dog walker? (If they’re with a dog-walking service, inquire as to how long they’ve been working for the company.)
• Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
• Can you provide client references?
• Have you participated in any pet-care training, such as pet first aid?
• What’s your cancellation policy, and what happens if you are sick and unable to come on a scheduled day?

A meet-and-greet-with the walker prior to setting up a schedule also allows pet parents to see how their dog and the walker interact and if they are a good match. And because the walker may be accessing their home while they are gone, it’s a good idea to get to know the person personally.

It’s a Personal Decision
In an ideal world, we would all have an infinite amount of time to spend with our beloved pets and never have to consider services like dog walker. However, when it is in the best interest of the animal, owners should not hesitate to hire someone else to help provide care. With consideration and planning, a dog walker can help dogs tire themselves out and allow owners to rest easy.

Covetrus is dedicated to helping dogs achieve happiness and wellness throughout their lives.  Visit us online or contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461.

Sources

http://www.wildthingspetservices.com/the-top-5-reasons-you-should-hire-a-dog-walker/

https://www.techwalla.com/40918/4-apps-that-are-like-uber-for-finding-dog-walkers

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/finding-a-dog-walker/

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/human-focus/dog-walking-apps-are-they-safe/