Dog walking can be a dream job for many people. It’s a profession that has a low bar for entry, requires no specific training, provides exercise, and, for many, the opportunity to be your own boss. As a result, you will have lots of options for dog walkers.
In addition to giving your dog a bit of exercise, their role is to make sure your pup is safe and comfortable. Here are a few questions (and answers) to screen a potential dog walker:
1. What is your background in dog walking?
You want to hire someone with experience. The more the better. Don’t hire a novice. Let them get their experience walking someone else’s dog.
2. Can I check your references?
The answer should be “yes” and they should have so many glowing references they want to give you that you should have to cut them off.
3. Are you insured?
Dog walking companies should have insurance, but individuals should as well. Dog walking insurance is not prohibitively expensive.
4. Are you certified in Pet First Aid and CPR?
If people are taking dog walking seriously as a career — and don’t you hope they are? — then this should be a certification they’ve made sure to obtain.
5. Are you familiar with the equipment I use to walk my dog?
Most harnesses don’t require an advanced degree to understand, but a misunderstanding about how to use whatever it is you use could lead to big problems.
6. How many dogs do you walk at a time?
A walker shouldn’t walk more than two dogs at a time, and that might be one dog too many, depending on the situation. If your walker is going to be walking a dog that isn’t yours along with your dog, make sure to get specific information about the transition moments: Is the other dog going to be brought into your home while the walker gets your dog, and if so, will he be off leash in your home? Will your dog be left outside while the other dog is dropped off?
7. Have you ever had to deal with an emergency situation?
If you’re hiring an experienced walker, chances are there has indeed been an emergency situation or two. Listen to how the person dealt with it, and consider how you would’ve felt if the dog had been yours.
8. Would you be comfortable working with our trainer if necessary?
Most dogs don’t need trainer intervention when meeting a new walker, but some do. Of course, you should pay your walker for any time he or she spends with you and your trainer. That said, the walker should be enthusiastic to do so, as it will likely be a learning opportunity that will only benefit him or her as well.
9. If you are unwell and can’t come in will someone else be covering for you?
If you’re working with someone who is on their own, this can be a serious consideration, and he or she should have a backup person for these kinds of emergencies.
10. What is your cancellation policy?
A lot of walkers have very stringent cancellation policies, which make it possible for them to schedule their time effectively. Be aware of what the cancellation policies are, and respect them even if it means fees, just as you expect them to not jerk you around with last minute changes.
11. Where do you see yourself in five years?
The answer you want to hear: “Walking your dog!”