Choosing the Right Dog Walking Service

Look, I get it. You love your furry friend, and you rightfully never want anything bad to happen to them. Deciding to put them in the hands of a professional dog walker can be a stressful decision.

I’ve been there myself with my dogs. So, I know how you feel. That is why I believe these few points may help you feel a bit less stressed.

“A professional dog walker does more than just walk your dog — they bring structure, stimulation, and a whole lot of fun and adventure to your dog’s day.”

Qualifications

While a dog walker is not required by law to have any qualifications to provide this service, it provides peace of mind when you can see that they have invested some effort in their education. This isn’t about being an expert in dog behaviour, but you will at least see they have spent some time learning more about the intricacies of how dogs can act both on their solo walk and when they are with other dogs.

Before I started studying at the British College of Canine Studies, I was still stuck in the old way of thinking regarding dog behaviour. That meant I believed dogs were always trying to dominate even us and wanted to lead the pack, and you had to always show them who was the boss. However, my education changed all of that, and this is a perfect reason why hiring someone with the right qualifications will lead to a better experience for your dog.

Insurance

I’m not saying anything will go wrong, but accidents can happen. For peace of mind, it is essential that your dog walker has public liability insurance.

Dogs can get hurt, and they could hurt other dogs or even people. Knowing that your dog-walking service is insured for such events means you have significantly less to worry about. However, when you take your dog for a walk, you will not be covered in the same way.

Consistency and Reliability

This point will develop over time, but you want a service that is consistent and reliable.

Regular walks will help improve your dog’s health and behaviour. Your dog will still love their walk, even when the weather is not at its best, and you need to know that the service you hire will still turn up, even when most people would rather stay indoors.

You do not need a fair-weather walker who cancels at the last minute simply because it has started to rain.

A Meet and Greet

A meet and greet is crucial for a successful relationship to develop between a dog walker and your dog. I do this with every client, as I believe it is more about how the dog feels about the walker, above all else.

This meeting provides an opportunity for you to speak with the dog walker and ask any questions you may have. It also allows me to learn more about what you are looking for and whether your dog has any health issues or anxieties that I would have to address.

You cannot simply take any dog on a walk with any other dog. Perhaps your Westie has significant issues with larger dogs. Maybe your dog is older and walks more slowly, in which case putting it on a walk with dogs full of energy and running around like crazy would be a bit of a mismatch.

You should avoid using any dog walker who simply shows up to take your dog for a walk without meeting them first.

Emergencies

It’s always best to be prepared in the event of an emergency, so it’s essential to choose a dog-walking service that has experience in handling dog first aid.

You shouldn’t have to ask how your dog walker handles an emergency. Instead, they should provide you with this information without prompting, as it shows they understand how stressful this can be for both you and your dog.

Knowing how they will respond if your dog becomes ill or injured during a walk will make you feel more confident about hiring their service.

So, Why Hire Me?

I have spent time studying dog behaviour and pack mentality, as well as canine first aid. I carry a specific animal first-aid kit, but before we begin our walks, I require additional medical information about your dog.

That means I must be aware of any health issues, allergies, or anxieties. I need a veterinary release form to allow me to seek medical help at a veterinary clinic should an emergency arise.

But before this occurs, I will meet you and your dog in person. I apologise in advance if, upon meeting your dog, I appear disinterested in your dog. It is simply a case of me allowing your dog to come up to a stranger on their terms and to sniff me to see I am not a threat. Additionally, if I do not appear excited to meet them (and, inside, I most certainly will be), then your dog will always associate me with excitement and may become over-excited, leading to a more challenging walk.

Barry Gray

Barry is a certified dog-walking expert with the British College of Canine Studies. He’s also trained in dog first aid and canine happiness. His mission is to support happy, well-rounded dogs through education, care, and regular walks.

His motto is, “An educated owner creates a happier dog—and a happier dog makes for a happier owner.”