Like most pet owners, you probably take your dog for a walk every day. It is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it is also suitable for your dog’s mental health.
But sometimes, because of your job and busy schedule, there may be times when you have someone else walk your dog.
But how will you know that your dog is being taken care of properly when you are not there? That is where hiring a professional dog walker comes in. These experienced dog walkers have the know-how to walk your dog and take care of them.
So, if you decide to hire a professional dog walker, this article will be a great help.
This article will discuss five things to ask your dog walker to ensure that your pet stays safe and healthy while you are away!
Question #1: What Is Your Experience with Dog Walking and Pet Care?
Experience is always necessary to hire someone to care for your pet. You want to make sure that the person you hire is knowledgeable about dog behavior and knows how to handle different situations.
It will help if you ask your potential dog walker about their experience with dog walking and pet care. It will help you gauge how qualified they are to care for your furry friend.
If you have not walked your dog in a while, it might be good to take them for a walk with an experienced dog walker. It will help you see how they interact with your pet and whether or not they are comfortable around dogs.
A good answer should look something like this:
“I have been walking and caring for dogs for five years. I have experience with breeds and temperaments, and I am comfortable handling any situation.”
Question #2: Are You Insured and Bonded Against Any Accidents That May Occur While in Your Care of My Pet(s)?
No one likes accidents happening. But unfortunately, they can and do happen. Hence, it is essential to make sure that your dog walker is insured and bonded against accidents that may occur while they are walking your dog.
It will protect you financially in case of any damages or injuries while your pet is under their care.
If the dog walker is not insured or bonded, you could be held liable for any accidents, so before hiring someone, it is something to consider.
Also, ask your dog walker about their policy on picking up after dogs. Some dog walkers will take care of this, while others may expect you to have a poop bag on hand.
A good answer should look something like this:
“I am insured and bonded against any accidents while in my care of your pet. I also have a policy on picking up after dogs.”
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Question #3: How Do You Handle Emergency Situations, such as if My Pet Gets Lost or Injured While in Your Care?
It is essential to know how your dog walker would handle an emergency, such as if your pet gets lost or injured while in their care.
Ask them their policy on lost pets and how they would find your pet if they got lost. It would help to ask them their protocol for dealing with injuries to pets under their care.
Knowing how your dog walker would handle an emergency will give you peace of mind knowing that your pet will be adequately cared for if something happens.
A good answer should look something like this:
“If my pet gets lost, I will do everything to find them. I have a system for tracking pets that I take care of, and I am very familiar with the area. If my pet is injured while in my care, I will transport them to the nearest veterinarian or animal hospital.”
Question #4: What Is Your Policy on Accepting Tips for Services Rendered?
While it is not required, tipping your dog walker for their services is always appreciated. If you are thinking about giving a tip, ask the dog walker what their policy is on accepting tips.
Some dog walkers may not feel comfortable taking tips, while others will gladly accept them. It is essential to know this ahead of time to plan accordingly.
Additionally, you may want to ask the dog walker if they have a preferred way of receiving tips.
Some people prefer cash, while others may receive tips through PayPal or another online service.
A good answer should look something like this:
“I am happy to accept tips for services rendered. They are not required but are greatly appreciated.”
Question #5: Do You Have a Portfolio of Past Clients I Can Review to Get More Information About the Quality of Your Work?
An excellent way to judge the quality of your dog walker’s work is to look at their portfolio of past clients.
Many dog walkers will have a website or online profile where you can see photos and testimonials from past clients.
Check those profiles as they will give you a good idea of your potential dog walker’s quality of work.
If they do not have any samples of their work available, that is not necessarily a red flag, but it is something to consider.
A good answer should look something like this:
“Yes, I have a portfolio of past clients I can share with you. You can find them on my website or through my online profile.”
Other Considerations
There are a few other things you may want to consider before hiring a dog walker, including:
The frequency of walks
How often do you need a dog walker? Once a week? Twice a week? More?
You must know this because it will affect the price and budget you must allot for dog walking.
The length of walks
How long do you need the dog walker to walk your dog each time? 30 minutes? An hour?
The price
Dog walking rates can vary depending on the area you live in, so be sure to ask about pricing before hiring someone.
If you can find discounted packages, then do check them out.
The availability
Make sure the dog walker you are considering is available when you need them.
Some may not be available during certain hours during weekends or even the entire weekend.
The temperament of your dog
Some dogs are better with certain types of people than others, so it is essential to consider your dog’s personality before hiring someone.
Keep these things in mind as you search for the perfect dog walker for your pet!
Conclusion
Hiring an experienced dog walker can be a great way to ensure that your pet gets the exercise and socialization they need, even when you are busy.
When hiring a dog walker, it is essential to ask the right questions to ensure that your dog will be safe and well-cared for. By asking the five questions above, you can get a good idea of what to expect from potential dog walkers and decide who to hire.
We hope this article helped give you an idea of some things to look for when hiring a dog walker.
Thanks for reading and Happy searching!
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