A dog walker holds your dog’s leash and, often, a key to your home. Choosing well is a safety decision, not just a scheduling one. The good news is that a careful owner can vet a candidate thoroughly in about an hour, and the process protects everyone: your dog, your home, and the walker themselves.
Start With the Right Questions
Interview at least two or three candidates, whether they come from a local professional or a booking platform. Ask every candidate the same core questions and listen for specific, confident answers:
- How long have you walked dogs professionally, and do you have experience with my dog’s size and temperament?
- Are you insured and bonded, and can you show proof of coverage?
- Are you trained in pet first aid, and do you carry a first-aid kit on walks?
- How many dogs do you walk at once, and how do you match group members?
- What is your protocol if my dog is injured, escapes, or meets an aggressive dog?
- Can I contact two current clients as references?
- What happens if you are sick or your car breaks down; is there a backup walker?
Red flags include vague answers about emergencies, no insurance, refusal to share references, group sizes that seem too large, and anyone who wants to skip the in-person meeting.
The Meet-and-Greet and the Trial Walk
Never hire a walker sight unseen. Arrange a meet-and-greet at your home so the walker meets your dog on neutral, calm ground. Watch both sides: does the walker greet your dog quietly and read their body language, and does your dog relax around them? A good walker asks nearly as many questions as you do, about quirks, medical needs, and handling preferences. Then book a paid trial walk that you join or observe for the first outing. Check the practical details: secure leash handling, awareness of traffic and other dogs, waste pickup, and how they cue or redirect your dog. Afterward, ask what they noticed. Withhold a house key until the trial period is over, and start with a lockbox or smart lock if you can. During the first two weeks, confirm that walks happen on schedule and that your dog comes home settled rather than stressed.
Communication and Your Handover Notes
Reliable walkers report after every visit, and many app-based services add GPS routes and photos. Whatever the channel, agree upfront on what a report contains: walk times, bathroom breaks, anything unusual, and your dog’s mood. Then make the walker’s job easy with a one-page handover sheet left where they will see it:
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Contacts | Your phone, an emergency contact, your vet’s name and number, and the nearest emergency clinic |
| Medical and behavior | Medications and timing, allergies, reactivity to dogs, people, or bikes, and any physical limits |
| Routine and gear | Walk length, preferred harness and clip, treats that are allowed, and your recall or “leave it” cues |
| Home access | Key or lockbox details, alarm instructions, and where to leave used towels and bags |
Review the arrangement after the first month. If your dog pulls toward the door when the walker arrives or comes home anxious repeatedly, treat that as data, not a phase. The right walker becomes a steady, familiar part of your dog’s week, and the vetting effort pays off every single day you are out.