If you’re considering hiring a dog walker, you’ve probably been researching different services in your neighborhood and narrowing down your prospects. If you’re having trouble deciding which one to hire, though, asking these questions can help you make that choice.
Are You Bonded & Insured?
Ensuring that both you and your dog will be protected in the case of something going wrong is a key factor in choosing a dog walker. Bonding ensures that you are protected against theft, while insurance protects you in the event of negligence and accidents. This means that in the event that something is stolen from your home, or the walker gets injured on the job, you’re not liable.
Who Will Walk My Dog Everyday?
Will the same walker come to your home everyday? This is something you may want to ask about, particularly if your dog is bad with change – establishing a routine is beneficial to their well-being. Ask a prospective dog walking service if they’ll be sending the same walker for each appointment or if they’ll be sending whomever is available at that time.
What Route Will My Dog Walk?
You might want to ask if there are any established routes in your neighborhood, so as to avoid any potential issues – for instance, run-ins with aggressive, unleashed dogs or busy roadways that are hard to cross. If you know about any issues you have in your area, make sure to tell your walker about them before hiring them—they may have established, drawn-up routes that they have to adhere to.
What Is Your Interview Process?
Find out how a company goes about hiring their walkers. Are there background checks? This helps you feel confident about the business; if your regular walker has to take a sick day or vacation, you’ll know that the remaining employees are held to the same high standards of hiring and can rest easy knowing there’s a reliable substitute for your regular walker.
Can You Handle My Dog’s Issues?
This question is more tailored to dog owners who have dogs that have special needs or have behavioral issues. For instance, if your pup can’t use stairs but you live on the third floor, you’ll want to know if your walker is willing and able to go the extra mile. If your dog is aggressive or leash-reactive, you’ll need to know that the walker is capable of handling those behaviors.
Asking about these key things can help you make the best choice for a dog walking service for your pooch—someone you can trust who loves pets as much as you love your dog!
