How to Choose a Dog Walker

If you work long hours outside the home, you may want to hire a professional dog walker for your best friend.

Steps:

1. Ask other pet owners or your veterinarian, grooming shop or pet store for references.
2. Make sure the walker has a business license, and ask him or her for additional references.
3. Ask the walker whether he or she walks dogs in large groups or individually - the more dogs a walker walks at once, the less attention he or she can pay to each dog. Check whether the walker offers small-group or individual walks, if necessary.
4. Ask about the walker's water, feeding and cleanup policies.
5. Find out the time and duration of the walk - the walker should be able to accommodate your schedule.
6. Check to see whether the walker can provide for any special needs your pet has. For instance, is your pet a puppy or an older dog?
7. Set up a two-week trial period, and enlist a neighbor to see how the walker handles your dog when you're not there.


Tips:

Provide the walker with emergency information, including your pet's medical history and your veterinarian's phone number.
Walkers who own or have recently owned a pet can provide for your pet's emotional needs as well as his or her physical needs.
Tips from eHow Users:

Choosing a dog walker by Ida L.
See how the walker interacts with other dogs when not in the presence of clients. A "very kind" walker that came highly recommended was rejected because I observed him abusing non-client dogs and walking dogs with behavioral problems without muzzles in crowded areas.

Also, observe how your dog reacts when she sees the walker in the neighborhood. Is she excited? Does she cower? Is she upset? She should be thrilled to see him - an excellent sign of a good working relationship.

The Professional Pet Sitter

Is bonded and insured. Provides references.
Visits the client's home before the first pet-sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care. Shows a positive attitude during the initial meeting and seems comfortable and competent in dealing with animals.

Provides written literature describing services and stating fees. Is courteous, interested and well-informed.

Wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his or her care. Has experience in caring for pets and is clearly mindful of their safety and well-being.

Exhibits courtesy and professionalism in all dealings with staff, customers and industry colleagues, so as to present the pet sitter and the pet-sitting industry positively. Keeps regular office hours and answers client inquiries and complaints promptly.

Has a veterinarian on-call for emergency service. Has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather or personal illness.

Conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local laws pertaining to business operations and animal care. Takes precautions to make sure a client's absence from home is not detected because of any careless actions or disclosures by the sitter.

Calls to confirm or has the client call to confirm that the client has returned home. Provides initial and on-going training for its pet sitters.

Refrains from criticizing competitors. Provides a service-rating form for clients.


Carefully screens applicants for employment.