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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone Directories
• Dog Collars
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Tags
• Dog Training Leashes/collars

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 & Warnings

• 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.