Today, Wednesday September 8th, is National Dog Walker Appreciation Day! If your pup has a special playmate in their lives, today is a great day to show them a little extra appreciation.
If you don't have a dog walker, maybe it's time to think about hiring one! Here are some tips to help you find the right fit for you and your four-legged friend.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Dog Walker for The First Time
When it comes to finding a dog walker, the first thing to think about is your dog! Are they a loner or do they like to be a part of the pack? If your dog prefers being the only dog around, you definitely wouldn't want to have them on walks with others. Finding a one-on-one dog walker would be best for you!
You can find candidates on Rover, Care.com, Wag and more.
After determining what type of dog walker you're searching for, it's time to reach out and set up some interviews. Before sitting down with prospects, take some time to gather some information that would be valuable to them.
Not telling your dog walker everything about your pup is setting him up for failure, it isn’t fair to him or your walker and it can be dangerous.
During the interview, you should show your dog's collar/harness and leash and share how your pet behaves while on a walk. Do they like to say hello to fellow dogs? Are they curios sniffers? Do they walk quickly as if they're on a mission?
When to comes to hiring your desired dog walker and discussing pay you can expect those who specialize in additional services like running, trail walks/hikes/runs, feeding, etc. will cost a bit more. The average cost of a professional dog walker varies based on the service and your location. A good way to find out the going rate in your neighborhood is to hit the dog park and start socializing.
Once your new dog walker has become a member of your family, it's important to show them that you trust them.
You don’t need to be calling your dog walker every five minutes while they’re out with your fur baby, but make sure that you get regular reports of how your dog’s walks went! Something as simple as a sticky note with a potty update or a quick text letting you know anything that happened on the walk will help ensure that your dog is getting a good experience.