Pets need exercise to stay healthy and happy. Walking helps prevent health problems and keeps them mentally stimulated. But many owners have busy schedules, so they turn to pet walking services for help.
Choosing the right service is important for your pet’s safety and well-being. These tips will help you find a service that meets your needs and keeps your pet active.
Choose a Service With Strong Pet Care Experience
Experience is one of the most important qualities to look for in a pet walking service. A service with years of experience understands how to handle pets of all breeds, sizes, and personalities. They know how to control a strong, energetic dog as well as how to gently guide a shy or elderly one. Experienced walkers can read animal body language, which helps them prevent problems before they happen.
When speaking to a potential walker, ask how long they have worked with pets and what kinds of animals they have handled. If your pet has special needs, such as anxiety, joint problems, or dietary restrictions, ask if they have cared for animals with those needs before.
Verify Licensing and Insurance for Safety and Protection
A professional service should always operate with the proper licensing and insurance. Licensing means they meet local regulations, which helps ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate business. Insurance is equally important because it protects you from potential costs if your pet is injured or if property damage occurs during a walk.
When reviewing a service, ask for proof of these documents. A professional will provide them without hesitation. It’s also a good idea to check if their insurance covers both accidents and liability. You want to be sure that, in any situation, you and your pet are financially protected.
Research Reviews and Request References
The experiences of other pet owners can be a powerful tool in your decision. Read online reviews to see how the service treats both pets and clients. Look for feedback about punctuality, safety, and communication. A high number of positive reviews often means the service is reliable.
Don’t just stop at online comments. Ask the service for at least two references from current or former clients. Speaking directly with someone who has used the service gives you insight into what you can expect. Ask them about the walker’s attitude, how they handle emergencies, and whether their pets enjoy the walks.
Meet the Walker in Person Before Committing
Meeting the actual person who will be walking your pet is essential. This lets you see how they interact with your animal and allows your pet to get familiar with them. Pay attention to your pet’s body language during this meeting-are they relaxed, curious, or nervous? Pets can sense whether someone is gentle and patient.
Use this time to ask questions about the walker’s approach to handling different situations, such as meeting other animals on the street or dealing with bad weather. This meeting also allows you to discuss your expectations and make sure the walker understands your pet’s specific needs.
Discuss Your Pet’s Routine and Preferred Schedule
Every pet has unique exercise needs, and your chosen service should be willing to adapt. Puppies may require several short walks throughout the day, while an adult dog might be fine with one or two long walks. Senior pets may need shorter, slower walks to avoid strain.
Be clear about your pet’s normal routine and ask the service how they will fit into it. If your schedule changes often, check if they can be flexible. A good walking service should be able to adjust their timing to meet both your needs and your pet’s health requirements.
Understand Their Policy on Group and Solo Walks
Some services walk several pets at once, which can be great for social animals. These group walks give pets the chance to interact with others and burn more energy through play. However, not every pet enjoys this. Shy, older, or reactive animals may do better on solo walks.
Ask the service whether they offer both options and how many pets are included in a group walk. If they walk multiple pets together, inquire about how they keep control and ensure safety. A professional service will be happy to match your pet with the walking style that suits them best.
Ensure They Have Clear Emergency Procedures
Even the most careful walker can encounter emergencies, such as an injured paw, sudden illness, or an aggressive stray animal. That’s why it’s important to ask about their emergency protocols. Do they carry a pet first-aid kit? Are they trained in CPR for animals? Do they have a relationship with a local veterinarian for urgent situations?
Their answers will show how prepared they are. A good walker should also know how to contact you quickly in an emergency and should have a backup plan if they cannot reach you right away. These details could make all the difference in protecting your pet.
Look for Additional Care Services
Some walking services go beyond walks and provide extra care such as feeding, refilling water bowls, brushing, or even administering medications. These extras can be especially valuable if you work long hours or travel often.
When comparing services, ask if they can provide a short play session at home, clean up after your pet, or send you photo updates. While these may seem like small details, they can give you extra confidence that your pet is being well cared for while you’re away.
Compare Costs and Value, Not Just Price
Price is a factor, but it should never be the only one. The cheapest service might save you money in the short term but could cost more if your pet doesn’t receive proper care. Compare what’s included in each package. Does the price include basic care, or are there additional fees for things like longer walks or extra pets?
Sometimes, a slightly higher price reflects better service and experience. For example, a skilled dog walker with training in pet safety may charge more but will provide greater peace of mind. Look for the best value, not just the lowest number.
Learn More About Pet Walking Services
Finding the best pet walking service takes research, patience, and trust. Look for experience, safety, and flexibility, and pay attention to how your pet responds.
The right choice will keep your pet active, healthy, and happy while giving you peace of mind.
If you’d like to learn more, check out more articles on our blog.
