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Since you’re reading this you’re likely in that uncomfortable position of trying to find a dog walker. I know how stressful that can be so I’ve compiled this list of questions to ask a dog walker to hopefully make the process easy.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A DOG WALKER
I’ve worked as a Recruiter for several years and interviewed hundreds of people so I can tell you first and foremost please do not interrogate your potential dog walker! You want to build a quality relationship with them. Which is why most of these questions can be asked through a genuine conversation.
Before you get started it’s important you think about these questions. Are you looking for a temporary fix or are you looking to find a long term dog walker? What boundaries do you have for your dog and for your home?
How Do You Interview A Dog Walker?
Have them come to your house (or a public place) and do a meet and greet with your dog. You want to make sure that your dog gets along with them. Some of the most important aspects will be not how they answer the questions but how they interact with your dog. Do they get down to your dogs level and take the the time to pet them?
At the start of the interview you should let your potential dog walker know you’re excited to meet and ask them how they are. It’s cool to break the ice… now that it’s broken here are the questions you’ll definitely want to ask a potential dog walker!
10 DOG WALKER QUESTIONS
1. Do you have any pets?
This is any easy way to get them talking about their animal experience. Even if they don’t currently have pets they’ll likely start talking about pets they have had or pets they love working with.
2. What neighborhood do you live in?
While this is not a question you’d ask in a normal interview it is a good question to ask a dog walker. It’s important to understand how far away they live and what neighborhoods they normally service.
3. Have you walked (insert breed name here) before?
This is a great way to get them talking about what types of dogs they walk. Maybe they are super familiar with your dogs breed or maybe it’ll be their first experience. Different types of dogs have different walking needs. Plus if the walker only walk small dogs and your dog is large it doesn’t mean they won’t be a good walker but just something you’ll want to consider.
4. Are you insured?
Yes, dog walker insurance is a real thing and you’ll want to know if your potential dog walker is insured should any accidents arise.
5. Are you comfortable with pet first aid? Are you certified in pet first aid?
Did you know there are many pet first aid trainings you can attend including this online Red Cross Cat & Dog First Aid training? Even if you aren’t requiring your walker be certified, you’ll want to ensure they at least know what to do in a medical emergency.
6. How long are the walks?
You should both agree upon a duration for the walks and an alternative if temperatures are too hot or too cold.
7. Do you send reports?
Some dog walkers have systems that can send you a map of their walk, others will share updates like “Bingo pooped twice on our walk”. You should think about what type of information you would like to receive and how best to receive it.
8. Are you available at these dates/times?
This is super important! Dog walker schedules can fill up fast so if this is a long term gig be sure to find out whether they are available when you need them.
9. What is your cancellation policy?
How far in advance do you need to cancel without being charged? What happens if the walker needs to cancel? Is there backup? What kind of notice do you receive? While nobody plans on cancelling it’s important to be on the same page before something unexpected comes up.
10. Could I check your references?
Dog walkers typically expect this and more often than not will offer before you even have to ask. Word of mouth is how many dog walkers get their business so do not feel shy about asking for references.
3 Dog Walker Questions YOU Should Be Ready to Answer
Just as you would want your dog walker to be honest with you, it’s important for you to be honest with your potential dog walker. Be upfront with them and share anything they should know about your dog.
1. Does your dog get along with other dogs?
Your walker needs to know if your dog doesn’t like other dogs. You never know what might happen on a walk so set them up for success. Your dog walker should know everything you know about your dog.
2. Has your dog shown aggression before?
If your dog has sign shows of aggression it would be unfair not to share that with your dog walker. Don’t worry – there are many dog walkers out there who feel comfortable walking dogs who have shown signs of aggression.
3. Do you have cameras setup inside or outside?
Cameras are super common now especially on the outside of your house and they are a great way to monitor but please be honest with your dog walker and let them know.
