Which Dog Walking Service is Best for You? by Susan Cava

Regular walks are crucial for keeping your dog happy and healthy.  Dogs
that interact regularly with other canines and humans aren’t just in better
condition, but are also well socialized and more behaviorally sound.  There
are four different types of dog-walking services.  Choosing one that’s
right for you depends on the individual needs of you and your dog.

• One-on-one walking - As the name suggests, this service provides
  one dog to one walker.  I have found this to be best for dogs that
  require extra attention, are older, and/or have special needs.  On top of
  the scheduling flexibility this service offers, I liked knowing my dog got to
  the park each day and often for longer than I paid for.  The walker
  became my dog’s nanny.  The success of the one-on-one relationship
  depends entirely on the walker, which means you should interview the handler
  first to make sure you feel comfortable with him/her caring for your animal.
• Pack Walking – This involves large groups of dogs being walked at
  the same time by one handler.  When my dog was a pup, she really enjoyed
  pack walks.  She socialized with dogs and people on the street and
  enjoyed the two-hour walking time.  When she was six, I tried it again;
  this time, she unhappily lagged in the back, so I cancelled.  Pack
  walking is best for young dogs with no aggressive traits.  Find a service
  that allows you to meet the walkers, and request that your dog not be tethered
  outside alone when other dogs are being picked up or dropped off.
• Semi-private Walks – A combination of one-on-one and pack walking,
  semi-private walks involve one dog walker and two to three dogs.  Before
  signing up, I strongly suggest you have your companion meet the other dogs
  he/she will be walking with to ensure they’ll get along. This kind of service
  is deal for social, active dogs that require more attention than pack walking
  can offer.
• Doggy Day Care - With this service, your dog spends the entire day
  at a doggy playground facility.  Many offer an indoor turf playground and
  pool for canines, as well as daily walks.  Although it can be costly, I
  recommend this “pampered pet” service for anyone who can afford it.  One
  drawback, aside from the cost, is that some facilities employ extremely young
  people with little experience with dogs.  That being said, this is a
  great service.  A reputable facility will tailor your dog’s day to best
  suit his/her needs.

Things to Consider When Hiring a Dog Walker by Ann Brightman

Whatever your reason for needing a dog walker, it’s important to do your
homework before hiring anyone.  Here’s how to make sure you’re getting a
professional whose primary concern is the welfare and safety of your companion:

• Find out what kind of service the company offers, and how many dogs they
  walk at one time.  Many also provide additional services such as doggy
  day care or pet sitting for both dogs and cats.
  • Ask where the dogs are getting taken for their walks,
  • What the walker would do in case of emergency,
  • Does s/he have references,
  • Does s/he have a cellphone,
  • Is there a backup walker in case of sickness or holiday?
• Arrange to meet the walker face-to-face so you can see how s/he interacts
  with your dog.
• Ensure the walker has experience handling and working with dogs, as is
  capable of resolving and aggressive confrontation, should one arise.  An
  understanding of canine behavior and training is also an asset.
• Walkers should be trained in first aid and emergency care for animals.
• Choose a company whose walkers are bonded and insured.
• Don’t be afraid to voice personal concerns.  For example, if you wish
  your dog to be kept on-lease at all times, say so.  Also find out if the
  same person will be walking your dog every time, and if s/he will pick up
  after your dog.

Make sure you know what the company’s requirements are; for example, some
will request that your dog be vaccinated, while others don’t.  If the
company does group walking, they’ll also want to know something about your
dog’s temperament.

Your pet’s health and happiness are our top priorities.