How to choose a dog walker

Choosing someone to look after your dog is a big decision. You want someone reliable, competent, and genuinely good with animals. Here is what to look for and what questions to ask.

Check their insurance

Any professional dog walker should carry public liability insurance and, ideally, care, custody and control insurance. Public liability covers damage to property or injury to third parties. Care, custody and control covers your dog while in the walker's care. Ask to see proof of both.

Ask about group sizes

Some walkers take large groups of six, eight, or even more dogs. This makes it difficult to give each dog proper attention and can increase the risk of incidents. A good walker will keep groups small — four dogs is a sensible maximum for one person.

Meet them before you commit

A good walker will offer a meet-and-greet before starting. This gives you a chance to see how they interact with your dog, ask questions, and get a feel for their approach. If someone is unwilling to meet you first, that is a red flag.

Ask where they walk

Find out which routes they use and whether they rotate them. A walker who sticks to the same park every day may not be giving your dog the variety and stimulation they need. Ask whether they walk in the countryside, in parks, or on pavements, and whether your dog will get off-lead time.

Check their communication

You should expect to hear from your walker after every session. A photo and a quick message are the minimum. This tells you the walk happened, your dog is well, and gives you peace of mind. If a walker does not communicate after walks, find one who does.

Ask about their background

Is the walker DBS checked? Are they first aid trained? How long have they been walking dogs professionally? Do they have references or reviews you can check? These are all reasonable questions and a good walker will be happy to answer them.

Understand their cancellation policy

Find out what happens if you need to cancel a walk at short notice, and what happens if the walker cancels. A fair policy protects both sides and avoids misunderstandings.

Trust your instincts

If something does not feel right, it probably is not. Your dog's safety and happiness matter more than convenience. Take your time, meet more than one walker if you need to, and choose someone you genuinely trust.

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