Finding the right dog walker is about far more than convenience. Whether you need regular solo walks for a nervous dog, or group walks for a sociable and energetic companion, choosing the right person can have a huge impact on your dog’s happiness, safety, and wellbeing.
Here are ten important questions every dog owner should ask before engaging a dog walker.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
In many parts of the UK, dog walking businesses may require licences depending on the services offered and local council regulations. Insurance is essential in case of accidents, injuries, or emergencies.
A professional dog walker should have:
- Public liability insurance
- Care, custody and control cover
- Vehicle insurance for transporting dogs, if applicable
- Relevant local authority licences if required
Don’t be afraid to ask for proof.
2. Do You Offer Group Walks, Solo Walks, or Both?
Different dogs have different needs.
Group Walks
Group walks can be ideal for:
- Sociable dogs
- High-energy breeds
- Dogs that enjoy interaction and play with other dogs
- Owners wanting added mental stimulation for their pet
However, group walks may not suit:
- Nervous or reactive dogs
- Elderly dogs
- Dogs still in training
- Dogs with poor recall
Solo Walks
Solo walks are often better for:
- Puppies
- Dogs recovering from injury
- Reactive or anxious dogs
- Elderly dogs
- Dogs needing focused training or attention
A good dog walker should help you decide which option best suits your dog’s personality and behaviour.
3. How Many Dogs Do You Walk at One Time?
This is especially important for group walks.
Large groups can become difficult to manage safely, particularly in busy public areas. Some local councils also place restrictions on the number of dogs walked at once.
Ask:
- What is the maximum number of dogs per walk?
- Are dogs grouped by size, temperament, or energy level?
- How are introductions handled?
Smaller, carefully managed groups are often safer and less stressful.
4. What Experience Do You Have With Different Dog Behaviours?
Not every dog is easy-going.
An experienced dog walker should know how to handle:
- Nervous dogs
- Reactive dogs
- Strong pullers
- Puppies
- Rescue dogs
- Dogs with medical needs
Ask for examples of previous experience and how they would handle difficult situations.
5. What Happens in an Emergency?
Every responsible dog walker should have an emergency plan.
Important things to ask include:
- Are you trained in canine first aid?
- What happens if a dog becomes injured?
- Which vet would you contact?
- How would owners be informed?
- What happens if your vehicle breaks down during transport?
Preparation and professionalism matter.
6. Are Dogs Transported in a Vehicle?
Many group walkers collect dogs from home and transport them to walking locations.
If transport is involved, ask:
- Are dogs secured safely in crates or with harnesses?
- Is the vehicle ventilated and temperature controlled?
- How long are dogs left in the vehicle?
- Are dogs ever transported together unsafely?
Safe transport should always be a priority.
7. Where Will My Dog Be Walked?
Different environments suit different dogs.
Some walkers use:
- Local parks
- Countryside trails
- Beaches
- Secure private fields
- Woodland areas
It’s worth asking:
- Are dogs walked on or off lead?
- How is recall assessed?
- Are walks tailored to the dog’s fitness and confidence?
A professional walker should prioritise safety over convenience.
8. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
A reputable dog walker should be happy to provide:
- Client testimonials
- Online reviews
- Social media pages
- References from existing customers
Reviews can give useful insight into reliability, communication, and how dogs respond to the walker.
9. How Do You Handle Introductions and Trial Walks?
Throwing a dog straight into a group walk without assessment is rarely a good idea.
Many professional dog walkers offer:
- Meet-and-greet sessions. More on this can be read here
- Trial walks
- Behaviour assessments
- Gradual introductions to group environments
This helps ensure the arrangement is suitable for everyone involved.
10. What Communication Can I Expect?
Good communication builds trust.
Some dog walkers provide:
- Walk updates
- Photos and videos
- GPS tracking
- Report cards
- Behaviour updates
You should also know:
- How cancellations are handled
- What happens during bad weather, or if it’s too hot
- Whether walks go ahead during illness or emergencies
Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a dog walker is an important decision. The cheapest option is not always the best, and professionalism, experience, safety, and reliability should always come first.
Whether your dog thrives in a carefully managed group walk or benefits more from one-to-one attention on solo walks, asking the right questions can help you find the perfect fit.
At PetProHub, we believe responsible pet care starts with informed choices. Taking the time to properly vet a dog walker can help ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and safe while in someone else’s care.
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