How to choose the right Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Sup Dawgs! Back again with another edition of the Dawg Blog! Spring is in full swing with sunshine, blue skies, singing birds, blooming flowers and happy pups everywhere!

For this next post we will be discussing one of the most important decisions a dog owner can make: how to choose the right dog walker or pet sitter. This is no small decision as walkers and sitters are responsible for caring for your fur baby and often have access to your home as well. Without further ado let me share some professional advice on choosing the right dog walker/pet sitter!

1. Reviews Matter: Make sure whoever you choose to walk or care for your dog has a proven track record of providing reliable, high quality service. Whether it’s a word of mouth referral from people who have used their services or online reviews, you want to know that the pet care provider has responsibly and consistently cared for many other dogs over time. A long history of happy clients is a green flag!
2. Bonded and Insured: The pet care provider should be bonded and insured. In the rare event something goes wrong, such as a bite, accident or property issue, insurance coverage protects both the client and the walker from unexpected costs and liability.
3. Reliability is Everything: You want to know with confidence that your dog walker has a history of showing up on time day after day and walk after walk, so you never have to stress about whether your pup is being cared for properly.
4. Same Consistent Walkers/Low Turnover: It’s important to have the same walker or walkers caring for your dog consistently. Over time, real bonds are formed between dogs and their walkers and sitters. And as familiar faces continue showing up week after week, your pup begins to build trust, comfort and excitement around their routine. Low employee turnover is also a very good sign. It usually means the walkers are treated and compensated well, they enjoy their jobs and genuinely care about the dogs they work with. Happy walkers have better energy, provide better care and an overall better experience for both dogs and owners alike.
5. Ask About Experience: If your dog is reactive, timid, aggressive with other dogs, a senior, a puppy, or has a disability, you want to know the walker or sitter has experience and confidence handling these situations.
6. Communication: You want detailed walk reports after every walk complete with pictures and a synopsis of how the walk went. Also water should be refilled and paws wiped clean, especially on rainy days!
7. Watch for Real Love of Dogs: You want people who genuinely love dogs and will care for your pup like they were their own. This helps ensure your dog is being treated with real kindness, patience, love and affection while in the walker or sitter’s care.
8. Meet and Greet: Before officially starting with a pet care provider, make sure to schedule a meet and greet in your home (or the sitter’s home if your dog will be staying there). This gives you a chance to see how your dog responds to the walker, sitter or business owner and also allows you to get a feel for their personality, professionalism and overall energy. If the vibes are good and they are asking lots of thoughtful, relevant questions, that’s usually a strong sign that they are experienced and a good fit for both you and your pup!

These are the top things I recommend pet owners look for when choosing a dog walker/pet sitter. If all of these points are taken into account when making your decision, and everything feels right to you, chances are you’re making a great choice for both you and your pup!

If you’re located in Bushwick, Bed-Stuy or Ridgewood and are looking for a trusted, experienced and passionate dog walker or pet sitter, The Dog Dude would love to help!

Well, that’s it for now! Until next time Dawgs!

Peace, Love and Pawsitivity! ✌🏼❤️🐾