How to find a reliable dog walker - key tips and tricks

Finding a reliable dog walker can feel overwhelming. After all, you're trusting someone with one of the most important members of your family (or if you do not have children like me, you view them as your own child!).

Whether you need regular walks because of work commitments or just a helping hand now and then, choosing the right dog walker is essential for your dog's safety, happiness and wellbeing.

Here are some key tips and tricks to help you find a dog walker you can truely trust.

1. Look for Experience and Qualifications

A reliable dog walker should have experience handling dogs of different breeds, sizes, and temperaments. While formal qualifications aren’t always required, training in animal care, dog behaviour, or pet first aid is a big plus. Experience shows they know how to manage unexpected situations, from nervous dogs to busy roads.

2. Check Reviews and Recommendations

Word of mouth is powerful. Ask friends, family, or local pet owners if they can recommend a dog walker they trust. Online reviews on Google or social media can also give you insight into reliability, professionalism, and how walkers interact with both dogs and owners. Social media presence can give a really clear idea about the vibe and feeling of someones personlity. Do they have fun images, videos and updates of dogs having fun on walks or do they have no sicial media precense at all? There is aboslutely nothing wrong with not having social media pages, however some may find that seeing updates online as reassurance they are dealing with someone reliable.

3. Make Sure They’re Insured

A professional dog walker should have public liability insurance. This protects both you and your dog in case of accidents or injuries. Don’t be afraid to ask-any reputable dog walker as they should be happy to provide proof of insurance.

For example, insurance can help protect you if:

• Your dog is injured while out on a walk

• Your dog causes injury to another person or animal

• Property is damaged during a walk

• An unexpected incident occurs despite reasonable care

  
  

Without insurance, you could potentially be left dealing with costs or legal issues yourself. A reliable dog walker will understand the importance of this protection and will be open and transparent about their coverage. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask a dog walker about their insurance, and any professional will be happy to provide details or proof. Insurance isn’t just about paperwork, it shows that the dog walker takes their responsibilities seriously and is committed to running a safe, professional service. Choosing an insured dog walker gives you peace of mind, knowing that both you and your dog are protected every step of the way.

4. Ask About Their Walking Routine

Every dog is different. A good dog walker will take time to understand your dog’s needs, energy level, and personality. Ask questions such as:

• How many dogs are walked at once?

• Are walks on-lead or off-lead?

• How do they handle emergencies?

Clear communication is a strong sign of reliability.

5. Arrange a Meet-and-Greet

Always meet a potential dog walker before booking regular walks. This gives you a chance to see how they interact with your dog and whether your dog feels comfortable around them. Trust your instincts-if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to keep looking. This is also chance to ask if they require any information from you. A good dog walker should be retrieving information such as emergency contacts, vet information and notes of any thing medical or bahvioural that may be important. If your dog walker does not do this or have a record of it this may be a red flag for not retrieving vital information needed.

6. Reliability and Communication Matter

A dependable dog walker should be punctual, organised, and easy to contact. Regular updates, photos, or messages after walks can provide peace of mind and show that your dog is being well cared for. This communication should also be evident in other scenarios. If they are running late because of traffic, the animal seems different to usual, they have put the dogs harness in a different place for any reason- no matter how big it should be communicated to you as the owner to ensure you know what is happening. Reliability also comes into scheduling. Will they come at the same time each week or does their sxhedule change? If they are unable to make the walk do they try and rearrange/refund the session or do they try and forget it happened.

7. Choose Local and Professional

Local dog walkers often have a better understanding of nearby walking routes and safe areas. A professional online presence, clear pricing, and a written service agreement are all signs that you’re dealing with someone who takes their business-and your dog-seriously. As I live in Calne, I am aware of areas that may be quieter, times that may be busier than others or dog hot spots. If I am walking a dog in Calne I know to tailor my walks to suit the dog due to my local knoweldge. Living locally means I can also be flexible, if someone forgts a house key and i have one, they need last minute pet sitting or need last minute changes to schedules I can easily be there to help.

Finding a reliable dog walker takes a little research, but it’s worth the effort. The right dog walker will not only keep your dog safe and exercised but also give you confidence and peace of mind.If you’re looking for a trustworthy, fully insured dog walker who treats every dog like their own, feel free to get in touch. I’d be happy to answer any questions and arrange a meet-and-greet for pet owners in the Calne, Chippenham and Melksham areas.