How do I find a trustworthy dog walker?

Finding a good dog walker is mostly about what you check before the first walk. Look for a walker who is registered with your locality, carries insurance, can give you references and will put the arrangement in writing. Then meet in person and run a short trial.

Start with your own dog

Before you hire anyone, make sure your side is in order. Virginia law makes it unlawful to own a dog four months old or older unless it is licensed,^[3] so check yours is current. Write down your dog's vaccination dates, any health conditions and medications, and what makes your dog nervous.

Where to look, and what to ask

Neighbours, your vet's office and local community groups are good places to start, and a walker who already walks several dogs on your street tells you something. A directory or marketplace listing is a starting point, not proof of anything, so ask the same questions of everyone.

Ask each candidate:

• How long have you walked dogs, and can I speak to two or three current clients?
• Do you carry liability insurance, and can you show me the policy?
• Are you registered with this county or city as a business? Virginia counties, cities and towns may impose local license taxes and fees,^[2] so the answer depends on where you live.
• Do you walk alone or with staff, and who covers when you are sick?
• How many dogs do you take out at once, and where do you walk?
• Do you have training in pet first aid?

Meet at home, with your dog

A good walker will insist on a meeting. Watch how the dog reacts, and how the walker greets it, handles the leash and asks about your dog's habits. A walker who does not ask about triggers, health or what to do in an emergency has not thought it through.

How a trustworthy walker keeps your dog safe

Control is the big one. Virginia law says a dog runs at large while it is roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner's or custodian's immediate control.^[1] A locality can set a civil penalty of up to $100 per dog for a dog found running at large in a pack.^[1] Ask how the walker prevents escapes: a secure harness or collar, a leash at all times unless a fenced area is allowed, and a plan for a dog that slips out.

Ask about waste as well. Bagging, then placing pet wastes in the trash is the best disposal method,^[4] so the walker should carry bags and use them on every walk.

Put it in writing

A short written agreement is worth the effort. It should cover the schedule and length of each walk, the price and when you pay, cancellation and holiday terms, how the walker gets in and what happens to the key, your vet's details and who can approve treatment, and what the walker does in an emergency. Ask for a photo or short note after each walk so you know it happened.

For what a walk should cost and how to compare quotes, see how much dog walking costs in Virginia.

Start small and watch for signs

Begin with a trial week. Good signs are a dog that is happy to see the walker, a house that is left as it was found, and prompt updates. Be wary of a walker who is vague about insurance, refuses a meeting, takes many dogs at once, or pushes you to prepay for a long package.

Stop and call a pro if

Do not wait for a trial to tell you something is wrong. Contact your vet or a certified behaviour professional first if your dog has bitten or nipped, reacts strongly to other dogs or people, is very strong on the leash, or has a medical condition. Stop using a walker, and call animal control or your vet as needed, if the dog comes home injured, the walker cannot account for the time, or the dog got loose and you were not told.

See pet services answers and pet services on Loclis, or compare what a poop scooping service costs for the yard.

When you are ready, describe what you need and local walkers will respond.