If your dog is very active and requires a few miles of walking per day, but you don’t have the time for this due to work or a hectic routine, it may be time to hire a dog walker.
Despite what many people think, choosing a dog walker is not a simple task. After all, this professional will be responsible for the safety and well-being of your pup during the time that they are together.
Here at Buster and Whiskers we understand that trust and safety are two of the most important factors taken into consideration when hiring a dog walker. Thus, we have prepared a guide to help you with this important decision.
Check out some tips below!
Do I Need a Dog Walker?
To help you understand if you really need a Dog Walker, we highlighted some points below to take into consideration:
- You work many hours a day.
- Your dog has a lot of energy.
- Health concerns restrict you from walking your dog.
- You have children.
- You travel frequently for work.
- Your dog is bored.
- You hardly spend time at home.
- Your dog needs to socialize with other dogs.
How to prepare for hiring a dog walker?
Be clear
It is important that you are objective and clear about the requirements you are currently looking for. Just loving animals is not a determinant of qualifying someone as a good dog walker. This professional must be knowledgable about dog handling, as well as have experience socializing dogs if you are interested in Group Walks.
Know your dog
Before choosing the ideal dog walker, you must understand your dog’s behavior to pass along all of the details to whoever is hired.
For example, some dogs like to pee pretty much everywhere. Others may be more aggressive, or more calm. It is important to pass along all of your dog’s behavioral characteristics to the dog walker.
Set a frequency
How many times a week do you plan to hire the dog walker? Every day? Once a week? Just when working late? Remember to share all of this information so the professional can make a plan based on your needs.
Create your Budget
How much are you willing to spend on this type of service? Before hiring a dog walker, do some price research where you live. Do not forget to analyze the cost-benefit of the service. After all, sometimes it is more advantageous to pay a little more for a higher quality Dog Walking Service for your dog.
Some questions to ask in the interview
Below are some questions that can give you a little more security when hiring a dog walker:
- Do you walk other dogs in this area?
- Do you have experience with dogs of the same breed as mine?
- How long have you been in this profession?
- Can we see references from your customers?
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Based on the dog walker’s responses, you will be able to analyze whether the service they are offering meets your goals or not.
While hiring a dog walker may require a lot of initial research, it can definitely make your life easier in the long term.
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
