Finding the Best Dog Walking Service
As a dog owner, you understand the importance of regular exercise for your pet's well-being. However, finding the time and energy for daily walks can be a challenge.
This is where a professional dog walking service comes in.
A reliable dog walker can ensure your furry friend gets the exercise they need, even when you're busy. But how do you find the best dog walking service that meets your pet's specific needs and your lifestyle requirements?
In this guide, we'll assist you in choosing a high-quality dog walking service. Let's talk about how much exercise your dog needs, what dog walkers can do for you, and how to get along well with the walker you choose.
Understanding Your Dog's Exercise Needs
Every dog is unique, with specific exercise needs based on their breed, age, and health. Understanding these needs is the first step in finding the right dog walking service.
Some dogs need an hour of exercise daily, like young and active breeds. Older dogs may do better with shorter, more frequent walks.
Knowing your dog's exercise requirements can help you pick a dog walking service that gives them the right amount of activity. If you're unsure or need more information, feel free to contact the dog walking service you're considering to talk about your dog. Most reputable dog walking companies will have a Meet and Greet to set you and your dog up for success.
Criteria for Choosing a Dog Walking Service
Professional dog walking services can play a crucial role in a dog's well-being. They provide regular exercise, which is essential for a dog's physical health and mental stimulation. Moreover, these services can help with socialization, exposing your dog to new environments and other dogs under controlled conditions. When you hire a dog walker, you want to feel comfortable and know your pet will be with someone who understands dogs, specifically your dog.
Choosing the right dog walking service requires careful consideration. You want to ensure that the service you select aligns with your dog's needs and your expectations.
Here are some key criteria to consider:
Experience and Training: The dog walker should have experience with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. They should also have an understanding of dog behaviour, safety, and pet first aid.
Trust and Reliability: You need to trust the person taking care of your pet. They should be reliable and provide consistent service.
Personalized Care: The service should offer personalized walking plans tailored to your dog's needs and your goals as an owner. This includes considering your dog's age, breed, health, personality and training.
Fair Compensation: The dog walking company should pay its walkers fairly. This shows the company cares about its employees and will attract good dog walkers/dog handlers.
Sustainable Practices: If you are someone who values sustainability, look for a service that prioritizes sustainable business practices. This could include things like using eco-friendly products or supporting other local businesses.
At the end of the day, the dog walking service you hire should be reliable, caring, and align with your overall values.
Evaluating Local Dog Walkers
Some additional ways to evaluate dog walking services in Kingston, include considering local factors and dog walking etiquette. Kingston has a variety of dog-friendly areas and you want to hire someone who understands proper trail and park etiquette.
Reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into a dog walking service. Word-of-mouth recommendations and local reviews can provide valuable insights. They can reveal the experiences of other clients, shedding light on the service's reliability, professionalism, and care for dogs. However, it's important to read these reviews critically. Look for patterns in the feedback, both positive and negative, to get a balanced view of the service.
It's still important for you as the dog owner to get a feel for the company yourself. If you are looking to hire a new dog walking service in Kingston, a Meet and Greet session is a crucial step in choosing if it's right for you.
At TrailWag, we require a Meet and Greet so we can determine if we're the best fit. We encourage doing Meet and Greets in person so you can watch how the dog walker treats your pet and how professional they are. This also gives you the opportunity to talk about your goals for your dog, their likes and dislikes and all the things that make them special.
Asking Questions to Potential Dog Walkers
Asking the right questions is important when hiring a dog walking service. Not every owner will know what to ask during a Meet and Greet, these questions will hopefully help you determine the walker's experience, their approach to dog walking, and their contingency plans.
Here are some key questions to ask:
What is your experience with dogs similar to mine?
How do you handle dogs with behavioural issues?
What is your policy on pack walks?
How do you handle emergencies?
What is your cancellation policy?
These questions will help you gauge the service's suitability for your dog's needs. Dog walking companies should have all of this information accessible on their website, but it's good idea to ask these questions in person as well. Inquiring about their policies regarding pack walks, emergency situations, and cancellations can help you fully understand the company's ethos and policies.
Safety Measures and Technology
Consider your dog walker's response to Kingston's weather conditions. They should have a plan for walks during hot summers, rainy days, and snowy winters. This shows their commitment to providing consistent care, and keeping your dog's safety top of mind.
Safety should always be top of mind when entrusting your dog to a walking service. A reputable service should have safety measures in place to protect your pet. These may include using GPS tracking, carrying first aid kits, and having a plan for emergencies.
Many dog walkers near you may be using technology to help provide updates, book appointments, and track your dog. GPS tracking can provide real-time updates on your dog's walk. This allows you to see exactly where your dog has been walked, providing peace of mind and ensuring accountability.
At TrailWag we use GPS collars for any dog out with us on adventure hikes. These collars track the dog, not the phone of the walker, and they work off satellite service for added safety. Ask your potential dog walking service what they use!
Building a Relationship with Your Dog Walker
Establishing a long-term relationship with your dog walker is beneficial! Over time your dog will grow comfortable and form a bond with the walker. Doing your due diligence and meeting your walkers in person can set you on the right path from the start. Consistency in a dog's routine through regular walks, adventure hikes and training can be beneficial.
Ensure open communication and mutual respect between you and your dog walking company to maintain a positive relationship and hopefully it will flourish throughout the years!
At TrailWag, we hope you'll consider us when choosing a dog walking company, but understand dog owners need to do what is right for them and their pup. We are always happy to talk dog walking, adventure hikes, and dogs in general. Send us an email or text if you have any questions and determine if we're the right fit for you.
