How To Find The Best Dog Walker

Find A Dog Walker

You need to find a dog walker. Hiring a dog walker is a new thing to you. The thought crosses your mind to post an ad, “Dog Walker Needed.” Where would you even post this ad? All of the sudden the task of hiring a dog walker seems daunting. On one hand, the thought of hiring a dog walker sounds logical. On the other hand, looking for a dog walker might sound a little scary! Yes, dog walkers are common. There are many dog walking apps that are popular. However, are they safe? After all, this person will be in your home and taking your dog out. What if something happens? Will the dog walker know what to do? How can you know that the person walking your dog will be responsible, caring, and trustworthy? Suddenly, looking for the best dog walker sounds overwhelming. Where do you start?

First off, breathe! Finding a reliable dog walker is doable. You can do this. You just need to know where to look, what to look for, and what questions to ask. The more research you do at the beginning, the less worry and anxiety you will have throughout the process of hiring a dog walker and allowing this person into your home to care for your baby.

Dog Walking Apps – Uber For Dogs?

Before diving into how to find the best dog walker, let’s start with what to look out for. Dog walking apps are the latest craze. Dog walking on demand. Sounds like a convenience dog walking service at first. And then you think, this sounds a lot like uber for dogs. And that’s when the reality hits you, random people can sign up for your dog’s walks. RANDOM PEOPLE…in your home…taking your dog on walks. The convenience of finding a dog walker now sounds scary.

Yes, it is pretty scary to use a dog walking app. These companies do not describe themselves as dog walking companies. Rather, they call themselves technology businesses – not dog walking or pet sitting businesses. Strike one! Further, the dog walkers and pet sitters that are found on these dog walking apps are not actual employees of these businesses, they are Independent Contractors. This means that they are not covered under insurance policies such as worker’s compensation or liability insurance. Strike two! Additionally, these independent contractors cannot be trained. They also don’t have an allegiance to the technology company or the customers they serve. Background checks are not mandatory. Strike three, four, five!

Walking Services Near Me

To find the best dog walker, it makes sense to look specifically at dog walking companies versus dog walking company imposters. Therefore, when you start your dog walker search, you could try searching for “dog walking services near me.” See the results that come up as a starting point. Make sure that the companies are dog walking and pet sitting companies, actually local to your area, and are taking on new clients.

After you have a few dog walking services narrowed down, you should do some further investigating of each company to see what shows up. You will want to see online reviews for each company on google.com, yelp.com, facebook, etc. Also, it’s important to check how long each company has been in business. The longer they have been in business can be a good sign, but make sure they are keeping up with the times in terms of technology. You want the bells and whistles of the dog walking apps, but with the personal feel of a local dog walker. Convenience is a good thing. However, the uber methodology that is scary!

After your thorough search on the internet, you have narrowed down a few dog walking services to choose from. Make sure you contact them (via email or phone, whichever you prefer) to get more information regarding policies and procedures, insurance information, rates, see if they have back up dog walkers in place, ask about their training and background check procedures for the walkers, and any other questions that you have. The more comfortable you are before you meet your potential dog walker, the more relaxed you will be during the meeting and when you hand over the key to your home and your dog’s leash.

Muddy Paws Dog Walking Services

If you live in Massachusetts and live local to Woburn, Lexington, Winchester, Stoneham, or other surrounding towns, you will be pleased to know that Muddy Paws is currently taking on new clients and would be happy to assist you with your dog walking needs. We have a convenient dog walking app that makes scheduling and communication a breeze. Established in 2007, Muddy Paws employees are background checked, trained, and fully insured and bonded. We have a reliable and trustworthy staff of dog walkers and pet sitters with backup plans in place, if needed.

Please check out more information regarding our dog walking or pet sitting services. If you are looking to get started with Muddy Paws, we ask that you create an account with us to get started. Signing up is easy and painless and can be done here. And if you have questions (you should!), contact us at any time.

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