Potter Paws started out back in 2015 as predominantly a dog walking service prior to developing into a training school in 2017 offering our dog training courses and workshops as well as CPD for Pet Professionals. It’s pretty crazy though that in those first few years of dog walking we were only occasionally asked some of these questions.
For the majority of us, our dogs are very special to and therefore it goes without saying that we only want the best for them, especially when entrusting their care to someone else when we have to work or spend time away from them. The scary though is that anyone can - and does - call themselves a Dog Walker. There is no official training or accreditation body. So why wouldn’t you ask more questions?
Here are my top ten questions to ask
1.Can we meet in person?
A good dog walker should meet you and your dog in person before agreeing to undertake any services so that they can go through any questions you have as well as all necessary paperwork and arrangements. Most will offer a free consultation, with no obligation. This is an opportunity to make sure they are a good fit and to see how they interact with your dog.You are not being too careful if you also ask to join them on a walk (with or without your dog) with their current clients so that you can see what really happens, their protocals and how they interact with dogs and other members of the public when out.
2.Are you fully insured?
Insurance is a necessity to protect everybody – dog walker, your dog and the general public. If a dog walker has no insurance, it would make me question whether they take safety as seriously as they should. Don’t forget they are in possession of your dog and the keys to your home. Ask to see copies of their insurance documents and certificates and make sure they are in date.3.Are you DBS checked?
A DBS check is a police check that will provide additional reassurance that your dog walker hasn’t had any criminal convictions and given that dog walkers will need to have access to your home while you are not there, this places them in an extremely responsible position. Seeing a DBS check can give you that extra piece of mind.4.Do you have a Contract or Terms & Conditions?
A professional dog walker should want to know as much about your dog as you want to know about them! During the initial assessments they should ask you questions about your dog’s health, behaviour and reactivity to objects, people or other dogs. Once you agree to use their services, they should ask you to sign a contract which sets out their obligations to you, how much the services will cost, opening hours and walking schedule as well as how to book, cancel and pay for services. Make sure you read their terms thoroughly and feel comfortable asking questions before committing.5.What is your experience and knowledge of dogs?
You want to make sure your dog walker can handle just about any situation that may arise and has plenty of experience handling dogs of all breeds and sizes, and walking multiple dogs at once if considering group walks. Ask questions to establish their background of working with dogs before you commit to their services. Simply owning a dog or walking a friends once in a while, is completely different to delivery a professional service and co-ordinating a group.6.What vehicle do you transport dogs in and what safety measures are in force?
It’s important to ask a dog walker what type of vehicle and equipment they use to safely transport dogs to and from their walk. It’s the law that dogs should travel in a boot behind a guard/in a crate or restrained in the back seat. The safest way to transport dogs is within a crash tested crate. Ask to see the vehicle when you meet and enquire about how many dogs they transport at one time, whether dogs share a space and how long can they be in the vehicle for before/after walks?7.Will you walk my dogs with other dogs?
Most often dog walkers will walk dogs in small groups with other dogs, the majority of insurers have a maximum of 6 dogs. Not all dogs are suitable for a group walk, a good dog walker will talk you through their process and how they assess whether your dog can or should be walked with others. Many walkers will start with solo walks to form a bond with your dog and then slowly introduce them to their group.8.What happens in the event you’re off sick or on holiday? How about in extreme weather?
Professional walkers will have a backup plan. If your dog walker is sick or goes on holiday, will another walker who you know and trust be able to step into their place? If there is a heatwave, most walkers will not undertake walks but instead swap to visits with enrichment games, toilet trips and cuddles – make sure you know their back up plans in advance.9.Are you qualified in Pet First Aid?
While it’s not mandatory to have and you hope that it will never be needed, knowing that your dog walker is trained in pet first aid and carries a first aid kit gives you some assurance that they would be able to act quickly in the event of an accident or injury.10.What would you do in an emergency?
A professional dog walker should take the details of your dog's vet to go to in the event of an emergency. It is also worth asking if they have a relationship with a local vet practice that they could also use if yours was unavailable.Can you think of any other questions that you would ask a Dog Walker about their services?
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