Hiring a dog walker - Anyone do this before?

[mar5195]

So my pup needs to be walked while I'm at work so I plan to hire someone to come in and take her out at least 3 times a week. I have already found two people who are bonded, licensed and insured. But I'm not really sure what to ask them.

I would imagine once I meet them and see how they take to my dog I'll get a good sense of them. But I don't want to just hire anyone ya know?

I would appreciate any advice. I meet one tomorrow evening and the other Friday morning.

[jajacobsen]

How long they have done this.

Have they ever had a pet injured? How di dthey handle it?

Have they ec=ver had a pet scpe/

[keska]

Do they have any experience with your breed of dog?
Where would they be walking your dog? If not in your neighborhood, how would they transport the dog?
How many dogs does s/he walk at one time?
Does the walker have someone lined up to walk the dog in the event that the walker is ill or out of town? Who is that person? What experience do they have?
How many clients does the walker have? Ask for recommendations.
What precautions does the walker take to safeguard your house keys?

Personally, I would have a hard time letting someone have access to my house. That's why my dog goes to daycare. I'd definitely check references and ask around for recommendations from friends.

[kari]

Yea, I have dog walkers. They are great! I knew right away they were 'dog people'. I have two very active dogs who need lots of exercise and I work 12 hours a day. They come a couple of days a week and every day when I am traveling for work. I guess my advice would be to see how they interact with you and your dog. Go with your gut.

[Kate&Joey]

I guess my advice would be to see how they interact with you and your dog. Go with your gut.

I agree. When we were looking for a pet sitter, we got recommendations of two sitters from our vet. Once DH met with the first one, he knew she was "the one." ;) She came over to the house and sat with him and the pets. DH said she was great with them and the pets took to her right away. He didn't even meet with the other candidate. We used her for about a year and a half before we moved. I miss her! :)

[mar5195]

Personally, I would have a hard time letting someone have access to my house. That's why my dog goes to daycare. I'd definitely check references and ask around for recommendations from friends.

She is still a puppy and she's not fully vaccinated. Plus she's a shelter dog so I can't risk her spreading Parvo (or catching it) to other dogs.

My way of thinking about those who steal from me is they probably needed it more than me. It's just stuff and anything with worth is replaceable. Plus all our bills and financial info in in a locked file cabinet downstairs. :)

Thanks for the suggestions girls! I have a good feeling about the gal who is coming tonight!

[EJM]

We had both a larger service and a one woman company, and MUCH preferred the smaller business. She was awesome, and our dog loved her! In addition to all the great suggestions mentioned above, one important aspect of that would be making sure they have a back up walker or how much warning they give you in advance of vacations. We didn't pay for days we didn't need walks, but I know some services that required a monthly minimum.

[Hello Kitty]

Great suggestions above - another to ask is if they can administer medications, if it were ever needed. Also ask if they provide services for overnights and vacations - and what those are (IE, take the dog home, if so, how many other dogs)