As a dog owner, the importance of exercising your furry friends to keep them physically fit, active and happy should come as no surprise. Every pet owner wants the best for their dogs. However, your busy schedule may keep you away from spending enough time with your pets.
If you don’t have time to take your dog for a walk, you can contact a professional dog walking service. Dog walking services are becoming popular worldwide.
A dog walker takes your pet for a walk, plays with them, cares for them, and ensures that they remain physically active. Talking your dog out for a walk also helps them learn social skills, making them more friendly with strangers and other pets.
If you struggle to choose the best dog-walking service for your pup, use the following tips to find an option that fits your needs.
Seek recommendations
The most effective way to find the best dog walking service in your area is to seek recommendations. These recommendations could be online or from friends or colleagues. Many of them may be able to connect you with a trusted dog walking service. You can even visit a dog park to find dog walkers.
If offline recommendations aren’t available, you can look online. Many dog walking services and pet care specialists are true professionals and advertise on online platforms. They typically have informational websites with reviews, allowing you to research and find the best provider to take your pet on regular walks.
When connecting with a dog walking service online, do not forget to vet your potential caretaker using the customer reviews section thoroughly.
Meet the dog walker
After selecting a dog walking service, the next step is arranging a meeting with the dog walker. Allowing your dog to meet the pet care specialist allows both of you to determine your comfort level.
If your pet is calm and comfortable around them, you can hire the person for regular dog walks.
Do not expect an immediate bond between your canine and the dog walker. Some dogs may be shy and uncomfortable around strangers.
Inspect the dog walking service’s training and expertise
It is essential to check the training and expertise of any dog walking service before you decide. To make the process easy, consider asking the following questions:
- Ask about their years of experience with dog walking.
- Ask about their license and training method.
- Check how friendly they are with your dogs and other pets.
- Inquire about their availability and see if they can meet your pooch’s requirements.
Remember health and safety are critical
Do not overlook the health and safety of your dog when hiring a professional dog walker.
When you meet your potential dog walker, ask them about their approach to training. Ask them if they know first aid and CPR to help your pet during a medical emergency.
Other important health and safety considerations that must not be ignored include their knowledge of a dog’s body language, signs, and changing moods.
The dog walker must also be familiar with the signs of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, behavioral needs, and any particular challenges surrounding specific dog breeds or your dog.
Final thoughts on choosing a dog walking service
Your dog is not just a pet, but instead is a beloved family member, and entrusting their care and well-being to an under-qualified dog walker is simply unfair.
Use these tips to connect with the best professional walking service for you and your pet’s needs. Then you rest assured knowing that your dog’s physical activity, health, and safety are a top priority while you are away.