Tips on Hiring a Professional Dog Walker:

Paws & Claws Pet Nanny highly suggests that you look for a walker or sitter that is insured and bonded.  This insurance is not just general business insurance.  It is geared towards the specifics of pet sitting and dog walking.  It covers care, custody and control of the pets in the walker/sitters care. The insurance protects you and the walker.

You should always ask for references of at least three current clients and make sure you call them.

Questions to ask would be:

• How does your dog respond to the walker?
• Is your dog tired at the end of the walk or when you get home?
• Has your dog lost weight since being walked by the walker?
• Have you noticed any changes in your dog’s behavior?
• Has your dog’s behavior changed for the better? Better recall, less anxious?

Other questions for the walker would include:

• How do they handle bad behavior, like jumping up, aggressive play, poor recall or bullying?
• Do they reinforce already learned commands to help with ongoing training?
• Have they ever had a problem with an aggressive dog? If, so how did they handle it?
• Have they ever lost a dog or had a dog run off on them?
• What would they do if your pet got hurt?
• Will you call me if you can't make a walk, or will you have a replacement?
• If a replacement will be sent, will I know this person?

The walker should provide clear written contract that covers things like:

• The time they will walk the dog.
• Where they will be walking the dog.
• How many dogs will be included in the group, or if it is private.
• How long the walk will be and the cost. (cash or check should be specified)
• How they will bill you.
• They should have a Vet Release Form, to get your vet information, should there be an emergency. They should tell you exactly how they handle emergencies.

They should also ask you many questions about your dog, such as:

• How good is your dogs recall?
• Are there any aggressive tendencies.
• Is he/she possessive of toys, food etc?
• Has your dog ever bitten anyone or any other dog?

What Does A Dog Walker Do?

A dog walker comes to a pet owner's home and quite simply takes your dog out for a walk.  But this is only part of what they do.  Experienced dog walkers can work with you to plan an exercise routine for your pet, administer needed medications or just make sure Rover gets a much needed mid day break while you are at work.  Services vary from dog walker to dog walker and may include watering your plants, cleaning cages, taking in your mail or even simple house cleaning.  

How Much Does It Cost?

A professional dog walker is surprisingly inexpensive. Prices and services vary from walker to walker but all provide your dog with exercise and love. Paws & Claws Pet Nanny walkers are certified in pet first aid, have taken classes in dog walking and provide years of experience handling pets of all kinds. 

Do I Need A Dog Walker Every Day?

Some people use a dog walker every day.  Others use them only when they go on vacation.  This is up to you.  However, the American Veterinary Society recommends your pet get one-hour of active exercise a day. If your dog isn't getting his or her needed hour of exercise a dog walker can help.  

Is A Dog Walker Better Than A Kennel? 

Research has shown that pets experience less stress when they are in a familiar environment.  By using a dog walker instead of a kennel your pet stays in a comfortable and familiar place.  Dog walkers also reduce anxiety in your pet's daily routine by ensuring he maintains a consistent diet and gets an adequate amount of exercise.  Additionally, a dog walker reduces your pet's exposure to illness from other pets that kennels cannot protect them from.  We are not saying all kennels are bad, just that a dog walker may offer a better choice for your pet. 

What Other Benefits Does A Dog Walker Provide? 

A dog walker not only improves the lives of your pets but they can also reduce the stress you face as a pet parent.  With a dog walker you don't have to worry about the stress of taking your dog to the kennel (you know she hates it!), you won't have to impose on a friend or neighbor to watch your dog while you go out of town or work late, and you get the added security of knowing your pet is in capable hands.  Dog walkers make your life easier too.  

I Have A Puppy.  Does Paws & Claws Pet Nanny Specialize In Meeting Puppy’s Needs? 

Absolutely.  Puppies require more frequent exercise than mature dogs due to their high energy levels and small bladders. However, a puppy's body is not yet fully developed and cannot handle the stresses of active exercise sessions. Many dog walkers specialize in new puppies because of these specialized needs. There are also walkers who specialize in large dogs or mature dogs. Finding the right dog walker comes down to knowing as much about each walker as possible.

What Are The Steps When Hiring A Pet Walker?  

Once you are satisfied that Paws & Claws Pet Nanny is the pet walking provider for you, we will come to your house for a free consultation visit.  The purpose of the visit it to allow you and your dog to get to know that walker to make sure you are a good match for one another.  The walker will ask you questions about your dog's daily routine, her health, and her temperament.  You should also take this time to get to know your walker. How long have they been working with animals?  Do they have a back-up plan in case they get sick or go on vacation?  Are they insured, bonded, certified?  If you are all comfortable with one another (your dog included), you and your walker will come up with an exercise plan for your dog and you can begin your partnership.