Dog walkers are great alternatives to full-time dog care facilities especially when all day dog-sitting isn’t necessary or even appropriate. They also provide great opportunities for dogs to exercise and socialize with other people and animals. Just take a peek at your nearest urban park. You might see a couple waking anywhere from three to six dogs at a time! If you’re interested in soliciting a dog walker’s services, ask him or her to address the following issues.

1. Proof of accreditation, licensing, and bonding. You’ll reduce the risk of mishaps if you seek out a professional dog walker who’s credentialed with these items. Accreditation ensures that dog walkers are knowledgeable in canine behavior, care, health and nutrition while licensing ensures that they follow state laws. Bonding isn’t necessary, but it works like insurance (for the walker – not the dogs).
2. Experience and training. You will feel more confident using a walker who has an extensive history of experience and training. The ideal dog walker should have experience working with a variety of breeds, ages, temperaments, and health conditions.
3. References. Don’t be shy about asking for references. They will help you decide whether a particular dog walker is appropriate for your best friend’s needs.
4. Various canine personalities. Here is where a walker’s experience and training come into play. You must get a clear idea of the kind of personalities that a walker has dealt with in the past for two very important reasons: (1) it shows that the walker pays attention to the dogs that she works with, and (2) it will help you determine if she’s able to control your particular dog.  If your prospective walker dances around this issue, or speaks in only general terms, chances are she doesn’t fully acknowledge the individuality of her dogs. You’ll want a walker who pays enough attention to your dog’s personality so that she can properly accommodate its specific inclinations and/or needs. Ask about the personalities of the dogs she currently walks as well. Your dog may not be compatible with the existing crew.
5. Fee. Not much to say here except that you should only pay what you can afford – when you can afford it! If you get paid weekly for instance, see if you can set up a weekly payment schedule instead of a monthly one. If a bi-weekly schedule or monthly schedule is more convenient, inquire about that as well.
6. The walker’s schedule. In addition to working out a fee schedule, you’ll need to ask about the walker’s schedule. The walker should describe the time(s) that she picks up and drops off the dogs, and should also describe all the activities in between those times. While your dog is under the supervision of a walker, it should get an opportunity to run/walk, play, access healthy food and fresh water, and relieve itself. If your dog is on medication, your walker should be capable of administering it as well.
7. Other services. If a walker provides other services, ask about them. Then ask how much those extra services cost.
8. Emergencies. Last but not least, ask the walker how he handles emergencies. Ask what happens if a dog gets loose and runs away or gets into a dangerous fight with another canine. That should never happen of course, but you’ll at least understand the procedure in the event that it does.