Dog walkers/minders

Author
Discussion

Oliver Hardy

Original Poster:

3,001 posts

81 months

Friday 10th November 2023
quotequote all
Anyone use them, how do I choose one.

Need to leave my dog from time to time and really need to find a dog walker/minder/sitter. Need one that is flexible.


Challo

10,831 posts

162 months

Monday 13th November 2023
quotequote all
Had a couple for ours. Used local recommendations for ones to choose from, make sure they are insured and have suitable transport. Also get them to pop round, see how they interact with the dog etc.


scorcher

4,013 posts

241 months

Monday 13th November 2023
quotequote all
Local Facebook groups will be full of them and people happy to recommend the ones they use. Check to see how they operate, whether it’s group walks or one to one etc. Make sure they’re insured, whether they have any doggy first aid qualifications and be sure they know what they need to do in an emergency.

wax lyrical

931 posts

248 months

Thursday 16th November 2023
quotequote all
Search on the website: 'Pawshake.co.uk




Muzzer79

11,060 posts

194 months

Thursday 16th November 2023
quotequote all
We moved house earlier in the year and have someone come in twice a week to walk. Just to give the boy a bit more exercise really as he's full of beans.

  • Local Facebook groups are good for recommendations, but do not treat them as gospel
  • Try and get someone word of mouth in addition to FB recommendations
  • Ensure they come and meet your dog when you're there. You'll soon suss out if they're a dog person (which they obviously should be) and if they get on with your dog.
  • If a walker, ensure to clarify if they're walking your dog solo or in a group. Ensure you are comfortable with the answer.
  • Be very wary of someone who is just starting out. It seems that lots of people love the idea of quitting the rat race and walking dogs for a living, but for some the reality is different. We were ghosted by one new walker who was scheduled to cover our two week holiday, less than 2 weeks before we left. Cue lots of frantic calls and research to find someone else to fit him in, in the height of summer rolleyes

Boosted LS1

21,198 posts

267 months

Thursday 16th November 2023
quotequote all
In addition to the walker being insured you need to have your own insurance in case the dog needs urgent veterinary treatment. I'd also suggest you give the walker authority to contact a vet on your behalf should you be unavailable.