How to Choose a Dog Walker You Can Trust: 12 Questions to Ask

Handing over your house key and your best friend to someone new is a big step. The good news: a short conversation tells you almost everything you need to know. Use these questions in a message or a meet-and-greet before your first booking.

Experience and approach

1. How long have you been caring for dogs, and what kinds? Look for experience with dogs like yours — size, energy level, age.
2. How do you handle pulling, reactivity or a dog that won't walk? You want calm, reward-based answers, not "I'm the alpha."
3. Do you walk dogs from different households together? Group walks can be great for social dogs but aren't right for every dog. Make sure you agree.
4. Where would you walk my dog? A good walker thinks about traffic, off-leash dogs, heat and ground surfaces.

Safety

5. Are you trained in pet first aid? Not required, but a big plus.
6. What would you do if my dog got hurt or slipped its collar? Listen for a clear plan: secure the dog, call you, contact the vet.
7. How do you keep my keys and home secure? Keys should never be labeled with your address.
8. Do you carry insurance? Ask what it covers. On FindDogWalker, an "Insured" badge means we've seen proof of cover.

Communication and logistics

9. How will you update me after each walk? Check-ins, a quick message or a photo are all good signs.
10. What's your cancellation policy? Know what happens if either of you needs to cancel.
11. Who covers if you're sick? Independent walkers may not have a backup — it's fine, just know in advance.
12. Can we do a short trial walk? The best way to see the chemistry between walker and dog.

Red flags

• Reluctance to meet before the first booking
• Asking to be paid in cash off-platform
• Vague answers about where they walk or how many dogs at once
• Harsh corrections or talk of "dominance"

On FindDogWalker, every walker profile shows their services, prices, real availability and reviews that can only come from completed bookings. You can message any walker before you book. Start your search here.