Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker

Because Handing Over Your Dog’s Leash Is Kind of a Big Deal

Finding a dog walker isn’t like hiring someone to mow the lawn or clean your gutters. This is the person who’s going to spend time with your best friend while you’re away. The one who will be responsible for keeping them safe, happy, and hopefully not eating anything mysterious off the sidewalk.

We know the process can feel overwhelming. Every company says they love dogs. Every website has cute photos. Every profile claims they’re reliable.

So how do you figure out who’s actually the right fit?

Here are some questions worth asking before you trust someone with your dog’s daily adventures.

1. Are They Insured and Bonded?

This might not be the most exciting question, but it’s one of the most important.

Insurance helps protect everyone involved if something unexpected happens. Bonding provides additional protection for clients and their homes. A professional dog walking company should be happy to answer this question and explain their coverage.

If the response sounds vague, that’s worth paying attention to.

2. Who Will Actually Be Walking My Dog?

Some companies assign one consistent walker. Others rotate staff members. Some use independent contractors. Some use employees.
None of these approaches are automatically right or wrong, but it’s good to know what to expect.

Ask:

• Will my dog typically see the same person?
• What happens if my regular walker is unavailable?
• How are walkers trained?
• Are background checks performed?

The more transparent the answers, the better.

3. How Will I Know the Visit Happened?

In this day and age, nobody should have to wonder whether their dog actually got walked.
Ask what kind of updates you’ll receive.
Many professional dog walkers provide:

• GPS-tracked visits
• Arrival and departure times
• Photos
• Notes about how the walk went

Because “everything was fine” tells you a lot less than “Charlie proudly carried the same stick for six blocks and made three new squirrel friends.”

4. What Happens During Bad Weather?

Minnesota likes to keep us guessing.

One day it’s sunny and beautiful. The next day it’s windy enough to rearrange your patio furniture.

Ask how weather situations are handled:

• Extreme heat
• Dangerous cold
• Ice
• Thunderstorms

A good dog walker should have clear policies for keeping pets safe while still meeting their needs.

5. What Happens If My Dog Gets Sick or Injured?

Nobody likes thinking about emergencies, but asking about them ahead of time is smart.

Questions to consider:

• What is your emergency protocol?
• Will you contact me first?
• What if I can’t be reached?
• Do you transport pets to veterinary clinics if needed?

Professional pet care providers should have a plan long before they ever need one.

6. Can You Handle Medications or Special Needs?

Not every dog is a young, healthy Labrador whose biggest concern is chasing squirrels.

Some pets need medications. Some have mobility issues. Some have anxiety. Some have very specific routines that they take quite seriously.

Be upfront about your dog’s needs and ask whether the company has experience handling them.

The goal isn’t finding someone who’s cared for every dog exactly like yours.

The goal is finding someone who listens carefully and takes your pet’s needs seriously.

7. How Do You Enter My Home?

Your dog walker isn’t just caring for your pet. They’re also accessing your home.

Ask:

• How are keys stored?
• Do you use lockboxes?
• Are alarm systems accommodated?
• What security measures are in place?

A professional company should have thoughtful systems for protecting both pets and property.

8. What Makes Your Service Different?

This question can tell you a lot.
Some companies focus on volume. Some focus on convenience. Some focus on personalized care and building relationships with pets and clients.

Listen for answers that feel specific rather than generic. Anybody can say they love animals. The details behind how they care for animals are what really matter.

Trust Your Gut (and Your Dog’s)

Processes matter. Experience matters. Insurance matters.

But after you’ve asked all the practical questions, pay attention to how the interaction feels.

Do they answer questions openly?

Do they seem genuinely interested in learning about your dog?

Do they make you feel comfortable?

Most pet parents know their dog better than anyone. If something feels off during the hiring process, it’s worth paying attention to.

Looking for a Dog Walker in Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Burnsville, Lakeville, Inver Grove Heights, or Mendota Heights?

At At Home Pet Care, we believe great dog walking is about more than getting steps in. It’s about building trust, creating consistency, and giving pet parents one less thing to worry about during their busy day.

We provide:

• Professional dog walking visits
• Real-time updates with photos and notes
• Background-checked pet care professionals
• Customized care based on your dog’s personality and needs
• Reliable service backed by years of experience

And yes, we’re absolutely the type of people who will remember your dog’s favorite sniffing spot, preferred walking route, and ongoing feud with the squirrel who lives three houses down.

Because the little details matter.

Ready to Find the Right Dog Walker?

Whether you’re hiring a dog walker for the first time or looking for a better fit, asking the right questions can help you feel confident that your dog is in good hands.

And when you find the right person? You’ll wonder how you ever managed your schedule without them.