🐶Choosing the Right Dog Walker or Pet Sitter: What to Look For🐶

When it comes to entrusting your pet's care to a dog walker or pet sitter, it's important to choose a true professional. Many people think dog walking and pet sitting are easy, even lucrative, side gigs. However, being a responsible, professional dog walker or pet sitter requires significant training, investment, and dedication.

A professional dog walker or pet sitter will have:

- Completed first aid, dog behaviour, and other relevant training courses

- In-depth knowledge of different dog breeds and their unique needs

- Proper licensing, insurance, and permits required by local authorities

- A fully equipped vehicle with features like crates, seatbelt harnesses, and climate control for safe dog transport

- Undergone a background check (e.g. DBS check)

Before hiring a dog walker or pet sitter, they should:

- Conduct a meet-and-greet session to get to know your dog

- Perform a trial walk or stay to ensure a good fit

- Have you fill out detailed forms about your dog's temperament, habits, and needs

- Only allow off-leash time in secure, enclosed areas after building trust with your pup

A pro dog walker won't take your dog off-leash on the first walk, and will choose safe, quiet locations for group walks. If offering boarding, they'll have the proper licensing and limited capacity.

Providing quality, responsible care for pets requires significant time, effort, and financial investment. Look for a dog walker or pet sitter who is truly passionate about animal welfare, not just seeking easy money. Your dog's safety and happiness should be their top priority.