- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Both drop-in visits and dog walking offer companionship and give your dog a break from being home alone, but these two types of pet care serve different purposes. If you’re trying to meet your dog’s needs while you’re away, considering their age, energy, and personality can help you make the right choice.
A dog walk provides exercise and mental engagement, typically in and around your neighborhood. A drop-in visit covers pet care like potty breaks, feeding, and playtime in your home.
We reached out to two Fear Free Certified Professionals to help you choose between dog walking and drop-in visits. Melissa Spooner-Raymond, a licensed veterinary technician specializing in behavior, and Lisa Boland, a certified professional dog trainer, offer their insights below.
Read on to learn more about the differences in drop-ins vs dog walking, when each option makes sense, and how to work with a dog sitter or walker.
Should You Choose a Dog Walk or Drop-In Visit?
Choose a dog walk if…
Dog walks aren’t just for young, high-energy dogs. Many dogs, including seniors, can benefit as long as the pace and distance match their ability. You can use Rover to book a walk that takes place in your neighborhood and is fully customizable to meet your dog’s preferences and needs.
Boland and Spooner-Raymond recommend walks if your dog is:
- Confident and comfortable with new sights, sounds, and smells
- Social and eager to explore outside
- In good physical health with no mobility limits
If your dog has a lot of energy, a 60-minute walk may suit them best. If your dog tires easily or you’re considering cost, a 30-minute walk might be better.
Choose a drop-in visit if…
A drop-in visit can provide more than just exercise. Your sitter can take care of potty breaks, feeding, medication, and playtime, all in one visit. Exercise during a drop-in visit is usually limited to your yard or home—but mental enrichment doesn’t require a walk through the neighborhood!
Boland and Spooner-Raymond say a drop-in works better than a walk for dogs who are:
- Fearful, reactive, or easily overwhelmed in public
- Elderly or recovering from an injury or surgery
- Sensitive to extreme heat or cold
- In need of medication or feeding at specific times
A single 30-minute visit generally covers a dog’s basic needs, while a 60-minute visit allows more time for enrichment. If your dog needs frequent check-ins, splitting the time into two shorter visits can add consistency throughout the day. Be aware when making a decision that drop-in rates may vary by sitter and visit length.
Alternating dog walks and drop-in visits
You could also switch between dog walks and drop-in visits on different days. Boland and Spooner-Raymond say this can give your dog a healthy mix of exercise, mental stimulation, and routine. Many sitters on Rover offer both services, so your dog can spend time with the same person for both.
What Time Should You Schedule a Walk or Drop-In Visit?
The best time to schedule a walk or drop-in depends on your dog’s individual needs.
Boland and Spooner-Raymond explain that temperature, weather, and your dog’s personality can all play a role in the ideal timing of their walk. Picking a time that sets your dog up for success matters more than following a set schedule every day.
Consider how often and how long your dog needs a check-in, and what time will fit your schedule and theirs. Different types of dogs and situations also play a role.
Here are some examples of how to choose the right timing for your dog:
- Brachycephalic breeds: Dogs like French Bulldogs and Pugs usually do better with walks during cooler parts of the day.
- Dogs on medication: Book visits around dosage times with plenty of time to get back before a scheduled dose.
- Puppies in potty training: Frequent visits every three to four hours will help reinforce good habits during potty training.
- Senior dogs with mobility issues: A midday drop-in paired with a shorter morning walk can balance exercise with rest.
Making Special Requests for Your Dog
Most sitters and walkers are happy to accommodate specific requests within reason, like sticking to a certain route, avoiding other dogs, or following a feeding schedule.
Just make sure to clearly explain what you need when you first reach out. For example, you might say: “My dog needs a 30-minute walk around the block, but please avoid the dog park since he gets anxious around groups of dogs.”
Before booking, consider scheduling a Meet & Greet. This gives you and the sitter a chance to go over your dog’s routine, personality, and needs in person before the first visit. Confirming these details first helps make sure you’re on the same page and that you’re choosing a sitter who will provide the best care for your dog.
