• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Dog Training
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

7 Signs You’ve Found the Perfect Dog Walker

Share295Pin It1
https://www.instagram.com/p/BA-Eim8hz2B/

7 Signs You’ve Found the Perfect Dog Walker

Bonding with Your Dog
By Hannah Gilman

Share295Tweet0Pin It1
While some of us are #blessed enough to bring our dogs to work every day (ahem, Rover.com office), not everyone is so lucky. While we’re away, the dog needs to play—but finding someone you trust enough to take care of your furriest friend? That’s tricky, especially when, well, basically anyone can offer up their services on Craigslist. So how do you know when you’ve found the best dog walker for you and your pet? We’ve made it easy with this handy checklist.

They Really, Really Love Dogs

Like, they’re obsessed. Would you leave your kids (real or hypothetical) alone with someone who was “meh” about children? Definitely not. The same should go for your fur babies. Your dog walker should be just like that one really cool babysitter you were always so stoked to see. Or the grandma who thinks everything you do is amazing. You get the idea.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BA-TozfPzEy/

Source: Instagram user @companionpack

They Have Five-Star Reviews

A testimonial goes a looong way. If you’re trying out a brand new dog walker, look for reviews from other pet parents. If you found a dog walker who’s completely new to the game, it’s still worth seeking out someone who can vouch for their reliability. Even if they have a degree in veterinary medicine, do your research—it’s not worth rushing this process.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BA-LOrYQtYT/

Source: Instagram user @baysidedogs

They Have Pet Sitter Insurance

If you didn’t know it was a thing, well, now you do! And it’s an important one. Pet sitter insurance tells you that they’re deeply committed to their work, and gives you peace of mind. That means when your dog dislocates her hip in a rousing game of fetch, or pukes in the vents of your dog walker’s home (true story), it’s clear who’s liable for what. Trust us: it’s a must.

They’ll Send You Photos

Sure, you’ve read the five-star reviews (we hope!) and done a site visit or two. But that doesn’t mean all your worries are gone. It’s hard to find a human without a smartphone these days (admit it, you’re reading this on one right now), which means we have the ability to be constantly connected. If your walker will update you with photos throughout the day? Yep, you’ve found a keeper.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BA-Eim8hz2B/

Source: Instagram user @pawstoexplore

They’re In Your Neighborhood

It’s not a deal-breaker, necessarily, but if your dog walker is in your neighborhood—a neighborhood your dog is totally familiar with and comfortable in—that’s a major, major bonus. It not only eliminates stressors from your dog’s life, but it’s also convenient for you.

They Make Payment Easy

Cash and checks are practically outdated! Look for dog walkers who make payment safe, easy, and cashless. That way you don’t have to worry about leaving a tip, or running by the ATM.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BA-CGqfpd-2/

Source: Instagram user @jessii2007

They’re Your Dog’s Spirit Animal

Let’s say you found a dog walker who is obsessed with dogs, has crazy-good reviews, has insurance, will send you photos, is nearby and makes payment easy? Believe it or not, there’s one final piece of the puzzle to consider. They’re not the perfect dog walker if they don’t jive with your dog. Each dog has a special and unique personality—some are energetic and outgoing and need a ton of exercise. Others are sweet and lazy and like to snuggle. Finding a dog walker whose temperament aligns with your dog makes all the difference. Try setting up a play date or two to see if they’re a perfect match.

Have any tips and tricks for finding the perfect dog walker? Let us know! And pssst, don’t forget: Rover offers dog walking now!

Share295Tweet0Pin It1

Hannah Gilman

Hannah Gilman is a Seattle-based copywriter, content producer, and storytelling pro with dual degrees in journalism and graphic design. She grew up in rural Iowa with lots of dogs.

sidebar

By Hannah Gilman

Share This Article

Share295Tweet0Pin It1

Popular Posts

  • 3 Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make in Less Than an Hour [Recipe]
  • 5 Reasons Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws — And How to Help
  • 14 Muddiest Dogs on the Entire Internet
  • TLC From B.C. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties
  • Ice Licks Keep Your Dog Cool and Happy All Summer Long [Recipe]
  • What to Do if Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee
  • What You Need to Know to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs
  • Two-Ingredient Watermelon Ice Cream Is an Easy Summer Treat for Your Dog [Recipe]
  • 4 Blended Summer Slushies to Share With Your Dog [Recipe]
  • Peggy the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Molly the Magpie Make the Cutest, Unlikely BFFs
Advertisement

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.