I walked a dog last Wed in a downpour of rain. I was soaked and so was the dog. Could I have just asked the owner if I could just take out for a potty break and some play time inside?
When someone books me for multiple days in a row I typically check the weather reports for those days before our Meet & Greet. If rain is predicted for any of the days, I ask the owner how their pups handle being walked/going outside to potty in the rain. Personally, one of my dogs has no issue with the rain at all but the other dog can't stand the rain and would rather "hold it" all day than put even one paw in the rain. Because of my own dogs' different temperaments regarding rain I make a point to ask the owner about that. If they say that their dog does not like the rain and typically refuses to go outside in the rain, I ask if they feel comfortable with me altering my drop-in time around the weather for that/those specific day/days. Usually they have a very positive response and appreciate me accommodating their dog's particular stubborness :) Maybe something to consider adding to your list of Meet & Greet questions! If their dog does not have any issue with going outside in the rain, then of course we are expected to hold to our commitment and bring whatever covering (umbrella, rain coat, etc) necessary with us. When that is the case, I always like to ask how they usually dry their dog so they can set out a towel, a blow dryer or paper towels for me to use on the pup after those very wet walks :)
Most dogs don't mind the rain, but it makes no sense for you to get soaked. On the other hand, if dog walking is your business you should probably be prepared for any kind of weather, understanding that it would not make sense for you to put yourself or the animals in any danger. You are always encouraged to communicate with your owners and this is an excellent opportunity to clarify expectations with them.
Yes, I have walked in the pouring rain! Snow! Sleet! And below zero temperatures. Ugh! But that's just part of being a professional dog walker...at least that is how I see it. I do have my personal inclement weather plan that I'm up front about at the meet & greet. If schools are closed due to weather, I do not leave my house. That goes for ANY services I provide (this is really only applies during the winter). This spring, I have rescheduled walks for earlier or later in the day so the dog and I aren't walking during any storms...no need to get struck by lightning!
I always have "dog towels" in the trunk of my car to dry the dogs with when it's raining or snowing outside.
I usually check the weather and plan walks around the rain whenever I can, as my dog dislikes the rain, as do many other dogs. However, there have been many times when the dogs need to relieve themselves and went out in the rain. If it's a house guest, we'll go out long enough for them to take care of their needs. However, I've walked dogs in their neighborhoods who needed to go for their usual length walk and all of us got soaked, even though each dog was wearing a raincoat which made for great pup parade photos (which I sent to the pet-parents) and towel dried all upon return.
Always check with owner. Most want the dog walked because its exercise. Or cuz its potty time. You don't want the dog getting sick because you made them walk in snow or rain needlessly for a long time.
Yes the postal service has to go in whatever weather conditions but since this is a animal and not paper it's different. If its extremely hot you wouldn't walk them cuz could overheat. So you have to take precautions if too wet or cold also.
I personally would message owner and say something "its raining. Do you still want Fluffy to walk outside in rain or would you prefer I play with them indoors for the 30 minute time?" The owners know best if dog can handle the conditions. Also most would probably be considerate for you.
I always ask the client. I don't plan ahead by checking weather reports like the previous answers. I need to start doing that. But, I usually ask the client "will your dog go potty if it's raining?" Something like that.
Just like the post office, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these walkers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. Make an investment in a good rain suit and waterproof shoes. Some days the walks are shorter than the 30 minutes, but the clients understand when the weather doesn't cooperate.
I also ask the clients to provide towels to dry the pup after the walk.
It is not fun to bathe a dog every time after a walk in the rain. Every time my dog was soaked in the rain after a long trek, I put a warm towel around him to dry him. In order to reduce the cleaning work, I will put on a dog raincoat.https://www.cuou.net/best-dog-raincoat.html