Finding the best dog walker
Dogs require frequent exercise, but your schedule may make scheduling twice-daily walks challenging. Dog walkers can assist you in getting your dog the exercise they require on days when you are busier than usual. The following information will assist you in selecting the appropriate one for your dog.
The majority of dogs require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. The Kennel Club recommends “five minutes of exercise per month of age (up to twice daily) until the puppy reaches maturity.” For instance, a three-month-old dog need 15 minutes of activity up to twice daily. Additionally, the Kennel Club provides thorough advice on how to exercise each breed.
Despite best efforts, meeting this activity requirement can be challenging, and dogs that do not receive enough exercise or mental stimulation are prone to misbehave. For those with hectic schedules or physical or other constraints, dog walkers work around your schedule and bring the essential knowledge to ensure your dog gets the exercise it requires.
Where to find a dog walker
While a fast online search will reveal numerous dog walking services in your region, relying on a reputable referral, particularly from a veterinarian, is a good option.
While there is no governing body for dog walkers in Australia, a number of internet operators offer dog walking and pet sitting services around the country. All Pet Sitters in Australia are required to carry public liability insurance, and Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers are bound by a legal duty of care.
Consider the following when selecting a dog walking service.
It is critical to have faith in your dog walker. When they assume control of your dog, they should be just as concerned about your dog’s safety and exercise requirements as you are. This includes adhering to the agreed-upon exercise programme and constantly monitoring your pet’s safety, while also respecting the environment – particularly when picking up your dog’s excrement.
All dog walkers must be able to maintain control of your dog when necessary and be knowledgeable about proper walking techniques and obedience commands. Additionally, your dog walker should be friendly and considerate toward your dog. Additionally, it is critical that they be trained in animal first aid and are adequately insured.
Choosing a dog walker
You should meet a prospective dog walker first (of course with your dog) to get to know them better and to alert them to any special needs or ailments your dog may have.
The following are some questions to ask your dog walker:
- Are they able to walk many dogs concurrently?
- How many dogs and for how long do they walk?
- Will they get along if they walk many dogs?
- Where does the dog walker take them for a stroll?
- If dogs are transported to the walking route in a vehicle, is the dog walker’s vehicle properly equipped to transport animals?
Self-examination questions:
- Can you trust the dog walker with the security of your home?
- Are you willing to pay more if you want your dog walked alone (i.e. without other dogs)?
- Would you like to socialize your dog at an off-leash park with other dogs?
If you lack the time or consistency in your schedule to take your dog for regular walks, a dog walking service is an excellent option. With this guide to dog training, you can ensure that your dog has properly behaved on walks.
How much does a dog walker cost in San Francisco? And is it worth it?
Whether you recently got a new puppy, adopted a new rescue, or started a new work with long hours, the likelihood is that you will need to hire a dog walker for regular or irregular walks. Dog walking services are an excellent method to keep your dog healthy and happy while you are away. When weighing your alternatives, there are numerous aspects to consider. Thus, the critical question is how much does a dog walker cost, particularly if you anticipate requiring everyday services. Consider a few critical factors.
Walk Length
Time is money, and this is particularly true when it comes to dog walks. How long do you want to take your pet on a walk? This is the most significant component in determining the cost, as the majority of walkers charge by the hour for simplicity’s sake.
It is critical to evaluate your dog’s age, breed, and degree of exercise. A new puppy who is unable to go far may require repeated 15-minute bathroom breaks throughout the day, whereas a one-year-old may require an hour-long mid-day break to burn off excess energy. Bear in mind that you may always adjust the length of the stroll to accommodate your schedule.
Dogs Count
This, of course, will affect the pricing for those of you with more than one four-legged companion. Each service will charge differently for additional pets, which is a crucial consideration to consider when selecting the best dog walker for you. The majority of dog walkers charge approximately $5 per additional dog.
Location matters
As is the case with many other services, the location of your dog walker will have a significant impact on the typical cost. Base rates can be much higher in high-cost-of-living cities such as San Francisco and New York City than in the Midwest.
Although this is a significant component of the total cost, it is the least variable, as services frequently match or are virtually identical in the same city.
Additional Fees
Anyone who has ever purchased tickets, examined their mobile phone bill, or ordered food understands how fees go into the entire cost. The critical issue here is determining which services are critical to you and how much (if anything) you are willing to pay for them.
There are two types of fees: those that are dependent on the time of year or day, and those that are based on providing additional services. Expect fees for conventional dog walkers to increase during the holidays, as well as for after-hours walks. Other “additional services” may include feeding, administering medication, or simply spending additional time with your pup prior to or following a walk. While many dog walkers will not charge more for additional services, it is something you will want to establish from the start.
Packages or Bundles of Loyalty
Numerous organizations offer discounts to customers who join up for a monthly membership or who purchase a bundle of walks in advance. This results in increased revenue overall, and as a result, they are willing to offer a reduction on the per-walk cost.
This type of discount can have a significant impact on your total cost over the course of a year and should be carefully examined when picking the correct dog walking service.
So…
How Much Does It Cost?
Many of you may have scrolled all the way to the bottom to see the answer in a cold, hard number. Regrettably, there is no single answer, given the diversity of markets and services. However, you should expect to pay between $18 and $25 for a 30-minute walk on average.
