You read the horror stories we wrote about last week and you’re determined to make good choices in your search for a professional dog walker to walk your dog. You’ve looked up all the businesses that offer dog-walking services in your area and you’re ready to check them out.
You understand that a few minutes on Google is not due-diligence. You want the facts—all the facts—before you make your choice.
First, research on your own. All the information listed below should be found easily on the company’s website and Facebook page, and from other internet sources. If you aren’t able to find any part of this information yourself, add it to your list of questions to ask when you contact the business directly.
▪ How does the company advertise dog-walking services?
▪ Is this a national, regional, or local company?
▪ What geographical areas does it cover?
▪ How long has it been in business?
▪ Where are the national and local offices?
▪ How are the company’s reviews in online ratings services?
▪ What is its status with your local Better Business Bureau?
▪ Who recommends the company (word-of-mouth and online)?
Once your research is complete, grab a notebook and call the company. You’re interested in learning more about the services they offer and you have some questions to ask.
(Do you get a message instead of an answer from a live human? Leave your number and ask if someone can call you back. Note how long it takes to receive a return call. How do you like the company so far?)
Photo by Sandy Crosby
Once you speak with a customer service representative, ask these questions:
▪ What experience and education do you require for dog walkers?
▪ What education/training is provided by the company?
▪ Background checks—are they done? Through what process?
▪ Are the dog walkers insured/bonded? Ask for details of the coverage.
▪ Is vehicle insurance provided for dog walkers who transport dogs in their own vehicle?
▪ How is a dog walker’s job performance evaluated/reviewed—observation by supervisor, client evaluations, what else?
▪ Are dog walkers allowed to accept tips from clients? Are tips pooled with those of other walkers?
▪ What’s the initial intake procedure if I decide to try your services?
▪ How do you match dog walkers with clients/dogs?
▪ Is it common or unusual for your company to decline to walk a dog?
▪ What are some reasons for deciding not to accept a particular dog into the program?
▪ What’s the back-up plan for walks if a dog walker cannot work (due to illness, injury, etc.)?
▪ What information will I be asked to provide—dog’s health records, microchip registration, what else?
▪ What paperwork will I be asked to sign—permission for veterinary care, payment, what else?
In many cases, dog walkers have access to your home when you are not there. Describe how that access works, in detail. You live in a home or an apartment building with a security system? Explain that and the steps involved, including resetting the alarm when leaving after the walk.
The more complicated the security system, the more important it is that the dog walker be capable of dealing with it. You don’t want to get a call from the police because your dog walker forgot your code! The walker assigned to you should be comfortable with whatever it takes to get into and out of your residence safely to pick up and drop off your dog.
Once you’ve done the research and asked the questions, you should have enough information—and gut feeling—to decide if you want to try using the services of any particular business. Ideally, you will have a short list of three or four companies. If your list is longer and you have the time and energy, you might decide to try them all. If you end up with only one or two companies on your short list, though, don’t be discouraged. Persist.
Remember that trying a company is not committing to continuing to use its services. I suggest crossing off your list any company that offers only “package” deals. Signing up for a specific number of walks should not be your only choice when you haven’t even met the walker yet!
Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into signing up for services you don’t want and don’t need, no matter how great a deal you’re pitched. Stick to the plan—one single time, you’ll try the dog walker the company chooses for you. Then you can decide whether to continue or not—with this walker, or with the company.
Next week: First meeting with the dog walker in person—what to expect, what to ask.
