When Hiring a Dog-Walker
How long have you been working professionally with dogs? Do you have any
formal training?
It's best to go with experience, when dealing with animals! There are not many places to get
formal training in Canada, but if they've got it, great!
Where will my dog be walked?
If your dog is going to be walked in this neighbourhood, ask if the walk will consist of dog-park
play-time and whether your dog will be off-leash at any time. If your dog is not going to be walked in your
neighbourhood, ask where they will be walked and whether they will be secured in a crate or seatbelt in the
vehicle used to transport them.
If you pick up other dogs, where will my dog be during that time?
Will your dog wait in the car, be tied up outside, or go into each home with the walker?
What is your emergency plan if a pet escapes, falls ill, is injured, or
injures another dog/person?
It's not always nice to think about, but you want to know that there is a plan in place if
anything should happen. Make sure they have the name, phone number and address for the nearest Vet
Emergency Clinic, as well as your emergency contact information.
How many dogs will my dog be walked with at any given time?
The legal maximum for dog-walkers is 6 dogs at a time - ensure that the dog walker has a City
Permit, otherwise the maximum is 3 dogs.
What are the requirements for the dogs under your care?
Any dogs who are to spend any length of time together should have up-to-date vaccinations
(Rabies, Bordatella, Parvovirus, and Canine Distemper) and be otherwise healthy.
Dogs should also have a City of Toronto License tag on their collar at all times. If a dog-walker is
stopped by a City Representative, they can be fined $240 per non-compliant dog, which can be charged
back to the owner with a possible administration fee on the dog-walker's behalf.
All dogs in the Group Walk should be non-aggressive and well-socialized with dogs and people.
Are you Insured and/or Bonded?
Dog-Walkers should be insured at the very least - don't be afraid to ask for proof of insurance
- it's an industry standard!
Will my dog be walked by the same person every time?
Ideally, the same person will walk the same dogs every time (except, of course in case of illness
or personal emergency) so that they can create a strong bond, but also get to know your dog well enough to
spot any changes in behaviour or health. If someone else is walking your dog, make sure they are covered by
insurance as well, and that you have their contact information.
Will you provide updates on a daily/weekly/monthly/ad hoc basis?
It's always nice to know how your dog did on his/her walk. Some walkers will provide updates
periodically or just when there is a change in behaviour or health; for example, if your pup has diarrhea
one day, they need to inform you as this could be a sign of an underlying health concern or a heads' up
that you may come home to a mess...
If a dog is acting unruly or out of control, how do you deal with that
situation?
Hopefully the dog-walker has had some form of training when it comes to Body Language and
dealing with unruly pups - the last thing you want to hear is that the dog will be punished, whether
physically or verbally. Feel free to direct the walker on how you would like the dog to be dealt with
if he/she misbehaves - this is your dog and your decision.
What if my pup makes a mess at home?
Most dog-walkers don't mind cleaning up a little accident here and there - if you are having
potty-training issues, it's best to have someone come in more frequently to avoid messes, or book a
session with us to do some training!
What if my pup needs medication administered?
Most dog-walkers will administer medication for free, but if there is an injection, they will
need specific training and may charge.
Do you have First Aid and CPR training for pets?
First Aid and CPR for pets is a must-have for dog-walkers as it can save lives between the
incident and the Emergency Vet Clinic - again, don't be afraid to ask for proof!
Can you provide references to current clients?
Don't be afraid to call current clients and ask them about their experience. If a dog-walker
does not have references that you can speak with directly, don't hire them!
What if you are sick/unable to walk my dog?
Make sure that you'll get as much notice as possible for cancellation or a back-up dog-walker.
Sometimes cancellations cannot be avoided, so ensure there's a plan.
What happens during bad weather?
If it's very cold outside, or very hot, make sure that there is an alternate plan; make sure the
dog-walker knows what to look for in terms of frostbite, hypothermia and heat stroke! Sometimes just a quick
potty break on these days is best; if there is time, a little play session inside to give them a mental
break.