What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker?

Why These Questions Matter

Handing your dog over to someone else for a few hours isn't a small thing. You're trusting a stranger with a family member — one who can't tell you afterwards whether they felt safe, whether they got on with the other dogs, or whether anyone even noticed if something went wrong.

Most owners ask about price and availability. Fewer ask the questions that actually tell you whether someone is a safe pair of hands. Here's what I think you should be asking any dog walker before you book — and honestly, what I hope people ask me.

The Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker

How long have they been doing this, and why?

Experience matters, but so does motivation. I've had dogs myself for over 10 years, and I've always wanted to work with them properly. I'm currently a mature student, and DogTrek has become the way I spend my non-study days doing something I find genuinely useful and engaging — it keeps me and my own dog, Ned, fit and happy, while giving other owners a solid, reliable service. I'm also working towards a qualification in canine care, because doing this properly matters to me. If a walker can't tell you why they do this beyond "I like dogs," that's worth noting.

What other dogs will your dog be walking with?

Group compatibility isn't something to leave to chance. Before I take on any new dog, I do an initial visit and a walk with Ned, my own dog. That gives me a proper read on the new dog's temperament and energy levels before they ever join a group walk. If it's not a good match — for the group, for the other dogs, or for the new dog itself — I won't take them on for that slot. It's not fair on anyone involved to force a mismatch, however keen I might be to help.

This month, that initial assessment walk is free, so there's no reason not to ask for one before you commit — you can check our prices page for details.

What qualifications do they have?

Ask directly. A walker who's invested in proper training, first aid, canine care, anything beyond "I've always liked dogs", is someone who's thought about what can actually go wrong. The Level 2 qualification in canine care I'm working on helps me understand what dogs need in terms of exercise and mental stimulation, not just a lead around the block. I also make sure water is always available on a walk, and the first aid course I've completed means I've got a much better chance of helping properly if something unexpected happens.

What does their insurance actually cover?

Any walker should be able to tell you this without hesitating. It's not just paperwork, it's what protects your dog if things go wrong. The way I see it, the world is chaotic and you can't predict every eventuality, but you can manage the risk. Insurance is part of that; it means that if something does go wrong, money isn't the factor deciding what's best for your dog. That's the whole point of having it.

How do they keep track of your dog during the walk?

Stuff happens on walks. Dogs get spooked. They bolt. It happens even with the calmest, best-behaved dogs, and no walker can promise it never will. What matters is what happens next. Every dog I walk wears a Tractive GPS tracker, so even if a dog does get spooked, I always know exactly where they are. That's not a luxury extra, it's part of planning for the worst, not just hoping for the best.

Can they provide testimonials?

A walker who's confident in their service should have no problem pointing you towards people who've used them before. If they can't or won't, ask yourself why.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

A few things I'd personally be wary of if I were the one hiring a walker:

• A walker who doesn't want to meet you and your dog first, before any booking is confirmed

• Anyone who can't produce insurance details when asked

• No interest in your dog's vet details or any relevant medical history

• No paperwork at all, no contract, no terms, nothing in writing

None of these things are difficult for a genuine, properly set-up walker to provide. If they're missing, it usually tells you something.

Book a Free Assessment Walk

You don't have to take a walker's word for any of this. A proper walker will welcome the questions, not dodge them. If you're in Hackney, Stoke Newington, or the surrounding areas and want to see how DogTrek works in practice, our initial assessment walk is free this month. It's the easiest way to judge for yourself whether it's the right fit for your dog. You can also get in touch to ask any of these questions directly.