Leaving your dog alone
What should I ask a dog walker before hiring them?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Ask about insurance and bonding, whether walks are solo or in a group and how many dogs at once, their plan for bad weather or an emergency, how they handle a dog that will not come out from a hiding spot, and whether they can follow specific instructions like avoiding certain streets or dogs.
Practical logistics questions
Confirm the exact time window for visits, what happens if they are running late, how they access your home securely, and what backup plan exists if the regular walker is sick or on holiday, since a one person operation with no backup can leave you stuck.
Questions about handling your specific dog
If your dog has any reactivity, medical needs, or a strong preference around other dogs, ask directly how the walker would handle those situations, and listen for specific, practical answers rather than vague reassurance.
Questions about communication
Ask whether they send updates or photos after each visit and how quickly they respond to messages, since ongoing communication is often what separates a reliable long term arrangement from one that quietly becomes inconsistent.
Questions to ask yourself after the conversation
Beyond the walker's specific answers, notice whether they asked you thoughtful questions in return about your dog's personality, routine, or any quirks, since a walker who is genuinely curious about the individual dog tends to provide more attentive care than one who treats every client as interchangeable. A short trial period afterward remains the best way to confirm that a promising first conversation translates into consistent, reliable behavior. Trusting a combination of their answers, your own instincts during the meeting, and any references you can verify tends to produce a better outcome than focusing on price alone. Writing down your impressions right after the conversation, before meeting other candidates, helps you compare them fairly rather than relying on memory alone.
Key takeaways
- Confirm insurance, group size, and a clear backup plan for illness, holidays, or bad weather.
- Ask specifically how they would handle your dog's particular needs, not just general dog walking experience.
- Regular communication after visits is often what keeps an arrangement reliable over the long term.