Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker (And Our Answers!)
These are essential questions to ask anyone you're considering hiring as a dog walker — even if it's not Lucky Paws BCS. We're including our own answers because, well, we'd love to hang out with your dog!
🐾 Who will walk my dog?
One of our fully trained staff members will be walking your dog!
🐾 What kind of training do they have?
All of our staff are trained in animal behavior and certified in Pet CPR/First Aid. We're also currently working toward Fear Free Certification as a team.
🐾 How will they manage my dog's behavior?
In many different ways! Some dogs are treat-motivated, while others just need a human willing to take things at their pace. Our team is flexible and experienced with a wide range of dog behaviors.
🐾 What is your emergency protocol?
Our employee will reach out to our management team to coordinate next steps, unless it's an obvious injury or a time-sensitive vet care issue. In those rare scenarios, a member of our leadership team will meet the employee at either your preferred vet provider or one of our trusted emergency vet providers.
🐾 Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes! We're bonded and insured through Pet Care Insurance (PCI), and we carry workers' compensation coverage for our employees through Business Insurers of North Carolina.
🐾 Where do you walk?
Neighborhood walks take place in your neighborhood. Adventure walks take place at a nearby park or trail.
🐾 How many dogs do you walk at once?
We only walk one household at a time! Our biggest dog household currently has 5 dogs, and our Tiny Horse leash system works perfectly for them.
🐾 How is my dog introduced to other dogs?
We avoid interactions with other dogs and people while on walks.
🐾 Are you certified in Pet CPR/First Aid?
Yes! We're certified through ProTrainings.
🐾 What kind of harness/collar will you use?
We use whatever works best for each individual dog. Most owners prefer a harness, since it relieves pressure on a dog's trachea.
🐾 Will my dog be in a car with other dogs?
No, unless they're from the same household.
🐾 How big is the car, and how many dogs at a time?
Our employees' vehicles vary from small sedans to a minivan.
🐾 Are the dogs crated/secured in the car?
Yes! We're in the process of getting transport-specific kennels, but for now we use a crash-tested dog seat belt connected to a harness.
🐾 Will my dog be let off leash?
No, we do not let any dogs off leash unless they're on their own property.
🐾 How do you prevent lost dogs?
We check for proper collar/harness fit before every walk, and when needed, we use a safety strap for two points of contact with the dog. Our Tiny Horse leash system also comes with locking carabiners to help prevent accidental escapes.
