Our dogs love to go for walks and it is a great way to spend time together. Sometimes, it is just not possible for us to be able to take our beloved dogs for a walk. That is where a dog walking service come in.
This post will look at some of the various dog walking services available that you can book online or through an app. We will compare the services offered, cost to use them, and cancellation policies of each to help you decide which dog walking service is best for you.
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Related: How To Find An At-Home Dog Trainer, Dog Training Apps: Which One Is Right For You?, Dog Pulling On Walks? A No Pull Dog Harness Can Help, Leash Walking Training Your Dog
What Is A Dog Walking Service?
Dog walking services provide you with a local dog walker in your area to walk your dog when you need them, as well as other services.
You can schedule walks on demand, book them in advance, or schedule recurring dog walks for your pup on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Why Should I Use A Dog Walking Service?
Sometimes we are just not able to walk our dogs as much as we would like to. Reasons can include:
- Being stuck at work.
- You have a medical condition that prevents you from walking your dog.
- Your dog needs more exercise than you can provide.
- Family obligations come up that cause you to miss a regular walk.
What’s The Big Deal If My Dog Misses A Walk?
If your dog misses one walk, it is not that big of a deal. But walks are very important for the health and well being of our dogs. Benefits of walking your dog include:
- Exercise. Dogs need to exercise to keep a steady weight.
- Mental Stimulation. The smells that your dog encounters on their walks provide mental stimulation they need.
- Bonding. Walking with your dog provides the two of you with a bonding experience to bring you closer.
What Are The Common Dog Walking Service Apps Available?
Looking for dog walking services can be overwhelming. Some of the more popular dog walking services apps include:
- Rover.
- Wag!
- Fetch Pet Care.
Other popular apps where you can find dog walking services in your area include:
- Care.com
- Bark.com
What Do These Dog Walking Services Offer?
Each of these dog walking services offer you the opportunity to find a dog walker in your area.
You are able to search profiles, see ratings and read reviews from people that have used those particular dog walkers to learn about their experiences, and choose the dog walker you feel would be best for you and your dog.
What Is The Cost For Using One Of These Dog Walking Services?
Every dog walker is able to set their own price for dog walks. Factors that affect the cost of your dog walk include:
- How long of a walk you want to book.
- Your location.
- Years of experience of your dog walker.
- Any add on features you would like to book.
- If you would like your dog walked during a holiday or peak time of day.
Is There A Fee To Use These Services?
When using a dog walking app, you may be subject to a booking fee imposed by the app and not the specific dog walker you choose.
How Do I Know It Is Safe To Use A Dog Walker Through These Services?
Most dog walking services that specialize in caring for dogs vet their dog walkers in some way.
They perform background checks and may require a test regarding dog safety. One app even interviews their applicants.
The other service apps that offer dog walking as part of their repertoire may not vet their dog walkers as carefully, so you may have to do your own checking.
How Do I Use A Dog Walking Services App?
The procedure for using a dog walking services app varies by the specific app, but generally speaking, you would follow these steps:
- Browse through the profiles of the dog walkers offering services in your area.
- Read their profiles, look at their ratings, and read reviews from past clients.
- If there is a service you may want to add on or if your dog has any medical issues, look for a walker who is qualified to work with your dog.
- Once you find a few that you like, you can message them and ask them any questions you may have.
- Narrow it down to a few and meet with them. See how they interact with your dog and how your dog responds to them. You can also solidify the price you will be paying for their services.
- If they seem like a good fit for you and your dog, book them through the app.
You may want to do your own check of the dog walker you are thinking of hiring by looking up their name or searching social media.
How Do I Pay For Dog Walking Services?
When using a dog walking service app, it is safest for you to pay through the app. This will keep your payment information secure. It will also help in case of any problems that may occur.
Do I Need To Tip The Dog Walker?
It is customary to tip your dog walker for a job well done, but not mandatory. Some apps also provide a way for you to tip through the app if you feel more comfortable doing it that way.
Is There A Fee To Cancel A Booking?
Each app has their own policy on canceling a booking. Some won’t charge a fee if you cancel 24-48 hours in advance, while others will.
Check each app’s policy before you book so you are aware of any fees you may be charged in case you do need to cancel for any reason.
Dog Walking Services
Here are some popular dog walking services available. Information is accurate as of this writing and is subject to change.
Rover
Walks available
Available in 30 minute or 60 minute sessions.
How To Choose Dog Walker
Browse profiles, read reviews, narrow down to a few people, contact them, schedule a meet and greet , if good, book and pay through rover.
How Is Each Dog Walker Vetted
Each walker is thoroughly reviewed by the Rover team. They must be at least 18 years old.
They need to have a profile with photos and testimonials, pass a background check and take a safety quiz.
Pricing
This is set by each individual dog walker. Each service has a base price and depending on what you want the walker may charge additional, prices may be higher during holidays. If you have more than one dog, need them to spend more time with your dog, or if your dog is a puppy,
Example: In our area rates ranged from $12 to $35 per walk. Each profile lists who the walker is, town they live in, services they offer, their rating and how many reviews, how many repeat clients they have, and their dog walking rate. When you click on a profile, more detailed information is listed including if they administer medications and what size dogs they are able to walk.
App Available
Yes.
Able to modify appointment?
Yes but walker has to agree to it.
Cancellation Policy
It depends on the walker’s policy of whether you will get any kind of refund.
Rover guarantee
Reimbursement program that covers from after the first $250 up to $25,000 in vet care due to an injury of your dog, property damage to your home from your dog walker, some out of pocket medical costs to a 3rd party. 24/7 support. It reimburses the cost when the responsible party refuses or is unable to pay.
Wag!
Walks Available
Book a 20, 30, or 60 minute walk. Walks can be booked on demand or in advance.
App Available?
Yes.
Pricing
Walkers set their own price and Wag gets a percentage of what you pay. Can subscribe to Wag premium and have booking fees waived and 10% off all services booked ($14.99/month or $119.99 /year). App allows you to tip your walker for service as well. Additional fees: booking fees and additional fees like if a holiday or peak time of day or week or a specialty service like grooming.
Cancellation Policy
$5 fee if you cancel your walk within 24 hours.
How To Choose A Dog Walker
Similar to Rover. Browse profiles and when you find ones you are interested in, message them.
How Is Each Dog Walker Vetted?
Caregivers given a background check and pet care knowledge test.
They must be 18 years of age. Requires endorsements from members of their community on their pet care skills.
Special Features
You can follow your dog and walker on their walk through GPS tracking.
Fetch Pet Care
Walks Available
30, 45, or 60 minute walks. For Elderly dogs or dogs with medical conditions, walks can be less than 30 min. if needed.
How Is Each Dog Walker Vetted?
Each dog walker is required to pass a background check and Fetch has an in-depth interview process. Prospective dog walkers must also go through a safety certification program.
How To Choose A Dog Walker?
You request a walk. A pet care coordinator will meet with you, to discuss your scheduling and dog needs. They then choose a primary and back up dog walker for you, someone they believe will be a good fit for you and your dog. You then meet with them virtually or in person before deciding if you should hire them.
Pricing
Pricing varies based on your location. You can get an idea of prices on the app or website.
Cancellation
This varies by location. If you cancel within 24-28 hours, you may be charged up to 50% of the service fee.
Special Features
GPS tracking so you know where your dog is.
Arrival and departure times are noted. Dog temperament and energy levels, photos, videos and personal written notes are included.
Care.com
How Are Caregivers Vetted?
All caregivers are screened including a background check and a social security number trace. They review profiles and monitor messages to be sure there is no inappropriate activity. Users are welcome to leave ratings and reviews for services. They offer additional background checks, including driving records, that users can purchase.
They encourage users to do extra background checks, look up caregivers on social media, and do a search of their address if you will be dropping your dog off at the caregiver’s home.
App Available?
Yes.
Pricing
Basic subscription: Free. Set up an account, post a job, view profiles, access to rate calculators.
Premium subscription: Allows you to contact caregivers directly, request and have access to background checks, view and reply to messages,
Cost: Rates are determined by the caregiver. If you use the book now option, you will be charged the posted rate plus a surcharge. If you book directly with the caregiver, it is up to the two of you to come to an agreement on the price.
Price: Average price given is $14 per hour. Profiles include rate range, services offered, rating with reviews, if they have undergone a background check, how much experience they have, but it does not give a specific rate for dog walking.
Cancellation
You can cancel the premium subscription but you will not get a refund.
Cancel a booking: can cancel up to 24 hours in advance. If less than 24 hours, you will be charged a $20 cancellation fee which is given to the caregiver.
Bark
Fill out information about your dog and their needs. Bark.com will send you a list of qualified dog walkers in your area. You can read their profiles and reviews from other users and get a quote or ask additional questions.
Average price: $22 per walk.
Taking our dogs for walks not only gives them exercise that they need but also provides them with mental stimulation. Dog walking services can help you find a qualified dog walker in your area to take your dog on needed walks when you are unable to.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.