How to Choose a Dog Walker — What to Actually Look For

Handing your keys to someone and trusting them with your dog is a big deal. Most people know they want someone reliable and good with dogs but beyond that it can be hard to know what you're actually looking for. Here's what I'd check if I was on the other side of this decision.

Insurance — non negotiable

Any professional dog walker should have public liability insurance that covers them while walking your dog. Ask to see it. Not because you expect anything to go wrong but because someone who isn't insured is either cutting corners or doesn't take it seriously enough to be looking after your dog. A reputable walker will have no hesitation showing you their policy documents.

Where do they actually walk?

This is one people don't always think to ask. There's a big difference between a dog walker who takes dogs to a public park and one who has access to a private enclosed field. Public parks mean unknown dogs, unpredictable situations and no control over the environment. A private enclosed field means your dog is off the lead in a safe and controlled space every single time.

How many dogs do they walk at once?

More dogs doesn't always mean worse care but it's worth asking and understanding. What matters most is whether the dogs are carefully matched by temperament so there are no personality clashes and whether the walker genuinely knows each dog as an individual rather than just managing a crowd.

Do they do a meet and greet?

Any dog walker worth using will want to meet you and your dog before committing to anything. It's as much about them assessing whether your dog is a good fit as it is about you asking questions. If someone is happy to just take your money and pick up your dog without meeting them first that's a red flag.

How do they communicate?

Will you know how your dog got on each day? Whether that's daily social media updates, a quick message or a phone call when something worth mentioning happens, good communication is what separates a professional service from someone just doing it for extra cash.

Check their reviews

Google reviews from real clients in your area are the most reliable signal. Anyone can have a nice website. What their actual clients say is what matters.

If you're looking for a dog walker in Clarkston, Newton Mearns, Giffnock or the surrounding East Renfrewshire area, feel free to get in touch and we can have a chat about whether Indiana Bones is the right fit for your dog.