Are you one of the many dog owners that find themselves leaving early in the morning for their commute to work, putting in 9 hours, then making the trek back home? Unless your company allows your pup to come to work with you, what is a pet owner to do when Fido needs to stretch his legs and take a bathroom break? Dog walking has become an essential service for many pet owners, so when choosing a dog walker, make sure you find out if they are qualified to care for your pet.

Firstly, ask your dog walker if they are registered with a pet sitting organization. One example would be NAPPS (National Association of Pet Sitters). NAPPS is the source for everything animal owners need to know about hiring a pet sitter, as well as providing pet sitters with valuable education in an effort to improve the state of pet sitting and pet care. Secondly, make sure your dog walker is insured and bonded. Additionally, you should be provided with references upon request. This is the best way to get an honest opinion from those that have experienced their service first hand.

You will also want to find out how long the dog walker has been providing their services. The more seasoned the dog walker, the better equipped they are to handle any situation that may arise. They should also have experience with a broad range of dog breeds. Also, find out if they have a job in another field, as it is important they are prompt and come at a regularly scheduled times.

Weather is an important factor to consider when finding a qualified dog walker. You want to ensure your pup receives the same level of service, whether it’s the dog days of summer or the dead of winter. Find out if your dog walker lives in the same neighborhood as you, and if not, make sure they communicate with you in the event of a storm so you can make alternate accommodations.

Also, it may seem obvious, but as a fellow dog lover you want to get a sense for how passionate and devoted your pet sitter is to dogs; someone who can give them the same love, attention, and nurturing that you would be providing them if you were there. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than excellent service. With this in mind, be sure to find out if the dog walking service offers the same dog walker everyday and a minimum of a 30 minute walk. Additionally, they should be knowledgeable of the areas they serve.

When it comes to finding a dog walking service, you should select one that gives you peace-of-mind when you are at work, away for the weekend, or gone for a long vacation. You shouldn’t expect anything less than hiring a dog walker that treats all the dogs they watch as if they were their own.