Every responsible dog owner is aware that their furry friend needs a nice long walk on a daily basis. Walking is essential for dogs to ensure their physical as well as mental wellbeing. However, there are times when dog owners are unable to take their pets for a walk on a regular basis because they have a lot on their plate. One way to ensure your canine friend does not miss out on their walk is to hiring a dog walker. A dog walker can ensure that your pet gets the exercise they need, while you deal with your obligations.
It is a fact that hiring a professional dog walker will take a load off you and also benefit your dog, as long as you are hiring a dog walker most suitable for the job. There are a number of dog walking services in Dubai and other developed cities globally that you will come across, but it is best to opt for a professional. They might charge a bit more, but they can handle your dog correctly because they know how to manage them and can also identify signs of any health issue in your pet. To ensure you are choosing the right service, you need to ask them some important questions. What are they?
Here are the questions you need to ask:
Are you bonded and insured?
First and foremost, a professional dog walking service will have a business license. To obtain this license, they need to be insured and bonded. This indicates that the dog walking service is indeed professional and also financially responsible. In case of any accidents, or damage, you do not have to worry about any costs or expenses because the insurance company will cover them. However, you should never just take their word for it and always ask them to share proof of insurance.
Do you run a background check on dog walkers?
A lot of professional dog walking services hire multiple dog walkers instead of just one. You should ensure that they do a background check on everyone they hire to ensure that your pet as well as your property will be safe under their care.
How much experience does the dog walker have?
Every dog is different and handling your dog may require a certain level of experience. Thus, you need to look for a dog walker who is capable of handling different types of situations. It is best to opt for someone who does this as a full-time job because it means that they have a considerable amount of experience, or have received some professional training to handle dogs.
Anyone you entrust with walking your dog should be trained to provide basic care to your pet and know how to handle dog behavior. The goal is to ensure that your dog is able to get regular training, or keep up with what they are already trained to do.
Do they offer a professional contract or agreement?
A professional dog walking service will always ask its clients to sign a contract. It should outline the specific services that will be provided and the payment terms. Moreover, the contract should also mention details like the inclement weather policy of the dog walker, cancellation policy, charges for additional requests on short notice and so on.
Can they provide references?
A professional dog walking service should have no issues in providing references upon your request. In fact, they should be more than willing to do so. You should follow up on those references and ask about the experience others have had with the service as well as their satisfaction level.
How do they safeguard keys and access codes?
The dog walking service you are considering should also have a proper system in place to safeguard the keys of the owner to prevent any mishaps. If access codes are there in place of keys, you need to ask about how they secure that information. After all, you do not want the codes to fall into the wrong hands.
What protocols do they follow in emergency situations?
Wen hiring a dog walker in Dubai or anywhere around the world, asking this question is extremely important, especially if your dog is suffering from some health issue. You need to be comfortable with how your dog walker will handle the situation if your pet is lost, or suffers from an injury. It can give you peace of mind, knowing that your dog walker knows what to do. Ideally, the dog walker should ask your emergency contact information as well as contact information of the vet you use.
How do they handle a misbehaving or unruly dog?
If a prospective dog walker will manage your dog with the use of negative reinforcement (punishment), then it is best to not use their services. If your dog exhibits behavioral problems, then you do not need a dog walker; you need a professional trainer to resolve those issues. However, sometimes dogs can misbehave upon occasion. In those moments, you want to ensure that your pet will be safe with the dog walker. Therefore, you need to ensure that the person you are considering is capable of correcting behavior through redirection, or refocusing the attention of your dog. They should also provide positive reinforcement with treats or praise.
Are they a member of any professional organization?
Memberships in a professional organization can be quite valuable because they show that the dog walker you are considering keeps up with their networking and training. Moreover, it is also an indication that they maintain professional standards when providing their services. Memberships are a great sign that the dog walking service is serious about its reputation and the services it offers.
When you ask these important questions when hiring a dog walker, you can get to know a dog walking service in a better way. This allows you to select the best one to take care of your dog’s walking needs when you are unable to do so. You do not have to compromise on your dog’s safety and wellbeing and enjoy peace of mind when you opt for a professional dog walking service.