Having a pet is one of life’s purest joys and simplest pleasures. But furry companions come with a lot of responsibility and commitment that not everyone has time for. This is why many people hire someone with pet expertise to help handle some of the tasks that go along with pet ownership.
Here’s why you might hire a dog walker and how to find a great one to help you take the best care of your pup.
The Importance of Dog Walking
Taking your dog out for a few walks each day is great exercise for you both, but there are other benefits to consider too. For example, dogs benefit from the mental stimulation of going on walks because of all the signs, sounds, and smells to experience out in the world.
Walks are important for dogs who spend most of their time indoors and outdoors for socialization purposes and so that dogs don’t become bored and destructive. Walking with a trusted human gives your dog the opportunity to create healthy bonds and meet other dogs in a safe and controlled environment.
What Dog Walkers Do
Obviously, a dog walker’s primary job is to take one or more dogs for walks, but there is more to the job than just this. A dog walker often picks the dog up at the owner’s house and returns it after going out in the neighborhood for a while. But some people may drop their dogs off at the dog walkers’ houses for the day and also expect them to handle feeding, playtime, medication administration, and general companionship.
Dog walkers need to be prepared for emergencies and take dogs to a veterinarian or animal hospital if an accident happens. They are also responsible for cleaning up pet waste during walks, observing a dog’s behavior in case anything seems different, and reporting any health concerns to their employers.
Qualities in a Great Dog Walker
Dog walking may seem like a pretty straightforward job, but not everyone is equipped to do it well. As you browse through resumes and interview candidates, here are the most important qualities to look for in a dog walker:
- A general love for dogs
- Physically fit enough to go on walks and control dogs
- Experience with pet care
- Able to communicate and schedule walks with you
- Flexible schedule to accommodate your lifestyle
- Responsible to handle an emergency
- Recommendations or reviews from previous dog walking jobs
- Able to handle stressful situations
- Punctual with scheduled times
- Trustworthy with dogs
- Patient with dogs in training or resistant to change
Where to Hire a Dog Walker
There are certain warning signs that you may need a little extra help around the house, including not having time to spend playing with and walking your dog. Several of the types of domestic professionals that we work with can assist you with dog walking, including housekeepers, nannies, butlers, and estate managers. Although dog walking is not these professionals’ primary responsibility, it is a relevant task that they often help out with, which is very convenient so that you don’t have to hire additional staff members that might duplicate responsibilities.
A random dog walker that you hire online may turn out to be unreliable, unprofessional, and not have much experience. But when you hire through Household Staffing International, you can feel confident that you are getting the very best help from the most qualified candidates in the industry.
Contact us at 212-683-7722 or info@hsiny.com to learn more!