So you’re thinking of getting someone to walk your dog. Cool.

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Before you choose someone, think beyond your dog just getting out of the house for a zoomie session. You need to know your dog walker is trustworthy, competent and reliable, especially if something goes wrong.

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Here are some of the things to look for:

• A reliable, roadworthy vehicle

• Secure transportation eg cages, crates or harnesses and clips

• Public Liability Insurance

• Pet First Aid certificate

• Health & Safety and Lost Dog Protocols

• A police check or solid references from clients or past employers, especially if coming into your home

• Uses their own quality leads

• Has local council concessions & permits such as the Wellington City Council accreditation.

• Evidence of safe walking practices eg not letting dogs off leash if they don’t have good recall or are around busy areas, safety around stock, giving way to the public, matching dogs for best fit in multiple dog walks

• Ability to control a dog, especially a bigger dog eg no pulling, lunging, running up to dogs they don’t know

• Knowledge of dog body language

• Stays within their limit and council limits of the number of dogs they can safely walk together

• Extra points if they include training and structure OR refer you to a trainer

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This is your family member, and your home you are allowing them into.

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Remember:

• If you see an ad or a post in a Facebook group, check their credentials.

• If you post asking for a dog walker, check their credentials.

• If someone approaches you at the dog park to offer their services, triple check their credentials.