How to Vet a Dog Walker: The Ultimate Checklist

You're about to hand a stranger your house key, alarm code, and access to your beloved pet. No pressure, right? After 20+ years in the pet care industry, I've seen what separates great dog walkers from disasters. Here's your comprehensive vetting checklist.

✅ Phase 1: Initial Research (Before Contact)

1. Check Their Online Presence

Red flags:

• No website or social media
• Generic stock photos (not real clients/pets)
• No reviews or testimonials
• Recently created accounts (established businesses have history)

Green flags:

• Active website with real photos
• Google Reviews, Facebook testimonials
• Years in business (3+ years = stability)
• Clear pricing and service descriptions

2. Verify Their Business Type

Ask: "Are you an LLC, sole proprietor, or working through a platform?"

• LLC/Corporation: Legal protections, business insurance, professional structure
• Sole proprietor: Less protection, but can still be reputable
• Platform contractor (Rover/Wag!): Least accountability, no employer oversight

3. Insurance Verification

Ask: "What insurance do you carry?"

Must-haves:

• General liability insurance (covers property damage)
• Pet care liability (covers injuries to pets)
• Workers' compensation (protects you if someone is injured in your home)

Bonus: If they carry workers' comp, it typically means they have actual employees, not just contractors

📋 Phase 2: The Interview Questions

Employment Status

Ask: "Are your walkers W-2 salaried employees or 1099 contractors?"

Why it matters:

• W-2 salaried employees = legal obligations, payroll taxes, workers' comp
• 1099 contractors = can cancel anytime, no job security, side hustle mentality

Background Checks

Ask: "What's your background check process?"

Red flags:

• "I do my own checks"
• "I trust my gut"
• "Rover/Wag! already checked me"

Green flags:

• Third-party verification services
• State-level background checks
• Drug testing
• Annual re-checks

Training Programs

Ask: "How do you train new walkers?"

Red flags:

• "I've been doing this for years" (no formal training)
• "I watch YouTube videos"
• "I learn on the job"

Green flags:

• Paid training programs
• Shadowing experienced staff
• Certification programs (ABC, CPDT, Pet First Aid)
• Ongoing education requirements

Emergency Protocols

Ask: "What happens if there's an emergency?"

You want to hear:

• Clear vet contact protocols
• 24/7 emergency phone line
• Pet First Aid/CPR certification
• Written emergency plans

Backup Coverage

Ask: "What if my walker is sick or on vacation?"

Red flags:

• "I'll find someone" (no plan)
• "I've never missed a walk" (unrealistic)
• "You'll need to reschedule" (leaves you stranded)

Green flags:

• Built-in backup team
• Cross-trained staff
• Automatic coverage (no client action needed)

🏠 Phase 3: The Meet & Greet

Observe Their Interaction with Your Dog

Watch for:

• Do they let your dog approach first (not forcing interaction)?
• Do they read your dog's body language?
• Do they ask about your dog's quirks, triggers, and preferences?
• Do they take notes or just nod along?

Communication Style

Ask yourself:

• Do they ask detailed questions about your routine?
• Do they explain their process clearly?
• Do they seem rushed or distracted?
• Do they provide written visit reports or photos?

Red Flags That Should End the Conversation

• Refuses to provide proof of insurance
• Won't give references from current clients
• Pressures you to book immediately
• Vague answers about background checks
• "Too good to be true" pricing (under $20/walk)
• No written contract or service agreement

📄 Phase 4: The Contract Review

What Should Be in Writing

• Service frequency and duration
• Pricing and payment terms
• Cancellation policy
• Emergency contact procedures
• Liability limitations
• Key handling protocols

Questions About the Contract

Ask: "What's your cancellation policy?"

• Good policies: 24-48 hours notice, prorated refunds
• Bad policies: "No refunds ever" or "Cancel anytime" (too loose)

Ask: "How do you handle rate increases?"

• Good answer: Annual increases with 30+ days notice
• Bad answer: "Whenever I feel like it"

🎯 The Trust Test: Your Gut Feeling

After checking all the boxes, ask yourself:

• Would I feel comfortable giving this person my house key?
• Do I believe they'd handle an emergency calmly?
• Would I trust them with my dog unsupervised?
• Do they seem genuinely invested in my pet's well-being?

If you hesitate on ANY of these - keep looking.

✅ Your Printable Checklist

🏆 The Bottom Line

Vetting a dog walker takes time - but it's worth it. You're not just hiring someone to walk your dog. You're building a relationship with a professional who will have access to your home, your pet, and your trust for years to come.

Don't settle. Ask the hard questions. Check the boxes. And only move forward when you feel 100% confident.

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Related Articles:

• The Science Behind Daily Dog Walking →
• How to Choose the Right Pet Sitter →
• Dog Walking Pricing Comparison 2025 →

Want to Skip the Vetting Process?

At 203 Pet Service, all our walkers are W-2 salaried employees with background checks, drug testing, and 10+ years average tenure. Schedule your meet & greet →