Who pays for a dog walking service?

I have a walker and can't imagine not having one now.  I found her through an ad at my vet's office.  Just called her up, had an at-home interview, they got along splendidly (Joey would love anyone!) and here we are.  It's been four months now and while yes, it'd be nice to have that $200 a month back, he's more than worth it.

It's just important to be very specific with what you want. Communication is key!!

It's also nice for us to have an 'emergency' contact for us to call, in case there is (doG forbid!) an emergency and we need to talk to somebody, if we can't get in touch with you. Shoot, there was something else I wanted to add, but I can't remember it now. *shrug* Let me know if you have any other questions! :) I think someone else on the board is a dog-walker too, so hopefully they'll chime in!

sl2crmeg

It's just important to be very specific with what you want. Communication is key!!

It's also nice for us to have an 'emergency' contact for us to call, in case there is (doG forbid!) an emergency and we need to talk to somebody, if we can't get in touch with you. Shoot, there was something else I wanted to add, but I can't remember it now. *shrug* Let me know if you have any other questions! :) I think someone else on the board is a dog-walker too, so hopefully they'll chime in!

This is all very true!! Be as specific as possible with what you want! I walk dogs on the side, and I have clients that just want updates at the end of each week, and others who want updates daily. Emergency contacts are great to have also just in case. I guess the biggest thing is make sure your comfortable enough with your dog walker to let them in your home and have a key to your place. I always tell people that they need to be comfortable with me coming into the house while they are not there.

As for your previous question, I always walk the dogs the full time I say I will be there. If it's pouring down rain or something and the owner doesn't want their dogs walking outside, we always play inside for the entire time. I actually go over my time with the dogs I walk for and end up staying longer :) If I think of anything else I will let you know.
 

I'm a dog walker, and I'm insured and bonded....I charge people $20 for a 30 minute on leash walk around their neighborhood. Or, $20 for a 45 minute off leash walk at a local dog park with 2-3 other dogs. I also do morning or night visits, like if someone goes away and needs their dog fed and walked that morning/night, I charge $30 for feeding and walking. I've had the same clients for about a year, most found me just by word of mouth. I always leave a note, usually just a line or two. I don't get tipped everyday, because some clients have their dog walked M-F, but around Christmas I get really good tips, or, if the need an extra visit at night or morning sometimes I get a tip.