What Questions Should I Ask a Dog Walker?

Hiring a dog walker is a bigger deal than most people treat it.

This person gets a key to your house. Unsupervised time with your dog. And full responsibility for whatever happens out there.

Ask the right questions before you book.

"Are you insured?"

Start here. A professional walker carries pet care liability insurance — not just whatever coverage an app includes in the fine print. Insurance matters if your dog gets injured, causes damage, or something unexpected happens.

If they hesitate or can't give you a straight yes, keep looking.

"Will my dog have the same walker every time?"

Dogs are creatures of habit. The same familiar face every walk means a calmer, more trusting dog. A new stranger every few days means extra stress — for your dog and for you.

App-based platforms usually can't promise consistency. A local professional can.

"How do you handle emergencies?"

What happens if your dog gets hurt mid-walk? What if the walker can't make it? Who's the backup?

A prepared professional has real answers. If they seem caught off guard, that's your answer.

"Can we do a meet and greet first?"

Any walker worth hiring says yes without hesitation. Your dog gets comfortable before the first official walk. You get to see how they interact.

It should always be free.

"How do you communicate during and after walks?"

Minimum: a photo update after every visit. Some walkers also send a quick note — energy level, bathroom behavior, anything worth knowing.

"I'll let you know if something goes wrong" isn't a communication plan.

"What's your experience with dogs like mine?"

Breed matters. Energy level matters. Behavioral history matters. A reactive dog needs a walker who has handled reactivity before. A high-energy breed needs someone who can keep up.

Be specific about your dog. Listen for specific experience in return.

"How many dogs do you walk at once?"

One dog, one walker is the standard worth paying for. Group walks with dogs from different households split attention and add unpredictable dynamics.

If your dog is anxious, reactive, or just not great with strange dogs — a private walk isn't a luxury. It's a requirement.

"What's your cancellation policy?"

Life happens on both sides. Know the terms before you need them. Clear policies protect everyone.

"Can I see your reviews?"

Ask directly. A confident walker will point you straight to their Google page, Yelp listing, or Facebook reviews.

Read for specifics. Reviews that mention the walker's name, the dog's name, and a real situation mean more than a stack of five-star ratings with no details.

Here's how The Woof Pack Tulsa answers these questions:

We're insured through Pet Care Insurance. Miles walks your dog every time — no rotation, no substitutes. We do a free meet and greet before the first walk. You get a photo update after every single visit.

Emergency plan? Miles communicates directly with every client. No app middleman, no ticket system. If something comes up, you hear from us right away.

We serve Midtown Tulsa, Brookside, Maple Ridge, Cherry Street, Pearl District, Kendall Whittier, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Text Miles at 918-770-6699 to book your free meet and greet.