What you need to know when hiring a dog walker in NYC
Every pet parent knows that it can be a nerve wracking thing to find someone to take care of our fur-babies. And if you live in NYC you know there are a TON of options when it comes to dog walking. From pack walkers to small boutique companies to huge tech companies like Rover and WAG, the pet care industry here is SATURATED with folks looking to care for your pet. If this whole process has you thoroughly confused and freaked out, read on as we break down these options for you and talk about the pros and cons of each…
Pack Walking -
When you think about dog walkers in NYC you probably immediately envision men and women with 6-8 dogs attached to their bodies traipsing along busy city streets. Pack walking is becoming more and more popular due to its presence in movies, television and commercials as well as its affordability and claims to support socialization and exert more doggy energy than solo walks. Some of this is spot on, and some is just good marketing. If you have a young, energetic pup who likes other dogs and doesn’t need time to sniff or explore, then a pack walking company may be a good choice for you. However, be aware that your dog is not walking for the entire time and is most likely spending a good amount of the walk duration waiting for other pack mates to be picked up and dropped off. These companies will charge a great rate of around $20-25 for two hours, but your pup is probably sitting around for a good portion of that time. That being said, when they do walk it is usually at a very fast pace and therefore a decent way to exert energy. Here are some important questions to ask when you are interviewing pack walkers:
How many dogs will be walking with my dog and what is your human to dog ratio? Most pack walkers work in teams so it is important to know if there is a limit to how many dogs each walker has and if they will be able to assist each other in case there is a dog fight. Remember, these are large groups of dogs and the “pack mentality” can kick in at any time. It is important that the walkers have complete control over the situation and can prevent real problems from happening. Ask about their hiring and employee training processes as well. Pack walking is a hard job so screening and training should be lengthy and strenuous.
Do you have a time limit for how long my dog will sit waiting for pick ups and drop offs? One way for companies to reassure their customers that their dogs are being walked for a good amount of time and not just sitting around, is GPS tracking. Most dog walking companies should be using pet care software at this point and the best ones out there have GPS capabilities. Some companies are going a bit further even and providing their customers with GPS collars which track the dog and not just the walker, in case of pups breaking away from the pack. This is an an extra safety measure that we at The Perfect Pooch NYC will be utilizing later in 2020. With all the stories out there of dogs getting free of their collars and being hurt or killed because of inexperienced walkers, it is important that all legit walking companies respond with sophisticated safety precautions.
What Happens on bad weather days? Some pup parents want their dogs to be out for the full walk regardless of the weather, but most folks want to make sure their fur babies are comfortable and therefore ask for shortened walks on very cold, hot or inclement days. Not all pack walking companies can accommodate such requests due to the sheer volume of dogs they walk on a daily basis. If you think your dog will be unhappy in the rain, snow, heat or cold, make sure your walker can be flexible.
What is your arrival policy? (This is a question for ALL walkers so keep it in mind.) Most walking companies work within arrival “windows” or time blocks. They range from an hour to an entire afternoon depending on the company. Because pack walkers are dealing with so many dogs at once, their arrival windows are usually quite large, meaning they can arrive anytime throughout the afternoon. Most healthy, house trained dogs can go 4-6 hours without elimination (trainer speak for going potty!) but if for whatever reason your pup needs a more rigid schedule, make sure you hire a company with smaller arrival windows.
Who are you insured through and what does your policy cover? This is another question for ALL dog walkers whether they be big companies or your next-door neighbor with a “side hustle”. EVERYONE should be insured for their protection and yours!!
“Boutique” Style Dog Walking-
Smaller dog walking companies are great for pet parents who want a bit more individualized attention paid to their pups and who insist upon creating their own pet care experience. “Boutique” essentially means specialized or selective, so many of these companies will only provide specific services such as solo dog walks or private boarding. They don’t always have a big range of care options but what they do provide is done with great care and focus. With all that being said, you can expect to pay a higher rate for such services. Boutique dog walking companies typically charge anywhere from $30-50 per 60 minute walk depending on the number of walks per week. Here are some basic perks that should be provided when you choose a “Boutique” dog walking service
Small customizable arrival windows
High touch customer service
Sophisticated operating software with GPS capabilities, online or app based scheduling and electronic payment options
Complimentary meet & greets with all pet care pros assigned to your fur-babies
Fabulous incentives for multiple walks/visits per day and add on services.
Independent Dog Walkers-
Independent or “solo” dog walkers are a great option if you are looking to have just one person walk your dog on a daily basis. They typically have a smaller roster of dogs and provide “buddy” and/or solo walks. Because most indie walkers are self employed, they don’t usually charge sales tax and are less expensive than an established walking company. All this being said, many of these walkers won’t take credit cards and may even have a “cash only” payment policy. Another downside of hiring Independent walkers is that they can’t always cover their vacation and sick days (and they should and will certainly have both of these at some point in your professional relationship). If you decide to hire a solo walker be sure he/she has a pool of “subs” to cover walks and that you have the opportunity to meet them beforehand. You must also make sure your walker and all subs are bonded and insured! Don’t feel weird asking for proof of coverage - any professional will be happy you asked!
WAG, Rover and Other “On Demand” Dog Walking-
At this point we have all heard of WAG and Rover and their convenient, easy to use interface which allows you to order a dog walker as you would a delivery meal or car service. These companies have extremely sophisticated technology and a huge internet presence which makes the process of finding them online, setting up an account and ordering and paying for dog walks streamlined and seamless. Unfortunately, their training and on-boarding process for employees (or rather “independent contractors”) leaves much to be desired. You will mostly find inexperienced and “hobbiest” dog walkers on these sites and the employee turnover is quite high. These companies are not service oriented. They are large corporate entities where the technology comes before the welfare of your pet.
When all is said and done, we recommend just going with your gut! You know what you and your dog need. Don’t be afraid to be picky and take your time when choosing a dog walking company. This is an important relationship that you are creating and you and your furry BFF deserve the best!