Dog Walking Safety Protocols at The Perfect Pooch NYC

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. We've developed a thorough set of protocols and safety standards to ensure your pets receive the highest level of care—while also protecting the well-being of our dedicated team of pet care professionals.

Group (“Buddy”) Walk Guidelines

  • Small Group Sizes, Always
    We cap our buddy walks at a maximum of four dogs—though we prefer to keep groups at three or fewer to ensure personalized attention and control.

  • No Dogs Left Outside
    We never leave dogs unattended outside while picking up others. All participating buildings must allow outside dogs into the premises. If that’s not possible, we may recommend a solo walk instead to prioritize your pup’s safety.

Leash & Equipment Safety

3 dogs being walked by walker with dog walking waist belt

  • Strict Leash Policy
    We follow a no off-leash rule unless we are in a designated off-leash dog run, the owner has explicitly requested it, and our management team has assessed that the dog meets our recall standards. If a dog’s recall isn’t up to par, we won’t risk it—no exceptions.

  • No Retractable Leashes
    Retractable leashes pose serious safety risks. We do not use them under any circumstances. If a client provides one, we’ll substitute it with one of our company’s reliable, non-retractable leashes.

  • Mandatory Waist Belts
    Walkers handling more than one dog are required to wear dog walking waist belts to increase control and reduce the chance of dropped leashes.

  • Always Equipped with Backup Leashes
    Every walker carries durable vinyl leashes and reinforced shock-absorbing bungee leashes for dogs that pull. We also carry slip leads in case of equipment failure—so if a collar or harness breaks, we’ve already got your dog safely secured.

  • Regular Gear Inspections
    All leashes, harnesses, and walking equipment are regularly inspected for wear and tear. Anything that doesn’t meet our standards is replaced immediately.

Management Oversight & Supervision

field manager checking on dogs in field

  • Field Managers Oversee New Pet Introductions
    When a new dog joins one of our buddy walks, our field managers personally supervise the introduction to ensure it’s a good match. We take time to assess the dog’s temperament and energy level to ensure the group dynamic is harmonious and safe.

  • In-Field Team Leads
    Our team leads regularly rotate between walkers, offering hands-on support and on-the-ground supervision. They step in whenever needed to ensure every route and routine is running smoothly and safely.

  • Local, Accessible Management
    Our management team is based right here in NYC and is always just a phone call away. In the event of an emergency or concern, we’re immediately reachable—no waiting, no wondering.

Walker Safety Kits

Our team lead showing off her perfect pooch kit

Every walker carries a customized safety kit that includes:

  • Pet and human first aid kits

  • Portable water and feeding bowls

  • Doggie waste bags

  • Shoe and boot covers to protect your floors during inclement weather

  • Extra carabiners for emergency leash situations

  • Squeakers and fun noisemakers to redirect or distract anxious or reactive dogs

  • Personal alarms for emergency situations to alert others or deter threats from both people and animals.

We believe that safety is never optional—it’s built into everything we do.

Whether your dog is on a solo stroll or enjoying a buddy walk with friends, you can trust that The Perfect Pooch NYC is prepared, professional, and always putting your pet first.