What does a dog walker do?

What exactly does a dog walker do?

A dog walker collects your dog from home, takes them for a walk and brings them back, on fixed days or whenever you need it. During that time the walker is responsible for your dog: safe on the lead or off it where allowed, picking up after them, and telling you how it went.

Descriptions of the job keep coming back to the same tasks:

• Pick-up and drop-off, using the key or key safe you've agreed on.
• Walking safely, with the lead or harness that suits your dog.
• Keeping an eye on your dog, and telling you if anything stands out about their behaviour or health.
• Water and food as agreed, for example topping up the water bowl on the way back in.
• Keeping you in the loop, with a message, photos or videos after the walk.
• Handling your key with care, and being discreet about what they see in your home.

So a walker is not a dog trainer or a vet. They can repeat basic cues on a walk, but they don't fix behaviour problems or diagnose anything.

How does a walk with a dog walker go, step by step?

A walk has four fixed steps: pick-up, the walk, an update and drop-off. This is how it works with us:

1. 1Pick-up at home. We collect your dog at home at the agreed time. If you're out, we use the key or key safe as agreed at the meet-and-greet. It's always Dominic or Evika, so always the same familiar face.
2. 2On the way to the walk. Woods, dunes, beach or a quiet route: we pick the place that suits your dog and the walk. On group walks every dog travels safely and comfortably.
3. 3The walk itself. A group walk is a full hour through the dunes, the woods or along the beach, with 4 to 6 dogs. A private walk lasts 30 or 60 minutes, one-on-one, at your dog's pace: sniffing, practising or simply walking calmly. Off-lead only in designated off-leash areas and only with a reliable recall; otherwise on a long line.
4. 4Photos and an update. After every walk you get photos and a short update. For group walks that's our Pup Report, with photos and videos on WhatsApp.
5. 5Drop-off. We bring your dog back happily tired. Drying wet paws or topping up the water bowl? Of course.

Raining? The walk goes ahead as usual, with paws dried afterwards. Only in extreme weather, such as storms or heat, do we agree on another time with you.

What rules does a dog walker have to follow?

The same rules as any dog owner, plus whatever a municipality sets for groups of dogs. In Wassenaar, one person may have no more than 4 dogs off-lead at once in the designated off-leash areas.

Where your dog may run free in Wassenaar, and when, is in our guide to off-leash dog areas in Wassenaar.

What types of dog walking service are there?

The two main types are group walks and private walks. Some providers also offer extras, such as looking after your dog in your home or a short drop-in visit. That varies by provider, so ask.

More on the options beyond walking on our daycare and dog boarding pages.

What happens at a meet-and-greet with a dog walker?

At a meet-and-greet the walker meets your dog and you, and you talk through what your dog needs. The UK charity Dogs Trust advises professional walkers to always meet a dog first, get a thorough medical history and ask beforehand whether the dog may go off-lead.

Topics a good meet-and-greet covers:

• Temperament and other dogs. How does your dog react to other dogs, people and traffic? That decides whether a group fits or a private walk is better.
• Health. Conditions, medication, what they can and can't do. Dogs Trust also mentions vaccinations, worming and flea treatment. For our group walks we ask for the standard vaccinations and kennel cough.
• Off-lead or on-lead. Only off-lead with a reliable recall, and only where it's allowed.
• Treats and gear. What your dog may have, and which lead, collar or harness we use.
• Times and routine. Which days, and for group walks the morning or afternoon round.
• The key. We arrange this with you at the meet-and-greet. Most owners give us a spare key, which we keep safe and never label with your address. A key safe works too. You get the key back whenever you stop.

Our meet-and-greet is free. The questions worth asking yourself are in how to choose a dog walker; everything about keys in giving a dog walker your house key.

How much does a dog walking service cost?

With us, a single one-hour group walk costs €18 and a single private walk €20 (30 minutes) or €26 (60 minutes). On a plan you pay less per walk.

Single walks can be booked without a plan. You can reschedule or cancel a private walk free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. All rates are on our pricing page; what dog walkers cost in general, and why prices differ, is in how much does a dog walker cost.

Frequently asked questions about dog walkers