But not all dog walkers are the same.
Your dog walker has access to both **your dog and your home**, so it’s important to ask the right questions before you hand over the leash (and the keys). As co-founders of Canadian Pet Care Professionals (CPCP), we encourage pet parents across Canada to treat this like hiring childcare: ask questions, check credentials, and trust your instincts.
Use this list as a **simple checklist** when you’re interviewing any dog walker or pet sitting company.
1. How long have you been in business, and is pet care your main profession?
Why ask this:
Experience matters, especially when things don’t go according to plan. A dog walker who has been doing this for years as a primary profession is more likely to have solid procedures, backup plans, and real-world knowledge than someone offering it as a casual side job.
2. Are you an individual, or part of a professional pet care company?
Why ask this:
There are pros and cons to both. An individual walker you know you are going to have only the same person all the time. But a professional company can often provide *backup coverage if the regular walker is sick or take a vacation, formal training, and more structure. Knowing which you’re choosing helps you understand what kind of support and reliability you can expect.
3. Are you bonded and insured, and do you have business liability coverage?
Why ask this:
This protects **you and your home** if something goes wrong. Whether that’s a broken item, a lost key, or an incident involving your dog. Bonding and insurance are basic markers of a professional** service, not just “someone who loves dogs.”
4. Are you (and anyone who will visit my home) Pet First Aid and CPR certified?
Why ask this:
If your dog has a medical emergency, you want someone who knows how to respond, not someone who is frozen with panic. Pet First Aid and CPR certification shows a commitment to handling emergencies responsibly.
5. What kind of training do you (or your team) receive?
Why ask this:
Loving animals is essential, but it’s not enough on its own. Look for training in:
– Dog body language
– Safe handling and leash skills
– Emergency procedures
– Medication administration
– Professional ethics and client communication
Some companies use formal training platforms (like FetchFind) plus internal training. Others may rely on shadowing or “learning on the job.” It’s important to know which you’re getting.
6. Do you have experience with dogs like mine (puppies, seniors, anxious, reactive, medical needs)?
Why ask this:
A bouncy adolescent, a nervous rescue, and a senior with mobility issues all need very different care. Ask specifically about:
– Age (puppy vs senior)
– Mobility or medical conditions
– Reactivity or anxiety
– Any special instructions or equipment
A good dog walker will be honest about what they’re comfortable handlin and what they’re not.
7. How do you prove that visits actually happened?
Why ask this:
You’re paying for a service you won’t usually see. Many professional dog walkers use:
– GPS tracking AND is someone monitoring them.
– Time-stamped check-ins and check-outs
– Written visit reports
– Photos or short videos
These systems are about **accountability and peace of mind**, not spying. If someone is uncomfortable with basic accountability, that’s a red flag.
8. What happens if you’re sick, your car breaks down, or there’s an emergency?
Why ask this:
Life happens. The important question is: *Does my dog still get care?*
Some options you might hear:
– A backup walker within the same company
– A network of trusted professional colleagues
– A clear policy for notifying you and arranging alternatives
If the answer is simply “I’ll do my best,” without a concrete plan, your dog could be left without a visit when it matters most.
9. How do you handle keys, alarm codes, and my home’s security?
Why ask this:
You’re trusting someone not only with your dog, but also with your home. Look for:
– Secure key labelling (no names or addresses on tags)
– Safe storage procedures
– Clear policies on alarm codes and lockboxes
– A written process for key return if you end services
10. What equipment do you use on walks, and do you use flexi-leashes?
Why ask this:
Leashes and harnesses are about **safety**, not fashion. Flexi-leashes (retractable leashes) can be risky near roads, other dogs, and people. Many professional walkers choose sturdy, non-retractable leashes for better control and safety.
Ask:
– What type of leash do you use?
– Are you comfortable using my harness or collar?
– Will you tell me if you have safety concerns about my dog’s equipment?
11. Will my dog walk alone or with other dogs? How do you decide who walks together?
Why ask this:
Some dogs love canine friends; others feel overwhelmed or defensive. Group walks should be **carefully matched** by size, temperament, and walking style not just thrown together for efficiency.
Clarify:
– Solo vs small group walks
– Maximum number of dogs per walker
– How new dogs are introduced
– Whether your dog will ever be walked with unknown or off-leash dogs
12. What is your policy on dog parks, off-leash time, and meeting other dogs or people?
Why ask this:
Dog parks and off-leash play can be wonderful for some dogs and dangerous for others. A professional will have clear, thoughtful policies and will respect your preferences.
Ask:
– Do you take dogs to off-leash parks?
– Do you walk off-leash at any time?
– Do you allow on-leash greetings with other dogs?
You should feel comfortable with the level of risk and the boundaries they set.
13. How will you communicate with me, and how often?
Why ask this:
Regular updates aren’t “extra they’re part of professional care. Clear communication helps you relax while you’re at work or away.
Ask about:
– After-visit notes
– Photos or videos
– How to reach them for schedule changes
– Expected response times
Choose a dog walker whose communication style matches what gives you peace of mind.
14. What areas do you serve, and what services do you offer?
Why ask this:
Your needs may change over time—puppy visits, daily dog walking, cat sitting, vacation care, or care for other pets in the home. Knowing a company’s service area and range of services helps you plan for the long term.
Common services in the Newmarket/Aurora area include:
– Midday dog walks
– Potty breaks for puppies and seniors
– High-energy backyard play
– Cat sitting visits
– In-home vacation care
– House checks and plant care
Choose someone who can grow with you, rather than having to start over every time your situation changes.
15. What extra charges could be added?
Why ask this:
If you feel nervous about asking these questions, remember: a true professional will welcome them. These questions aren’t about catching anyone out; they’re about making sure your dog and your home are safe, and that expectations are clear on both sides.
Whether you choose a solo dog walker, a professional pet sitting company, or another trusted option in the Newmarket/Aurora area, this checklist will help you make a thoughtful, informed decision.
Your dog can’t speak up for themselves—this is how you speak up for them.
The post 14 Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker in Newmarket or Aurora appeared first on York Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.
source https://yorkprofessionalpetsitting.com/14-important-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-dog-walker-in-newmarket-or-aurora/
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