How to Choose a Dog Walker: The Complete Checklist

Hiring a dog walker is one of those decisions that feels simple until you actually sit down and think about it. You're handing over your house keys and your dog — a member of your family — to someone you might have only just met. It's a big deal, and it deserves more thought than a quick scroll through a local Facebook group.

The good news is that there are plenty of brilliant, dedicated dog walkers out there. The challenge is knowing how to tell them apart from the ones who are less so. Whether you're hiring for the first time or switching from a walker you're not entirely happy with, this checklist will help you ask the right questions, spot the warning signs, and find someone you can genuinely trust.

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker

Before you commit to anyone, sit down (or message them) and work through these questions. A good walker won't mind being asked — in fact, they'll expect it.

1. Are you insured?

This is the single most important question on the list. A professional dog walker should carry public liability insurance and, ideally, care, custody, and control cover. Public liability protects against damage to third parties — if your dog knocks someone over in the park, for instance. Care, custody, and control cover protects your dog specifically while they're in the walker's care. If a walker can't show you a valid insurance certificate, walk away. It's that straightforward.

2. Do you have a DBS check?

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a background check that reveals any criminal history. It's not a legal requirement for dog walkers, but any professional worth hiring will have one. They're entering your home, often when you're not there. You're well within your rights to ask.

3. How many dogs do you walk at once?

This matters more than most people realise. A walker managing four dogs can give each one proper attention and keep everyone safe. A walker managing eight or ten dogs at once is crowd control, not dog walking. Ideally, look for walkers who cap their group sizes at four to six dogs. Anything above that and the quality of care drops significantly — no matter how experienced the walker claims to be.

For more on the differences between solo and group walks, our post on solo vs group dog walks is worth a read.

4. What happens if my dog gets injured?

Accidents happen — even with the best walkers. What matters is the plan. A good walker will have a clear protocol: contact you immediately, head to the nearest emergency vet, and have your vet's details already on file. If a walker looks blank when you ask this, that tells you everything you need to know.

5. Can I see references or reviews?

Any walker who's been working for more than a few months should have references or online reviews from satisfied clients. Ask for them. Better yet, check whether they're on a platform where reviews are verified and can't be cherry-picked. A few glowing testimonials on a personal website don't carry the same weight as a consistent pattern of genuine feedback.

6. What's your cancellation policy?

Life happens — your plans change, your dog is ill, or you end up working from home. Find out upfront how much notice you need to give and whether there's a fee for late cancellations. A 24-hour cancellation policy is standard and reasonable. Anything stricter than that, or anything vague and undefined, is worth questioning.

7. Do you have experience with my breed?

A confident, experienced walker knows that a Labrador and a Shih Tzu need very different things from a walk. If you have a breed with specific needs — a high-energy working dog, a brachycephalic breed that overheats easily, a reactive rescue — make sure your walker has dealt with similar dogs before. General enthusiasm is nice, but relevant experience is better.

8. What route do you take? Do you drive to a walking spot?

This is about knowing exactly what your dog's walk looks like. Some walkers do lovely loops through local parks. Others drive twenty minutes to a field, let the dogs off, and drive back. Neither is inherently wrong, but you should know what you're paying for. Ask about the route, the terrain, whether your dog will be on or off lead, and how much time is actually spent walking versus travelling.

If you're in Reading, for instance, there's no shortage of excellent walking spots — from Dinton Pastures to the Thames Path. A local walker should know these well.

9. How do you handle emergencies?

Beyond injuries, what happens if your dog slips their lead? If another dog is aggressive? If the weather turns dangerous? A professional walker should have a clear answer for all of these scenarios. They should also carry a basic first aid kit and have emergency contact numbers for you and your vet readily available — not buried in an email somewhere.

10. Will I get updates during or after the walk?

This is where good walkers really separate themselves from average ones. A quick photo, a GPS map of the route, a note about how your dog behaved — these updates take very little effort but make an enormous difference to your peace of mind. If a walker doesn't offer any kind of post-walk communication, you're essentially trusting on blind faith that everything went well.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every warning sign is obvious. Here are the ones that should make you think twice:

• No insurance certificate. Not "I'm in the process of getting it" or "I'm covered through a friend." Actual, current, verifiable insurance or nothing.
• Won't do a trial walk. Any walker who insists on jumping straight into regular bookings without meeting your dog first is putting convenience above care.
• Walking eight or more dogs at once. This isn't dog walking. It's herding.
• No references or reviews. Everyone starts somewhere, but a complete absence of any client feedback — combined with claims of years of experience — doesn't add up.
• Cash only with no records. Professional walkers issue invoices or use a booking system. If someone insists on cash in hand with no paper trail, you have no proof of what was agreed and no recourse if things go wrong.
• Vague about routes. "Oh, we just go wherever" is not an answer. Good walkers know their routes inside out and can describe them clearly.
• Won't let you meet them first. If someone is reluctant to have an introductory meeting before the first walk, that's a serious red flag. You should always meet your walker face to face before handing over your keys and your dog.

Green Flags That Show You've Found a Good One

On the other side, these are the signs that you've found someone genuinely worth hiring:

• Happy to do a trial walk. Good walkers actively encourage it. They want to see how your dog behaves, learn their quirks, and make sure it's a good fit for everyone.
• Sends photo updates. Not because you asked, but because they do it as standard. A picture of your dog mid-walk, clearly having a brilliant time, is worth more than any verbal reassurance.
• Knows your dog's name and personality. After a few walks, a good walker should know that your dog pulls towards the duck pond, is nervous around cyclists, and goes mad for liver treats. That kind of attention to detail matters.
• Has emergency vet details on file. Before the first walk, not after something goes wrong.
• Carries a first aid kit. It doesn't need to be elaborate — basic supplies for cuts, stings, and paw injuries will do.
• Knows local parks and routes well. A walker who varies routes, knows which parks are busy at which times, and avoids areas with known hazards is one who takes the job seriously.

Trial Walks: Always Do One First

This point deserves its own section because it's that important. Never commit to a regular dog walking arrangement without doing a trial walk first.

A trial walk lets you see your walker in action. Watch how they greet your dog. Do they crouch down and let the dog come to them, or do they barrel in with too much energy? Do they check the lead and harness properly? Do they seem genuinely comfortable and confident around dogs?

Just as importantly, watch your dog. Dogs are excellent judges of character. If your dog is relaxed, tail wagging, happy to go with the walker — that's a very good sign. If they cower, refuse to move, or show obvious signs of stress, listen to that. Your dog is telling you something.

Most good walkers will offer a trial walk at a reduced rate or even free of charge. It's in their interest too — they want to make sure your dog is a good fit for their group before committing.

What Good Walkers Do Differently

The difference between a decent walker and a great one often comes down to the small things:

• They learn your dog's quirks. Not just the basics, but the little things — which side of the path they prefer, what distracts them, how they behave around water.
• They vary routes. Dogs benefit from mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. A walker who takes the same route every single day is missing a trick.
• They send you updates. Photos, GPS routes, a quick note about your dog's mood. Consistent communication builds trust.
• They notice health changes. A great walker will flag things you might miss — a slight limp, a change in energy levels, excessive scratching. They see your dog regularly and from a different perspective, which makes them surprisingly good at spotting early signs of illness.
• They build a genuine bond. Your dog should be excited to see their walker arrive. That bond takes time, patience, and genuine affection — and it shows.

Platform vs Independent Walker: Which Is Right for You?

You have two main options when hiring a dog walker: go through a platform or find an independent walker directly. Both can work well, but they offer different things.

Using a platform like Walkies UK

A platform like Walkies UK handles much of the vetting and administration for you. All walkers on the platform are DBS-checked and insured as standard, so you don't need to verify these things yourself. Payments are handled securely through the system, GPS tracking lets you follow your dog's walk in real time, and reviews from other dog owners help you make an informed choice.

You also get photo reports after every walk — actual images of your dog enjoying themselves, sent automatically. There's no chasing, no wondering how things went. It's all built into the service.

The trade-off is that platform walks may cost slightly more than a local independent walker, because the platform takes a commission to cover insurance verification, background checks, payment processing, and the technology that makes it all work. But for many owners, that premium is easily worth the peace of mind.

If you're looking for walkers in your area, the platform makes it straightforward to compare options, read reviews, and book a trial walk.

Hiring an independent walker

An independent walker may offer lower prices, particularly if they're well-established and have low overheads. The relationship can feel more personal, and some owners prefer the simplicity of dealing directly with one person.

The downside is that you're responsible for all the vetting yourself. You need to verify their insurance, check their DBS status, agree on terms and cancellation policies, and sort out payment arrangements. There's no GPS tracking unless they provide it independently, and reviews may be limited to word of mouth.

Neither option is inherently better. It depends on what matters most to you — convenience and verified trust, or a direct personal relationship with potentially lower costs.

For a broader comparison of care options, our post on dog walkers vs daycare covers the pros and cons of each approach.

How to Know What You Should Be Paying

Dog walking prices in Berkshire vary depending on location, walk type, and the level of service included. If you're unsure what's reasonable, our detailed guide on dog walker costs in Berkshire breaks down the current rates across the county — from Reading and Windsor to Newbury and Bracknell.

As a rough guide, expect to pay between £10 and £18 for a group walk and £14 to £25 for a solo walk, depending on duration and location. The key is understanding what's included in that price. A slightly higher rate that includes insurance, GPS tracking, and photo reports is usually better value than a lower rate with none of those things.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dog walker is good?

The clearest signs are consistency and communication. A good walker turns up on time, sends you updates after every walk, and your dog is happy and settled when they return. Over time, a good walker will learn your dog's personality, notice changes in their behaviour or health, and adjust their approach accordingly. If you rarely hear from your walker and have no idea what happens during the walk, that's a sign to reconsider.

Should I do a trial walk first?

Absolutely. A trial walk is the single best way to judge whether a walker is right for your dog. You get to see how they handle your dog, how your dog responds to them, and whether their style matches your expectations. Most professional walkers offer trial walks as standard — and any walker who refuses to do one should be treated with caution.

How many dogs should a walker walk at once?

The general consensus among professional walkers and animal welfare organisations is that four to six dogs is the sensible maximum for a group walk. Some local authorities set specific limits, so it's worth checking the rules in your area. Beyond six dogs, it becomes very difficult for even an experienced walker to maintain control, ensure every dog gets proper attention, and respond effectively if something goes wrong.

What qualifications should a dog walker have?

There's no single mandatory qualification for dog walkers in the UK, which is exactly why your own vetting process matters so much. At a minimum, look for public liability insurance, a DBS check, and a canine first aid certificate. Beyond that, qualifications in animal behaviour, pet care, or dog training are all positive signs. Experience matters too — ask how long they've been walking professionally and what breeds they've worked with. Platforms like Walkies UK verify insurance and background checks for every walker, which removes much of the guesswork.

---

Book a Trusted, Insured Walker Near You

Choosing the right dog walker takes a little time and a few good questions — but it's time well spent. Your dog deserves someone who's properly insured, background checked, and genuinely passionate about what they do.

Walkies UK connects you with vetted, insured, DBS-checked walkers across Berkshire — including Reading and beyond. Every walk includes GPS tracking and photo reports, so you always know your dog is safe, happy, and having a brilliant time.

Ready to find the right walker? Book a trusted, insured walker near you today.

If you're a dog walker looking for a platform that handles the admin so you can focus on the dogs, find out more about joining Walkies UK.