How to Choose a Dog Walker in Raleigh: 12 Questions
Handing your house keys — and your best friend — to someone new is a big deal. Use these questions to compare dog walkers in Raleigh and choose one you can trust.
12 questions to ask a dog walker
- Do you run background checks? Ask whether it's a third-party check and whether every walker is screened, not just the owner.
- Who will actually walk my dog? Can you meet them first? (Our meet & greet is free.)
- Are walks on leash? Off-leash walks in town are risky. We walk on leash only.
- Will my dog be walked with other dogs? Group or pack walks raise the risk of fights and escapes. We never mix households.
- How will I know the walk happened? Look for GPS check-ins, photos and a written report.
- What's the arrival window? Ours is a 2-hour window you choose.
- How do you handle keys and alarms? Lockboxes, keyless codes and leasing-office access should all be options.
- What happens in an emergency? They should keep your vet's info on file and have a plan to contact you and get your pet to the vet.
- Are you insured or bonded? Ask to see proof.
- What's your cancellation policy? Ours: less than 24 hours' notice is a $10 fee.
- What are all the costs? Per-walk price, extra-pet fees, holiday or weekend surcharges.
- What hours do you work? We walk 7 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week.
Red flags
- No meet & greet before the first walk
- Vague answers about who is walking your dog
- No way to confirm the visit happened
- Off-leash or mixed-household group walks without your consent
Do a trial run
Before a long trip, book a few walks while you're still in town. You'll see how your dog reacts, how the walker communicates and whether the report cards give you peace of mind.
Want to see how we answer all twelve? Read our trust & safety standards and FAQ, then book a free meet & greet.
FAQ
Should I meet a dog walker before hiring them?
Yes. A meet & greet lets your dog get comfortable and lets you review routines, home access and emergency plans. Ours is free.
Are group dog walks safe?
They can increase risk of fights, injuries and escapes. Hooman on Demand only walks dogs from one household at a time.
Need a hand with your pet? Hooman on Demand offers dog walking, pet sitting and cat sitting in Raleigh. Sign up free and book a meet & greet.