Dog walking service usually involves giving the walker a key to your home, so he or she can pick up the dog while you are at work or on a trip. Dog walkers sometimes bring in mail or water plants as well.
Typical costs:
A 15- to 20-minute walk usually costs between $15 and $17 for one dog.
A 30- to 40-minute walk usually costs between $18 and $22 for one dog.
And a 40-minute to an hour-long walk usually costs between $22 and $27 for one dog.
Most dog walking services do not price by breed, just by number of dogs. As many as three more dogs from the same household, or neighboring homes, can usually be added for about $10 or half price each.
What should be included:
Some dog walkers will spend extra time playing with the dog in the home or back yard and will feed and water the dog.
Additional costs:
Some dog walkers charge an extra fee of $5 or more for very early morning and evening walks.
For very high energy dogs, a dog running service might be a better bet. This service is available only in certain cities, but seems to be catching on. Happy Puppies Running is a service in the San Francisco area, Running Paws is in New York and Running the Pack is in Boston. Cost ranges from $30 for one 30-minute group run to $200 per week for five 45-minute runs. Running Paws provides information on exercise requirements for high-energy breeds.
Discounts:
Hiring a non-professional to provide dog walking can be much cheaper, but it is important to use caution. Possible ways to find a non-professional dog walker include putting up fliers, asking neighbors and putting a classified ad in the newspaper or on Craigslist.com.
Shopping for a dog walker:
Find a good dog-walking service by contacting your veterinarian, groomer or local humane organization. Or, do search for your city at FindADogWalker.com.
PetSitUSA provides a checklist of questions to ask a dog walker.
Most dog walking and running services require a get-to-know-you meeting with a dog. Some companies also require that the owner sign a form stating that the dog has no history of aggression.
Dog walkers usually require that dogs in their care be up-to-date on vaccinations and on a flea preventative. PetSitUSA has answers about dog walkers.
I hired Alley Cat Pet Services to walk my dog and help with potty training. The service was wonderful and she gave me peace of mind to know my Buddy was well taken care of while I was at work. The owner Alison provided me with tons of referrals at the consultation. It was an added bonus that they belong to the Better Business Bureau. Her knowledge and experience with dogs was amazing. If you are looking for someone to care for your pet I would highly recommend her services.
My dog loved that I she had a lovely walk and visit while I was at work. I bring her when I travel, and dog walker was loving, reassurance and she seemed less stressed because of the dog walk while I worked in CA. http://activepawspetcare.net/
The women that had walked my baby was wonderful! She walked/ran sheba for almost an hour. Sheba came home tired but very calm. While she had her out with her she also did some training which was a delight! I would recommend Kats K9 Cadets for anyone in the southern NJ/ Phila area. She also does pet sitting, dog training.
Zack and Max's Evening and Weekend Dog Walking Service
Amount: $21.00
Posted by: User in Rhode Island in Providence, RI.
Posted: January 6th, 2011 03:01PM
Breed: Beagle & Shitzhu
Walker: Zack and Max
Duration: 30
The two young boys are great and give me cheap and affordable prices. I have them walk both my dogs for only $21 for 30 minutes. Thats 10.50 a dog for 30 minutes. The reason why they are so cheap is because they charge by the minute. The two said that they will be a official neighborhood dog walkers soon during the spring or summer and are soon to be bonded and get insurance. They also give discounts, and the best thing is they work specifically for evenings and weekends. Professionals ask for an extra $5-$10 dollars to get weekends or evenings, but why pay them when you can pay Zack and Max. I would recommend these two kids to anyone who wants their dog to be walked in Rhode Island. So keep your eyes open for any flyers.
Jenny walks my boys, a 13 yr. old lab-mix and a 2 yr. old Golden Retriever. She walks them twice daily, which is about one hour per day, and I pay her $0.75 ABOVE the National Hourly Wage which is $7.25 per hour. She is happy and so are we!
Hi I started using "Dog Walker Woof Woof" about four months ago for my two crazy Labadoodles and they love the guy. I have them walked 5x a week, both for only 20.00, no charge for an extra dog. How lucky am I. I also have tommy pet sit when I have to go out of town. My first and dry positive experience with a dog walker!!