How to Choose a Dog Walker in Greenwich

Choosing someone to care for your dog is a big decision. A good dog walker gives you peace of mind and gives your dog something to look forward to. Here are the things we'd want to know if we were in your shoes.

Questions to ask any dog walker

• Do you offer a meet-and-greet before the first walk?
• Will my dog be walked alone or in a group, and how big are groups?
• How do you decide which dogs walk together?
• Do you hold public liability insurance, and can I see the certificate?
• What happens if my dog is unwell or injured on a walk?
• How will you update me after each walk?
• What is your cancellation policy?

Look for a walker who asks you questions too

A thoughtful walker will want to know about your dog's health, recall, how they react to other dogs, what scares them and what they love. That curiosity is a good sign that they'll treat your dog as an individual.

It's also worth checking that a walker understands local rules. Some parks, including the Royal Parks, require professional dog walkers to hold a permit, so a good walker will choose routes they're allowed to use.

Trust your instincts

Watch how your dog responds at the first meeting. The right walker will take their time, let your dog approach on their own terms, and leave you feeling confident rather than rushed.