Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much do dog walkers charge?
Dog walkers charge$10 to $35 per walk or $30 to $60 per hour, depending on your location, number of dogs, and the number of walks you schedule. Some dog walkers charge 50% more if you have two dogs, but you may find one that offers discounted weekly or monthly rates for pre-scheduling ongoing walking services.
Holidays typically add $5 to $10 extra per walk.
Many dog walkers also offer a $5 to $10 discount if they can walk your dog with other dogs.
Do you tip dog walkers?
While most dog walkers do not expect a tip, tipping 15% to 20% is a good rule of thumb to show your appreciation for their good service or if your dog needs special care or handling. Leaving a positive online review also shows appreciation while helping them build their business.
What does a dog walker do?
A dog walker walks your dog for a scheduled amount of time, typically on a pre-determined route, to ensure they get sufficient exercise and can go to the bathroom while you are away. Dog walkers dispose of any waste from the walk, make sure your dog is safe and hydrated, and may also feed them upon request.
Most dogs do well with one 20- to 30-minute walk per day. Puppies and more active dogs typically need two or three walks per day and may need longer walks.
How do I choose the best dog walker near me?
When searching for a dog walker, be sure to:
Choose an experienced, insured dog walker who has a business license.
Look for members of professional organizations, such as the National association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), Professional United Pet Sitters (P.U.P.S.), or the Association of Pet Sitting Excellence (APSE).
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for and check their references.
Arrange a meetup before the first walk to make sure he or she is a good fit for both you and your dog.
What questions should I ask when hiring a dog walker?
Ask the following questions to ensure you find the best dog walker near you:
What experience do you have?
Do you belong to any professional organizations?
Can we schedule a meet and greet beforehand?
What is included in your standard rate?
What is the rate if I have more than one dog?
Do you charge extra for specific breeds?
Do you offer any discounts or package deals?
How and when do I pay for your service?
Do you offer behavior training?
Are you trained in pet CPR?
What is your protocol if there is an emergency, and my dog needs immediate medical help?
How do I get in touch with you?
Do you update me after each walk?
Reviews for Chicago dog walking services
Recent success stories from people in the Chicago area.
Dave J.
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
We found Susie through HomeGuide and are so happy that we did. She is absolutely amazing. We have a 5 year old rescue bulldog/beagle and we were having trouble with her pulling hard on the leash and being very reactive to movement be it a squirrel, rabbit, a leaf blowing, etc. both on her walks, in our yard, and in the house. She would go into a frenzy at times yelping very loud and sounding like she was hurt. Susie came over and within an hours time was able to get our dog to sit, go down, wait, leave it, to look at you, and to not pull on the leash. She spent over three hours here working with our dog, going over nutrition, and giving us the advice and the tools we need to continue working with our dog. Our dog is much improved and it is a work in progress, but if we spend the time training her and being consistent we know that everything Susie showed us will work. Susie also followed up within 48 hours and we know that we can always call her and have her come for another visit. We are very glad that we did this and would not hesitate for a moment to recommend her to anyone. - Dave and Teresa Jackson
Wind Dancer Referrals LLC
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