Finding the right dog walker isn’t just about convenience; it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling school pickups, recovering from surgery, or a combination of the above, trusting someone to care for your dog in your home is a big decision. Here are our 5 ways to choose the best dog walker for your dog. At Bull City Pet Care, we strive to be the best dog walker for Durham dogs, but we want to empower pet parents to make that decision for themselves.
1. Prioritize Professionalism and Experience
Look for walkers who treat pet care as a business, not just a side hustle. Ask:
- Are they insured and bonded?
- Do they have positive reviews on Google, Facebook, and other reputable online platforms?
- How many years have they been walking dogs in the area?
- Are they members of industry organizations like PSI and/or NAPPS?
Local companies like ours have deep community ties and are more accountable than gig apps like Rover and Wag. We vet our team, invest in education, and have a management team dedicated to supporting our pet care providers.
Insurance
Policies & Procedures
Before committing, review the company’s cancellation and holiday policies, discuss their policies and procedures, and ask about the tasks that they include in each service. At Bull City Pet Care, we take care of the pet and the home by ensuring feeding areas are tidy, bowls are clean, trash is curbed, and mail and packages are managed while you’re away. Each service type includes basic home care tasks and we’re happy to discuss additional home care needs if you have them.
2. Ask About Pet First Aid and Safety Training
A professional dog walker should know what to do if a dog gets loose, becomes ill, or encounters a hazard, including heatstroke, broken glass, or aggressive off-least dogs or wildlife. Ask:
- Are they certified in pet first aid and CPR?
- Do they specialize in a breed, age group, or species?
- How do they handle dog behavior concerns, illnesses, and emergencies?
- What’s their policy in inclement or extreme weather?
As in-home pet care providers, we get to know your pet’s “baseline” behavior in their home environment, allowing us to recognize changes in behavior, temperament, etc., that may indicate illness, stress, etc. By getting to know your pet over the long-term, we are an invaluable asset for you while you’re at work or traveling – connecting you to your pet and their care when you can’t be there.
3. Look for Local Knowledge
Durham’s mix of urban trails, dog-friendly parks, and busy streets means our walkers know the safest, most enriching routes. When interviewing a dog walker, ask:
- Do they avoid high-traffic areas?
- Are they familiar with local dog parks like Piney Wood or the Eno River trails?
- Do they offer pack walks or solo visits?
- Do they offer neighborhood-specific services (e.g., Southpoint vs. downtown vs. RTP)?
- Do they avoid other dogs and strangers on walks and hikes?
- Are they familiar with local animal control and welfare organizations to contact if they encounter an off-leash dog or wildlife?
At Bull City Pet Care, we have been Durham’s top pet care company since 2009. Our experience cannot be beat. But, our leadership is committed to continuing to be at the top of our game. Our commitment to evolving with our local area and community is unwavering.
Pack Walks & Dog Parks
At Bull City Pet Care, we offer tailored services to the pets in one home at a time. We do this because it’s the safest, most effective way to care for pets. By taking them to dog parks, we would expose them to unfamiliar dogs, illnesses, etc. We believe an on-leash walk or playtime in the yard can be better controlled, which is why we opt for these services over pack walks and off-leash dog parks.
4. Ask About Communication Tools
Professional pet care services will use pet care apps and portals like Time to Pet to keep you updated with photos, GPS tracking, and visit notes. I cannot stress the importance of transparency and communication enough. By having access to a client portal like ours, you gain immediate peace of mind, can be as involved as you’d like to be in your pet care visits, and can be in touch with our team as needed.
Plus, our technology is not just secure, it’s encrypted for safe communication, scheduling, and payment.
5. Request a Meet-and-Greet or Consultation
Never skip a meet-and-greet. This gives your dog a chance to bond with the walker and allows you to:
- Observe their level of professionalism and preparedness
- Review routines, leash/harness needs, medication administration, and quirks
- Ask about the provider’s backup plans in case of illness or schedule conflicts
Dogs are excellent judges of character. Watch your pet’s body language closely during the meeting. And, notice how the pet care provider approaches your pet(s.) If your pet care provider forces your pet into an interaction before your pet is ready, that could be a red flag that your pet care provider isn’t as experienced as they claim to be.
At Bull City Pet Care, we believe in allowing pets to approach us on their terms. The comfort and safety of the pets in our care is our top priority. Your peace of mind is also key. Our Initial Consultation is the first visit for all new clients with Bull City Pet Care. At this visit, we can get to know each other to make sure both parties are the right fit, answer questions, and tour your home while discussing detailed instructions on how to care for your pets. This required meeting will be scheduled at least 1 week prior to service.
5 Ways to Choose the Best Dog Walker For Your Dog
Choosing the right dog walker is all about trust, safety, and consistency. When you take the time to vet your options, your dog benefits from regular exercise, socialization, and companionship, and you get true peace of mind.
If you’re searching for a dependable, experienced dog walker in Durham, we’d love to help. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us treat your pup like family.
Dog Walking with Bull City Pet Care
Join the Bull City Pet Care family by contacting us via email or phone. We offer midday dog walking, vacation pet sitting, and specialty services, including trail walks, crate escapes, late-night potty breaks, nail trims, medical assistance, and canine massage services.
We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills.
If you are seeking pet care services outside of the above areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or Pet Sitters Associates to find a professional pet sitter near you.
Melissa Lage is a board-certified canine massage therapist, Fear Free Certified Professional, and proud member of Pet Sitters International and Pet Sitters Associates. With a Ph.D. in Biology, Melissa brings a unique perspective to pet care, blending hands-on expertise with the latest research in animal behavior and health. As the owner of Bull City Pet Care, Melissa is dedicated to providing gentle, compassionate, and informed care to Durham pets and their families.
