Hiring a Dog Walker in Melbourne
 

Lets face it, we all want to own a dog but in the fast paced world we live in we don’t always have the time and dedication to keep our beloved canine friend entertained and exercised. As well informed, loving dog owners we know that you can’t just buy a dog and keep it locked in the backyard without any socialisation. We also know how important it is for our dogs to get regular exercise. A well exercised dog is less likely to display destructive behaviour in our home or garden, bark and annoy the neighbours or try to jump over the fence in a hope to explore the world.
When you come home from work and the last thing you want to do is go for a hours walk with your canine friend. So why not hire a dog walker?
Providing a stimulating break during the day could help prevent separation anxiety, which can be pain staking to treat. Also, giving your dog the gift of time with other dogs and people will keep his social skills well oiled, thus preventing behaviour problems involving other dogs and people in the future.
Because most of us work full-time it is almost impossible for us to provide all of what our dogs need without some help. Seeking the services of Melbourne Pet Minders Professional Dog Walkers is a great way to get the help we need.
If Melbourne Dog Walkers does not cover your suburb make sure that the dog walker you hire is fully insured and trained in pet first aid. Below is a guide on where to start and what questions to ask a potential walker.

Where to Start
The idea of handing our house key to a complete stranger is nerve wracking enough, let alone handing over our furry family member! There are as many untrained walkers as there are trained professionals out there and it is easy to get overwhelmed while trying to decide who is the best match for you and your dog.

Questions to Ask

Business Related

􀃋 Can you provide references?
Melbourne Dog Walkers can provide you with references from our clients

􀃋 Do you have liability insurance?
Melbourne Dog Walkers have full public liability insurance

􀃋 Is your business registered?
Melbourne Dog Walkers is registered under the business name Victoria Pet Services

􀃋 What are your rates?
Melbourne Dog Walkers charge $25 per hour

􀃋 Do you offer discounts for multiple dog households?
Melbourne Dog Walkers offer discounts for multiple dogs or long term bookings.

􀃋 How can we pay?
Melbourne Dog Walkers accept bank transfer, cheques and visa (through paypal)

􀃋 What happens when you take a vacation or become ill?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will try and locate you a stand in dog walker

Logistics

􀃋 What park/s do you go to?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will endeavour to find a dog friendly park in your suburb, alternatively we will drive them to a suitable park

􀃋 Do you take dogs to off leash parks?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will take your pet to off leash parks however, we will not allow them off leash, we do have a 5m lead so they can have access to freedom but still within the safety of the handler.

􀃋 Do you take dogs to any beaches?
If the beach is close by Melbourne Dog Walkers will take your dogs to the beach.

􀃋 What toys do you include in the outings?
Melbourne Dog Walkers carry a supply of items with them at all times, this includes Frisbees, balls, treats, water, poop bags , first aid kits and towels.

􀃋 What duration are the walks?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will vary the duration of the walk depending on the physical capabilities of the dog and the weather extremes

􀃋 What do you do on rainy days?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will still walk your dog on rainy days, however if there are storms forecasted or heavy rain we may postpone the walk or reduce the time your dog is out in the rain.

􀃋 Do you offer boarding or pet sitting in my home?
Melbourne Dog Walkers also offer Pet Sitting and Pet Boarding

Safety

􀃋 Have you had formal training or are you self-taught?
Melbourne Dog Walkers have had experience in handling all sizes, breeds and temperaments of dogs and have taken numerous courses on animal welfare, canine behaviour etc

􀃋 Do you have first aid training/certification?
Melbourne Dog Walkers are qualified in pet first aid.


􀃋 Are there any dog breeds/temperaments that you don’t accept?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will accept all dogs as long as the dog can be controlled by the handler and are not a danger to the public.

􀃋 Do you accept puppies?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will accept puppies who have been fully vaccinated.

􀃋 Do you accept entire (unneutered/spayed) dogs?
Melbourne Dog Walkers will accept entire dogs, however we do ask that you advise us of this at the time of booking.