How to Choose the Right Dog Walker: A Practical Guide for Busy Owners
Life in London moves fast. Between long commutes, endless emails, and the occasional dash for the Tube, finding time to give your dog the walks they deserve can feel impossible. That’s where professional dog walkers step in – but how do you know who to trust with your four-legged family member?
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to choosing the right dog walker in London.
Stalk Their Walk (In a Non-Creepy Way)
Before you even book a meet-and-greet, do a little harmless detective work.
Check their Instagram – do they actually post dogs they walk, or just stock photos of golden retrievers looking angelic in Hyde Park?
Look for muddy paws, wagging tails, and genuine moments. That’s where you’ll see what their walks are really like.
Pro tip: Good walkers are proud of their pack. If their feed looks like a doggy reality TV show, that’s a good sign. If it looks like a ghost town, maybe keep scrolling.
Sniff Out Their Vibe
You know that feeling when your dog meets someone new and instantly decides “friend” or “foe”? Trust it.
A great dog walker isn’t just punctual – they’ve got that natural dog-magnet energy. The kind that makes dogs run up to them like they’ve spotted the treat fairy.
Arrange a quick intro and watch the chemistry.
Does your dog relax around them?
Do they get down to your dog’s level and engage?
Do they actually seem excited, or like they’d rather be on the sofa with Netflix?
Red flag: If your dog looks at you like, “Are you serious right now?” – that’s your answer.
Meet the Walker Before You Commit
A quick “meet & greet” is essential. Watch how the walker interacts with your dog – is your dog relaxed? Excited? Uneasy? Dogs read people better than we do. If they’re hesitant, trust their instincts.
Pro tip: A good walker will also ask you plenty of questions. They should want to know routines, quirks, recall ability, and any medical needs.
Check Their Park Game
Not all parks are created equal. Some are muddy wonderlands; others are basically traffic islands with grass.
A top-tier dog walker knows the good spots: where your pup can roam safely off-lead, splash in a stream, or play without being overwhelmed.
Look for Walk Updates (The Doggy Paparazzi)
The best walkers double as part-time photographers. A quick WhatsApp message with a muddy grin photo or an update of their adventure goes a long way.
It shows they’re not just clocking in and out – they care about the experience.
Pro tip: If their daily updates make you a bit jealous of your dog’s social life, you’ve probably found the right match.
Listen to the Bark on the Street
Word of mouth is gold. Ask other dog owners at the park who they trust. When multiple people mention the same name and their dogs start wagging at the sound of it, that’s your cue. Discover Vivi’s Walkies and book your appointment here!
