Pet Sitters

By Gillian Ridgeway

It is a fast paced world that we live in. Often we are away from our home from morning to night. When we do arrive home, we would like to share our time with a pet, but end up feeling guilty about the time they are alone.

Enter your local dog walker. It may be the perfect solution. Why not hire a local neighborhood kid to come in and take Sparky out, let him romp in the meadow and chase a few sticks? The fact of the matter is, more and more people are hiring dog walkers to ensure their peace of mind and to make sure that the job gets done in a professional manner.

How do you find a dog walker to suit your needs, and your budget?
Look for a walker who is bonded and insured. They will be coming into your home on a regular basis. Upon calling the service, they should be interested in you and your dog and be accommodating as far as your schedule goes. After all, they will be working to provide a service for you that makes life a little easier. Having them walk your dog about mid way from you leaving, to your return, should be your objective.

Dog walkers work in various ways. Some will pick up your dog, along with a few others and go out to a local park for a group romp. Others provide a one-on-one service. Find one what best suits the nature of your dog, and what you feel most comfortable with. Dogs joining a dog play group should all be friendly and social with one another. If you are in the midst of trying to housetrain a new pup, perhaps more than one daily visit is in order.

A professional dog walker will want to come to your home, to meet your dog and to go over the contract. Some will offer a discount if the dog is to be walked on a daily basis, rather than periodically. The contract should specify fees and services provided. While neighbors can look more economical, in the long run you may run into problems. Dog walkers will maintain your pets routine and while an errand or event might come up if you have enlisted the help of a neighbor, this should never happen when you hire a professional. They are out there, on the job… rain or shine.

Some pet sitters will offer additional services such as taking your pet to the groomers or Veterinarian. Many will also provide a service while you are away on holiday, looking after plants, the family cat and taking in your mail. All this can be discussed upon your initial meeting.

Local Veterinarians and dog trainers often keep a list of dog walkers to recommend. Getting references from clients is a great way to ensure that you are dealing with a reliable company.

So, while you are busy at work, your dog will be enjoying the sunshine. It truly is a dog’s life!

Gillian Ridgeway, AHT, has worked with dogs for over 33 years. She is director of Who’s Walking Who in Toronto and Ajax. A consultant for TorontoBarks.com, Gillian also writes for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!, Dogs in Canada. She has appeared on Dogs in Canada TV, Global television, Q107 radio and in Toronto Life, and is co-author of the book, “Citizen Canine.” She travels with the Iams SuperDogs Performance team and teaches learning theory at University of Toronto. Gillian can be contacted at 416-465-3626; www.whoswalkingwho.net

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