Macy Moore
Owner, MoorePetLove · Oakville, ON
Choosing a dog walker feels simple until you realize you're handing your house key to someone and trusting them with the creature you love most in the world. It's actually a pretty big deal. Here's what I'd look for if I were in your shoes — from someone who's been on the other side of this process for years.
I will never understand services that skip this step. A meet and greet — where the walker comes to your home and meets you and your dog — is non-negotiable. Watch how they interact with your dog. Do they get down to the dog's level? Do they let the dog come to them rather than forcing it? Your dog's body language will tell you a lot. A dog who's immediately at ease is a good sign.
Some walkers take out groups of 6, 8, or even 10+ dogs at once. That might be fine for a confident, easygoing dog — but for anxious, reactive, or smaller dogs, a pack walk can be really stressful. Ask specifically: how many dogs will be in the group? Is my dog ever walked alone? What happens if a dog in the group is reactive?
Google reviews, Nextdoor recommendations, and word of mouth from other dog owners in your neighbourhood are worth their weight in gold. Look for reviews that mention specific things — not just "great walker!" but "she knows exactly how to handle our reactive dog" or "always sends a photo after the walk." Specific praise is genuine praise.
This is the question most people forget to ask. What happens if my dog gets injured on a walk? What if he slips his collar? What's the emergency protocol? A professional walker should have clear answers to all of these. They should also know basic dog first aid.
You want someone who sends a quick update after the walk — even just a photo. It's not about surveillance, it's about peace of mind. If someone can't be bothered to text you one photo of your dog mid-walk, they probably don't care as much as you'd hope.
Every walk at MoorePetLove includes a GPS-tracked route and a photo update after. 30-minute walks from $25. Book a meet and greet first — always free.