The Questions You Should Ask Before Handing Your House Keys to a Dog Walker
Your dog walker has your house keys.
They know your alarm code. They know where you keep the treats. They know your schedule better than some of your closest friends.
They're alone in your home with the family member who can't call 911 or tell you if something goes wrong.
So why do so many dog owners spend more time researching a new coffee maker than vetting the person they're trusting with all of that?
I'm not saying this to scare you. I'm saying it because I've seen what happens when pet care is treated as a commodity instead of a responsibility.
Here are the non-negotiables you should expect, not hope for:
Comprehensive insurance coverage. Not just liability. Not just "I think I'm covered." Actual, verified insurance that protects your home and your pet.
A real background check. The kind that takes time and costs money because it's thorough.
Small Animal CPR & First Aid certification. Because "I'll call you if something happens" isn't a plan when seconds matter.
Consistent communication. You shouldn't have to wonder if your dog got walked today or how the visit went.
Someone who actually notices your dog. Not just completes a task.
At Betches Walking Betches, these aren't selling points. They're the baseline. Every person on our team meets these standards before they ever step foot in a client's home.
Because when you hand over your keys, you're handing over your trust. And that's something we take seriously every single day.
If you're reading this and thinking "wow, I'm not sure my current walker has all of this," you're not alone. And you deserve better.