Guide · Checklist
Finding the right dog walker.
A good dog walker suits your dog, your routine and your gut feeling. This checklist helps you compare profiles and cover the right points at first contact.
Before you search: what do you need?
- How often and when: fixed weekdays or now and then, morning, midday or evening.
- Solo or group walk: young, anxious or very strong dogs often do better alone; sociable dogs enjoy company in a group.
- Duration: how long should a walk be to suit your dog’s age and energy?
- Handover: pick-up at your home with a key, or a fixed meeting point.
The checklist
- Service area. Is your address in the provider’s area? On GetDogWalkers you only see providers that cover your postcode.
- Group size. How many dogs go out at the same time? This is shown on the profile for each service.
- Acceptance rules. Size, age, neutering and a vaccination record if required: does your dog fit?
- Credentials. Ask which credentials the provider has, for example liability insurance or an animal welfare permit under § 11 of the German Animal Welfare Act. On GetDogWalkers such badges only appear on a profile after checking.
- Reviews. Read the critical ones too. On GetDogWalkers only people who booked, paid and had the appointment can review.
- Price. Compare the total price including the service fee, weekend or holiday surcharges and the discount for extra dogs.
- Cancellation tier. Flexible, moderate or strict: how late can you cancel, and what do you get back?
- The day itself. When is pick-up, where is the key kept, do you get a short message after the walk?
- Emergency plan. What happens if your dog gets hurt or gets a fright and runs off? Leave your phone number and your vet’s details.
- Gut feeling. How does the person handle your dog at the meet and greet? Do they take their time and ask questions themselves?
How GetDogWalkers helps
In the search you filter by service, date, number and size of your dogs, group or solo walk, instant booking and minimum rating. Many providers offer a free meet and greet. If you then book with the same provider within 7 days, there is no service fee. And if a provider drops out, we suggest a replacement within 24 hours or refund everything.