A dog walker is one of the most trust-heavy hires you'll make for your pet. They have your dog's lead in their hand, and often a key to your house. Whether you work long days, have a dog that needs more exercise than a quick garden break, or just want cover for a few weeks, taking a little time over the choice is worth it.
Work out what kind of walk you want
Dog walking isn't one service. Before you post a job, decide which of these suits your dog:
- Solo walks: one dog, one walker. Good for dogs that are nervous, reactive, elderly, or that simply do better without other dogs around.
- Group walks: several dogs walked together. Often a sociable option for dogs who enjoy company, but it's worth asking how many dogs go out at once.
- Regular weekday walks: the same walker at the same time each day, which suits working owners and gives your dog a routine.
- One-off or occasional walks: a walk for a day when you're stuck at work, recovering from an injury, or away overnight.
If you also need feeding visits or overnight care, our guide to finding a pet sitter in Ireland covers drop-ins, boarding and house-sitting.
What to put in your job post
A clear description helps you hear from walkers who are a good match:
- Your dog's breed, size, age and energy level
- How they are with other dogs, strangers and children, and anything that sets them off
- Days, times and how long you'd like each walk to be
- Your area, so walkers know whether it's on their route
- Any medication, health issue or quirk, such as pulling on the lead or not coming back when called
It's much better to be upfront about a challenge than for the walker to find out in the first five minutes.
Questions worth asking
- What experience do you have with my breed or size of dog?
- Is the walk solo or in a group, and how many dogs do you take out at once?
- How long is the walk, and does that include collection and drop-off?
- Where do you walk, and do dogs ever go off the lead?
- How do you transport dogs, if you do?
- What happens if my dog gets hurt or unwell during a walk? Do you have a vet you'd call, and how quickly will you contact me?
- Can you give me updates, such as a message or a photo after each walk?
- What's your plan if you're sick or on holidays?
Do a meet-and-greet first
Before the first paid walk, arrange a short meeting at your home with your dog present. You get to see how the walker handles your dog, and your dog gets to meet them while you're there. Watch how they greet the dog, whether they ask sensible questions about the lead and routine, and how your dog reacts. A short trial walk before committing to a regular arrangement is a good idea.
Sort out access and handover
If the walker will collect your dog from the house while you're out, agree how they'll get in: a key, a lockbox code or a neighbour. Leave the lead, harness, treats and any instructions in an obvious place, along with your vet's details and an emergency contact. Written instructions mean nothing depends on memory.
Finding a dog walker through Service Connect
Pet Care on Service Connect covers daily dog walks, drop-in visits and pet sitting. Posting a job on Service Connect is free. Your card is only charged once a provider accepts, and Stripe holds the payment until the job is marked done. Pet carers who cover your area can send offers with their price and terms, and you can message them to ask the questions above before you agree anything. The full total, buyer protection fee included, is shown before you confirm. If you cancel before the booking starts, you get a full refund including the fee.
Reviews on a profile only come from people who completed a booking with that provider, so you can see what other dog owners said. Providers verify their identity, address and bank details through Stripe, but Service Connect doesn't inspect any pet-care experience or insurance they mention, so ask directly in chat if it matters to you.
Ready to find a walker for your dog? Browse pet carers in your county, check frequently asked questions, or get the Service Connect app to post your job.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a solo walk or a group walk?
It depends on your dog. Solo walks tend to suit nervous, reactive or older dogs, and group walks can suit sociable dogs who enjoy company. Whichever you pick, ask how many dogs are walked together.
What should I ask a dog walker before hiring them?
Ask about their experience with your breed or size, whether walks are solo or in a group, where they walk, what they'd do if your dog got hurt, and whether they send updates after each walk. A meet-and-greet with your dog is worth doing before the first paid walk.
Does Service Connect check dog walkers' insurance or experience?
No. Providers verify their identity, address and bank details through Stripe, but Service Connect doesn't inspect pet-care experience or insurance. Ask directly in chat, and read the reviews, which only come from people who completed a booking.
When am I charged for a dog walk booked on Service Connect?
Posting a job is free. Your card is only charged when the provider accepts, and Stripe holds the payment until the job is marked done. If you cancel before the booking starts, you get a full refund including the buyer protection fee.